500 Jeffery 535 Grain Load

[Aussie_Hunter]

For all you 500 Jeffery enthusiasts out there, I finally got around to trying a new load in my 500 Jeffery using a much faster burning powder with a significantly smaller powder charge. I am very happy with the results, this is definitely my favourite load for the 500 Jeffery and I will be zeroing the rifle for this load. Its still producing decent power, as well as good accuracy but with significantly less recoil. Load data listed below (projectile and powder charge is straight from the Woodleigh reloading manual)

535 grain Woodleigh RNSN projectiles
Norma Brass
Federal magnum rifle primers
100 grains of ADI AR2208 powder with an open cell foam filler
Average muzzle velocity of 2303fps from my Blaser R8 23.5" barrel
Producing right on 6300ft/lbs of muzzle energy
Taylor KO Factor of 89.7
3 shot group at 65 yards

Compared to previous loads I have used with 120 grains of RL17 or 119 grains of AR2209, the load above is providing similar performance with around 12-13% less recoil. Going from around 90.2ft/lbs of recoil energy down to around 78.7ft/lbs of recoil energy.

Also in the past I have done some penetration testing with the 535 grain Woodleigh RNSN and 600 grain Woodleigh PP, the 535 grain load used in that test was a higher velocity than the load listed above (80fps), provided nearly identical penetration to the 600 grain Woodleigh PP at 2200fps. So I'm very confident this new 535 grain load at 2303fps will provide very similar penetration and be perfect for buffalo.

 

[DWB]

Thank you! Following with interest! My 500 should be in my hands within the next month!

Mind sharing a photo of the fillers?

 

[Aussie_Hunter]

Thank you! Following with interest! My 500 should be in my hands within the next month!

Mind sharing a photo of the fillers?

The foam is the same stuff thats used in gun hard cases, 535 grain projectile included in the photo for size comparison. I use the same for my 470 nitro express loads with faster burning powders as well.

I just use a small piece of steel rod to push the foam into the cases. And the foam doesn't melt or burn, you will find it a few yards in front of you on the range after firing a shot.

 

[DWB]

Awesome! Thank you!