50 S&W Reduced loads

[MnMike]

I am going to try the 50 s&w in a Handi. I want a reduced load. The only one I have found is for Titegroup. I have seen bad accuracy reports for that one. I hate to buy a pound of powder just to get a bad load. I have been studying my manuals and from other calibers I think I could use 10 gr of Blue Dot (which I have) for a load around 1000 fps with 336 gr. Ranier bullets. I have always used tested loads from the manuals in the past. Am I a fool to just try something that is not published?

thanks for any information,

mike

[stimpylu32]

Mike

Its always best to use proven data when loading , as far as a light load try some Trailboss from IMR , you can go as low as 7gr with a 440gr cast bullet , this will give about 650 FPS and a pressure of about 14,600 PSI , a very mild load .

stimpy

[MnMike]

Thanks Stimpy,

I looked at Trailboss, and that is my backup plan. I was hoping for something in the 1000-1250 fps range. The max for Trailboss is 12 gr giving about 930 fps. Richard Lee said that a powder a bit too fast for the weight bullet is a good choice for a reduced load. I found Blue Dot loads for a couple of  bullets in the 250 gr range, with smaller case sizes than the 500. I reduced these to give a starting point of 10 gr. Larger case, less powder = less pressure. That was my thinking anyway.

I guess I would feel safer with the Trailboss,

mike

[HEAD0001]

IMO you might find that blue dot to be case sensitive?  Did the loads you found say anything about a filler?

Stimpy, I have been wanting to buy some Trail Boss for 45-70.  Is the density of the powder as "light"   as they say?  Can I get good case "filling" out of a light load for a 45-70.

I have been considering a 460 S&W for my Encore, but I shoot alot of light loads, and I believe I will probably go with the 45-70 for that reason.  There is alot of tried and true light loads available for the old girl.  But then again I may go with the 500 S&W.  Tom.

[stimpylu32]

Tom

For the life of me i can not explain why but every pistol powder that i have tried in the 45/70 has worked very well , with Unique being my fav. , no matter what pos. the powder is in the case it works . as for TB it does fill the case better than the others but this has never been a problem with any of them .

stimpy