I guide leopard hunts in Africa using hounds. The leopards generally charge. I would like to use a lighter load (like a 325 grain hollow point made by Barnes) that would expand quickly and do some damage.
I have been trying to regulate at 50 yards with Reloader 15--anywhere from 90-107 grains. Best group is about 4 inches. They chronograph from about 1975 to 2250 fps.
Any suggestions--another powder, another bullet, etc??

I would go with a very soft 450 or 500 grain bullet, such as a 0.025" jacket hawk (www.hawkbullets.com).

Start at 30 grains of XMP5744 powder and work up in 5 grain increments. It should regulate in the range of 45 to 70 grains. I find that 45 grains regulates great with lead 500 grain bullets.

But for charging leopard does it really matter what the regulation is?

I will offer 2 solutions.

ONE: My "75% rule. Start with Hawk .025 or .030 bullet at 75% the weight of your standard bullet. IE, 570 X .75 = 427.5gr [choose the Hawk closest to this weight] With the same powder charge as your regular load.
Work up or down a few grains to see if you get regulation.

This formula has worked in 470, 450 No2, and 450/400 doubles.

TWO: If ONE does not work. Use a Hawk bullet in the .025 or .030 jacket is the same weight as your regular load, start with the same powder charge. Adjust accordingly till you get regulation.


If your regular powder does not work, try IMR 3031 with either or both bullets at the weight in grains that your rifle was proofed for in Cordite. Start 5 grains lower than your rifle says on the bbl flats and work up till you get regulation or pressure signs.

WARNING... WARNING... You MUST use filler with IMR 3031, [or RL 15 for that matter] Either Poly or foam.

What is your standard load with soft and solid for your 500?
Keep us posted on what your results are.