Need mild 458 Win mag loads using RL-7

[azrednek]

I'm looking for suggestions for mild to medium loads for 458 Winchester Mag using RL-7 powder. I'll be shooting gas checked Lee 385 and 500 gr boolits. I was using 45/70 data using 2400 with good results but due to the shortages I want to save my 2400 and use up the RL-7. Your favorite 45/70 loads using RL-7 will be appreciated.

[stubshaft]

60.0 for the 500gr and 61.5 for the 385gr. This is the bottom of the load spectrum.


Good luck.

Joe

[MtGun44]

I would suggest mag primers, I had one fizzle with a std primer with RL-7 in .45-70.
Weird 'pop' and a bullet stuck about 1/4 length into rifling, powder spilled out into
action and there was a glazed/melted/scorched lump of powder that I shook out of
the case. No damage, but I also never got good accy from this powder, likely needed
better ignition. Ran out of RL-7 while trying loads without much success and never
went back. I've had excellent results with the other Reloader powders, so this one
was an real strange experience for me.

Bill

[azrednek]

Thx for the advice gentleman!! Once the shortages end I can concentrate on putting together a decent load for the 458. In the meantime I'm going to use what little 2400 I have left in my handgun loads.

I kind of got stuck with the RL-7. It was suggested to me by a dealer for use in my AR-15. He was out of practically everything else and I asked him for a good powder for 223 in a AR-15. I did find some 223/RL-7 data but I think the RL-7 is a bit on the fast side for an AR's gas system.