Can anyone provide some advice on a practice load for a 500/465? hunting load is 102.5 grns of IMR4831 over woodleighs. Thanks

Just a word of caution here: do not/not use reduced loads of IMR4831. Risk of flashover and explosion exists.

In any case, barrels will likely not regulate if you use less than the hunting load. FYI My 500/450 regulates nicely with 97.5 grains of IMR 4831 with velocity just over 2000 fps.

What you might do is get some 350 grain heads -- they tend to be cheaper than the 480 grain Woodleighs that I use and shoot them for practice. Using the "rule of one third" a bullet that is 1/3 less in weight than the principle head tends to regulate with the SAME load of powder, although the rounds will print higher.

Regards

Tim is correct, although I call it the 75% rule. Try a 350gr bullet with your same powder charge. You can get them from Hawk bullets, get the .035jacket.

Also with the 350 gr bullet you can start with 70 grains of IMR 3031 and work up. You MUST use filler.

If you want a great practice load go to AA5744 powder (approx. 45 grains, which will get you 1400-1500 fps) with a #2 hard cast bullet (buy two or three different weight bullets) and see which one will regulate fairly well with your double and plink all day long.