How far can the 500 A2 be safely downloaded? I see plenty of top loads in the books, but not much in the way of reduced loads. Does anyone have reliable data for reduced loads in this one?

Is it better to go with the regular 600 gr bullet at lower velocity, or use a lighter bullet at 'normal' velocity?

Any recommended bulky powders for reduced loads? I don't think Blue Dot will cut it in this one...

I know cast bullets are available for this one. Has anyone worked with ~.500" diameter bullets and then paper patched them up to .510"? I like patched bullets, since they don't lead.

Thanks.

absolutely...

535 casts and rel 22

jeffe

big cartiges like the one you talk about reach them max potential when loaded near max or at max all waetherby based and or weatherby cartriges are like that.

and 99/9% of all large bore over 375.

How low you wanna go? In my 500 Jeffrey I use 30 gr of unique over a 470 gr cast for ~1100 fps. I haven't tried blue dot yet, but don't see any reason why it wouldn't work. Gas checked cast bullets don't cause leading problems, and are good for 2200 fps.

35-40 grs of Xmp5744 over a 560 gr cast bullet .511 or .512 diameter ( cast from Linotype- see the Buffalo ARms website)-Saeco) makes a very accurate plinking or light huinting Load for the 500A2. I don't even size them, just lube with SPG and load. Paper patching .500 Bullets is a waste of Time and accomplishes little. Besides you have to properly lube the PP bullet anyway. I don't bother with PP bullets anymore except in period correct Sharps Rifles.-Rob

I just got back from a lunchtime range session and squeezed off some 500 J cast plinker loads. I had 535 and 600 gr cast loaded over ~30 gr of Unique. Both loads clocked ~1150 fps and 50 yd iron shot groups were in the 1 1/2" range. I've had better accuracy with the lighter bullets. Recoil is super mild, you actually notice the rifle torquing in your hand more than the rifle coming back. 1/2" holes are great, you know where you hit even with iron sights

Captain-If you like full volumne loads use slower powders, even with cast.Here is
a comparison of speeds in my 458 HE which is a straight case with about same capacity as
500 A-SQ. Test is using 500 gr bullets.
From slowest to fastest-and never go
below 90% -These are full non-compressed
loads, with 32in barrel.--
113gr- H50BMG- 1700fps
120gr- AA8700- 1820fps
120gr- WC872- 1900fps
120gr- WC860- 1950fps
112gr- Retumbo- 2000fps
95gr- 7383--- 2050fps(light powder good
for big bores as long as it isn't compressed)
115gr- RL25- 2180fps
115gr- RL22- 2370fps....
For comparison the max load with 458HE
is 2800 fps with 132gr of W760, a faster ball
powder.And the surplus powders in the list
are economical.And the 90% starting loads
will be slower yet. Ed.

quote:

Originally posted by Paul H:
1/2" holes are great, you know where you hit even with iron sights

Amen! Preach on brother!

Seriously, thanks for the info guys. The more I think about it, the more I want to have one of these for my very own. It seems to me to be a very flexible cartridge when you look at all the loadings.

If one has to have a really big bore and then wants to load it down, he needs to set back, take a deep breath and say "perhaps a 416 suits me better".........Shooting a big bore at less velocity to defeat recoil has no benificial effect on your shooting because you must shoot the full power loads to be able to adapt to it, if you ever do!

Ray,

I respecfully and wholeheartedly disagree. If you talkt to top target shooters, you'll find they spend more time dry firing than fireing live ammo. Trigger time is what matters, not lighting off full patch ammo, and that'll make one master a gun.

That said, a custom big bore is an expensive proposition, and being able to fire it more often by using reduced loads is a way to further enjoy that firearm.

Nobody buys a Ferarri to drive it full speed all the time, same goes for big bores.

quote:

If one has to have a really big bore and then wants to load it down, he needs to set back, take a deep breath and say "perhaps a 416 suits me better".........Shooting a big bore at less velocity to defeat recoil has no benificial effect on your shooting because you must shoot the full power loads to be able to adapt to it, if you ever do!

Ray...I am shocked. Are you saying you have forgotten how to have fun? Some of us enjoy shooting our rifles and get bored with just the plain old white bread max loads. So we play around a little.

What you are suggesting is like saying that the missionary position is the ONLY way to make love to your woman! BORING!

Cheers,
Canuck

ps: Paul, do you have to use a filler or anything? 30gr of Unique wouldn't take up much space in that Jeffrey case.

pps: Paul and Rob, usually the powder goes UNDER the bullet.

Chris,

No need for fillers, unique ignites fine with even a case that is roughly 1/4 full, it's only when you go under that level that it doesn't ignite consistantly, ie 100 fps velocity swing.

My std fun load for the 350 Rigby is 14 gr unique under a 200 gr cast, I chronoed a 10 shot string and got an average of 1400 fps with a 20 fps extreme spread.

For pussycat loads in my 510 Wells (about the same as the A2) I use 40 grains of XMP5744 behind 530 grain gas check for about 1650fps. Very accurate, easy on the shoulder and pocket book.

Sounds like a great way to have a modern 50-70 or a 50-90

Lots of fun to shoot the reduced loads.. and wil train you to the gun.. move up a grain every session and you'll never know it!!!

jeffe

You really want to tame it, get rid of that 2 x 4 they pass off as a stock.