The 416 Remington Magnum is a centerfire rifle cartridge standardised by SAAMI in ANSI/SAAMI Z299.4. SAAMI sets its maximum average pressure at 65,000 psi, and measures its reference velocities in a 24.000 in standard test barrel rifled 1 turn in 14.00 in. This guide sets out SAAMI’s published reference velocity for each bullet weight, computes the muzzle energy each one carries, and compares the 416 Remington Magnum with the 416 Ruger on the same basis.
416 Rem Mag ballistics chart: SAAMI reference data
SAAMI publishes one nominal mean instrumental velocity for each reference bullet weight, measured at 15 feet from the standard test barrel. It does not publish energy, so the ft-lb column is computed. Where SAAMI lists more than one velocity for a weight, both ends of the span are shown.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| Bullet weight | Reference velocity | Computed muzzle energy |
|---|---|---|
| 350 gr | 2,525 fps | 4,954 ft-lb |
| 400 gr | 2,400 fps | 5,115 ft-lb |
What the numbers mean for a shot
SAAMI lists two reference bullet weights for the 416 Remington Magnum, 350 and 400 grains. The lighter, 350 grains, is listed at 2,525 fps, which computes to 4,954 ft-lb. The heavier, 400 grains, is listed at 2,400 fps, which computes to 5,115 ft-lb.
None of this is a downrange figure. SAAMI measures at 15 feet, so retained velocity, energy and drop depend on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient, which SAAMI does not publish. Each product in our 416 Rem Mag ammo range lists whatever its maker publishes for that item.
Twist rate, chamber and pressure
SAAMI’s standard test barrel for the 416 Remington Magnum is 24.000 in long and rifled 1 turn in 14.00 in, with a .416 in groove diameter. That is the barrel every reference velocity above was measured in, not a statement about your rifle: a shorter production barrel will usually give lower velocity, and a twist slower than a bullet needs will not stabilise it. The maximum average pressure is 65,000 psi. Fire 416 Remington Magnum ammunition only in a firearm chambered for it. Several unrelated cartridges share a number, so match the full designation on the box to the marking on your barrel.
416 Rem Mag vs 416 Ruger: the SAAMI comparison
A figure from one maker’s catalogue cannot be laid beside a figure from another’s: each picks its own test barrel, zero and bullet, and many publish no test barrel at all. SAAMI is the shared basis, because it fixes one standard test barrel and one way of measuring velocity for every cartridge it lists.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| SAAMI specification | 416 Remington Magnum | 416 Ruger |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum average pressure | 65,000 psi | 62,000 psi |
| Standard test barrel length | 24.000 in | 24.000 in |
| Test barrel twist rate | 1 turn in 14.00 in | 1 turn in 14.00 in |
| Test barrel groove diameter | .416 in | .416 in |
| Lightest reference load | 350 gr — 2,525 fps / 4,954 ft-lb | 400 gr — 2,410 fps / 5,158 ft-lb |
| A weight both list | 400 gr — 2,400 fps / 5,115 ft-lb | 400 gr — 2,410 fps / 5,158 ft-lb |
SAAMI standardises the 416 Remington Magnum at 65,000 psi and the 416 Ruger at 62,000 psi, so the 416 Remington Magnum runs 3,000 psi higher. At 400 grains, a weight both list, SAAMI’s 416 Remington Magnum reference velocity is 2,400 fps (5,115 ft-lb computed), against 2,410 fps (5,158 ft-lb) for the 416 Ruger. On that row the 416 Ruger carries the more energy.
What SAAMI cannot settle is anything past the muzzle. It publishes no ballistic coefficients and no downrange data, so it cannot say which cartridge shoots flatter at distance; that depends on the bullet. We stock the other side of this comparison too: 416 Ruger ammo.
416 Rem Mag ballistics questions
What is the maximum pressure of the 416 Remington Magnum?
ANSI/SAAMI Z299.4 sets the maximum average pressure for the 416 Remington Magnum at 65,000 psi.
What twist rate and barrel length does SAAMI use for the 416 Remington Magnum?
SAAMI’s standard test barrel for the 416 Remington Magnum is 24.000 in long and rifled 1 turn in 14.00 in. Your own rifle may differ.
What bullet weights does SAAMI list for the 416 Remington Magnum?
SAAMI lists 2 reference weights, from 350 to 400 grains: 350 and 400.
Is the 416 Remington Magnum more powerful than the 416 Ruger?
Power is not a SAAMI measure, but reference muzzle energy is a fair proxy. At 400 grains, a weight both list, SAAMI’s 416 Remington Magnum reference velocity is 2,400 fps (5,115 ft-lb computed), against 2,410 fps (5,158 ft-lb) for the 416 Ruger.
What is the effective range of the 416 Remington Magnum?
Effective range is not a SAAMI specification and it is not a measured figure. SAAMI measures velocity at 15 feet, so it says nothing about performance at distance; that depends on the bullet and the shooter.
How much does the 416 Remington Magnum drop at 300 yards?
SAAMI publishes muzzle velocity only, so it cannot give a drop figure. Drop depends on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient and on the zero range. A drop figure is unusable without its zero, so use the figure a maker prints for the specific load.
Where to buy these loads
Hilltop Armory carries 416 Rem Mag ammunition from Federal, Barnes, DoubleTap Ammunition and A-Square. Browse the full 416 Rem Mag ammo range.
