I have a 404Jeff. on aP14 action and a Ferlach barrel. I load 85 grn Somchem S365, it is similar in burning rate as IMR4350, 400grn Woodleigh, Hornady, Steward, Claw and old Barnes coppertubing softnoses, my avarage velocity is 2260fps. I see on the forum you people get more velocity with lower charges.
I also use 77grn S365 with a Goodnel monolitic solid velocity 2160fps.
Norma and RWS cases and Federal 210 primers
I tried S385 ,similar as IMR 4381, but velocity low, 90grn 2197fps 400grn bullet.
How come you get up to 2400fps?

quote:

Originally posted by 303epps:
I have a 404Jeff. on aP14 action and a Ferlach barrel. I load 85 grn Somchem S365, it is similar in burning rate as IMR4350, 400grn Woodleigh, Hornady, Steward, Claw and old Barnes coppertubing softnoses, my avarage velocity is 2260fps. I see on the forum you people get more velocity with lower charges.
I also use 77grn S365 with a Goodnel monolitic solid velocity 2160fps.
Norma and RWS cases and Federal 210 primers
I tried S385 ,similar as IMR 4381, but velocity low, 90grn 2197fps 400grn bullet.
How come you get up to 2400fps?

FWIW I've got one built by Sabi Rifles on a Z24 action, load 75 grains of S365 and get around 2123 fps.

Shorter barrel,larger bore,thiner brass,longer OAL and smaller bullet dia. can = lower speed.

I think your S385 is a little bit slower than our IMR4831, maybe closer to H4831. My 404j loves IMR4831 w/ 380-400gr bullets. I am getting 2175-2250fps w/ 86-87gr under the 380gr & 400gr bullets. I havve treid H4350 w/ good results uisng 340-350gr bulelts, but am quite happy w/ IMR4831 pushing along @ a comfortable 2200fps. It kills very well w/ 380grNF or 400gr Woodleigh softs.

I use 82 grains of ADI 2209,CCI magnum primer behind the 400 grain Woodleigh for 2260 fps.

I use 75 grains of RL 15 with 400 grain Woodleighs in Hornady brass with Fed 215 Gold Medal Match primers

I tried fredj338's load today. 87 grains of IMR 4831 is even more accurate than what I have been using. I am going to switch to that. Thanks fred.

quote:

Originally posted by Palmer:
I tried fredj338's load today. 87 grains of IMR 4831 is even more accurate than what I have been using. I am going to switch to that. Thanks fred.

You bet. I have tried H4350, Varget, RL19 H4831sc, IMR 4831 & VV160. With 380gr-400gr bullets, it just doesn't get better in my rifle than IMR4831, RL19 is a close 2nd. The VV160 loads are very promising. I just haven't shot enough of them to be sure, but I have had several sub 1moa 3 shot groups using the exc 380grNF. Varget & H4350 & VV150 work really well w/ the lighter 340gr-350gr bullets, exc accuracy & good vel, pushing 2550fps. The 340grNF or 350grWoodleigh would make a good dual purpose bullet for buffalo & plainsgame, especially the 340grNF. Even the 350gr Woodleigh shoots quite a bit flatter than the 380grNF @ 300yds, about as fast as I would push things.

My favorite loads are with VihtaVuouri N550: 86 grains under the North Fork 380 grain softpoint for 2,400 fps and 81.5 grains under the Barnes TSX 400 grain bullet for 2,260 fps. I haven't shot anything big with them yet, but I suspect they would both work well.