.458 Win Mag Reduced Loads

[Heath]

Anybody have any input on AA XMP 5744 in the .458 Win. Mag.? I am currently enjoying great results with the Lee 500 grain gas checked bullet and 26 grains of 2400 -no filler- out of a Ruger No. 1H Tropical. I am getting about 1350 FPS (more or less) and can pretty much put them all into one large (1"- 1 1/4") ragged hole at 50 yards. It is a fun load but I am wondering if the 5744 might be better as it seems to be designed specifically for reduced loads. Comments are welcome.

[Robert]

5744 is popular with Cowboy Shooting and old Sharps Rifles with big bullets.  I have the book here and for the 500 it has a starting load of 42.3 grs @1672.  No mention of a further reduced load.  It also lists 47.0 grs. for 1992 fps.
  I have load data for 45-70 with 5744
500 (F.N.)           23.4 grs  @1070 fps    26.0  grs.@1217 fps.
500 (PBRN)         22.5 grs  @1063 fps    25.0  grs.@1209 fps.
500(SCMITZER)  22.7 grs  @1072 fps    25.3  grs.@ 1219 fps.

of course the 45-70 data is for reference only, to give you an example of how low you might be able to go with the 5744.  You can also call them at  1-800-416-3006 or E-Mail them at  www.accuratepowder.com
They are always very helpfull.

[captainkirk]

I have been using the 450 grain lee with IMR SR 4759 with pretty good sucess.  It is also a bulky, fast burning powder that gives great reduced loads with cast bullets.  My #1 458 likes these loads (450 lee with 26-30 gr.) to the tune that 3 of the 5 shots at 100 are often touching.  I sent Accurate an email with basically the same question you are asking and their response is as follows:

Kirk,
You can reduce the load down as much you need with XMP5744.
However, even XMP 5744 will become inefficient at too low performance.
This means that you will observe  some level of unburnt powder.
You will have to experiment yourself, and optimize and compromise between all factors  I am attaching the published information from our comprehensive no 2 guide (392pages).
Note: It will be a .pdf file -- (Adobe-Acrobat) If you do not have it yet,
you can download Acrobat Reader 3 or later version (Available Free), from
the website www.adobe.com to view it
NB!!!! Always start at the minimum or "START" charge and gradually (2%
increments) work up towards the "Maximum load".
Regards
Johan Loubser
Ballistic Lab manager
Accurate Powders
McEwen Tennessee

The file they included is about two pages and though I don't know how to post it here, I can email it to you.  Just let me know.

Enjoy that #1 458...

[Heath]

Hey guys,
Thanks for the valuable info. I very much appreciate the time spent on your replies and intend to put the information to use.
I do have a lot of fun with that #1 !
Also, I get a great deal of satisfaction knowing that those big cast bullets I'm throwing down range cost about a penny each. This information always gets a wide-eyed response from non-casters at the range.

[Nobade]

Something else you might want to try is the very slow surplus BMG and cannon powders. I get great results with a duplex load of 5% IMR 4227 and a compressed load of WC872 or 860 in the 45-70 or .458. Pretty much duplicates BP performance, great accuracy, and the powder's about $2/lb. If you don't duplex it you'll get about 900 fps and lots of unburnt powder in the barrel, but with a little starter charge it burns clean and gives around 1300 fps.

[EDG]

In side by side tests in the 45/70 I have gotten better results from Unique and 4759 than with 5744 plus both are cleaner buring than 5744. The 5744 did better when the bore was wiped between shots due to the large amount of unburned powder left. Lyman manuals have a good bit of load data for lead bullets. Don't use something like Unique unless you can develop the discipline to check every case for a double charge.  On the other hand, a pound of pistol powder will last a long time.
Ed