.458 North Fork loads?

08 September 2005, 12:11

475Guy

Did some preliminary loads a while ago with 65 gr RE 7 using the 450 gr soft. At the time, I used Rem brass. Haven't had the time to refine the load yet. I only loaded around 12 rds to chrono it in my Ruger 77. The 65 gr load gave 2060 +/_ at the time. I think it'll take up to 67-69 gr depending on your rifle and brass. Since it's not a priority at the moment, I guess I'll just have to make the time to finish it in a bit. You never know when you hit the targeted velocity. I'm thinking 2250 easily w/o too much pressure when hitting top load.

08 September 2005, 22:10

RCG

Eric:

I have worked up loads for my .458WM using the 450 grain North Fork Cup Point Solid.

Per Mike Brady's suggestion, I tried AA2230 starting at 66 grains which averaged 2207 fps, 67 grains averaged 2238 fps, 68 grains averaged 2257 fps and 69 grains averaged 2274 fps. I settled on 68 grains for my final load. I will now start shooting for accuracy.

This is using WW brass, Fed 215 primers and a Lee Factory Crimp. OAL is just shy of 3.32".

I have a custom Mauser VZ24 with a 22" Douglas premium barrel.

I have also developed, but not chronographed yet, a load using Hodgdon 4198 for the NFCPS. I originally used H4198 when developing loads using 450 grain GS Custom Flat Point solids. I settled on 65 grains of H4198 which averaged 2230 fps.

Of importance to me and most users of the .458WM in tropical conditions, is that my loads were not compressed and there were never any signs of pressure in MY RIFLE. I could hear the powder rattle slightly in both loads.

I believe the Lee Factory Crimp is important with this round and load. Mike Brady at North Fork feels this is an important step. I crimp between the 2nd and 3rd band from the front to get my OAL.

Contact Mike for additional load info. He is a good guy with practical advice.

http://www.northforkbullets.com 307.436.2726

Remember these are my results and yours may vary.

Good Luck.

RCG

08 September 2005, 22:34

Teat Hound

quote:
Originally posted by RCG:
Eric:

I have worked up loads for my .458WM using the 450 grain North Fork Cup Point Solid.

Per Mike Brady's suggestion, I tried AA2230 starting at 66 grains which averaged 2207 fps, 67 grains averaged 2238 fps, 68 grains averaged 2257 fps and 69 grains averaged 2274 fps. I settled on 68 grains for my final load. I will now start shooting for accuracy.

This is using WW brass, Fed 215 primers and a Lee Factory Crimp. OAL is just shy of 3.32".

I have a custom Mauser VZ24 with a 22" Douglas premium barrel.

I have also developed, but not chronographed yet, a load using Hodgdon 4198 for the NFCPS. I originally used H4198 when developing loads using 450 grain GS Custom Flat Point solids. I settled on 65 grains of H4198 which averaged 2230 fps.

Of importance to me and most users of the .458WM in tropical conditions, is that my loads were not compressed and there were never any signs of pressure in MY RIFLE. I could hear the powder rattle slightly in both loads.

I believe the Lee Factory Crimp is important with this round and load. Mike Brady at North Fork feels this is an important step. I crimp between the 2nd and 3rd band from the front to get my OAL.

Contact Mike for additional load info. He is a good guy with practical advice.

http://www.northforkbullets.com 307.436.2726

Remember these are my results and yours may vary.

Good Luck.

RCG

Thanks RCG. Sounds like you've already done most of the hard work for me. I figure these rounds will make perfect bear medicine, regardless of species, in a Win 70 Safari Classic. Most likely over kill, but I'll get over it.