Emron--you're the man.
Glad to see that you loaded your Gibbs to 2550fps x 600grain. That produces 8600 ft lb and probably maxes out what modern components can be expected to do with this capacity.

At a slightly lower lower level--
an 8000 ft lb load is certainly below max of the Gibbs capacity in a strong, modern rifle, e.g. 2450 fps with 600 grain.
See http://www.realguns.com/loads/500jeffery.htm
and http://www.realguns.com/archives/157.htm
for some 500 Jeffrey loads at this level.

Pulling back to 2400 fps drops to 7700 ftlbs. That can be still said to be using the capacity and ought to get a buffalo's attention (though the 510 Wells and 500 Mbogo should reach that level with less capacity than the Gibbs). Converting that load into a lighter 525 grain projectile should produce something around 2550 fps and 7600 ftlb.

Afterall, what's a Gibbs for, if not to use the capacity?
I'm hoping to do a .500" project this winter, and am looking at a standard-length Rigby casehead. Maybe RIP or Jeffeoso will have some dies and reamers availble by then? I like the .500 CE bullets. the capacity would be pretty tame compared to the Gibbs but should get the job done.

416Tarzan

Geoff McDonald from Woodleigh used the 505 Gibbs case for his 505/530
and at one stage got about 10,000 ft lbs I believe.

It was Brutal to shoot and I am not that recoil shy.

.

quote:

Originally posted by 416Tanzan:
Emron--you're the man.
Glad to see that you loaded your Gibbs to 2550fps x 600grain. That produces 8600 ft lb and probably maxes out what modern components can be expected to do with this capacity.

At a slightly lower lower level--
an 8000 ft lb load is certainly below max of the Gibbs capacity in a strong, modern rifle, e.g. 2450 fps with 600 grain.
See http://www.realguns.com/loads/500jeffery.htm
and http://www.realguns.com/archives/157.htm
for some 500 Jeffrey loads at this level.

Pulling back to 2400 fps drops to 7700 ftlbs. That can be still said to be using the capacity and ought to get a buffalo's attention (though the 510 Wells and 500 Mbogo should reach that level with less capacity than the Gibbs). Converting that load into a lighter 525 grain projectile should produce something around 2550 fps and 7600 ftlb.

Afterall, what's a Gibbs for, if not to use the capacity?
I'm hoping to do a .500" project this winter, and am looking at a standard-length Rigby casehead. Maybe RIP or Jeffeoso will have some dies and reamers availble by then? I like the .500 CE bullets. the capacity would be pretty tame compared to the Gibbs but should get the job done.

I read those realguns 500 Jeffery loads before I bought mine. A 570g TSX, loaded with 105g H4895 for 2410 fps is my recoil limit.

"A man has to know his limitations ..."

quote:

Originally posted by RIP:
CZ marks their .505 Gibbs rifle with...an action pressure limit: 3800 bar, that is 55,100 PSI

Does this mean the CZ-Magnum action can be loaded to higher pressures than the standard 505 Gibbs pressure limit?

Yes. But be careful about which brass you try it in. Jamison brass is thick and strong and will handle it with ease. Bertram brass is soft and sticky and likely will ruin with one or two max pressure loads. I don't know where Norma gets theirs and can't say is it is suitable for higher pressures.

I've safely loaded 600 grain bullets in my 505 to almost 2600 fps. "Safe" meaning within the operating capabilities of the rifle and case; not "safe" as in won't knock the snot outta you and make you flinch for six months.

With regard to the 505 Gibbs Jamison Brass -- I spoke with them some time ago and they confirmed that they use their 505 brass to make their 408 Chey-tac brass. Consequently, it has the same web thickness and strength. It should be very strong brass for reloading the 505.

Thanks, that's great news about the Jamison brass. I presume the Norma brass is made in-house, and that they make their nickel-plated brass also (which I have read is more brittle than plain brass when reloaded multiple times).

