I'm getting ready to start working with my 500 NE Krieghoff for an August elephant trip. I plan to use the recommended regulation loads (H-4350) with 570 grain solids (several types to find the ones the rifle likes best) but would also like to find some reduced practice loads with Trail Boss, AA 5744, SR 4759, H-4198 or H-4895. I also found some cast bullet recommendations with RL-15 in Wright's book I plan to try. Any recommendations on starting loads and possibly some cast lead 0.509" bullets I might try? Thanks.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewP...productNumber=649301
For bullets

AA 5744 (will post amounts in a second)

.500 NE 3"

Jamison brass, CCI 200 primer, Cast Performance .510-500 (actual average ~ 528grs), AA5744 (of current manufacture)

40grs = 1409fps no pressure recorded (too low to move metal and affect resistance of the strain gage.
45grs = 1553fps same
50grs = 1705fps 23,300psiM43
55grs = 1806fps 25,900psiM43
60grs = 1986fps 32,100psiM43
65grs = 2125fps 38,900psiM43
65grs = 2115fps 38,900psiM43
65grs = 2094fps 36,900psiM43 (might not have gotten as good a crimp)

Leading is a problem but not bad under 1800 fps.

J. Lane Easter, DVM
DRSS
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That was from:

http://forums.accuratereloadin...451031051#6451031051

Other option is 450 gr Woodleigh with ~86gr of R-15 and a foam filler.

Bet this bullet could be loaded with AA 5744 to satisfaction...just have not done it.

As with anything in a double...regulation is always the limiting factor.

I use Huntington 550-grain gas checked cast bullets with AA5744 powder in the 40-55 grain range. They shoot well and the recoil is very manageable. I hope this helps.

ledvm, 500straight,

thank you both for the data. I'll load up a few of your suggestions and try it over the chrono to see how my DR compares. Trying to make sure I get plenty of shooting and loading practice but preserve the shoulder for a few full loads per session.

Personally I would not worry about reduced loads. Just get acclimated to the real MacCoy. Learning how to control your rifle is more important and reloading after two shots also. Want some downloads get a 12ga side by side and shoot slugs.

Mike

Mr. Podwika is spot on. Particularly with a .500 NE.

Psshaw!!! I shoot about 6-8 full house rounds in my .500 about once every 2-3 weeks. Then with some reduced loads...I just walk around my front pasture snap shooting things...good practice.

Find a really good load for your rifle that you want to hunt with and take them to the range and practice for accuracy and acustomization. Then shoot stuff like walking a can around on the ground or something with cheap loads. Your double will get like your shotgun or .22!

Agree with your practice philosophy. I use 15 reduced loads and 6 full power loads per weekly range session in my 458 Lott and 404 Ruger. It gets me all the reloading and shooting practice I need without beating me up each time. It makes me more accurate and faster than full house loads only. Others may see it differently.

Plan to do the same with the 500NE as soon as it gets back this week and also will shoot the cast bullets you use. BTW, just received the CEB BBW #13 570 grain 0.510" bullets from Mike today. They are very well made, so will try them to duplicate regulation loads over the next couple of weeks.

PM Dirk Lawyer. He has some great practice loads

quote:

Originally posted by BigBBear:
PM Dirk Lawyer. He has some great practice loads

450 Woodleigh over 86gr of R-15 with a Kynoch foam wad...was Dirk Lawyer's practice load. They are good. Just not as reduced as the AA 5744 loads.