I have recently purchased some 970-grain cast bullets for my .500 NE. However, I have no idea where to start with a load for these bullets. I have been reloading 550-grain cast bullets for awhile with good results using 40-60 grains of AA5744. I do not know what to use for a starting load with the 970-grain bullets? Does anyone have any ideas? Thanks.

Do you really mean 970 grains? Or do you mean 570 grains?

If you really mean 970 grains (you mentioned that weight twice)...I don't think that would be good idea. I can't imagine that it would stabilize in a standard 1 in 15" twist, let alone regulate. Also, that kind increase in bullet weight runs up pressures fast.
----------------------------------------
"Serious rifles have two barrels, everything else just burns gunpowder."

970 GRAINS !!!!!

That got everybody's attention!

quote:

Originally posted by BigFiveJack:
970 GRAINS !!!!!

That got everybody's attention!

It certainly got mine!

Yes, I mean 970-grain cast bullets for a .500 NE! Check out Ranger Rick's Bullets in Homer Alaska at http://www.lsstuff.com/ranger-rick/

Wouldn't even consider it, for the reasons given. Wouldn't be worth the risk due to unknown pressure alone.
-------------------------------------
"Serious rifles have two barrels, everything else just burns gunpowder."

quote:

By 400 Nitro Express
Wouldn't even consider it, for the reasons given. Wouldn't be worth the risk due to unknown pressure alone.

Nor I.

I take it Mr. 500strait is new to loading for double rifles, if that is what he has chambered for 500NE !


......... .......

STAND BACK GENTLEMEN! ONE PULL ON THE FRONT TRIGGER, AND THIS COULD GET UGLY!!!

Yikes! My idea would be to drill a hole in each, and use them for cod fishing.

How do you become a "master" bullet caster? I've cast thousands upon thousands of them, maybe i'm already there??? lol

Personally, i never could stomache those cod out of Cook Inlet! There's some mighty fine halibut in there though! I always use a 2 pound weight, when i fish them though.

DM

Ranger Rick says they are .512-caliber and 975-grain, not 970-grain. An FNGC. Flat Nose Gas Check.
He does not say much else about them, eh?


A 50-cal/975-grain cast lead bullet is certainly goofy ... unless it is meant for use in a 50BMG, just to get velocities down to prevent leading problems.
For 50BMG plinking purposes?
At about 2200 fps?

These would be great in a 500 Whisper or some such 975Gr Sub Sonic , very quite Buffalo shooting ?

Come now, those bullets would bounce off a cape buffalo at subsonic velocity.

OK guys,

I know that these bullets are certainly an oddity. I have been reloading cast bullets for some time now and ALWAYS reload by an well-documented recipe. I just thought they would be a great conversation piece at the range. How many of you have ever pulled the trigger with a 975-grain slug in the tube? I will keep looking for information.

Straight:

I get where you're coming from. Since the .500 NE is primarily a double rifle round, pressure tested load data for bullets not relatively close to the standard 570 grain weight, especially those significantly heavier, is hard to come by, as they're unlikely to stabilize or regulate. Since conventional pressure signs can't be relied on to keep you out of trouble when loading for a large bore flanged nitro double to begin with, you're blind without pressure tested data. Not a place you want to be with a double rifle. The novelty really isn't worth the risk.
-----------------------------------
"Serious rifles have two barrels, everything else just burns gunpowder."

quote:

Originally posted by 500straight:
OK guys,
How many of you have ever pulled the trigger with a 975-grain slug in the tube? I will keep looking for information.

I do it all the time.

RIP , I don't think they would bounce off , I have shot Water Buffalo , Bantang , Wild Cattle & Donkeys with Sub Sonic 45/70 and 500Gr cast bullets ! not saying this is the way to go as I got the shit stomped out of me by a Bantang Bull when I messed up and could not stop a charge (Big suprise , not really ).
Gatsby , now thats a rifle er gun , well it's beauiful for sure !

quote:

I just thought they would be a great conversation piece at the range.

BINGO!

"I don't care if it might screw up my gun and cost me $1000s of dollars to fix, my pecker is bigger than yours..."

Gatsby, that is all class. I like the headstamp too, a nice touch!

500S, I'd listen to 400NE, he knows what he speaks of. Also, I think the barrel time alone would make it hit wide of the aimpoint every time. I'd just have fun with those "little" 500-600 grain cast bullets and call it good.

Bob

BTW, I spent my 4 years at your current location back in the day.