500 S&W Loads in the NEF

[Andy]

Just got back from the range with the NEF. What a hoot!

All loads are with the Lee 440 gr cast:

H110 - 38.0 grs - 1750 fps (Magnum Primer)

H4227 - 37.0 grs - 1640 fps

SR4759 - 40.0 grs (full) - 1850 fps (Hot Load - very accurate, SD of only 10 fps on five shots)

IMR4198 - 47.0 grs (full) - 1780 fps

Reloder 7 - 50.0 grs (full) - 1650 fps

WC-735 - 60.0 grs (full) - 1860 fps (Magnum Primer)

BLC-(2) - 58.0 grs (full) - 1420 fps (Magnum Primer) - very accurate

All were accurate and worthy of more work. I expected much higher MV's for all loads, as with H110 and H4227 (Hodgdon loads), they only matched or slightly exceeded what they listed as MV's for a 8 5/8" barrelled revolver, and the NEF has a 22" barrel.

 

[B]

Good info, I too am surprised at the rather low gain from that much longer barrel.

 

[Paulinski]

Now you need to set up to 700gr.

 

[acrashb]

I expected much higher MV's for all loads, as with H110 and H4227 (Hodgdon loads), they only matched what they listed as for a 8 5/8" barrelled revolver, and the NEF has a 22" barrel.

Try slower powders. You'll be in uncharted territory, so go slow and / or use QuickLoad to help out.

 

[Andy]

Now you need to set up to 700gr.

I will - I'm part of the Group Buy on Castboolits.

Try slower powders. You'll be in uncharted territory, so go slow and / or use QuickLoad to help out.

You did not notice that I already have. H4198, Reloder 7, WC-735 (like H322) and BLC-(2).

 

[ben hunchak]

I think that your rifle is actually speaking to you, light bullets won't gain much over a six-gun, the way to gain thump with this rifle is to go with heavier bullets, prolly 500 grains or more. This same thing happens with some .44 and .45 cal. rifles, where velocities are not as high as anticipated, but heavier bullets go almost as fast but with alot more "THUMP".

 

[Cummins4x4]

Great info!!

I haven't loaded any for mine yet. Still looking for the right bullets.
I chronographed the Win 400gr factory loads at a very consistent 1900fps out of mine.

I'll have to check out Castboolits