Author Topic: Accurate 5744 question (Read 1670 times)

TennesseeNuc · « **on:** October 28, 2004, 10:33:20 PM »

Hi All,
I recently aquired a Ruger#1 in .416 Rem Mag. I don't plan on using it on any dangerous or large game anytime soon. So, I've cast some 350g GC bullets to use in reduced loads. I plan on using AAC 5744 and load to about 1700-1800 fps.
Is 5744 position sensitive? And, how's the accuracy with the reduced loads?
Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks,
TnNuc

ButlerFord45 · « **Reply #1 on:** October 29, 2004, 01:58:03 AM »

You've hit upon the very intent for the production of 5744 and it works well. You can load to the lower end of high performance loads with it and it still does a good job. I've used it some and have been satisfied with its preformance. The powder has enough bulk that even with reduced loads position isn't a factor.

Leftoverdj · « **Reply #2 on:** October 29, 2004, 04:11:13 AM »

I second Butler. 5744 is as good a cast bullet powder as there is. I don't shoot a .416, but your goal sounds very attainable.

50 Calshtr · « **Reply #3 on:** October 29, 2004, 05:12:45 AM »

ButlerFord45 and Leftoverdj,
How does 5744 compare to SR 4759 as far as bulk is concerned? Seems 4759 would do better in that it comes in 8 oz cans, hence half the weight per volume, and you use about the same quantities or weights per load.

ButlerFord45 · « **Reply #4 on:** October 29, 2004, 07:31:23 AM »

I've used 5744 mostly in 45-70, in order to get to the upper ranges of performance, you will have compressed loads, light loads=2/3 to 3/4 filled case maybe more. It reproduces black Powder loads. It's used in large B/P cases like 45-70 through 45-120 and the big fifties. I can't compare it to 4759, I've never used it.

BCB · « **Reply #5 on:** October 29, 2004, 12:00:30 PM »

Quote from: 50 Calshtr

ButlerFord45 and Leftoverdj,
How does 5744 compare to SR 4759 as far as bulk is concerned? Seems 4759 would do better in that it comes in 8 oz cans, hence half the weight per volume, and you use about the same quantities or weights per load.

I have used them both with cast bullets and the results from both are generally the same--dang good! They may be two of the best powders for reduced loads with cast bullets. Now to the bulk density data. I too was interested in this many years ago. A quick look at a spreadsheet I keep on reloads I have constructed and shot in the past indicated that it takes approximately 1.4cc's of SR-4759 to equal the weight of 1.0cc of XMP-5744. SO, you will indeed get the case fuller when using SR-4759. Both have nearly the same burn rate. Good-luck...BCB

TennesseeNuc · « **Reply #6 on:** October 31, 2004, 09:48:31 PM »

Thanks for the comments guys.
Your posts gave me another idea. I came across several pounds of SR 4759 that I had forgotten that I had. It might be just the ticket for my 416 reduced load project.
I'm going to have to come up with some loading data. Does anyone know of any loading software that lets you plug in the components that you have available then gives you charge weights?
Thanks,
TnNuc

Double D · « **Reply #7 on:** October 31, 2004, 11:17:04 PM »

Let me throw a monkey wrench in here. I have been testing some smokeless powder loads in the 577/450 Martini. I got unreliable ignition with XMP 5744.

The Rigby has a greater powder capacity than the Martini case but the Martini is bigger in diameter. The load I was using was under 50% of case capapcity so in all likelihood it was laying below the flash hole.

I am off to the store to find some 4759. I am also going to reshot the XMP5744 loads with Mag primers.

Wish me luck, I am shooting 405 gr bullet aiming for 1500 feet per second in a 7 lbs rifle.

TennesseeNuc · « **Reply #8 on:** November 07, 2004, 03:44:58 PM »

DoubleD,
Let me know how your project turns out with the 4759. I'm still trying to locate some loading data for the .416 Rem and 4759. I have some for 5744 and although it's a heavier load than I wanted to use, a rep at Accurate told me that I could just reduce the charge to get the velocity that I wanted.
Besy,
TnNuc

Double D · « **Reply #9 on:** November 07, 2004, 04:40:19 PM »

First thing I did was change primers from Remington large rifle to Federal 215 Magnums. The XMP5744 started igniting reliably then, But 50 yard groups were bigger than a washtub.

The IMR SR 4759 groups were much better but not great. I am going to do some work with that powder.

The sights are not all that great on my rifle either.

I am going to deepen the notch bit and see if that helps. I think the SR4759 load is at that point that correcting the sights will make a difference.

50 Calshtr · « **Reply #10 on:** November 08, 2004, 07:09:28 AM »

DD
Thats a pretty Martini, good luck on the loads. I'm just starting to work up some smokeless loads for a 577/500 #2. Tried IMR 4198 and standard primers and got hang fires, going now to Winchester WLRs which are supposed to be hotter. If they don't work I'll use magnums. If the 4198 doesn't work I'll try SR 4759, used it years ago in a 45-120 Sharps with good results. Does your Martini have enough drop in the stock to allow you to get your head down low enough to use the sights compfortably? I had one in 577/500 with a stock so straight I couldn't, have never had that problem with anyother rifle, fellow that had it made must not have had any cheek bone to speak of. Ended up trading it for a 375 Rimless that I could shoot. One thought, before you do anything with the rear sight notch see if you can epoxy or soft solder a white or silver bead onto the front sight just covering the apex of the triangle. I've always disliked that style of sight and would change that before doing anything else, hard part is doing it without altering the rifle.
Best.

Double D · « **Reply #11 on:** November 08, 2004, 11:12:41 AM »

I am definitely going to deepen that notch. It's less the a 1/32 of an inch deep now. Makes it very difficult to see the front sight especially with my old eyes.

Deeping the notch will also allow me to correct another problem. The sight notch is off to the left. Surprise bullets are hitting to the left also.

Blackhawk44 · « **Reply #12 on:** November 08, 2004, 01:34:51 PM »

5744 Caution - Use lab tested data for 5744. You can work down. I would not work up. What I have found 5744 sensitive to is case capacity. Using lab tested, starting load data and equal weight projectiles that occupied more internal space (520gr bullet data but used 3 round balls) caused 5744 to jump pressures dangerously. This load threw open the modern trapdoor (H&R) action, ejecting the empty and sheared the action hinge pin. Luckily no one was injured. The same load with single bullet was just fine. Watch decreasing interior space. With other listed loads, no problem. Accuracy is OK but not top notch. 4759 seems more flexible and accurate.

50 Calshtr · « **Reply #13 on:** November 09, 2004, 03:58:50 AM »

DD,
I can see now why you would want to rework the rear sight to center the notch. Ain't it a pain, about that point in your life when you can afford nice rifles your eyes go south and you can't see the sights. Have fun.