NitroX
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| (.700 member) |
| 27/10/13 03:13 PM |
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Re: .500 NE Velocity / Power for Buffalo
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Quote:
Bullet selection is pretty limited in Canada for this caliber. Barnes are reasonably easy to get, Woodleighs show up only very rarely, and Swift does not export to Canada at all. The rifle is a Heym PH 88B. Each barrel on it's own is extremely accurate, but the composite group, not so much unless the load is reduced. With the reduced load, it is child's play to tear the centre out of the bullseye with the composite group. I will try other bullets, and maybe other powders and will get the velocity up toward full power to see what happens. I do appreciate all the good advice everybody has shared - thank you! I suppose I was hoping that with a bullet that large/heavy, I could live with the reduced from full power load so the gun regulated well. Looks like I'm headed back to the load bench and lots more range time!
I know what the regulater at Heym would say ... at least I believe I know. That would say the rifle has been regulated with a scope so should be shot with one.
A customer must have asked for the scope to be fitted and have it regulated with it, as it is unusal for a .500 NE to be scope sighted.
I would also suggest trying some Woodleighs in it, different powders etc.
I would like to ask when the rifle was made? Does it specifially state Hornady DGX's as the factory regulation loads? Are these projectiles mono-metal bullets or solid partition style bullets (ie a sold cross section) in the bullet?
Personally I don't go near monometal bullets or partition style-solid cross section type bullets in any of my doubles. The exception would be bullets with decent RAISED driving bands ie "raised" bands, not grooves cut into the solid shanks.
Lastly if I was hunting buffalo with a .500, I would personally not worry too much about using your lower velocity "accuracy" load at around 1850 fps. I would try to improve on it, but would use it if necessary. The factory loads regulation/accuracy at 10 inches is unworkable.
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So, I've pondered the good advice the membership has graciously shared (thanks to all !!!) and I am going to embark upon a path of alternate powders as the 1st order of business.
At the risk of imposing further, I am interested in pet loads anyone might be willing to share using the following powders I have on hand:
1. Varget (A2208)
2. IMR 4320
3. H380
4. RL-22
...
For more suggested loads try doing a search on the "Reloading for Doubles" forum using criteria such as "500", "500 NE", "500 Nitro Express", and there should be some members loads listed on that forum.