.500 NE Reloading - Noobie Questions

[Ericedwinbates]

Congrats, Rare Breed nailed it. 3031 is what Ken Owen regulates with. Book loads and oal lengths crimped into grooves. I shoot what ever brass I can get and have noticed no difference in accuracy. Keep velocity 2000-2100ish and you will kill anything with proper placement.
The big doubles are a bit of a mind shift for accuracy when compared to a lifetime of bolt action shooting. Remind yourself what its for and be realistic on range, 50 yards or less. Be a better hunter and get close as possible, thats what makes it a challenge and dangerous game!
Enjoy!

 

[VertigoBE]

100 rounds of .500NE factory Norma, will cost me 2600€ (26€ a piece)
So if I can reload once 100 rounds of .500 at a cost of 12€ a piece, I already gain back the cost of even the most expensive press...

 

[Wahoo]

To all the experts here, I could use your input,

On the equipment side, perhaps trying to take advantage of the current sale prices:

- Area 419 Zero press, currently -15% @ 1317€ https://www.brownells-deutschland.de/THE-ZERO-TURRET-PRESS-ZERO-Turret-Press-AREA-419-100041060

- RCBS Ammomaster 2, currently -29% @ 507€ https://www.brownells-deutschland.de/AMMOMASTER-2-RELOADING-PRESS-RCBS-749010595

- RCBS Ammomaster 50BMG pack @ 1080€ https://www.brownells-deutschland.de/AMMOMASTER-50-BMG-PACK-RCBS-749010559

- Redding Big Boss II @ 439€ https://www.brownells-deutschland.de/Redding-BIG-BOSS-II-RELOADING-PRESS-749008146

- Prazipress 150mm @ 1099€

These are about all the options I found that would accept .500NE cases for reloading.

Any suggestions what I should go for? I do like buying quality "you only cry once", but don't want to overspend for things I don't need either.

Hi. First I am absolutely not an expert. The following is opinion based on my experience.

I have the Ammomaster II and it is absolutely adequate for large bore reloading. I started reloading for my .470 with it. It required 3 die installation steps for me to complete a round (I was using unfired factory primed federal with 216 primer) 1) de primed brass with sizing die then removed 2) install seating die and seat bullet after loading powder charge then remove 3) install Lee factory crimp die to crimp cartridge

That said I did end up buying the area 419 zero press and find it very useful and precise. I enjoy being able to have all of my dies installed and locked into turret- full length sizing, seating die, and crimp die. In fact I mounted two seating dies one for my solids and one for my softs. When I was developing loads and only loading 2-4 rounds at a time it was efficient to be able to rotate the press quickly between the sizing, seating die, and crimp die as opposed to removing a die then installing different die only to have to come back and reverse the process for next test loads. And I also am a bit neurotic and feel like the more I install and remove a die the more likes I am to lose it’s setting- feeling not fact. I actually keep all of my .470 dies and 375 HH dies installed in the turret.

In short I find value in the additional money I spent for the Zero press over the Ammomaster II.

 

[VertigoBE]

Thanks @Wahoo,
As I’m new to reloading, the less I have to touch settings the better.

I have a zero press coming my way.

 

[Wahoo]

Thanks @Wahoo,
As I’m new to reloading, the less I have to touch settings the better.

I have a zero press coming my way.

Congrats. Happy to enable! I did order a hybrid turret for mine as well as the standard fyi. This was in order to fit my Lee factory crimp die for my .470- it’s a large format die.

 

[Frederik]

It actually was developed exactly for my rifle. We tested it in SA 2 weeks ago. He had produced 5 sets of 4 rounds each with a slightly incremental nb of grains.

In the end the following load won out, producing a nice horizontal RxL 3/4 inch group at 30m:
- Norma cases
- Safari Bullet Company Softs in 570grains
- 95 grains of Vitavouri N540
(I need to find back which primer he used)

Three days later I shot an ancient buffalo cow with it at 59m with iron sights.
Once I have a red dot installed on it, I think I'll be comfortable with it up to 75m.

Federal 215 Primers.

 

[VertigoBE]

Federal 215 Primers.

Thanks @Frederik!

 

[ftrovato]

I've been reloading over 45 years. Here is my advice.
1. FOLLOW RELOADING MANUAL TO THE 'T' and you won't get in trouble.
2. Get a chronograph. They are wonderful for understanding what velocity your double regulates at and if your loads are demonstrating that they shoot consistently. Velocity tells us a lot!
3. When it comes to components buy what you can find.
4. Find what you need for hunting loads! Don't compromise on bullets!! Bullets are all that stand between you and humanly taken animals!
5. Have fun! It's a wonderful hobby. Hopefully you will shoot so much it will get expensive!!