Okay guys, I finally picked up a double rifle. It is a used Searcy 470 NE. I have been acquiring the necessary reloading components, and I have a friend with extensive reloading experience to walk me through this.

The paperwork from Searcy indicates that the rifle is regulated with 106 grains of IMR 4831, using Jamison brass, Woodleigh 500 grain soft points, and Federal 215 magnum primers for 2150 fps.

So far, I have obtained RCBS dies, Woodleigh 500 grain bullets, Federal primers, and the 500 grain lead bullets from Huntington’s.

Last night, I picked up some Accurate 5744, Reloader 15, and IMR 4831. I also picked up some lower weight 475 bullets, including 400 grain Hornaday and 325 grain Speer.

I am waiting for the 470 shell holder, which should arrive early next week. After that, I think I am good to go.

From having reviewed numerous posts on this site, I have an idea of how to set up some loads for the Woodleigh and 500 grain cast bullets.

The plan is to load the Woodleigh 500 grain SP with Reloader 15 at 84 grains, 85 grains, 86 grains, 87 grains, and 88 grains. It is my understanding that the Federal load is 87 grains of Reloader 15.

I don’t plan to check different loads for the IMR 4831, and will stick with Butch’s load of 106 grains.

Using the 500 grain cast bullets, I will try 45 grains of the 5744, as that load has been posted on several occasions as being a good one with a few different rifles. I will bracket that with loads at 43, 44, 46, and 47 grains of 5744.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a different approach to trying out some of these loads.

I realize that the lower weight bullets, at 325 and 400 grains, may regulate very differently, but I thought I would try some light loads to get acquainted with the recoil of the 470. Does anyone have any experience/suggestions for loads for these bullets. I realize that they are pistol bullets, and I would not use them on any game animal, although it would be interesting to see what they do with ground squirrels, etc…

Can someone comment on what to expect with barrel leading with the use of the 500 grain cast bullets. Would it be a mistake to shoot the Woodleigh bullets after the cast bullets? What do you use to remove the lead?

Also, what is the reputation of Jamison brass? I bought it because that is what Butch used for the regulation load, but should I be buying Norma brass instead?

Sorry guys, I realize there are a lot of questions. Any help would be appreciated.

Will