While testing some plinking loads for my 404 Jeffery with 300 grain Hawks, I found a trail of powder in the barrel. I was using 85 grains of Hogden 4831 SC.

The same powder charge with 380 grain North Forks left no unburnt powder in the bore.
Both loads loaded from the same batch of powder and both fired on the same day.

Same primers, Federal GM215M.

Your thoughts?

Rusty

Pressure is too low with the 300 grain bullets for 2213SC....sorry H4831SC

Varget (2208) I would think is an ideal powder for the 404....for both light loads and full power loads.

85 grains and the 225 grain Hornady in the 378 (no filler) shoots an inch, the barrel is left clean and velocity is just under 2700. That is about 15 grains less than a maximum load for Varget with 225 grain bullets. Pressure is so low that bullets are a press fit into a fired case.

I have never loaded for a 404 but have done so for the 416 Rem.

If you are looking to full loads being those that would be around the original ballistics of about 2150 with 400 grainers plus plinking loads I think Varget willmdo the full range for you and pressure will still be mild with 400 grainers at the 2100-2200 area.

Mike

Rusty,

In developing loads for my 470 with 400gr Hawks I noticed the same thing with IMR4831. I chalked it up to the bullet exiting the barrel before all the powder was consumed.