Loading for .450ne, .470ne and .500ne using IMR3031

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Hornedfrogbbq

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I am going to be experimenting with imr 3031loading into these cartridges. I will either be putting A-Frames or Woodleigh RNSN bullets.

If anyone has experience with these loads - I am concerned about the low fill of the powder and am fairly sure I will need to use a filler. Backer rod seems as good as any. Any info on the length needed to roughly fill the case? Does the filler need to take up all the case capacity and the bullet be touching it? How do you all think about fillers for that powder and those cases?
 
I have experience with 450 NE. PM me if you want. This topic can be a hornet’s nest of opinions. Outside of Graeme Wright I don’t know of anyone that has done any testing (ie pressure testing etc). Lots of trial and error done by many. And yes, you will need to use a filler…
 
Pm coming. I am literally on page 113 of his book right now...reading it.
 
Hornedfrogbbq said:
I am going to be experimenting with imr 3031loading into these cartridges. I will either be putting A-Frames or Woodleigh RNSN bullets.

If anyone has experience with these loads - I am concerned about the low fill of the powder and am fairly sure I will need to use a filler. Backer rod seems as good as any. Any info on the length needed to roughly fill the case? Does the filler need to take up all the case capacity and the bullet be touching it? How do you all think about fillers for that powder and those cases?
Click to expand...
I gave used it for all three calibers you name with great success. It is the closest to the original cordite powder. Yes you need fillers for all three calibers which is so incredibly easy. I can never understand people being concerned about this. So easy and safe
 
.470ne

78gr IMR3031, foam wad, 500gr Woodleigh & Win LR Mag primer, is my regulation load as developed by Ken Owen.

2050fps from my 25” barrels.

I also use 3031 for .30-30 with 170gr flat nose and now 5.56 with 75gr semi spritzer bullets for pigs, but with outstanding results.
 
IMR - 3031 is a good powder if you are loading for old British Heritage guns.For newer rifles there are more efficient or sexy powders available.
I" open foam wad or you can use the ones made by erstwhile Kynoch and sold by Trader Keith. You can buy a 5/8" leather punch and punch them out from a 1" foam sheet. Backer rods also work fine. Tried them all including Dacron and no filler as well. I did not see any difference in FPS or target off hand at 50 yards.
Only suggestion is not to start load development for all three calibre at the same time..i.e if you are planning to :) may get a little tedious/confusing if you are starting new.
Please Use your own judgement.
 
I have used it for my 470 NE 74-80 grains was tested (for some old guns they say 78 may be max)

I used 1/2” backer rod, about an inch but you decide - plan on compressing it when seating the bullet. I push it into the case with a chopstick.

There was a post somewhere here that a study was done on loose Dacron (2g) vs backer road and the conclusion on testing and pressure was backer rod was more consistent and less pressure spikes. I say it’s just easier

The recoil was noticeably less in the 470, however the velocity of the loads was also less than expected.

Good luck
 
With the Woodleigh RNSN and A-Frame in all 3 cartridges use 1” length of 1/2-5/8” diameter open cell backer rod or if the uneven edges bug yours OCD as mine—use the 5/8” punch referenced above and 1” sheet of open cell foam from Amazon. I’m still working my way through my first sheet and thinking I’ll get somewhere around 1,300-1,500 wads from the single sheet and they match identically to the old Kynoch #2 wads.

When using VV N135, RL15, RL15.5 with the referenced bullets, I’d use the same wad across all three cartridges as well. With bulkier powders of RL16 and H4350, I start paying more attention to remaining case volume and the measured seating depth of your bullet. I still use foam wad, but will cut it shorter to 2x-3x the length of the case void that would exist once seated, so the powder is still properly pressed slightly.

With IMR3031, VV135, RL15 and 15.5, in the 500NE with NF solids, CEB and Woodleigh Hydros, I will shorten the wads, again measuring the remaining case capacity from powder colum to rim, then subtract the length of bullet base to crimp to determine exact void left, and will have a wad of 2x-3x that length…typically 1/2”-3/4”. With the same bullets in 450/400, 450NE, and 470NE, I’d run the full 1” wad length…the short wads are just for 500NE with those specific solids and powders.
 
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