Bill, too bad the only powders sold in France are Vectan (by Nobel Sport) and Vihta. They both make good powders but we don't have the range and variety available in North America. Worse still, I suspect that some of the powders sold under American manufacturers' labels is made in Europe, but no one will tell you which ones. Probably a lot of liability issues and proprietary relationships at stake.

I am considering working up loads for the 350 grain lead cast bullet in .416 Rigby. I have the RCBS mould (although my first efforts yielded 330 grain bullets)but would like to know what powders and charge weights any of you might have found successful. If you have worked up loads with Vihta powders it would be helpful to me as I have access to those powders (as well as French powders by Nobel)but would be able to cross reference if your experience is with US powders only. One question I have is: "how do deal with all the extra space in this big case?"

Wink,

Check the Cast Bullets forum, too.

George

Thanks George, I'll post the question in the cast bullet forum as well.

Wink: I had a lot of fun with that RCBS bullet, gas checked, in Norma cases over 52 grains of Accurate Arms XMP5744, which I believe is a Czech powder. The load was just over 2000 fps and gave five-shot groups of about an inch and a half at 100 yards out of a Ruger No. 1 with Weaver K 2.5 scope.
Easy on the shoulder, too!