Low Pressure 500N.E. rounds

[Capt_Oscar]

I have 2 - 500 Nitro Express rifles, a custom Ruger No1 and a TC Encore. The TC Encore needs a lighter recoiling round then factory ammo as it comes in at a mere 8lbs and that is vicious with full throttle ammo. I'm playing with some 500gr Woodleigh FP, designed for 50Alaskan or 50-110Win. I also found some 450gr Barnes Originals for the same cartridges.
The goal is to load them down to approximately 2000fps muzzle velocity but if I get good consistent SDs in the 1800-2000fps I'll be happy.
I need it to warm up a little for testing as we're currently hoping for a high of 6°F today. Maybe this coming weekend, expected 37F.

 

[Huvius]

Look up Nitro for Black loads which in effect are reduced loads in the nitro sense.

I’ve used H4198 and backer rod for NfB loading.

 

[Rare Breed]

I have 2 - 500 Nitro Express rifles, a custom Ruger No1 and a TC Encore. The TC Encore needs a lighter recoiling round then factory ammo as it comes in at a mere 8lbs and that is vicious with full throttle ammo. I'm playing with some 500gr Woodleigh FP, designed for 50Alaskan or 50-110Win. I also found some 450gr Barnes Originals for the same cartridges.
The goal is to load them down to approximately 2000fps muzzle velocity but if I get good consistent SDs in the 1800-2000fps I'll be happy.
I need it to warm up a little for testing as we're currently hoping for a high of 6°F today. Maybe this coming weekend, expected 37F.

I recommend going to IMR3031 at 80 grains which will produce 2152 FPS with very reduced recoil using 570 grain bullets

 

[Capt_Oscar]

I don't like to drop that far down on a powder charge without some kind of wad/filler as you can get wild pressure swings based on how the powder column ignites. While my Ruger No1 would handle that issue, with the TC Encore you could have a barrel blow up on you.

 

[Rare Breed]

I use fillers no problem. Trader Keith #2’s. your shoulder will thank you!

 

[Brian]

You have two excellent single shots for cape buffalo! I have a TC Encore in 50-110, I would have been better off to go with the 500NE like you did but at the time I was afraid of it.

My 50-110 is necked down a bit to a true .500 cal. as I wanted to use the CEB line of .500 cal bullets, Obviously my 50-110 is just a notch under your .500NE I have killed buffalo with the 410 grain CEB Raptor bullet at a mere 1940 fps MV. ( I have posted elsewhere how well this load kills cape buffalo with double lung shots. DRT) My next batch of loads will be the same bullet at 2100 fps.

The .500 - 510 cal. really give high quality bullets a chance to perform. Hunters and PH's are usually quite surprised to see how well it performs. Your 500NE with top drawer bullets is the hammer for buffalo! One bullet in the boiler room equals one DRT buffalo.

Also, I was always against muzzle brake, until I wasn't. Recently I made tank type muzzle brakes for my single shot .577NE and .500-110. ) I copied the Alexander Arms 500 Beowolf design. It is ugly but very effective. ( My hearing is just about shot, pun intended, and I wear electric ears muffs when I am hunting. ) Happy hunting, Brian.