...In 1988 I had my Taylor custom built on a Pre 64 M-70 action, Krieger 24"bbl. The following loads are only for 400gr bullets.
I show four bullet manufacturers.
IMR 4320 72.5grs 72.0grs
Swift: 2385fps 2379fps
TBSH: 2392fps 2382fps
Barnes: 2396fps 2376fps
Hornady: 2393fps 2377fps
R-15 72.2grs 70.0grs
Swift: 2398fps 2367fps
TBSH: 2402fps 2380fps
Barnes: 2400fps 2376fps
Hornady: 2392fps 2337fps
Keep in mind, these loads are for MY rifle, and may be too HOT for someone else to start with. Prior to settling on a suitable hunting load, I worked up loads utilizing several other powders, and bullets. After all was said and done, 250/300 rounds later I was satisfied I had my recipe for the Taylor.
All velocities were across the screens @ 15', and corrected back to the muzzle. Five shots each over a two day period. Altitude: 8200', temp: 85F, and 87F.
Components: Winchester brass(formed from .458) Fed 215 primers.
None of the loads indicated any pressure problems here in CO or in Africa's sometimes HOT temps pushing 100F.
Best accuracy load (IN MY RIFLE) 72.0grs of IMR 4320 loading Swift SP, and TBSH Solids. These printed 1 1/2" @ 100yrds. Average velocity 2380fps.
With the combination of rifle/bullets, my rifle has accounted for numerous plains game, and DG in Africa; everything from bushbuck to elephant.
I was so pleased with the Taylor, I had another built for my wife. She has taken a bunch of African plains game as well, plus, two buffalo, and one elephant with her rifle.
The perceived recoil to us, seems no worse than our.338Win Mags loaded with 250gr bullets.
As an aside: I only load 400gr bullets. I subscribe to "heavy for caliber", and have not felt the need for a lighter bullet.
J.L.Schott
I neglected to mention both our rifles have Leupold 1.5x5 scopes. With all the shooting, neither scope has yet failed.
Last edited by TSIBINDI; 03/09/14.
