416 WSM first range trip

[Don416]

Where did you guys get your reloading dies?

Redding Custom Order, don’t forget to order the extra expander button.
RCBS has some really heavy neck expanders too.

 

[hoytcanon]

Redding Custom Order, don’t forget to order the extra expander button.
RCBS has some really heavy neck expanders too.

I prefer Reddings expanders... they are longer and smoother.
I am getting a few splits with once fired WW and FC .300 WSM brass in making my .375 WSM cases... all after annealing and going from .308" to .358"... roughly 6 per 100 are splitting at the neck.

 

[Don416]

Shot 350gr Speer bullets with the 55gr IMR 3031 load, worked great, don’t think I’ll push it any more and will keep the 400gr HOR RN at 54gr IMR 3031. Need chronograph to get any more info.
Tried fire forming some old factory 300wsm cartridges by shooting in 416 chamber.
Had to clean in between every round, a lot of unburnt powder left behind every shot but the brass formed nice.

 

[BlueFlyer]

Shot 350gr Speer bullets with the 55gr IMR 3031 load, worked great, don’t think I’ll push it any more and will keep the 400gr HOR RN at 54gr IMR 3031. Need chronograph to get any more info.

What do the primers look like - photo?

Tried fire forming some old factory 300wsm cartridges by shooting in 416 chamber.
Had to clean in between every round, a lot of unburnt powder left behind every shot

Powder needs the pressure to combust properly. As to bullet would have zero engagment with the barrel (we hope) then there would be very little pressure generated - I am surprised that they actually formed.

 

[BlueFlyer]

To form the 325 WSM Winchester cases I made up the following die set. The first plug takes them out to 375 and the last to 410. Then I just use the full length resizer to finish the forming.
I also made up an induction annealing machine from bits bought off Aliexpress. In the past I used a propane torch but it does not provide a consistent or even result. The induction system is totally repeatable and even around the shell. If the annealing is not even around the shell then it will stretch more where it has annealed more (softer) and that spot will stretch an thin out.

 

[Don416]

What do the primers look like - photo?

Powder needs the pressure to combust properly. As to bullet would have zero engagment with the barrel (we hope) then there would be very little pressure generated - I am surprised that they actually formed.

No over pressure signs on 350 Speer loads primers or cases.
Horizontal impact no change from 400gr HOR RN bullets, just higher vertical as expected. Didn’t have to change scope.
I’ll be able run the Fire formed cases through the final die no problem. It was only an advantage because I had the old cartridges anyway. Wouldn’t wanna waste powder unless I had to.

 

[AZDAVE]

@BlueFlyer I like your expander setup

 

[Don416]

AZDAVE, please give us an update on the 416WSM performance on game when you get a chance.
No moose tags for this year so I will have to wait until deer season to try mine out.

 

[BlueFlyer]

Guys - what are you setting your overall length at? Appreciate it also depends on how the throat is set up.

 

[AZDAVE]

@Don416 I have spent that last 5 months fine tuning my 500/416 double for the Mozambique safari we just returned from. I plan on doing some more load development and possible pig hunts over the winter. Will update once I have some data.

@BlueFlyer I measured to the lands and started 30 thou off and worked till I had the best load. The 350gr speers shoot best 18 thou off the lands. Still have to work the rest over the winter.

 

[Don416]

2.860” C.O.L with both HOR 400gr and Speer 350gr bullets in my Vanguard S.A. Rifle.
I had some free bore in my reamer, Lead=0.167”, Throat=0.150”, 1deg 30min angle taper.
I think I said to make it like a Weatherby Freebore chamber so I can seat bullets out to max length the magazine will handle with less pressure spike.

 

[Don416]

I prefer Reddings expanders... they are longer and smoother.
I am getting a few splits with once fired WW and FC .300 WSM brass in making my .375 WSM cases... all after annealing and going from .308" to .358"... roughly 6 per 100 are splitting at the neck.

Can’t find a thread on your 375wsm, how’s it goin, any animals yet (bear season open)?

 

[Don416]

Well got to shoot/bag a nice buck with my 416WSM but hit it in the neck at 35yds as it was moving through thick woods so I couldn’t see any performance from the 350gr Speer bullet, just a nice hole. Meat in the freezer. Anyone else have any luck?