I am planning to shoot 550gr cast bullets out of my .500 and was wondering how many of you have already done this in the past. Butch searcy told me to use 40grains of XMP 5744, so that is what I am going to start with. My question would be to whoever out there is what would be my absolute max that I could load up to with that powder.

I would also like to know where I could get a hold of .577 cast bullets and what XMP 5744 load to use in the .577

koboko.

i would email Accurate Powder Co. they will give you some recommendations.

Sounds like you will need alot of filler..

Mike

I do not think you are supposed to use filler with 5744???

I have never reloaded with it.

Do Not use filler with 5744

Thanks for the replies, Rusty, have you used this powder and what kind of velocity would one get with 40grains in a .500?

koboko

I use 37 gr. AA5744 F215, No Filler, 540 Gr, Lead cast Bullet, 1200 FPS pretty close to the same POI as the full loads with 500 GR. Woodleighs out to 50 yds in a 470 NE

In “Dangerous Game Riflesâ€, Terry Wieland mentions using 35gr of 5744 behind a 515gr cast bullet in his .500 NE for 1200fps. Said he got this recipe from Larry Barnett of Superior Ammunition.

In the index Terry also quotes general advice on 5744 in NE cartridges that he attributes to Johan Loubser of Western Powders.

- Determine the maximum charge per volume by filling the case to the base of the seated bullet.
- Multiply that value by 0.40 (40 percent)

“…That will be a good, safe, reduced load that will produce velocities of between 40 and 50 percent of a full-power load. One can then load up to 48 percent for maximum lead-bullet velocity. If you wanted to obtain the maximum possible velocity and pressure with jacketed bullets, it would be between 60 and 65 percent of full case-capacity.â€

Koboko,
I have not used 5744 in any of my Nitro Express loadings. I have used it as a reduced load for my 375 H&H.

I use 33-41 of 5744 in my .458 Lott under 500-550 grain LFN. I apologize as I have forgotten the velocity. I've yet to shoot with that powder without getting keyholes at 50 yards.

It's great for practice and to get used to cycling the action of the Lott.

I use 38 grains 5744 behind a 450 grain cast bullet in both a .500 NE Merkel and an American Rigby. Both regulate well with it. Speed is about 1250.

I have used 45 grains of the 5744 in my 500 with 500 grain gas check bullets and you'll get around 1450fps.

60 grains behind 440 grain Woodleighs gives me 1900 out of my 500 3 1/4" BPE.