500grains,

I have found that 105 grains H4350 with the Woodliegh 570 grain SN and a Fed 215 primer in HDS brass regulates perfectly in my Merkel .500 NE.

I also use the very same load with the Cast Performance 525gr. WFNGC .511 dia. The cast bullet makes a great practice load and costs about 1/3 of the Woodliegh. Mine shoots it to the same point and regulates just fine. It would also be a fine bullet for hunting non-dangerous critters.

Like you, I am not interested in shooting R15. I tried a few loadings early on and found it not to be as accurate in my .500 as the H4350. Contrary to popular opinion I notice no difference in recoil.

I hope this is helpful to you,
Curl