93x64mm
(.416 member)
13/03/25 09:32 PM
Re: The book of the .500 express.

I had a Ruger No1 made up for a Group 3 & BP Express rifle for our BGR events.
Barrel length is 30.7" TSE barrel & overall weight 10lb 4oz

I would not recommend any of my 570gn loads as Quickload 'Estimates' this at over 42KPSI which is exceeds the 40KPSI limit of this cartridge!

Initially I rolled up some of Graeme Wright's NFB load to try first & see where the sights were going on a pig.
They certain did a great job on Porky!

NFB Load 72gn AR2208, Federal 215 Magnum primers, 20mm foam over powder wad, Hornardy brass & 440gn Woodleigh projectile designed for BP Express rifles.
Velocity 1827fps Average, unexpectedly there was a fair deviation between shots, but this load shot perfectly in a friend's Sabatti double, side by side at 25m!
OAL 90.3mm

When I stepped the 440gn Woodie behind 89gn of AR2208, Federal 215 Magnum primers,
recoil went up considerably as did velocity, averaging 2190fps with 16fps deviation. I can't remember if I used any foam over powder wadding but my notes say I didn't!
This was a Group 2 load should I use it for that event.
OAL 90.3mm

Next came the Group 3 loads, I was a lot fitter then & did it off the bench with a Past pad to help my shoulder!
Group 3 Load 92gn AR2208, Federal 215 Magnum primers, Hornardy brass & 570gn Woodleigh projectile designed for Nitro Express rifles.
Velocity was 100 higher than expected with Quickload, with 2157fps Average, there was 1fps deviation between shots, yes this was witnessed & boy was it a handful! My son has shot this standing up, made him take a step or two backwards on the first one he touched off!

BPE loads
125gn Wano 2F, Federal 215 primers, beeswax over powder wad & 0.6ml home made BP lube (50% each of Neatsfoot oil/Beeswax), Hornardy brass & 440gn Woodleigh BPE projectile.
Average 1282fps
OAL 93.2mm

This is longer than the bullet fitted to its cannelure to allow for the lube.
Never found this load good enough so went to Duplex loads.

Duplex load
110gn Wano 2F + 15gn AR2205.
This equates to 155gn BP being each grain of Nitro powder equals 3gn of BP.

Fit grease paper over powder wad between Nitro & BP powders
Again Federal 215 primers, beeswax over powder wad & 0.6ml home made BP lube (50% each of Neatsfoot oil/Beeswax), Hornardy brass & 445gn lead Paper Patch projectile CBE moulds.
Average 1686fps
OAL 91.25mm

Its been many years since doing these loads, not sure if I lubed the PP projectiles or lightly crimped the cases after using an 'M' die to open up the case necks to aid seating!
They shot okay from memory at 50m.
I have done hard cast & have the 340 & 400gn CBE gas groove moulds.
I used as best I can determine to be close to 6/2/92 Alloy mix.

340gn load (316gn cast)
Duplex load
110gn Wano 2F + 15gn AR2205.
This equates to 155gn BP being each grain of Nitro powder equals 3gn of BP.
Fit grease paper over powder wad between Nitro & BP powders
Again Federal 215 primers, beeswax over powder wad & 0.3ml home made BP lube (50% each of Neatsfoot oil/Beeswax), Hornardy brass & 340gn gas groove projectile CBE mould.
Average 1800fps
OAL 86.7mm

400gn load (388gn cast)
Duplex load
105gn Wano 2F + 15gn AR2205.
This equates to 150gn BP being each grain of Nitro powder equals 3gn of BP.
Fit grease paper over powder wad between Nitro & BP powders
Again Federal 215 primers, beeswax over powder wad & 0.3ml home made BP lube (50% each of Neatsfoot oil/Beeswax), Hornardy brass & 400gn gas groove projectile CBE mould.
Average 1679fps
OAL 88.7mm

The BP loads require a higher back sight setting to get on target at 50m compared to the NE loads.
All good fun clearing the range of mosquitos when you do so!



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