After a long while of just shooting proven loads in the 404 Ruger African, I finally did a bit more experimenting with other powders. So for anyone interested, a few reduced (practice) loads and also some full-power loads - that now equal 416 Rigby and 416 Remington MVs - from the Ruger case with a 0.423" bullet, are listed below.
All data shot in a re-bored Ruger Hawkeye African, 23" bbl. now back in the re-enforced factory wood stock.
Practice loads:
H-4895 -450 gr. Woodleigh SPRN -
60.0 gr = 1869 fps
65.0 gr. = 2032 fps
350 gr lead 60.0 gr H-4895 (gas check) sized to 0.422" = 2048 fps
DGR (pachyderm) loads
RL-17 - 400 gr. Barnes Banded Solid -
72.0 g = 1929 fps
76.0 g = 2064 fps
82.0 g = 2318 fps
83.0 g = 2351 fps
84.0 g = 2368 fps
85.0 g = 2416 fps
CCI 250 primers used in all loads
Those following may note that with the previous powder used, H-4350, case capacity ran our before the 2400 fps MV target was reached. Because of the smaller kernel size of RL-17, enough powder can be used with a monolithic bullet to keep COAL at 3.420" (max allowed in the African magazine) and still reach 2400 fps +. A bit more MV may be possible, as there is still some case capacity left without significant powder compression, but 2416 fps = 5184 lb-ft KE. This is equivalent to the golden-standard large medium bore performance of the 416 Rigby. As my intent is to use this rifle as a 2nd rifle for elephant, this seemed a good place to stop.
