.500 SandW FTX bullets

[michaelt454]

Finally got my flex tip bullets for my 500 they have been on backorder for three weeks! Now just need to figure out where to start with the loading and which powder.  Think I'll start with lil gun or H110.  Does anybody have any recipes they might want to share?  These bullets already have a cannelure.  Going to shoot the 500 today with some hard cast I loaded up so I 'll post the results here soon. Thanks Michael T.

[cwlongshot]

 I got some data directly from Hornady. I have a few loaded but not shot yet. Waiting on a bit warmer weather. Doc dosen't want me staying out side too long just yet...

I am going shooting today too though... just inside.  Rifles not allowed, I doubt that the 500 would be OK indoors anyhow... I really wanted to pop a couple 45's in the 454 Casull I reamed though!! It will just have a wait a bit longer.


 CW

[michaelt454]

Thats good to know I'm going to look up that data and see how it goes after I go out and shoot a few reloads today.  It' sunny 80 plus here today come on down we'll go shoot!  Can't wait to see the fps you get out of your "new" 454.

[quickdtoo]

The FTX data is only available from Hornady, go to their contact us page in customer service on their website and use the online email form, they'll email you their data. 

Tim

http://hornady.com/

[michaelt454]

Finally made time to go out and test some of the loads I had worked up through the winter and I was very pleased with the outcome of almost all of the loads.  Here are the loads I tried in my 500 handi this evening at 50 yards.

Barnes 375 grain XPB/ 34 grns H110           
2"-3 shot group @ 50 yards
1784 fps
1804 fps
1796 fps

Barnes 275 grain XPB/ 43 grns Lil' Gun
1"-3 shot group @ 50 yards
2315 fps
2331 fps
2322 fps

Sierra 400 grain jacketed soft point/ 40 grns H110
2"-3 shot group @ 50 yards
1891 fps
1888 fps
1875 fps

440 grain WFNGC LBT HARDCAST/ 32 grns Lil' Gun
5"-3 shot group @ 50 yards
1770 fps
1775 fps
1775 fps

By the way, I think I found what was causing the accuracy problem with my rifle, it had a small area on one end of the shelf that had a lip on it.  It was just kind of rolled over a little like someone had tried to close something in the action.  Took a file and knocked that ridge off and she's a new rifle, guess it was causing an irregular/ inconsistent lock-up! Anyways hope these help ya'll out hope to post more load data soon!

Michael T.

[cwlongshot]

Good report Mike!!  Glad you found that issue. Hopefully it is what was causing the inconsistancies!!

 I did get to the range yesterday as well. I could only shoot my Bullseye target pistols. But had a good time and sat with some good friends as well.

Here is a couple pics of how well they shot. These are shot Bullseye style, offhand @ 50 feet. The first pistol is a Benelli MP95 22LR upgraded with a "90" trigger group and a Aimpoint 5000 scope. The second pistol is a Walther USP "2000" 22 short. It has a Aimpoint Comp C scope. RWS ammo shoots best, this is just practice with CCI target. RWS is getting very cost preventative!!

Sorry for the crappy cell phone pics.







Sorry for the mini hijack, I just wanted to share and its not really handi stuff.
CW

[michaelt454]

Glad you finally got to do some shootin' CW.  Which powder do you use with your hardcast bullets?  I need to get something worked up that will group a little better than 5".  Think my next load will stay with Lil' Gun and come down 2 grains to 30 grns which is the min load, if that shows no improvement, I will probably switch powders to the H110 or Titegroup.

[cwlongshot]

  So far my best load has been a moderate one, using XMP 5744 powder and that WFNGC bullet from Ranger Rick. Not that it was a great group, my occasional unexplained errant shot was gone. I got consistant groups.

 This started my theory that yeh latch spring is weak. In reading other posts, seem Ferd of canada also arrived at this conclusion. I have some stiffer springs to try, but in the mean time, i have a couple loads with different powders at lower then posted loads. You cannot do this with all powders. the 296/H110 generally dont like it, others are not as much trouble. Once the weather breaks I have a TON of shooting to do. I am actually joining another club tonight to better facilitate all this shooting. The club I am in now is fine, built feel its days may be numbered and its also limited to 100 yards. This new club is well established. In a much better location and has a 200 yard range!!

CW

[michaelt454]

I'm really interested in the cast bullets, but I still love the jacketed bullets best.  I'm sooo relieved that I finally got the barnes bullets to shoot decently.  It was driving me insane!  Gonna keep working on those formulas for the cast bullets and also going to purchase some of those 600 and 700 grain ranger ricks.