I'm a new guy first post, so have a little mercy.

I have been reloading for 40 years with no incidents thus far. However I am waiting on a new Heym in 450 NE. and would like to have you double gun folks keep me out of trouble since I have no experience with them.

I have an RCBS three die set with the roll crimp seating die.

Had a great safari in Tanzania in 2013 and going to the Selous and Namibia this year. Would like to enhance the experience: thus the double.

Any advice on bullet selection from 450 grain to 500 grain both solid and soft point will be appreciated. Most important would be does and dont's from people with double rifle loading experience. It will be regulated with the Hornady solids.

Mgrem

Hi mgrem and welcome to Accurate Reloading.

Check out the double rifle forum. Lots of great info on doubles there. Go to the find button, type in 450 N.E. and I bet you find some load info.

Have fun with your new double.

I too am new to the double rifle world. Have not even shot mine yet, but have loaded for it ! Go to the double rifle thread. ALOT of good info there. Ask for help/info. You WILL get answers.

First thing to do is find out what ammo it was regulated with. If Hornady 480 grain, for example, then you have to use 480 grain bullets at the same velocity as factory loads. Can't deviate from that formula much.

quote:

Originally posted by dpcd:
First thing to do is find out what ammo it was regulated with. If Hornady 480 grain, for example, then you have to use 480 grain bullets at the same velocity as factory loads. Can't deviate from that formula much.

It will be regulated with the Hornady 480 grain factory load. Im okay with the solids but not convinced the non bonded DGX soft point will stay in one piece. so I will e looking to load possibly the Woodleigh bonded 480 soft point???

Pick a load that gives the Hornady velocity and adjust from there, with the Wood 480. I use IMR 4831, 96 grains, with Hornady 480s both DGX and S.

1. Whatever bullet you decide to use start with a load that is about 10 grains less than what you think you will end up using.

2. Put up two targets at 50 yards and shoot one shot at the right target with the right barrel and the second with the left in a reasonably quick time frame. Repeat

3. Change the targets and use a load with 2 grains more powder, repeat.

You will notice how the bullets are slowly closing in on your point of impact and soon you will find a load that "regulates". If your load is to fast the bullets will show signs of crossing. Good powders to use are IMR 4831 or H4831. I would start with about 84 grains and work up with either 480 or 500 grain bullets. I prefer Fed 215 primers but only because they have worked well for me.

Good luck. Heym makes a fantastic rifle.

These are terrific suggestions and very much appreciated. I have generally used the Fed. 215 in heavy loads as well, especially with ball powder.

I have seen most load suggestions using IMR 4831 which I will certainly start with. What about bullet crimp??

Any other soft point recommendations?

Thanks so much for your responses.

Looked in all the usual places for brass, zip, nada all on backorder.Found good supply of factory ammo so its once fired to start with.

I don't crimp for any of my double cartridges and never had any issues. But I also expand the case mouth the bare minimum just so the bullet will start into the case.

Plenty of great bullets on the market and just as many opinions of what to buy and what to avoid.

Good luck