Load recommendations for 416 Rem Mag?

[Nhoro]

Winchester became well aware of problems associated with compressed ball powder loads in their 458 WM ammo in their attempt to have the 458 WM perform up to predetermined, market driven minimum velocity standards. A few cycles of ammo into high temperatures over some time and presto- congealed/caked powder and very unreliable ammo performance.

I believe (wasn't there so ...) Win Mag problems were more about the chemistry of the powder than compression. Many people have long term compressed loads ( 1 member on this forum states 30 years storage ) that perform exactly as they say on the box. I have also seen numerous reports of 303 ammo and other hunting cartridges that were not compressed at all having clumping problems. As I said, I think it is wrong chemistry that causes powder to degrade and not compression.

 

[fourfive8]

I believe (wasn't there so ...) Win Mag problems were more about the chemistry of the powder than compression. Many people have long term compressed loads ( 1 member on this forum states 30 years storage ) that perform exactly as they say on the box. I have also seen numerous reports of 303 ammo and other hunting cartridges that were not compressed at all having clumping problems. As I said, I think it is wrong chemistry that causes powder to degrade and not compression.

To say that the chemistry and physical characteristics of that powder alone was responsible for the erratic internal ballistics experienced by the 458 WM is likely not correct. I would imagine that Winchester (Olin) used that particular powder or other ball powders of that chemistry in many of their cartridges during that time and there simply isn't the history of similar erratic internal ballistics from those carts.... no matter though, every reloader makes their own choices. I simply have chosen not to compress loads and it's certainly my choice not to compress ball powder loads and in general I avoid ball powders. What anyone else does is their business.

 

[bruce moulds]

long range target and benchrest shooters do not use a lot of ball powders to this day due to carbon fouling in the barrel that goes ceramic.
bruce.

 

[Desert Dog]

I use to shoot the 400gr TSX out of my 416rem, but have since switched to the 350gr TSX. The 350 shoots very flat, still hits hard, and seems to recoil less. In all of my load testing with 416 rem, H4895 has proven to be the best powder for me. IMO, the 350gr TSX makes an already versatile cartridge even more versatile.

 

[Matt_WY]

Thanks @Desert Dog . Will try 4895 for sure