G'Day Fella's,

Finally after far to long a wait, I've been shooting the .404!
A couple of weeks back, I received my loading dies from Bwana Bob, so I got to it and initially loaded some of Von Gruff's cast bullets (that he very kindly posted to me from NZ)!

Using the same recommended powder load as Von Gruff (63gr ADI AR-2209) but with RWS cases, Remington 9 1/2M primers and in my slightly over size bore for caliber. The rifle shot Five of the 340gr Gas Checked cast bullets into under an inch (0.875" best group), at 50 meters at a velocity of 1600 fps but with a large extreme spread, in velocity.

I also noted that there was a lot of unburnt powder left up the barrel after each shot (maybe 2 or 3 grains in weight), so I changed to CCI 250 Mag primers and also crimped the bullets in place. Next trip to the range there was no difference in the amount of Unburnt powder but the velocity was an average of 1705 fps, with a smaller extreme spread and std deviation (Oehler 35P).

The rifle still shot very well but I flinched a few shots this time which blew the groups out to around 1 1/2" in size. I have the worst flinch on the planet but I have a pretty good excuse for that. Anyway going on those results, I was still very pleased!

Just another Thank You to Von Gruff and Lindsay (Forgot your Forum name, is it Eagle 27?) for there advice and help with this project. You Kiwi Blokes, Are The Best!!!

HooRoo
and Merry Christmas to you all
From
Homer