quote:

Originally posted by RIP:
IBT,
Expect about 2545 fps with 340-grainer in the .395 H&H "Unimproved."
I'll be sure to run the QuickLoad numbers and compare to actual load data and chronograph results.
The .395 H&H is the "thinking gentleman's cartridge."

quote:

Originally posted by RIP:
IBT,
The .395 Ruger max is intermediate to the .395 GSC-H&H-Ackley-ized (greater) and the .395 H&H-Unadulterated (lesser).

I estimate the .395 H&H at 95.30 grains of water gross.
The .395 Ruger Max is about 102.00 grains water gross IIRC.

Since you mentioned the 340-grain GSC bullet and barrel length comparison in the .395 Ruger Max:

QuickLoad shows RL-17 to be an excellent powder for the .395 Ruger Max:

80.5 grains RL-17 is a 100.6%, barely compressed load, with presure of 62,319 psi, barely below the maximum allowed of 62,366 psi.
Barrel length -vs- muzzle velocity, .395 Ruger Max:
26": 2667 fps
24": 2627 fps
22": 2581 fps
20": 2529 fps
18": 2469 fps

I can get 2577 fps with a 24" barrel in the .395 H&H with same 340-grainer and 76.4 grains of RL-17 for a 103% nicely compressed load at 62,181 psi.
That too is below the .375 H&H maxpressure of 62,366 psi.

That is 'puter ballistics only, yet to be proven.
RL-17 must be tried.
It works great in the 12 Ga From Hell.

Other RL-17 loads in .395 H&H-Unimproved with 24" barrel:
330-grain S&H FN: 2609 fps @ 62,104 psi (76.7 grains)
310-grain S&H HX: 2633 fps @ 59,295 psi (75.0 grains)

2350 fps with 410-grainer is possible in the 'puter, but can a home-made-gas-checked-cast lead boolitt stand it in the .395 H&H???
That is a classic .416 Rigby KE-MV from a featherweight .395.