I hope you enjoy your 505 Gibbs. I have had mine a few years now and it is a great rifle to hunt with. I have loads for 525gn RNSN and 600gn PPSN Woodleigh bullets, and I have used the 525gn bullets on pigs at 2500fps. At this speed they open up very quickly, but are absolutely devastating on pigs. I would slow that load down significantly if you wanted to shoot buffalo with it and be sure of getting enough penetration. That load is 142gn AR2209 (H4350) with Bertram cases and FED215 primers, and is quite mild (pressure wise) in my rifle. Recoil is about 102 ft Lbs, which is quite manageable with the right technique and a well designed stock. If you want a slower load I would think about using AR2213SC (H4831SC) instead, but I haven't experimented with that bullet weight and any other powder. Most of my work has been with the 600gn PPSN and FMJ Woodleigh bullets. I settled on 130gn AR2209 for 2270 fps with the 600gn PPSN. I have yet to test it on buffalo, but the FMJ went through 37cm of gum tree with no problem. With 138gn AR2209 I have driven the 600gn bullet at 2380 fps, but at that velocity recoil starts to get above my tolerance limit. In any event with the 600gn PPSN the max recommended impact velocity is 2200 fps, and Woodleigh bullets are renowned for working well if you keep within their design impact velocity range. If you want a slower load do not go below 128gn AR2209. I got occasional erratic chronograph readings at that loading and I believe it was due to inconsistent ignition resulting in unburned powder particles confusing the screens. If you want slower loads try AR2231SC, I found 130gn gives you around 2100fps with the 600gn bullets, 135gn gives 2200 fps, and I went up to 144gn for 2380fps. Again I wouldn't go below a 128gn charge. I have never tried fillers (not worth the effort in my opinion, as there are plenty of powder options). For still slower loads try AR2217 (H1000) where 130gn will give you around 1950 fps, and I went up to 142gn for 2160 fps. While these are safe loads in my rifle with your rifle please work up from the lower loads to make sure you stay safe. I have tried Bertram cases, Horneber cases and Norma cases. Horneber and Norma cases are 0.001" thicker at the neck, which (if that is true for the whole case) should mean you will get a few more shots, but none of the loads I regularly use really stress the cases so I haven't determined any difference in case life yet, because I have only reloaded the Horneber and Norma cases 2 or 3 times. I got over 7 reloads with my first batch of Bertram cases, but they were used for all the above testing. Whatever others say about them I find them good value for money. My rifle is based on a Granite Mountain Arms action and weighs in at 11 lb. I have no recoil reducer of brake, and I can shoot six shots in under 25 seconds (the magazine hold 3, so that includes a reload), with enough accuracy to win a few competitions, so even though this is a big powerful cartridge, once you get used to it, it can be a very practical hunting outfit with lots of stopping power. Have fun with yours.

quote:

Originally posted by 416Tanzan:
Emron--you're the man.
Glad to see that you loaded your Gibbs to 2550fps x 600grain. That produces 8600 ft lb and probably maxes out what modern components can be expected to do with this capacity.

At a slightly lower lower level--
an 8000 ft lb load is certainly below max of the Gibbs capacity in a strong, modern rifle, e.g. 2450 fps with 600 grain.
See http://www.realguns.com/loads/500jeffery.htm
and http://www.realguns.com/archives/157.htm
for some 500 Jeffrey loads at this level.

Pulling back to 2400 fps drops to 7700 ftlbs. That can be still said to be using the capacity and ought to get a buffalo's attention (though the 510 Wells and 500 Mbogo should reach that level with less capacity than the Gibbs). Converting that load into a lighter 525 grain projectile should produce something around 2550 fps and 7600 ftlb.

Afterall, what's a Gibbs for, if not to use the capacity?
I'm hoping to do a .500" project this winter, and am looking at a standard-length Rigby casehead. Maybe RIP or Jeffeoso will have some dies and reamers availble by then? I like the .500 CE bullets. the capacity would be pretty tame compared to the Gibbs but should get the job done.

416Tanzan,

The "12.7x68/49-10" dies will be available from Hornady Custom Dies about October. Released to the trade.
Rusty McGee at Hilltop Gunshop, Falls of Rough, KY, can use my reamer to build you a 49-Bore/.500-Caliber/.338 Lapua Magnum Improved of 2010.
Dave Manson can supply your reamer for a local gunsmith if you wish. That too is released to the trade.

