How well would the .585 Nyati down-load for cast or 650 grain bullets in the 2,000 fps or less range? I would like to build a "lighter" than normal gun for use on local feral hogs. (Of course I want to go to Africa, but I don't realistically see it happening.) Just curious to see what a big diameter bullet would do at moderate velocities. Any source of cast bullet or reduced load data out there?

Thanks gents!

FFg

At those velocities you are not far from a 20 gauge slug. So if all want to see is what a large diameter lead bullet will do to a hog I would suggest you try a magnum 20 gauge (0.620") slug and save yourself some money.

Todd E

If you want low velocities, I suggest trying some of Ross Seyfried's 1200 grain cast bullet loads (1200 fps). That way there will be enough penetration to take down those hogs.

On a serious note, if you want to slow those 650's down, just go to an extra slow burning powder like a 50 BMG powder and it will get you there.

Todd E,

A 650 grain bullet at 2,000 fps? Where in the heck do you buy loads like that for your 20 gauge?

The load FFg wants to shoot would generate 5772 fpe. With a .585 dia. slug of a good alloy, this would make for an absolutely devastating hog gun.

Don't disuade him from building this monster. FFg, if you do it, remember to hold on tight when you pull the trigger.

Good luck, and keep us posted on your progress.

-Catter

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Shoot the largest caliber you can shoot well, and practice , practice, practice.

Catter,

The gentlemen stated he wanted to see what a big bullet would do to a feral pig. So I gave him a cost effective alternative to building a 585 Nyati.

A 20 gauge slug weighs in at 437 grains at about 1650 fps and is soft lead. You can do the math but I think that is around 2900 ft-lbs.

To get a lead projectile to accurately shoot at 2000 fps you are going to be using a hard alloy. That means that you will have no appreciable expansion. In other words, you will punch a .585" hole in that pig with very little tissue trauma. Overall not very impressive. To use a soft lead alloy, which will expand, you are limited to around 1500 - 1550 fps max.

As 500Grains said, you can get your velocities down while maintaining good case volume fill by selecting a slow powder such as IMR7828 or Re25 or similar.

Todd E

"In other words, you will punch a .585" hole in that pig with very little tissue trauma. Overall not very impressive."
Hell of impressive to me, not to mention any hog you hit.

Doesn't Winchester have an extra hard alloy, 45 or 50 caliber sabot they sell, that is not soft lead?

gs

Socrates,

A 30-30 will put a bigger hole in that pig with a 170 grain flat point. The only impressive part about shooting a hard cast 650 grain .585" diameter slug into a hog at 2000 fps would be the recoil you feel.

Sorry man. A much neater thing if you are into destruction is to push a 750 Woodleigh soft point at 2400 fps into a big pig fore to aft. That bullet will most likely expand out to around 1.5" in diameter and travel all the way through. Pretty much oughta disembowell that ol' boy.

Todd E

Correct me if I'm wrong Ffg, but you said cast 'or' 650gn. Does that mean you are considering a jacketed bullet for reduced loads also?

If so there is a 650 gn woodleigh with standard jacket thickness for velocities over 2000fps and another 650gn designed for velocities slightly under.

Another cheaper option for low velocity -Hawk- which will make any weight down to about 540gn I think, and these can be made very soft.

I haven't loaded mine down.It is running steady at about 2400fps with 750gn, the speed Todd mentioned above.

I know of guys using the 650 gn bullets in their old 577 nitro/650's - I will try and find out the loads as these would be similar in a Nyati.

Karl.

Thanks everyone! You are correct Karl. I have also looked at the 650 jacketed bullets. Hawk's are a good suggestion. Maybe a better option for me would be a Ruger No. 1 in .577 or a Ballard Rifle Co. .577 2 3/4" BPE. The No. 1 should be a cheaper route, but I due prefer a bolt gun.