i just bought a cz550 in 416 rigby and would like to explore the possibility of using 350 gr gas checked cast bullets in it. i have never used cast bullets in anything and have no idea of what to expect.

please tell me any experiences, opinions, and advice,handloading info or hunting stories that any of you might have. accuaracy? at what velocity does leading the bore become a problem? any info and/or hunting stories are greatly appreciated.

With a gas check and good lube at reasonable velocities you should not have to worry about leading. Of greater concern is POI. See the thread on the 75% rule. I have not tried it but I might!
Peter.

thanks peter

where can i find the thread on the 75% rule?

I AM NOT THE AUTHOR OF THIS THREAD!
You can find it on the Doble Riflr forum.

Posted 23 August 2007 11:48
Basically my 75% rule is, take a bullet that weighs @75% of the standard weight bullet for your double, load the same powder charge, and it will hit to the sights, ie. the same place as the full power charge.

This 75% bullet load has less recoil, a little more velocity, and with the right construction the bullet is great for deer/pigs/black bear etc.

Make your elephant gun into a fun "pig" gun that kills better than the heavier constructed softs you normally use.

A buddy of mine has a Chapuis 470 double with a Swarovski 1-4 in claw mounts.

I finally got a chance to help him load some ammo today.

We had some 350gr Hawk Flat Point bullets with the .035jkt.

In other Chapuis 470's, 80gr of IMR 3031 has proven to be a perfect load.

So we loaded up 12 rounds with 75 grains of IMR 3031 and 5 grains of poly. [Always start low, and work up].

Why 3031, I have a lot of it on hand, and it has proven itself perfect for these 75% loads. In my 450 No2 I get the same results with IMR 3031, IMR 4831, and RL 15.
I use RL 15 for full power loads and 3031 for the 75% loads.
The first 2 rounds shot by me kneeling [no benches in the woods] were touching at 50 yards.

However they were about 6" high and 3" right.

When he shot the groups were in the same place.

No pressure signs, so we went back home and loaded 12 more woith 80gr of IMR 3031 and 5 grains of poly, and just for fun 2 rounds of 50gr of IMR 4198 with 15 grains of poly filler, this is a Nitro for Black equivelent load.

WE went back to the woods.

This time the 80gr load hit spot on with the ion sights [the irons are spot on with Federal Factory 500 grainers.

The scope hit an inch high and right but he had the scope sighted in with some 500gr lead loads from Superior.

At about 30 yards the Nitro for black loads also ht with the sights.The NfB loads have almost no recoil. They usually hot with the sights at 50 yards but hit a lower than the other loads at 100 because of their reduced velocity usually around 1700 to 1800fps.

These lighter loads are a great way to get more fun shooting and local hunting with your doubles.

So far my 75% rule has worked in several 450/400's and several rifles in the 450 to 475 class.

As have the Nitro for Black loads, for even less recoil.

You might want to give them a try.

Just remember the powder charge is the same, the BULLET weighs 75% of the regular/regulated load.

DOUBLE RIFLE SHOOTERS SOCIETY

budiceale. I have a 416 Rigby and a 500/416 double. I did buy a bunch of cast, gaschecked bullets, but I can't remember who from! I have not used them in my Rigby, but did try them in my Kreighoff, where I came upon the POI problem. I really need to revisit them. More of a problem for a double than for a bolt action, but still annoying!
Peter.

Go to the Cast Boolits website at:

www.cb.gunloads.com

and search for ".416". There will be considerable information for you to have a look at.

I use the RCBS 416-350 bullet in my .416 Rigby, and in my wheelweight alloy it casts at 365 grains. I've used it at speeds from about 1100 fps all the way up to almost 2700 fps. Also, if hunting with cast bullets interests you, do a search over there on Cast Boolits for "softnose" and "softpoint". There's a method for casting two-alloy bullets with pure-lead noses and harder shanks.

thanks to everyone for the input and information. bren....could you give me some idea of a load that pushes a 350 cast bullet at 1800-2000?