All Y'all Knights: I will probably have to self publish. Trying to decide on whether 200 pages or 800 pages will be needed. Some original artwork will be required also, like cartoons of Lottites and realistic paintings related to the .458 Winchester Magnum. Need a little bit more load data with the 400-gr Shock Hammer.
What I am being told over at the Hammer Bullets site, is that they will replace my 400-grainers with the 403-grainers. Steve Davis said the light bullet comes from the off-spec copper bar stock. And I said:
I shall weigh all my bullets ! Find enough 400-grainers and 403-grainers for a shoot-off out to 600 yards. Might take that to "shoot the diff." Being very familiar with the .458 WinMag handloading in my rifles, I will make it simple. MY starting load is 80.0 grains of AA-2230 with the 3mm HP Shock Hammer at 3.38" COL. That is a load that any factory .458 WinMag can handle, even if it exceeds SAAMI COL by 0.040" !
Western Powders data in a 24"-barreled (1:14" twist) .458 WinMag: Barnes Old Original SSSP (0.049" jacket) Win case F-215 primer COL 3.140" 80.0 grains AA-2230 >>> 2457 fps <<< 53,690 psi 80.0 grains AA-2460 >>> 2452 fps <<< 52,746 psi
I expect velocity about +2500 fps in my 25" (1:14" twist) Shilen barrel. The fancy stuff with COL 3.48" and 3.58" and higher velocity will wait until later.
I am loading ammo tonight and ice and snow are easing up here now. To the outdoor range with the Shock Hammers soon.
I hope I'll be still around for Sir Ron's "self published" book on the great .458 WinMag. I'll be first in line for a copy. Mark me down for that, Ron!
