I like the looks and reports on the Northfork bullets. I'd like to get some load data for the 450gn solids and softs for my .458 Win mag. The goal is to get a few more fps outta that case than I get w/ 500's, by sacrificing a little bullet size. I'm shooting a relatively short bbl...22"...and need all the help modern powders can provide.
Thanks,
Don

Don,
I'll preface my remarks with that I am no expert and that I would encourage you to speak with Mike Brady at Northfork.

That said, I think you will find that AA 2230 will give you the best results. I would start with 68 grs and work up to the desired velocity. I use 72 grs. with Fed 215 primers. I seat my bullets so that the case mouth is crimped in the 6th groove (5 grooves showing above the case mouth) with a Lee Factory Crimp die. I get an honest 2250 fps with that load out of a 24 inch barrel.

Again, Mike Brady at Northfork and JPK on this site can give you a wealth of info on this cartridge with this bullet.

I just did this this weekend, I concur with ledvm. I have a CZ 550 with a 21" barrel and a very long magazine that permits long loading. 450 NF FP's and CP's with 69 gr AA2230 gives an average of 2250fps and is a good working load. Some rifles need to be tweaked before they will feed the Northforks. Less shoulder thump than the 500's.

You will love the North Fork flat points. The penetration they deliver catapults the 458wm into a different performance catagory than the 458wm loaded with 500gr round nose solids.

My current load is out of date because Mike added more driving bands to help those with larger out of spec barrels which caused the bullet to skid too much on engraving. I need to start over with the new 450gr .458" flat points and haven't gotten around to it since I'm not elephant hunting this year.

At 2190fps, penetration on elephants is phenominal. My rifle is a double so my velocity is limited to what will shoot to regulation in my rifle. You can do better in a bolt, but you sure as hell don't need too!

I run Woodleigh 500gr solids at 2135fps. They work just fine, but again, are in a league behind the North Fork flat nose solids. And the North Forks are extremely accurate to boot.

I prefer H4895 for the North Forks. I found that it burned cleaner than AA2230 at the velocity that shot best in my rifle. I prefer the AA2230 for 500gr bullets. Both have proven temperature insensative in the October heat in the Zambezi Valley and even here at home.

Try the cup points for buff. The flat nose solids provide too much of a good thing penetration wise and the cup points should be perfect. 20% less penetration than the flatnoses and a bigger wound channel.

JPK

JPK
I have shot the old and the new NF FP's in my 450 No2 with the same powder charge and could not tell any difference in point of impact. I am curious if you get the same results.

450 NE No.2,

I will let you know. Mike told me that I should expect the same velocity that I got with the old bullets with 1.5grs less powder.

Did you chrono the old bullets vs. the new bullets with the same powder charge?

JPK

JPK

No I did not chrono them.

Thank you gentlemen...
I've never used AA2230, but will get some and go to work. It looks like a good choice for what I want to do.

Don Edwards,

Take a look at powder burn rate charts. With your short barrel, you may find a somewhat faster powder works better. Might want to invest in a can of a faster powder. Take a look at the Hornaday manual for suggestions.

What ever you choose to try, stay away from IMR 3031. It is an old favorite for the 458wm that has been rendered obsolete for the purpose. And it is VERY temperature sensative in my experience.

Good Luck,

JPK

quote:

Take a look at powder burn rate charts. With your short barrel, you may find a somewhat faster powder works better. Might want to invest in a can of a faster powder.

Hi JPK,
What about AA 2015. Knew a guy who shot that.

Categorically, absolutely, and positively do not EVER use 2015 with my bullets in the 458. I don't have the time or interest to go into detail other than to say that it sucks on a cosmic level.

quote:

Categorically, absolutely, and positively do not EVER use 2015 with my bullets in the 458. I don't have the time or interest to go into detail other than to say that it sucks on a cosmic level.

Hi Mike,

I knew a fellow that shot AA 2015 with Hornady 500 gr softs and said it worked well. Me, I just stick with what you tell me!!!

Gentlemen,

The 450 grain NF out of the 458 Win Mag load question has had me awake at night for the last three weeks (off and on anyway).

I'm closing in on a North American load, but a fool proof Tropical load seems just out of reach. If any of you think you have a promising load, please let me know by PM or e-mail, and I'll run it through a pressure gun.

Sorry about the mini-thread hijack.

LD

I appreciate all the comments and opinions...that's why I posted the question. I've used Hornady 500's in the past with no issues...BUT...going forward. I'd like to take a real serious look @ Northfork 450's for Buff % cow elephant out of my ( admittedly short bbl'd) .458. Sweet to handle in thick stuff though...

Cheers,
Don

quote:

I'd like to take a real serious look @ Northfork 450's

Don,
Stick with AA 2230 and H 4895. I would try AA 2230 first though.