404J hand loading finished

[SkullKeeper]

I got in some bench work two days ago, trying out a few loads. I think I’m done. Green group is 5 shots (three 400 gr SS North Fork softs using H4350 @ 2380 FPS and two 400 gr FPS North Forks using RL15 @ 2345 FPS). The blue group is three 430 gr SS North Forks using H4350 @2325. Range was 100 yards, Zeiss optic set on 4.5 power (maximum).

I’m not much of a rifle shooter - I'm pleased with both groups.

 

[glblanchard]

That is very good! I would keep the green.

 

[Capt_Oscar]

Come down 1.5gr of powder with your 430gr load and re-shoot (2) 3rnd groups.
2325fps is cranking for that bullet. Yes the bullet can handle that velocity, BUT you'll find it far more comfortable to shoot if you throttle down a touch. Recognize the sectional density of the 430gr .423 bullet is plenty to drive a buff through and through right on the shoulder joint... Even at 2200fps muzzle velocity.

 

[Capt_Oscar]

...and I would shoot the 3 shot groups on different days. The likelihood of 6 shots in close succession in the field is low.

 

[SkullKeeper]

Come down 1.5gr of powder with your 430gr load and re-shoot (2) 3rnd groups.
2325fps is cranking for that bullet. Yes the bullet can handle that velocity, BUT you'll find it far more comfortable to shoot if you throttle down a touch. Recognize the sectional density of the 430gr .423 bullet is plenty to drive a buff through and through right on the shoulder joint... Even at 2200fps muzzle velocity.

I think the “bad” 430 gr group was my fault - I wasn’t really shaking hands with the rifle. I’ll reshoot that but I’ll also knock the charge down as you suggest and try that.
Out if curiosity have you tried the new Reloader 15.5 ? I heard it was a much more temp stable version of RL15...

 

[Berettaco]

In my 404 I used 81 gr of IMR4895 with 400 gr A frame and was getting 2,450 fps average. I was researching loads in African Game Cartridges and came across that load - it was on the low end (where I usually start). It grouped so well I kept it running hot and it worked great on my buff hunt. The recoil wasn’t terrible but if I was going to rework that load I’d try to get it down to 2,200 - 2,300 fps

 

[SkullKeeper]

In my 404 I used 81 gr of IMR4895 with 400 gr A frame and was getting 2,450 fps average. I was researching loads in African Game Cartridges and came across that load - it was on the low end (where I usually start). It grouped so well I kept it running hot and it worked great on my buff hunt. The recoil wasn’t terrible but if I was going to rework that load I’d try to get it down to 2,200 - 2,300 fps

A 400 gr at 2450 has got to be a real driver. I’m glad I don’t have any IMR4895 ... I’d be game to give it a go.

 

[Capt_Oscar]

In my 404 I used 81 gr of IMR4895 with 400 gr A frame and was getting 2,450 fps average. I was researching loads in African Game Cartridges and came across that load - it was on the low end (where I usually start). It grouped so well I kept it running hot and it worked great on my buff hunt. The recoil wasn’t terrible but if I was going to rework that load I’d try to get it down to 2,200 - 2,300 fps

IMR4895 - That's a really fast burn rate for the 404J. I need to pick up that book and give it a read. Surprised to see that load used.

 

[Berettaco]

IMR4895 - That's a really fast burn rate for the 404J. I need to pick up that book and give it a read. Surprised to see that load used.

Yeah the book shows IMR4895 as 80 to 83 grains. I started with 81 and glad I didn’t go any hotter to start with. I realize each rifle is different but that load patterned great, no pressure signs and I was shooting an a frame. The buff I shot was about 40 yards quartering toward me and it broke his right shoulder, then he hightailed it deeper into the mopani. Got to 12 yards and have him 3 more in the vitals - one might have been enough but hey, bullets aren’t that expensive

 

[sgt_zim]

IMR4895 - That's a really fast burn rate for the 404J. I need to pick up that book and give it a read. Surprised to see that load used.

Yeah, it's almost identical to Varget.

I have some IMR4895, but I used 2000MR for my first batch of testing. GRT shows those mid-range powders as do-able.

 

[SkullKeeper]

Yeah, it's almost identical to Varget.

I have some IMR4895, but I used 2000MR for my first batch of testing. GRT shows those mid-range powders as do-able.

I’ve got data (from another hunter) that uses Varget in his 404 loads and loves it. I bought a couple of pounds to try but I don’t see any need to now.

 

[JHT]

I’m not much of a rifle shooter - I'm pleased with both groups.

100 yards on 4.5 power? You must be the most humble man I know.