Anybody loading for 400 H&H

[Bowhunter806]

was wanting to see if anybody has been loading the cartridge, and if they have had luck with the .410 rifle bullets. I have seen articles and what I have found searching the forums is possibilities it will work. The .411 bullets are a bit sorry for selection. Was hoping to see if anybody that owns this caliber has had success with the .410 Swift a-frame, or other similar bullets. Thanks in advance as there is just no much load data out there on this rifle.

 

[zephyr]

There are enough .411 dia bullets to give this cartridge a go
Swift, Northfork, CEB, Hammer, Hawk, Hornady even Barnes made some .411 TSX
Be cautious with .410 dia bullets, they were made for the likes of the 450-400 and 405 Win and operate between 1800 - 2200 fps yoiu may experience bullet failure if you push them at 400H&H speeds

 

[Bowhunter806]

Thanks for the information. Unfortunately Swift, Hornady, and Barnes all quit making the .411 bullet they designed for this caliber. They only make .410 bullets in the 400 grain, and any of the .411 bullets they make are for the old 405 Winchester. I have read articles that state those bullets should work, but I am always hesitant, and also worry about neck tension. So I will probably go with the North Fork, as I am a bit hesitant on the Hawk on thick skin heavy boned Dangerous game.

 

[Tintin]

Woodleigh do a 400gn .411 bullet and had them in stock when I was there a few weeks back.

@RAVEN ROCKS PRECISION should be able to order some for you.

 

[zephyr]

The 400H&H can push a 400gr Bullet at 2400fps I believe the velocity numbers given in the Woodleigh Web Site 1800-2200 for the .411 dia Bullet are working numbers.. Once again Bullet failures maybe a possibility When operating at higher velocities
For example The 400H&H can push a 300gr bullet close to 2700fps The Hornady 300gr SP made for the 405 Win has now become my favorite Varmint Load at those speeds it will turn everything into a gray mist ....
Don't forget to look at CEBs they have performed extremely well for me ...

 

[Mekaniks]

@Pheroze has a custom build that he hand loads, I believe

 

[Pheroze]

Thanks for the information. Unfortunately Swift, Hornady, and Barnes all quit making the .411 bullet they designed for this caliber. They only make .410 bullets in the 400 grain, and any of the .411 bullets they make are for the old 405 Winchester. I have read articles that state those bullets should work, but I am always hesitant, and also worry about neck tension. So I will probably go with the North Fork, as I am a bit hesitant on the Hawk on thick skin heavy boned Dangerous game.

I spoke to Mr Bill Hober about Aframes. He said the .410 would obtund and fill the bore. He was right. My A-frame load is under an inch at 100 yards at 2345 fps. I shot a walrus with a a couple. I am working on a North Fork load. So far I am at 2400fps with 80gr H4350. I am going to try a bit more to see if the group tightens. I think it will. @zephyr know a lot about the cartridge and you can take his advice as the gospel truth.

 

[Pheroze]

Some photos

 

[Pheroze]

There is load data in Van der Walt book on cartridges for African dangerous game. His son chose this cartridge when he made his PH designation

 

[Bowhunter806]

Thanks everyone for all the insights. I will start working with some different options. Greatly appreciated the knowledge shared.