We are still perfecting two versions:

1. The M70 Winchester with windowed RUM box and Sunny Hill drop floor plate and McMillan stock.

2. Standard M98 Mauser with Duane Wiebe 6MX 3+1 500 Jeffery complete bottom metal.

Stay tuned to make sure no. 2 feeds properly before taking the plunge and sending your parts to Rusty for a build.
No. 1 is good to go, but we are still waiting for parts:
It takes 4 days to get the Sunny Hill drop floor plate, but 4 months to get a custom LOP and barrel-channeled and choice-finished McMillan stock.

Use the best-of-best .338 Lapua Magnum brass and mark your barrel: 49/.338 LM.
Engrave a "49" on the headstamp.
Load it hot if you like.

quote:

Originally posted by RIP:

quote:

Originally posted by 416Tanzan:
Emron--you're the man.
Glad to see that you loaded your Gibbs to 2550fps x 600grain. That produces 8600 ft lb and probably maxes out what modern components can be expected to do with this capacity.

At a slightly lower lower level--
an 8000 ft lb load is certainly below max of the Gibbs capacity in a strong, modern rifle, e.g. 2450 fps with 600 grain.
See http://www.realguns.com/loads/500jeffery.htm
and http://www.realguns.com/archives/157.htm
for some 500 Jeffrey loads at this level.

Pulling back to 2400 fps drops to 7700 ftlbs. That can be still said to be using the capacity and ought to get a buffalo's attention (though the 510 Wells and 500 Mbogo should reach that level with less capacity than the Gibbs). Converting that load into a lighter 525 grain projectile should produce something around 2550 fps and 7600 ftlb.

Afterall, what's a Gibbs for, if not to use the capacity?
I'm hoping to do a .500" project this winter, and am looking at a standard-length Rigby casehead. Maybe RIP or Jeffeoso will have some dies and reamers availble by then? I like the .500 CE bullets. the capacity would be pretty tame compared to the Gibbs but should get the job done.

416Tanzan,

The "12.7x68/49-10" dies will be available from Hornady Custom Dies about October. Released to the trade.
Rusty McGee at Hilltop Gunshop, Falls of Rough, KY, can use my reamer to build you a 49-Bore/.500-Caliber/.338 Lapua Magnum Improved of 2010.
Dave Manson can supply your reamer for a local gunsmith if you wish. That too is released to the trade.

We are still perfecting two versions:

1. The M70 Winchester with windowed RUM box and Sunny Hill drop floor plate and McMillan stock.

2. Standard M98 Mauser with Duane Wiebe 6MX 3+1 500 Jeffery complete bottom metal.

Stay tuned to make sure no. 2 feeds properly before taking the plunge and sending your parts to Rusty for a build.
No. 1 is good to go, but we are still waiting for parts:
It takes 4 days to get the Sunny Hill drop floor plate, but 4 months to get a custom LOP and barrel-channeled and choice-finished McMillan stock.

Use the best-of-best .338 Lapua Magnum brass and mark your barrel: 49/.338 LM.
Engrave a "49" on the headstamp.
Load it hot if you like.

That is all pretty good news.
1. Do you suppose that there would be any problem for Rusty to build on a Ruger Hawkeye Alaskan? i suppose I need to pose that question to Rusy.

2. On headstamping,
a. do you have examples of a 338Lapua brass with enough room to type in "49/"?
b. is there a trick to punching numbers without damaging the case?
c. what/how do you recommend?
d. do places like Jamison International ever sell basic, unstamped brass in "rigby" size? (I don't see this on the web, but I rembmer something like Hornady '375 HH basic', which wouldn't work but is a nice precedent.

And thanks for all the prelim work.

This has been a really great thread. The load data is very useful and I'll be spending some time reviewing it in more detail

I am excited to shoot this. I have been shooting a 450 Dakota for the last few months and I just got back from Jay's Libby MT big bore shoot where I was able to put about 35 rounds down the pipe in a 4 hour period with reasonable accuracy - although the last 5 or so shots saw me a little rummy. I am hoping this will get me ready for the 505 Gibbs. I am sure it will be worse.

the filler idea is something I had never heard of so that is good info. Has anyone used Shotgun buffering? I assume this would not be a good thing as it might mix with the powder. I read on line about a guy who used toilet paper.

