Looking for 450 Marlin load data

[Mike from Texas]

I'm looking to work up a load for my 450 in my Encore Katahdlin carbine barrel. I want to ahoot the 450 grain Barnes Triple Shocks but can only find data up to 400 grains? Any ideas?

[gwindrider1]

Mike,

I don't have direct experience with the .450 Marlin, but I am shooting that bullet out of my .458 Win.  I can tell you that it is a very long bullet, and therefore eats up quite a bit of case capacity.  You should be able to seat it out some in your Encore, which will help, but keep in mind that Barnes recommends their bullets be seated about .050" off the lands.

You didn't say which powder you are using, or want to use.  I checked my Barnes manual, and as you stated, the data does not show loads for their longer spitzer bullets.  A little extrapolating leads me to believe that you could use their starting loads for the 400 grn. bullet with the 450 grn. TSX.

I started with IMR 3031, but switched to H4895.  It is a bit more energetic, giving me better velocity, and is a smaller grained powder, which has helped with loading density.  The Barnes manual shows a minimum charge of 48.5 grns. with the 400 grn. bullet, and a maximum of 52.5.  If you load to a case capacity that is only lightly compressed, I believe you will be fine.  If the starting load mentioned seems to be compressed too much, reduce it by 10%.

I'm not certain that the Marlin round will drive this bullet with sufficient velocity to make it perform, but it sounds like it would be worth a try.  They are pricey at $1.00 each, and those all copper bullets really do foul up a barrel.  Best of luck with your loading project.  Let us know if they shoot well for you!

[ButlerFord45]

I'd go to the horses front end.

http://www.barnesbullets.com/contact.php

[Mike from Texas]

Thanks for the info. I too was comparing loads between the 450 and the 45-70 and saw where I could start with reduced 45-70 loads and work up until signs of pressure stared showing up. Also, I was looking at some 400 grain loads and thought I could do the same. You are definitely correct on the bullets being long, and I figured case capacity may be an issue as well. I'm not looking for a long range load, I'm loking for a pig thumping load more than anything. I have some 500 grain Barnes solids that a friend loaded for me that are very tame, but fun to shoot. I may start with some of those loads and work my way up from there.

[CyberSniper]

If a 400 grain Barnes from a .45-70 won't "thump" a hog, I'd
look into trying some of these:

http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/m830a1.htm

hehe, sorry...couldn't resist.

[Mike from Texas]

Well Barnes does not and is not willing to offer any suggestions (other than to try Reloader #7 powder). They also expressed concerns about impact velocity stating that I needed 1600 fps of impact velocity for the triple shock to perform properly. So basically I'm on my own. I guess I'll try a starting load and work up from there. Luckily all of my shots with this combination wil be limited to less than 100 yards so long range velocity is not a concern. 

[PaulS]

Mike,
Contact Sierra bullets and see what they recommend. Tell them exactly the components you are going to use and see what they say. Tell them the bullet make, type and part number if it has one. Tell them the case make and any modifications that you have done to it, short, long, flash hole deburring, neck sized or FL sized and whether or not you intend to crimp. You can tell them what powder make and type you would like to use or ask them for the best choice. Let them know what primer you are going to use. These guys know what they are talking about and if they don't have the answers you want they can probably point you in the right direction to get them.
their number is toll free at 1.800.223.8799
Paul

Well Barnes does not and is not willing to offer any suggestions (other than to try Reloader #7 powder). They also expressed concerns about impact velocity stating that I needed 1600 fps of impact velocity for the triple shock to perform properly. So basically I'm on my own. I guess I'll try a starting load and work up from there. Luckily all of my shots with this combination wil be limited to less than 100 yards so long range velocity is not a concern. 

[EsoxLucius]

Use a different bullet.  One that is intended to be used in the 45-70/450 Marlin.