How low can I go with charges in my .450 Dakota before I risk hangfires?

I'm looking to drive a 450gr TSX at about 2,200.

100gr RL-15 gives 2,500
96.0gr IMR 4064 gives 2,500
104.0gr RL-19 gives 2,230 but doesn't shoot for shit.

I'm thinking about 86.0gr RL-15 or 82.0gr 4064 should get me where I want to be.

Anyone have any suggestions?

This is very similar to a Nitro Express loading. Pack 4 or 5 grains of polyester (Dacron) fiber fill into the case and fear not with the 86 grains of RL-15 ... let us know how it does.

RIP,

Is there any fear of ringing the chamber or anything as I've read of when using filler? How tightly should the filler pack against the powder column.

Thanks,
Andy

Adrook,

The lowest I went w 450 Barnes X or TSX in my Dakota was 96 gr RL 15 and under 2,380 fps.

you could start going down from there.

Or 104 gr IMR 4350 and 2370 fps, or 110 gr 2354 w Barnes solid. (IMR 4350 really left alot of copper residue in my barrel but it is bulky and might do what you want).

Or Vhita Vouri 98-108 gr, 2383 - 2412 fps w several 450 grain bullets. But its expensive.

IMR 4350 might be your best bet to bulk out the case.

Andy

I was hoping about 100 grains of RL-15 would give 2550 fps in my 25" barreled rifle (450 Dakota SIGARMS MagMau98) with the North Fork 450 FP solid.

I will rummage around in the bullet locker and see if I find any Barnes TSX 450-grainers to load with 86 grains of RL-15 and enough polyester fiber filler to pack it tight (4 or 5 grains?), and compare the North Forks of same weight with that load too. I would have absolutely no fears of ringing a chamber with that sort of load, which is about like a 470 NE load.

Thanks Rip,

Let me know.

If you're interested 100.0gr RL-15 with the 450gr TSX gave the following out of my Hein with a 24" barrel:

2,529
2,528
2,524
1" group at 100 yds.

That load probably will shoot better than that as I was using a 1x4 Leupold with a heavy duplex and that's the best I can do with that scope.

Andy, thanks for your load data as well.


Cheers,
Andy

Adrook, have you thought about shooting Accurate 5744 for your reduced loads in your Dakota? Do you have Terry Wielend'e newest book? It tells you how to determine your load. If not, contact Accurate. They are very helpful.

Dave