450-400 3" NE - 330gr Cast Boolit Load?

[Tommaso]

All ~

I have found several threads *almost* giving me the info I was looking for. I want to develop a cast-bullet load for my 450 400 3" NE, using the 330gr Lyman 412263. I found no data for this or a similar bullet.

Rifle: Ruger No. 1--so no double-barrel regulation issues.
Use: Target shooting--my club allows me to use the Ruger for traditional single-shot matches. Range: 100 yards.
Powder: smokeless, preferably one that gives me volume--I am reluctant to use fillers.
Desired velocity: about 1500 f/s.

I scoured several handloading manuals, but was unable to find info. Any load-data help for bullets at least in the range of that which I have listed would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance!

[Golfswithwolves]

I have used Trail Boss powder in this rifle, but with 400 grain bullets. Probably you know: the maximum load is the one which reaches the bottom of the bullet as seated, the starting load is 70% of the maximum.

[Tommaso]

Thanks, Golfswithwolves. Matter of fact, I didn't know that--although I have handloaded for over 20 years, I have always stayed within the safe confines of published load data, and only now I am hitting the terra incognita of exotic cartridges with cast bullets. So thanks for the info!

How did the Trail Boss powder perform in your 450/400, and do you think that the same formula would apply to a lighter bullet such as the 330-grainer? What kind of velocities should I expect? Thanks again.

[fouronesix]

The closest cartridge I have to the 400 J NE. is a 44-90 SBN. I've had good luck with about 24 gr of 5744 with low density dacron filler under a 420 gr cast for a MV of about 1175 (and BTW extremely low vel SD). No reason a similar load wouldn't work in the 450-400, 3". Probably no issues starting at the 24 gr load of 5744 w/dacron under a 330 gr bullet then work up to the desired MV of 1500. For smokeless loads, a gas checked bullet may work better than a plain base.

The only other calibers I have that are fairly close in capacity are a 45-110 and a 450 Watts Mag. But they are both "straight wall", so not as similar to the 400 J NE. as the 44-90 SBN.

Oh and if you don't want to use a filler then the bulkiest powders better suited for that large a case while still being slow enough burning would be 4759 or 5744. Trailboss will also likely work, but it is a much faster burning powder that just happens to be very bulky (very low density). :)

[Tommaso]

Fouronesix, your post convinced me to scour my area for a can of 5744, a powder I'm hearing wonders about. This morning I drove 1 1/2 hours each way to get it, and I believe it will be worth it. The Lyman CB loading manual lists it for almost every caliber I like, and your mentioning it in the context of the 450 400 NE did it. I load other calibers that, as far as I could find out, list that powder as near-ideal with CB loads--like the 8x50R's (Lebel and Mannlicher), the 8mm Mauser and more.

By the way of 450 400, I was able to find this information several pages into a Google search. In a Feb, 2012 Handloader Magazine article, John Barsness is quoted as writing--about the 450/400 3":

"The boys at Western Powders have a formula for finding a starting load with 5744: 1) fill a case with 5744 to about where the base of a seated bullet would be; 2) weight the powder and 3) use 40% of that powder charge. The formula resulted in a charge of 23 grs, producing a muzzle velocity of around 1,000 fps. Since 1,400 fps was the goal, I divided 1,400 by 1,000 and multiplied 23 by the result (1.4), a technique that can be used with any single-base smokeless powder."

That confirms your 24-gr starting point, and makes me think that a 30(ish) grain load would really bring the cartridge to life.

Thank you again for your kind advice.

Tom

[fouronesix]

Good that you found the starting charge formula for 5744. You shouldn't have any problem getting to the 1400-1500 fps objective in the 400 Jeffery. Acceptable accuracy will then become the challenge.

A friend shoots some cast loads in his 416 Rigby using 5744 and says it works well in that cartridge.

You may notice "ghost" kernels of burned powder after firing 5744. It is normal, doesn't seem to affect anything so I ignore it. You may find a load level where those kernels disappear- just have shoot some and see.

If all that works well with the Lyman plain base bullet- then all's good. If however you get leading or less than acceptable accuracy, I'd seriously consider using a gas checked bullet. Since the .411-412 type rifles are somewhat uncommon you might have to get a custom or semi-custom mold. You can design your own through Mountain Molds. Or contact Accurate or NOE molds and see what they have for your bore specs.

[Tommaso]

Thank you again, Fouronesix. This is truly valuable advice.