Maybe they picked a 525 grain bullet for the .505 Gibbs and a 535 grain bullet for the 500 Jeffery because they just worked. They work better today with modern bullets. In the 500 Jeffery, the 535 grain Woodleigh PP is a tremendous killer. Want more? How about a 535 grain North Fork Cup Point Solid, Flat Point Solid, or 535 grain Barnes Flat Point Banded Solid? The 570s and 600s just generate more recoil.

quote:

Originally posted by Rob H:
This has been a really great thread. The load data is very useful and I'll be spending some time reviewing it in more detail

I am excited to shoot this. I have been shooting a 450 Dakota for the last few months and I just got back from Jay's Libby MT big bore shoot where I was able to put about 35 rounds down the pipe in a 4 hour period with reasonable accuracy - although the last 5 or so shots saw me a little rummy. I am hoping this will get me ready for the 505 Gibbs. I am sure it will be worse.

the filler idea is something I had never heard of so that is good info. Has anyone used Shotgun buffering? I assume this would not be a good thing as it might mix with the powder. I read on line about a guy who used toilet paper.

If you keep the 525 gr bullets at normal Gibbs speeds you'll probably find the recoil similar to your Dakota with 500 gr bullets. The paper numbers are very similar.

Some people like slower powders like H4831SC because the loading density is higher. I like R-15. It takes less powder and has less recoil at equal velocities but the loading density is high enough that fillers aren't necessary. Accuracy is fine, too.

First run of Norma brass is quite thin. will give at least the standard 10 reloads if pressures are kept within spec. The current runs of Norma 505 are intended for use with .408 as well and so are much stronger.

I would caution against going too high- the amount of metal removed from the bolt face is greater than with most normal cartridges and creates a weak spot that is prone to letting go- hence CZ mark what their rifles are considered safe with. If you Use Rel 15 (Norma 203B) and drive a 525grn bullet at 2300fps you are right on the max pressure for a CZ rifle (55,000PSI). Stronger cases will enable you to increase that by a fair margin...BUT...bolt set back and creaping headspace are quite common if you insist on pushing the pressure limits too high for too long.

quote:

Originally posted by Don Heath:
First run of Norma brass is quite thin. will give at least the standard 10 reloads if pressures are kept within spec. The current runs of Norma 505 are intended for use with .408 as well and so are much stronger.

I would caution against going too high- the amount of metal removed from the bolt face is greater than with most normal cartridges and creates a weak spot that is prone to letting go- hence CZ mark what their rifles are considered safe with. If you Use Rel 15 (Norma 203B) and drive a 525grn bullet at 2300fps you are right on the max pressure for a CZ rifle (55,000PSI). Stronger cases will enable you to increase that by a fair margin...BUT...bolt set back and creaping headspace are quite common if you insist on pushing the pressure limits too high for too long.

some nice news:
Jamison is having a sale on 505Gibbs. I suppose in the light of all the above one should first verify that the brass is the stronger brass that is up to 'modern pressures' 60-65k PSI.

quote:

Buy Now Before the Sale Ends.....

Jamison International .505 Gibbs Overstock Sale
Ends September 12th, 2011


We have too much .505 Gibbs Magnum brass in storage that must go. Place an order for .505 Gibbs brass now through September 12th and get 20% off. This is a one-time deal so buy now before you miss your chance to get these rare cartridge cases at such a low price.

Thanks, I ordered some. I dropped them a note asking if it is able to be loaded as the higher pressures. I'll report back if I get a reply.

Here is the reply I recieved:

"The head and web hardness is identical to the 408 CheyTac. The 408 CheyTac will withstand 64K PSI ( that is the meen operating pressure in the chamber)"

Sounds like the 505 is good to go.
So you can reconsider those 600 grain loads at 2400fps and plus. Or 525 grains at 2550+ et al.

It's an awesome, monster cartridge.

quote:

Originally posted by 416Tanzan:
Sounds like the 505 is good to go.
So you can reconsider those 600 grain loads at 2400fps and plus. Or 525 grains at 2550+ et al.

It's an awesome, monster cartridge.

You are a glutton for punishment.

.

