Beginning .458 load?

[gwindrider1]

Having just acquired a .458 Win., I am looking for suggestions for a starting/plinking load to build my tolerance and familiarity with this rifle.

Any suggestions as to powder and charge weight?  I am not opposed to using Dacron as a filler, but have no experience with using it.  My thought is to use as bulky a powder as possible to fill the case without reaching pressure levels that make shooting too uncomfortable.  Although I have been a handloader for 35 years, loading straight cases is somewhat new to me.

Don't get me wrong!  I'm not particularly recoil sensitive, but I want to do this right so I will end up being confident with this rifle.

Thanks, suggestions from all you experienced big bore shooters will be appreciated! :-)

[captainkirk]

I posted this in the cast forum some time ago but thought it might apply to your question.   These loads are on the extreme end of what I would call light in the 458 you have virtually no where to go but up from here (unless you go to a lighter bullet) To really get the "feel " of what the rifle can do you need to use another powder, but SR-4759 is great for light loads.

I have used IMR SR-4759 for reduced loads in the 458 WM with good results. No fillers are needed even at low loading densities (25 grains with a 520 grain Lyman), the loads are mild and can be accurate if the bullets are good. Of the bullets I have cast, the best ones would group into 1 1/2 or less at 100 yards with the 4759 loads. I have also used the 450 grain Lee bullet with similar loads of 4759 (28-32 grains) It groups about as well with even less recoil. All of my shooting has been from a Ruger # 1 and I think groups could be better if the bullets were better. I am still having trouble with mould fill-out. Make sure you get all of the copper out of your barrel before you start shooting the cast slugs for best results. The lighter 405 jacketed bullets made by speer and remington ( I dont have my speer manual handy) should also shoot well with light recoil with SR-4759.

enjoy

PS velocities with the above loads should be in the 1000 to 1200 range I think, this is w/out a chrono.

captainkirk

EDIT

from the speer #12 manual

26 to 30 grains of sr 4759 gives 1262 to 1445 fps with their 400 grain soft
in a ruger #1 24 inch bbl  All of the other loads are in the 2000+ range and you will feel the difference.  Several powders will get you there when you are ready for that, IMR-4320, 3031, 4895, 4198, and 4064.  The 500 grain bullets and heavier will recoil much more than the 400s.  'course this is all relative, the win kicks less than the lott which is less than the 460 etc...  enjoy  

the straight wall case is no more difficult to work with than it looks, just don't bell the mouth too much...

[gwindrider1]

captain,

Thanks for your reply!  

I should have been more specific in my original post.  What I am looking for is a load running a 350 grn. jacketed bullet about 2000 fps. for starters.  I haven't started loading for this one yet, but am thinking that I would use 3031 for these plinking level loads.

Anyone have a pet load that is in this range they would be willing to share with me?

Thanks!

[captainkirk]

My newest Speer manual (still not the "new" one) #12 lists a starting load with their 350 grain flat sp of 71 grains of IMR 3031 for 2165 fps to a max of 75gr ( compressed) and 2314 fps.  This is a bit faster than what you asked for and I haven't tried it but it was all I had on hand at the time.  Hornady has a 350 flat point they make for the 450 marlin that is shorter and less streamlined (that might be the one you are thinking of) but I haven't seen any data for it in the 458.  I am sure either would work fine.  Maybe someone else with more experience in the 350s will chime in.

captainkirk

PS this is in a 24" bbl

[gwindrider1]

Thanks again for your reply captain.

I used that load of 71 grns. of 3031, and spent a very enjoyable session at the range with a CZ.  I can easily move up in bullet, and charge weight with this rifle, although it is obvious that I need to order a taller front sight.

The most recent manuals I have point to AA2230 as the powder that produces the best velocities in the .458.  Do you have any opinions on AA2230?

[captainkirk]

I have not used it in the 458, only the 223 rem. (if I am thinking of the same powder)  If it is the same it seemed to burn well in my mini 14 at the time, but like I say, I have no opinions on it in the 458.  I have used other AA powders in other calibers and they seem to be a quality product.  Sorry I couldn't be more help.

captainkirk

PS  Glad you enjoyed your session with the CZ.  Did you attract much attention?  Seems like 458s don't get quite as many "What you gonna shoot with that?" questions as they used to, but they are fun guns to have around...

[gwindrider1]

Actually it was a rainy afternoon, and I had the range all to myself.  A rare occurence, but I like it that way.  My standard reply to those who question my interest in heavy rifles is that it is my prairie dog gun.  They either laugh, or look at me as if I am totally insane! :-)

The weight and geometry of this rifle makes it very comfortable to shoot.  I believe I will move on up to 400's, and ezperiment with another powder.

Good shootin' to you captain!