375-06 load data

[hornsurgeon]

i have a 375 wildcat based ont he 284 cartridge that i am starting to cast for. case capasity is similar to a 30-06 and will be using a 250 grain boolit. question for you guys is, what powder/load would you suggest? i have red dot, blue dot, unique and trail boss. i was also considering getting 4198 or 5744 as i have heard good things about them with cast. also, for now i am using lee's 38-55 bullet that is plain based, no gas check. will a slower powder like 4198 be ok without a check, or would i need to use a faster pistol powder?

[Boomer Mikey]

Look at 30-06 200 - 250 grain cast bullet load data. It'll be pretty safe for your wildcat as the 375 is over 30 cal bore size. I would also look at 35 Whelen load data.

4198 is one of our most versatile powders for rifle cast bullet loads as it's stable for reduced power thru full power loads. I prefer the Hodgdon version as it's stable over a wide range of temperatures. Other good powders are H322, H335, and H4895 for mid to full power loads. Fast burning pistol powders are typically better for reduced loads like Titegroup, Bullseye, WW231, Universal and Unique.

Here's a feature article by Paco Kelley that should provide you some ideas (the 35 Whelen info.) The article is a great read.

http://www.leverguns.com/articles/paco/small_charges.htm

If your bore's condition is good you should be able to reach at least 1400 - 1600 fps with a plain base without leading in a clean, smooth bore with all traces of copper fouling removed. Slug the bore and load bullets at least 0.002" over groove diameter.

Be safe,

Boomer :Fire:

[Buckshot]

...............What's the twist in your barrel? I have a 375-06 AI with a 12" twist. Accuracy with normal 375 weight cast boolits is pretty well limited to around 1600 - 1800 fps. However I've shot some NEI cast slugs of 328 and 352 grs up over 2100 fps and got 5 shot 100 yard groups of 3". While that isn't match grade, it's hunting grade and the rifle isn't a match rifle. Shoots tighter with jacketed.

Maximum effort powder is right at IMR4320 burn speeds. The above cast loads utilized surplus WC852.

http://www.fototime.com/E763D260E176835/standard.jpg

Starting on the left: 220gr 30 cal RNSP, 352gr NEI and next is loaded, then the 328gr loaded, a 300gr FMJ, and the 270gr Hornady.

...............Buckshot

[ozymandias]

I use the L375499GC over 37 gr. IMR 3031 in a 375-06 Improved and I've been pretty happy with it. I haven't clocked it yet, but, I suspect I'm in the 1800-1900 area, and my accuracy is good. The cases extract very easy and the condition of my primers indicate that I'm nowhere near max pressure.