"You are a glutton for punishment"

525gn at 2500fps is OK, about he same in recoil as 600gn at 2270fps (which is what I use), but yes I agree 600gn at 2400fps is starting to get a bit punishing, even with a well designed stock. I don't think that much speed is really necessary, but even so it is still under max as I believe you can get 2500fps with 600gn bullets, so yes I also agree it is an "awesome, monster cartridge". Great fun to own and shoot, and hunt with.

416Tanzan,
Regarding the 49/10 (.500 Lapua) 12.7x68, etc.:

quote:

Originally posted by 416Tanzan:

1. Do you suppose that there would be any problem for Rusty to build on a Ruger Hawkeye Alaskan? i suppose I need to pose that question to Rusy.

I would not presume to speak for Rusty, but Jeffeosso has some experience with that!
Rusty has a Duane Wiebe 6MX 3+1 500 Jeffery box to fit to an FN M98, and a Sunny Hill drop floor plate to fit to an M70 Winchester.
The Wiebe box can hang below a standard Mauser stock, the Sunny Hill will require a new McMillan Winchester Safari stock.
But I have to see how Rusty makes both of those feed first!
So can't speak for the Ruger, yet.

2. On headstamping,
a. do you have examples of a 338Lapua brass with enough room to type in "49/"?
b. is there a trick to punching numbers without damaging the case?
c. what/how do you recommend?

There is plenty of room on the Lapua case on either side of the shield to fit it in. I have done some scratching with a Dremel engraver, but it is just too ugly to show.
I have ordered some metal stamping tools from Brownells. Will post pic when I get it done.


d. do places like Jamison International ever sell basic, unstamped brass in "rigby" size? (I don't see this on the web, but I rembmer something like Hornady '375 HH basic', which wouldn't work but is a nice
precedent.

I have tried in the past to get basic brass from Jamison and Hornady, to no avail. I do have 100 pieces of Norma basic cylindrical .416 Rigby brass with blank headstamp,
found on the shelf of Reloader's Bench in Mt. Juliette, TN, years ago. That is saved for "404 RIP" stamping.

2RECON, Michael in Germany, has mentioned getting Horneber to make brass with the 12.7x68 headstamp.
That is the same cartridge as the 49/10.
Dies from Hornady will be marked with both designations.
After my recent experience with getting custom brass made, and hearing from others who also ended up with a batch of soft brass,
I prefer to fire form and mark my own cases from the best brass in the world: .338 Lapua Magnum from Lapua.

It might be nice to put a diagram and some of this information on AmmoGuide.

Hey,
Ammoguide cannot even get a case capacity correct. They only allow what they calculate.
They are consistent. Consistently wrong. On everything, unless they get lucky and the calculated jives with someone else's real measurement.
I am a member there, but they are way down on my list of priorities.
Also this is just my hobby fun and I do not tolerate tedium.
A search at ar.com is "where it is at"
for anyone who is more than just an "ammoguider."

In my experience, there is a big and remarkable improvement in incapacitation and killing power between bullets of 570 or 600 grains at 2,200 fps, compared to the same bullet weights when driven to 2,500 fps.

I am talking about putting huge, heavy animals, like Cape buffalo, down hard on the ground, fast and to stay.

As for recoil, I have no problems with the 570 grain Barnes TSX at 2,500 fps in my AHR-made .500 A-Square. When hunting, I don't even feel the recoil. I absolutely love that rifle for heavy game.

I say go for it!

I don't have the 'hang' of AR.com searches yet.

When I type in
'case diagram'
or 'cartridge diagram'
and add any of 49-10 and 500 on a lower line in advanced search:

I don't find the 49-10 or even Jeffeoso's AccRel series. Strange.

Strange.
I put just this: 49-10
into the search on big bores page and went straight to the last thread I started on the 49-10:

http://forums.accuratereloadin...043/m/5931027531/p/1

You will find the reamer drawing, load data, and a cartridge drawing there, if you scan through the 6 pages of that thread.
Here is a drawing:



And you posted several times between the two spots on pages 5 and 6 where the drawing of the cartridge is posted, eh?
You pulling my leg?

BTW:
3.590" COL is for the M70 Winchester RUM/Sunny Hill.
3.500" COL is for the Mauser 98 with Duane Wiebe box.

