CFE=P and the 480

[bula]

So, with a new 4 5/8" 480 here and 50 275gr Speer bullets to play with, like CFE-P at least so far as a break-in powder. Problem is, no data. Called Hodgens, and they haven't gone there either, whaaa ? New likely rough bore, CFE touted to reduce copper fouling, seems a likely idea, as a break-in powder. Liked that route with my not so new M69 44mag.. so now the 480. Did some guestimates, exterpolation, tongue out side of mouth math and have some scribbled out notes. But, your opinions ?

[jsh]

Opinions are like elbows, everyone has a couple.
There is no shortage of listed, usable powders. Even when things are tight, I don't cross that line. Powder is cheap, guns are expensive.

[bula]

Well, that's the safe answer. This forum would be about one third smaller if all stayed within the lines. I'd not have shot shells or rice loads or buck-n-ball loads. No 475WTH or 500max or... Am thinking of a starting load. No powder shortage here. The CFE-P seems like a logical choice for first loads thru a new S.S. gun. I often end posts with "stay safe folks" or something similar, so do not mind getting similar. Thank You. 

[coldtriggerfinger]

I've never used that powder. Your idea is sound . are you going to use any filler ?

[bula]

I just went thru this with the new 44mag M69 using light to nom weight XTP's. Here, I had data though, 10grs was the starting charge weight with the 240gr JHP's. I did not use filler, didn't look like excessive empty case volume. No problems, good loads. Jumping up to the 480's here, no data, and Hodgens hasn't gone there yet themselves it seems. Of the data I do have, specifically with this bullet, IMR4227 has my attention too. Have Unique, Power Pistol , 2400 and others on hand. We;ll see. A powder touted as reducing copper fouling, seems a logical choice for first loads thru a new SS barrel. I do not mind being urged to caution, have interacted with few here, an unknown quantity so to speak. There has been a loading press clamped to a table everywhere I've lived since the early '80's. Stay safe folks. 

[flattopdan]

Bula,

I've not tried this myself so it's all guesswork. Hodgedon has load data for CFE in the 45 colt standard pressure with a 300 grain bullet. I bet case capacities with similar weight bullets will be slightly larger in the 480 and yield lower pressures. I would try the lowest charge with a similar weight bullet and go from there.

I would avoid fillers, but that's me.

[bula]

It is guess work but will try to make the guesses as informed as possible. With no guess work, we'd still be on the other side of the pond, and the "native Americans" would still be fighting each other over hunting grounds instead of casino profits. 

[bula]

Alrighty then, the first cylinder full went down range a few minutes ago. All sounded the same, exited the barrel, primers good, cases clean. Charged and seated, crimped the rest for shooting tomorrow. Recoil felt very 44mag-like. Likely would be an ok load for 2 legged vermin if ya CCW your Alaskan. If ya PM me, will send  my cell number and we can talk about Sun/Mon. Going out now. 

[jsh]

"This forum would be about one third smaller if all stayed within the lines."

I won't say I don't go outside the parameters of book load data. I have fooled with milsurp powders and a fair jag of wildcats. It is not for beginners or those that think they can't learn. I have become very leery of posting loads or speaking on open boards about unlisted loads.
There are just way to many newbies running around. I mean they do a search on XXX caliber, and it spits out links.
Still makes me think about the guy years back that was running around all over the place proclaiming that blue dot was all ya needed for ANY caliber handgun or rifle.
This is not anything new happening either. I have heard enough from the guys in the lab at Sierra and Hodgdon to make you shake your head.

One gent called Sierra and claimed their data was wrong for a rifle caliber. They listed a compressed load of some slow burning powder. The guy said he could get several more grains than that in his. After a bit of discussion they found out how.
He poured the powder out on the bench and ran the rolling pin over it several times! The advised him to not do that. Also asked if he had fired one yet, nope not yet. They never heard back from him. It may have raised the IQ in that state and cleaned up the gene pool some.

So, I tend to keep to myself on such subjects. If someone ask, I send info or exchange info in a some what private manner.

No offense meant and none taken.
Jeff

[bula]

Yup, no offense meant or taken. With a good bit of compression, just maybe the bullet could get seated over a double charge, maybe. This likely the big danger. I've loaded Bullseye and Unique over the years and have some currently, that danger a known. I'm not looking for a max load even by the book which is a bit less than SAAMI. Next bullets up will be the 325gr XTP and some Penn PC'd TH's that go 352grs in grooveless form. Quite similar to a OT bullet that there is data for. 

[bula]

Just done cleaning up me and the Ruger, this grin is gonna last for awhile. He He He !

[dougader]

I had nice loads with 231 and some 370 grain bullets... 8, 9, and 10 grains. The 9 grain load is really nice. Just remember, fast powders have an incredibly fast pressure spike with small changes in charge weight. Your CFE powder is slower than my 231, but still a good idea to watch powder charges closely and, as always, start low and work up slowly.

Sounds like you're off to a great start, Steve!

[bula]

Started low, stayed low. A one time thing. No plans on buying more of those 275gr HP's. Just found them on a shelf somewhere, and was thinking of as CCW bullets for possible Alaskan that likely won't happen now. If I buy more jacketed 480 bullets they will be the 325gr Hornady's and there is more data for those.