OK...I have been working up some loads with both the Woodleighs and the NF. The question is....wouldn't I reasonably expect to INCREASE my powder charge SLIGHTLY on the NF vs the Woodleighs due to less resistance? The Woodleigh softs are 1/2" apart...nuts on to the sights with 87 gr of RL-15 and a foam filler. I needed to back off about 1.5 gr for the Woodleigh solids for the same POI. With the same loading, the NF are shooting LOWER by about 2-3". And yes...I have a chrono, but want to get them grouping (at least initially) before I fine tune with the chrono. Gun is 470 Merkel. Thanks for your thoughts and/or comments.

Gary B.

If the volume the bullets take up in the case is identical then perhaps that would be true. I have never compared Woodleighs to NF's so can't make any specific observation as a comparison of the two. But if one takes up more volume in the case then you will probably use less powder for equal pressure (not necessarily equal velocity).

GarBy,

Load development is more of an art than a science., especially where double rifles are concerned.

NF and Woodleigh use different materials, so you cannot always expect the same results.

George

Thanks for the responses, gents. I guess where my confusion comes in is that the NF's are shooting LOWER....which generally would mean a faster velocity in a double. That being said, I guess it's time I break out the chrony...I do for all the other rifles, just gettin' lazy. Thanks, again.

Gary B.

GarBy:

I have the same DR as you. I have been using the Woodleigh Softs, North Fork Cup Points, and Barnes Banded Solids using H4831sc (110 grains, started at 108grains), Fed. 215 Match Grade Primers, and Norma Brass.

With 110 grains of H4831sc I get approx. (I do not have my records in front of me) 2100fps with Woodleigh Softs, 2130fps Barnes Banded, 2170fps North Fork Cup Points....at least my finding chronographing these loads...80F+degrees temps....All shoot very well and to POA at 50 yds...

No fillers needed....Good luck!

jjs:

Did you notice any difference in the recoil of the 4831 loads vs the RL15's? I have some 4831sc powder and was considering using it, but have had good luck with the RL15 and filler so far. That's interesting about your velocities with the NF....another guy had just the opposite...he got lower #'s with the NF...........the world of doubles. Thanks so much for the reply.

Gary B.

Gary:

I have shot some of the Federal Factory loads which I think use RL15 and there may be a bit more recoil with my H4831sc loads but not really that noticeable in relative terms...I never worked with RL15 because I wanted to stay away from fillers...so no "hand load" comparison in terms or recoil...

The North Fork Cup Points are my favorite for my Big Bore Guns. Not sure what diameter Cup Points the other fellow had but mine were .475" not .474"...I know Mike made some .474" but I think he settled on the .475"...there could have been some difference if that was the case, otherwise could be choice of powder, etc.

I would give the H4831sc a try...it seems to work in most 470 NE...Good luck.

quote:

Originally posted by GarBy:
Thanks for the responses, gents. I guess where my confusion comes in is that the NF's are shooting LOWER....which generally would mean a faster velocity in a double.
Gary B.

Remember also that, barrel time may affect POI. The slower the bullet travels down the bore, the higher the point in the muzzle arc (created by the recoil generated by firing the cartridge) the bullet will exit.

George

Just one question! When were these .475 North Fork cup points bought? As far as I know they are not yet available in .475 dia!

GarBy
I would try reducing the powder charge on the NF bullets. See if that makes them hit with the sights ie higher.
In my 450 No2 I went from 89 to 88 grains of RL 15 so my double would shoot higher [to the sights] at 100 yards.
If that does not work then start increasing the powder charge watching for pressure signs.

I have used IMR 3031, IMR 4831 and RL 15 in my 450 No2. All 3 powders give me excellent accuracy woith loads that hit to the sights. I prefer RL 15 as it has the least pressure of the 3.
I use 88 gr of RL 15 with 500gr Hornady soft and old style solids, 480 Woodleigh softs and solids, 500 Swift A Frames, and 450 grain North Fork Cup Points. They all hit to the samp point of aim in my double.
I will be trying some NF FPS after I get some at DSC.

Mac:

Bought these about 3 months ago and am waiting on 2 more boxes of cups and 1 of fp solids. All of the ones I have (2 boxes) have been .475. Mike sent me a box of .474's, but I haven't used any.

George:

Exactly my thoughts...more barrel time (less velocity) means a higher impact. I am going to reduce slightly and try that.

Thanks to all.

Gary B.