Might as well just standardize to 3.500" and reinforce the front of that RUM box.

"Scope lightly and carry a big kick and you shall go far."
Theodore Roosevelt, from The Happy Hunting Ground.

Thanks, RIP.

I wasn't aware that that thread had the full or latest info. And in any case, I hadn't pulled those pictures down and placed them in a file, yet. Now I've done so, and reread. (I don't know why typing in 'case diagram' blocked that thread in 'find'.)

BTW,
those are pretty pictures of blown-out 338 Lapua cases. I did notice the scuffing on the head, but it sounds like Rusty has slicked up your chamber now.

a. what are the 'donuts' that you are happy not to see? Blackened, stretch-cracks/holes in the brass, or thick bright bands around neck/shoulder, or what?

b. during the thread you explained how nice the Lapua brass was, yet you talked about more simply trimming (after cutting down?) some Hornady 416 Rigby brass after you get your 49-10 dies. Would the latter process produce rounds that were good to go as new, or would they still need a first firing?

Question 'b' will end up important for my planning.
I load things up in the US once a year and ferry them over to Africa where components to reuse them are unavailable. Additionally, once the rifle would be in Africa it would be difficult to fireform new brass in the US.

But if the cartridge is good enough it would be worth the hassle, and I figure that bettering 500NE ballistics in a moderate-cost, lighweight, bolt-rifle would be worth it.

Thanks again. I'll post this on that thread, so that you can answer there.

This is a great thread. I have just shot my new 505 on a Hartmann &Weiss action and I am impressed but definitely see the need to practice. So now I buy RCBS dies, shellholder 47, 525 woodleigh solids for elephant I have already and it seems if I do not want to use a filler IMR 4831 is the choice for 2300 fps. How do I prime it is it working with standard equipment? Many thanks!

The reason is because before you yanks came along with the requirement for ultra heavy ultra tough softpoints to pass through 85 telephone books soaked in water, two powerpoles and a cement buffalo statue people got by with regular lead softpoints, SD .3 on largest game

The other reasons in my opinion was Gibbs was no fool and realised A. recoil would be down a bit and B. he could then step the velocity up to be a little flatter trajectory and impact velocity into the category you get 'lights out' kills on medium game. Aka the same reason people loved the 416rigby for expansion on charging lion as we have all read about etc etc. He was cashing in on a couple of marketing angles to separate his piece from the 470 and 500nitro maybe

quote:

Originally posted by Karl:
The reason is because before you yanks came along with the requirement for ultra heavy ultra tough softpoints to pass through 85 telephone books soaked in water, two powerpoles and a cement buffalo statue people got by with regular lead softpoints, SD .3 on largest game

The other reasons in my opinion was Gibbs was no fool and realised A. recoil would be down a bit and B. he could then step the velocity up to be a little flatter trajectory and impact velocity into the category you get 'lights out' kills on medium game. Aka the same reason people loved the 416rigby for expansion on charging lion as we have all read about etc etc. He was cashing in on a couple of marketing angles to separate his piece from the 470 and 500nitro maybe

+1

(Own a .505 Gibbs on Golmatic action)

Contrary to popular belief I believe most of the 500 actually need more velocity than they are loaded to by many.

I have seen and know of instances wherein the 500 and 577s failed to penetrate and that was due to a lack of velocity..

I have run tests on the 500 and 505 and both enetrate more as the velocity goes up, 2400 FPS in a 50 and up is ideal for the most penetration..

A good load of a 525 or 535 gr. bullet at 2300 FPS is about ideal IMO.

I beieve this is limited to Elephant hunting and perhaps on dry land Hippo, where penetration is crucial. On buffalo or Lion it makes no difference at all, as far as I can tell.

Haven't had a chance to try my 500 Jeffery shooting 570g TSX's at 2300 fps on anything but mule deer and a feral hog to date (no bullets recovered lol). The same bullet at 2410 fps is a bit too much of a good thing for me (funny how another 2g of powder and 100 fps makes such a subjective difference in recoil). I do believe a 570g Woodleigh PP or Solid at 2300 fps should do the job out of a 505 Gibbs or 500 Jeffery, since the 500 NE shooting the similar bullets at 2150 fps has a pretty stellar reputation.

