I have located a source of 245gr 9.3mm cast bullets (Glenhills Cast Bullets) that I would like to use for reduced loads (~1500fps) in a CZ550FS rifle. I've not had any success finding reloading data for cast bullets in this caliber. Can anyone recommend either a source of data or specific loads to try?

I currently use IMR-3031 and IMR-4895 with 282gr cast bullets in the 375 H&H for between 1400 and 1650fps with very good accuracy.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Stealth

First disclosure: I have not tried this load yet!

However, I've been looking for the same: good reduced loads in a number of calibers using cast including 9.3x62 and .416 Rigby. I just picked up the second edition of Dangerous Game Rifles off Amazon - Appendix Two has the following formula for reduced loads:

Powder: 5744
Formula: case capacity x 0.40 for a starting load, work up from there.

Case capacity is measured by filling a case up with 5744 up to where the bullet would seat. They recommend this load in all calibers (and x .60 for jacketed).

Quickload for a (jacketed) 240 grain bullet (closest I could find) with 23 grains of 5744 shows 1535 fps at a pressure of 14562. 26 grains of 5744 gives 1720 fps at 18909.

Hope that helps get you into the ballpark for a starting range.

Would be interested to hear your results - I'll be trying similar in .416 this weekend.

You might also try Trail Boss at 70% to 100% of case volume under the bullet. Closer to 100% is better. This burns cleaner than 5744, but gives lower velocities.

Accurate Arms #2 Manual has quite a few 5744 recipes.

The most recent Speer manual has some nice reduced load recipes.

Thank you for the 40% and 60% guidelines.

There is a wonderful bullet for use in the various 416s. The RCBS 350-416 GC. Get it at Brinell of 18 with good higher temp lube and you will be singing on the sunny side of the street.

Thank you both for your replies. I'm still kind of hoping someone will come up with a load that they have tested in a 9.3x62 rifle. I did e-mail Glenhills Bullets to see if they have any data they can provide.

The information on the .40 and .60 guidelines for AA-5744 is very useful, thank you, ak_msf.

Also, lawndart, your suggestion about Trail Boss is an excellent one. Handloader magazine recently had an article about reduced loads in centerfire rifles, e.g., 308 Winchester, that I passed along to a friend who is moving his two children up from .22 LR to centerfire rifles. I'll give him a call and see how it is working. I'll certainly give it a try.

Thank you both again!

Following up on lawndart's suggestion re: Trail Boss, I came across the following on the IMR Powder website (http://www.imrpowder.com/PDF/Trail-Boss-data.pdf)

The formula for developing Trail Boss loads for all rifle and pistol cartridges is:

1. Find where the base of the bullet to be loaded is located and mark the outside of the case at that location. Fill the case to that mark with Trail Boss, pour onto scale and weigh. That is the MAXIMUM load.

2. Take 70% of that charge weight as your starting load.

3. Begin with the starting load and work up to maximum while searching for the most accurate reduced load.

So, Trail Boss it is!

I can't imagine your load would be far from the 245 35 Whelen I load from Glenhill. See some choices below. Many folks like very slow machine gun powder and a case full but the powders below work for me.
dmw
Cartridge GUN BBL Bullet Velocity (f/s) Powder Charge Primer Case CUP/PSI OAL GRP@100


35 Whelen 1903 m 25.5 245 Cast GC Vern A. 1950 a TAC 42 CCI 200 PMC 3.207 1.5
35 Whelen 1903 om 25.5 245 Cast GC Vern A. 2100 a AA-2015BR 43 Win LR REM 3.200 1.25

I use Dacron filler in both loads and add Lee Liquid Alox to the bullet in addition to Vern's lube. Works great in my barrel. Yours may differ. Kills deer too.
With Vern's 290 grain .359 bullet, I am using 30 grains of SR-4759 with Dacron and Alox at about 1850 or so fps. I really like this bullet and intend to slay something with it this fall with my 1903 and Peep sight.
dmw