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What characterises .416 Barrett?

.416 Barrett is a large-capacity centrefire cartridge for specialised precision rifle systems and ELR. Some rifle families are offered in both .416 Barrett and .50 BMG. These remain different cartridges; an individual rifle cannot automatically use both.

.416 Barrett is a large-capacity centrefire cartridge for specialised precision rifle systems and ELR. Some rifle families are offered in both .416 Barrett and .50 BMG. These remain different cartridges; an individual rifle cannot automatically use both.

The exact rifle version and its chamber must be distinguished from the wider model family. Different ammunition versions can also share one cartridge designation. Performance figures depend on the specific bullet and documented test conditions. The name .416 Barrett alone does not establish a fixed range.

The data section explains case dimensions, bullet diameter and overall cartridge length. Energy figures are examples tied to their sources. Eligibility at a particular competition or range must be checked separately against the applicable rules.

.416 Barrett — Dimensions, energy and range

.416 Barrett — Schematic external viewA · Overall cartridge length: 118.11 mm; B · Case length: 83.06 mm; C · Bullet diameter: 10.57 mm. Dimensions are taken from the table. Shape and proportions are simplified; the exposed bullet tip varies with the load. Not a scale standard or manufacturing drawing.BAC
.416 Barrett — Schematic external view
  • A · Overall cartridge length: 118.11 mm
  • B · Case length: 83.06 mm
  • C · Bullet diameter: 10.57 mm

Dimensions are taken from the table. Shape and proportions are simplified; the exposed bullet tip varies with the load. Not a scale standard or manufacturing drawing.

Drawing: Weitschuss

Case length
83.06 mm
Bullet diameter
10.57 mm
Overall cartridge length
118.11 mm
Muzzle energy E₀
11887 J (source example)
Range context
No sufficiently qualified range figure was taken from the reviewed sources.

Source dimensions in inches converted to millimetres and rounded.

What the dimensions mean

Case length measures the case without the bullet; overall length measures the complete cartridge. Bullet diameter is distinct from bore calibre. Sources may give nominal or maximum dimensions, so rounded figures can differ slightly. This overview is not a dimensioned standard drawing and does not establish interchangeability.

Understanding energy

E₀ is kinetic energy at the muzzle. It depends on bullet mass and velocity. These figures refer to selected examples from the sources, not every load of this calibre. Bullet design, barrel length and test conditions affect the result. A range of examples is neither a complete market comparison nor guaranteed minimum and maximum performance.

Understanding range

A sporting application distance describes a use case. Supersonic range is the distance over which a particular bullet remains faster than sound under specified conditions. Both differ from maximum flight distance. The cartridge name alone cannot provide a reliable range limit without load and condition details. These distances are neither hunting recommendations nor safety distances.

Data sources: Wikipedia · Source check 2026-10-04

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