S&W500 and 2400

[rug480]

Hey guys, been enjoying my 500 with H110 but am running low, these cases empty a jug fast.

I know 2400 is a go to for 44/45 but anyone use it for the 500? I’m finding hardly any load data for it but I have an old school 5lb can of the Hercules 2400 waiting to crack open. I know it’s a little faster than H110/296 but it’s also less sensitive to lower charges. I’m just looking for starting loads to work up to mid range.

Here’s what I’m using
405gr spire .475 seating depth
450gr wfnpb .5
450gr Keith copy .455
510gr wfngc .54

Any input is appreciated,

[coldtriggerfinger]

Wow, that thing is a HOG leg !
No idea on the 2400.
It took me some doing but I finally found some Alliant data for 2400 in the 480 Ruger.
Do you have any idea on how similar Hercules 2400 and Alliant 2400 is ?

[rug480]

From what I’ve read Hercules is a hair slower than Alliant, is 2400 close enough to Accurate 9 to duplicate starting loads?

[ebg3]

Did you ever come up with load data for 2400? I'm looking for the same.
I recently tested some H110 loads with 350gr XTPs and it is not very pleasant to shoot. Very accurate but a bit harsh.
I want to try the Lee 440gr at around 1400fps and think 2400 should be able to do it.
Might start with 30gr 2400...

[bigbore5]

May 19, 2019 8:29:23 GMT -5 rug480 said:

From what I’ve read Hercules is a hair slower than Alliant, is 2400 close enough to Accurate 9 to duplicate starting loads?

No it isn't. I wouldn't advise it. Get someone who has Quickloads to run a profile for you.

[bradshaw]

rug480.... for magnum handguns, I consider Hercules 2400 the fastest of appropriate slow powders. It tolerates some air space better than slow double-base (ball) powders.

Opened Hornady Handbook II (1973). Hornady lists Hercules 2400 in the .45-70 Springfield at two load levels, Model 1886 Winchester, and Ruger No. 1.

Hercules 2400
.458 300 JHP
Win Model 1886----min 22.7; max 32.8.
Ruger No.1----min 37.4; max 46.2.

.458 350 RN
Win 1886----min 25.8; max 30.8.
Ruger No. 1----min 37.4; max 45.9.

.458 500 RN
Win 1886----min 22.1; max 30.4.
Ruger No. 1----min 31.0; max 42.4.

First thing to notice, there is roughly a 10-grain span between minimum and maximum loadings for each bullet. Indicating some tolerance for air space with this single base power. Data from the same manual for the .444 Marlin lists the Hornady .430 240 JHP with a minimum 30.8 grains; with max 40.3 grains----for a 9.5 grain spread.

When a direct source is not available, I extrapolate information, and distill it, before loading a test round. Extrapolation requires experience, and recognizes that it is better to work up than down.
David Bradshaw

[Encore64]

I hesitated to post this, but since Bradshaw opened the door.

Thirty odd years ago, JD Jones and I discussed 2400 use in 45-70 Contenders.

While many incorrectly assume the 45-70 isn't good in a handgun, it is.

It isn't a new theory either. I've pictures here of a Trapdoor Springfield 45-70 Pistol from the 1800s. It never went into production.

But, as Bradshaw correctly eluded to, be careful. Too much will fit into some cases.

JD's published data was usually what he referred to as "idiot proof." That is using powder that fills the case.

He had nothing good to say about Lyman's Manual using Fiberfill Quilt Batting as a filler. Said it was too easy to double charge...

[Ken O'Neill]

About 10 years ago or so, I worked up loads for the 50 AE and .500WE using 2400 and 325-350 gr. bullets. The goal was moderate pressure and velocity yielding excellent accuracy. Of course the .500 S&W case is larger, and you will have to do your own careful experimentation, but I feel certain that it can be done.
I would share those 2400 loads for those 2 cartridges, but not for the .500 S&W, which i know nothing about in this context.

[singleaction]

I can’t comment on 500 S&W Magnum, but I have a 500 S&W SPECIAL (1.275” case) load from David Clements using 2400 and Cast Performance 440 WFN’s. It’s a mild load that run’s a rat hair over 900 fps out of a 5.5” Blackhawk. I can PM you that load if you are interested.

[lockhart]

I asked John Ross one time about the use of SR-4759, and he suggested 26 grains for
about 1250 fps* I dropped down to 23 grains to start, and didn't need anymore* This
will drive tacks! At the time, SR-4759 had just been discontinued (again!), so I bought
up every 1 lb can I could find, and I know have about 6 or so lbs to probably last me
a life time! If you can find any of it, buy it up, as its great for loading 500 S&W
This is with the RCBS 400 grain cast bullet, cast from wheel weights, and dropped into
water*

[ebg3]

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