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A friend of mine has a very intriguing rifle and need load data a source to get cases it is stamped 500 nitro express
55 grns 440 grn bullet any info would be greatly appreciated
it is an alexander henry

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Steve,
55gns 440 bullet IS NOT 500 NITRO EXPRESS!!

This is the load for 500 NITRO for BLACK POWDER!!
This was a LIGHT NITRO load equal to the old Black Powder load!

Do not attempt to load cartridges to 500 Nitro Express specs for that gun under any circumstances!!

Any 500 with 55gn 440 bullet stamping has only been proofed for the black powder and Nitro for Black Powder loads.

500 Nitro Express loads develop pressures WAY ABOVE what that rifle is proofed for!!
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Graeme Wright has a load listed in his book "Shooting The British Double Rifle" for the 500 Nitro for Black load.
He suggests....
Bell cases.
95 grains Hodgden 4350 powder
1 X 1/2" felt wad over powder (no air space)
440 gn Woodleigh Bullet.
Federal 215 primer
Velocity...1,610fps
The pressure of this load ran 8.3 tpsi which is within proof.

Hope this helps, but try and get a copy of that book as you will find it very usefull.

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