Due to the pervasive influence of this Forum, I have purchased a Sterling Davenport .500 Jeffery. What bullets, both softs and solids would this distinguished group suggest that I get Superior Ammo to work up loads with? I am hunting rhino, elephant and buffalo next year in RSA and Botswana.

Congratulations on a great real big bore rifle in the right calibre.
Could you post a picture ?

Cheers,

Anndré

Is that the one from Cabela's?

I would call Mr. Davenport in Tuscon to ask him what load the rifle is set up for.

Yes it is the Cabela's rifle. I can't post pics 500grains, would you mind doing it. The rifle is being sent from Cabela's to Davenport to make sure everything is 100%. Can anyone give me advice on brass,bullets and loads?

quote:

Originally posted by mufasa:
Yes it is the Cabela's rifle. I can't post pics 500grains, would you mind doing it. The rifle is being sent from Cabela's to Davenport to make sure everything is 100%. Can anyone give me advice on brass,bullets and loads?

Nice rifle -- congratulations.
















Larger versions available at the Cabela's website.

Mufasa

Excellent choice of rifle. I went down the same route myself a couple of years ago converting my then large big bore .458 Lott to the Jeffery (CIP version).

My own choice for ammo is somewhat more simplistic than looking for custom loads etc, I just buy Kynoch ammo as made in the U.K presently by Kynamco.

It is not the cheapest method of feeding such a rifle, but I fire the rifle to such a limited degree due to restrictions on calibres for use on ranges here in the U.K, that it would rarely be financially viable to tool up for hand-loading.

The factory Kynoch however uses Woodleigh bullets, presently only in 535 grains.

Some use does appear to be made of the heavier 570 grainer for the .500 N.E., this would be a good choice at velocities around 2200.

I have heard rumours that this longer bullet is however more dificult to keep secure in the comparatively short neck of the Jeffery case. The factory Kynoch ammo carries an extra cruciform staked crimp some 5/15" back from the case mouth, thus affording 2 separate crimps, the ammo also uses a case mouth laquer sealer, which acts much like an adhesive thus helping to keep the bullet secure.

Hope this helps

Woodleigh offers a 600 grain FMJ and a 600 grain PP designed for the 500 Jeff, if you don't mind the recoil.

I'd be tempted to use the 570 gr Barnes X as a soft, and either the 550 or 600 gr Bridger solid.

I don't see how the longer bullets will cause problems staing seated, a crimp is a crimp. The case definately has enough capacity for a deep seated 600 gr bullet.

One of the nice things about the 500J is there really aren't any bad bullets for it, and 535, 550, 570 or 600 gr should all do the trick.

Now if I could just find the time to finish mine!

quote:

Cabela's

Nice rifle, When can i shoot it?? Wes

It will probably be a couple of months before Superior works up the loads and Davenport checks it out. Maybe we can slay the monster hog on its first outing.

mufasa,

Just send that rifle to me and I will have your loads worked up in 30 days (for free!).

mufasa
If you do not want to send your rifle to 500 grains, you might just drive on down to Salt Lake City and put 500 grains to work. I have shot his rifles with his loads, and have seen him shoot.
He is pretty handy with the steel if you know what I mean.

mufasa,

You need to take that new toy out and shoot some pigs with it. Get to know it, get really comfortable using it before you take it across the pond.

Hog Killer

Shesh, Fellas,
he just lives up the road from me.. and I need an "excuse" to shoot mine!!!

jeffe