Does anyone use reduced loads in their 500 NE double? A friend wants to break himself in on a new 500 NE using reduced loads, perhaps with lead bullets. I've always just shot full-house loads, so i couldn't help.

Jon, been a while since I played with reduced loads in a .500 NE. I did do so a number of years ago. I had a load that regulated great in my Merkel. It was with a Moyer's Cast Bullet, .512 diameter, 515 grain FN and AA5744. I was using 40 grains of AA5744. Velocity was right at 1305 fps. Like I say, it regulated well but AA5744 is very "dirty". You end up with a lot of unfired powder granules that can be a mess with a double in the action. But at least that is a starting point.

Mike, thanks....I'll pass it on.

A fairly accepted reduction status is either reduce the weight of the bullet by 25% with the same powder charge or 75% of the powder charge with the stated bullet for that load
I have used cast bullet that weigh in at 515 grains with the same powder charge for the 570 grain. , 75% of 570 would be as low as 427grain

If the powder charge calls for 106 grains for the 570 bullet a reduction of powder down to 78 grains for the same bullet

I have read that reduction loads with out proper filler may cause ringing just forward of the chamber. Cal Papas would be a good source of loads he has used

Do a search on Trial Boss should be lots of good info if not flash me a PM

quote:

Jon, been a while since I played with reduced loads in a .500 NE. I did do so a number of years ago. I had a load that regulated great in my Merkel. It was with a Moyer's Cast Bullet, .512 diameter, 515 grain FN and AA5744. I was using 40 grains of AA5744. Velocity was right at 1305 fps. Like I say, it regulated well but AA5744 is very "dirty". You end up with a lot of unfired powder granules that can be a mess with a double in the action. But at least that is a starting point.

that load is as stated dirty--- but works great--- and works under lead great--- to train kick it up 5-7 grains--- you get a little recoil to train w

In the Feb 15 issue of Handloader there was an article on Reduced Loads for Big Cases. AA5744 was the powder of choice. Like Trail Boss they filled the cartridge to the base of the bullet, then multiplied by .40 and that was your starting point. If the powder charge to the base of your bullet is 80grns x .40 = 32grns that will be your starting point. Like Trail Boss this will work with any bullet you choose.
Good Luck

Pretty easy method, for sure.

75% rule
Also use nitro for black load.
Cal

I do not reload. However, I started off shooting reduced loads that I bought from Superior. I would shoot 4 reduced then 2 full loads. I was a bit concerned with banging away all the time with full loads.

I stopped using Superior after their sale. The prices than doubled. I am now buying reduced loads from Safari Arms.

quote:

I am now buying reduced loads from Safari Arms.

Yes, John puts together good ammunition. You'll need the full-house loads on your Musk Ox hunt :-)

Jon:
Just shoot a .22.
Short, of course, not long rifle.
Cal