The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Reduced load for .458 -- safe?

Paul B. · May 31, 2000, 06:51 PM

Hueco. The only thing that bothers me is the Barnes X bullet. The max load for a 292 gr. cast bullet is 33.0 gr. 2400, and that is a lot softer than a solid copper bullet. I'm not sure that a magnum primer is necessary here either.
2400 is a fast burning powder that can generate pressures rapidly. Another point. That solid copper bullet could get stuck somewhere down your barrel due to the fact that it is much harder than conventional bullets.
Don't pay any attention to people who flame you because you want to shoot lighter loads. It's a darn good way to learn how to handle your #1. It's not like shooting a rifle with a magazine.
I shoot a lot of lighter cast bullet loads, and I used to have data for the .458 laying around here someplace. I haven't seen it since we moved here to Arizona, but I'm sure I can find you some safe data for practice loads. E-mail me if you are interested.
Paul B.

May 31, 2000, 06:51 PM	#3
Paul B. Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 1999 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,802	Hueco. The only thing that bothers me is the Barnes X bullet. The max load for a 292 gr. cast bullet is 33.0 gr. 2400, and that is a lot softer than a solid copper bullet. I'm not sure that a magnum primer is necessary here either. 2400 is a fast burning powder that can generate pressures rapidly. Another point. That solid copper bullet could get stuck somewhere down your barrel due to the fact that it is much harder than conventional bullets. Don't pay any attention to people who flame you because you want to shoot lighter loads. It's a darn good way to learn how to handle your #1. It's not like shooting a rifle with a magazine. I shoot a lot of lighter cast bullet loads, and I used to have data for the .458 laying around here someplace. I haven't seen it since we moved here to Arizona, but I'm sure I can find you some safe data for practice loads. E-mail me if you are interested. Paul B.