Rell,

I've done extensive work with the 400 Whelen over the last three years. I am using CH4D dies and both Qual Cart brass and Norma cylindrical 30-06 brass. I also fireformed some commercial and LC Match 30-06 brass using the Cream of Wheat method. It was a good way to get cases before I got my dies. I used a 41 Magnum die to neck size those fireformed cases prior to my CH4D dies arriving. RCBS will make the dies or at least they used to but they are 4 times the cost of the CH4D. I've been happy with the CH4D dies. The easiest way to make sure you get the right dies is to fireform a few cases then load them with a regular load using the 41 mag dies to neck size and as I did, a 458 Win mag seating die to seat the bullet. Fire these rounds and send three of the fired cases to CH4D. They catalog three variations of the 400 Whelen and will make sure you get the right one.

I have found H4895 to be the premier powder in the 400 Whelen though several other fellow 400 shooters have reported good success with TAC, H322, H335 and Reloader 10x. I have tried a lot of bullets in the 400 and just last week did the final work up on my loads with the Barnes 300 grain TSX and 62 grains of H4895. I am getting 2408 fps with that bullet. My favorite load uses the Woodleigh 400 grain round nose at 2150 with 58 grains of H4895. It's a tack driver and it really rolls caribou. I also have used the Hornady 400 RN with that load with good results. I have also found the Swift 350 grain A frame and North Fork 360 grain to be great shooters. The Hornady 300 grain FP and Spire points shoot very well but are so short they give feeding issues in my rifle, a left handed Winchester model 70. I tried the Hawk bullets in 300, 350 and 400 grains and got very inconsistent grouping with all but the 400 grain bullets. I also tried some of the old Barnes 300 and 350 grain X bullets. They shot well but that 350 X is in my opinion, too long a bullet for the case.

As for powders, anything slower than H4895 is going to give inadequate velocities. IMR 3031 works well with the 300 grain bullets buts is a bit on the fast side for the heavier bullets. I'd try to stay in the H4895 burn range.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the 400 Whelen. It has become my favorite rifle. It is easy to shoot well. If you can handle a 35 Whelen or 375 H&H you'll have no trouble with the recoil of the 400. Mine only weighs 8.5 pounds and I shoot it a lot and I still have my retinas attached.

Good luck with your 400. You love it.

Mart

Here's a few pics of mine. Sorry their not that great.