I asked this question on the reloading board but figured I should also ask here.

Has anyone Chronographed the Federal 500gr Bearclaws and the Sledgehammers?

Thanks for replies

JPK

Sledgehammers 2090 fps
Bear Claws 2090 fps

Those are the factory specs. Sorry I haven't actually chronoed them.

I was hoping someone had, or better a couple of folks had to see how much "optimism" might be in thr factiory #'s.

JPK

^^Yeah, sorry man. Just thought I would help out in case you didn't know the exact factory numbers.

I did about ten years ago. Federal's 2090 fps. figure with 500 gr. TB solids and softs is very accurate, or at least is was with the specific lots of ammo I chronographed. I have found that Federal's specs, in general, are very honest and accurate. The thing to remember is that velocities do vary lot to lot, so you really need to treat every batch as a law unto itself.

AD

Allen,

Thanks for the info.

In your experience, how much variation from lot to lot for Federal ammo? 25fps...50fps.. or more? If you know, please don't limit your answer to 458wm.

Thanks

JPK

I haven't tried the Federal but I've crono'd the Hornady factory ammo with the 500gr. softpoints.

They clocked at 2268 (avg.) out of my Ruger RSM, ES (3 shots) was 33 fps.

Oops, I just noticed he was asking about 458WM and not 458 Lott

510wells, was that Hornady win mag ammo or Lott ammo? How long is the barrel of your rifle?