On a recent pig hunting trip I shot a reasonable sized bore from around 50 yards facing me with my .500 A2 using the woodleigh 570 gr soft it Chrono's at around 2250 fps (102 gr of Varget if I recall correctly...safe in my rifle) and did not get an exit I was really suprised. I expected an exit from the .500 A2 on a feral pig with this bullet. So given that the 535 gr would give a lot less expansion, the pig did go down like it had been hit with a bolt of lightening however,

With all due respect I find that my 505 Gibbs is the least shot Bigbore in the arsenal. I built it on a Vector action with a CNC barrel/ island from Butch Searcy. I did all the machine work and stocked it myself with very elegant checkering. It may actually be the nicest BigBore I've ever built, however it's just not exciting enough! I have pushed 600 gr bullets through it and it's damn accurate but just doesn't get my juices flowing. I seem to enjoy calumets above and below the Gibbs much more.

Yup, you can get over 2500 fps with 570g bullets in the 500 Jeffery and stay well within CZ pressure limits using IMR 4350. It was too much of a good thing for me. I use H4895 and keep velocities down to 2300 fps. I imagine recoil in the 505 Gibbs will be a tad more stiff due to the larger case capacity.

In the end don't we want penetration to the
needed degree with the bullet we're using? If
yes, then get some solids and expanding bullets
that you like that give at least .300 S/D; and
fire them at a velocity that gives you your
desired penetration, so long as pressure stays
within safe levels. (.300 S/D refers to D/G; use
less S/D if you like, on non D/G.)

quote:

Originally posted by PC:
On a recent pig hunting trip I shot a reasonable sized bore from around 50 yards facing me with my .500 A2 using the woodleigh 570 gr soft it Chrono's at around 2250 fps (102 gr of Varget if I recall correctly...safe in my rifle) and did not get an exit I was really suprised. I expected an exit from the .500 A2 on a feral pig with this bullet. So given that the 535 gr would give a lot less expansion, the pig did go down like it had been hit with a bolt of lightening however,

I have hit 3 pigs with 525gn Woodleigh RNSN bullets driven at 2500fps. Two out of 3 bullets were recovered flattened against the fighting shield on the other side of the pig with 80% or better retained weight, (quartering shots). The pigs dropped as if poleaxed.

However I would not use that load on buffalo or other large dangerous game, as you would not be able to guarantee the needed penetration. Woodleighs work best if kept within their design impact velocity rating, which for those bullets is 2200fps. If you used 600gn PPSN Woodleigh softs or either 525gn or 600gn Woodleigh Solids, 525gn or 600gn North Fork cup point solids, Barnes 525gn TSX, or the new Non Con 485 gn hollow points from CEB, I believe you would definitely get a pass through at any velocity above 2000 fps, up to probably 2400 with the 600gn PPSN, but up to as fast as you can stand with any of the others.

Hey guys, great thread!

I don't have extensive experience, but I'll give you my 2 cents. I have a .505 Gibbs built by D'Arcy Echols on a H&W action. I settled on Horneber brass, 130gr of IMR 4831 and 525gr Barnes Banded solids. This load produces ~2260fps. It's a manageable load, but my typical range session was capped at 10 rounds. Some days 6 was enough for me. I shot more than 100 rounds throughout the spring and summer. I love the rifle and caliber!

In August I successfully complete my first Elephant hunt. I shot my bull at 45 yds with a heart lung shot. He ran 10yds and collapsed! The banded solid was retrieved from beneath the skin on the far side. It did not "tumble" 180 degree, and appeared to travel in a straight line. The exit hole in the top of the heart was 6-8" diameter.

I have no desire to change my recipe!

Bryan

This weekend I went through 30 rounds with my 505 and the recoil was not a problem off sticks. Loaded with barnes 525gr tsx at 2270fps by chronograph using 144gr RL25 in Jamison brass. I use Jamison also in my 375/408. I believe 2270 is the max recommended for the 525tsx. Accuracy off sticks to 200yds was 2-3". Fun rifle!

quote:

Originally posted by Bryan W:
I have a .505 Gibbs built ... on a H&W action .

Sheer class, congratulations!