Good news on the Hodgdon BENCHMARK (ADI Benchmark 2).

Rifle was Freki the FN Mauser with 24-1/4" Pac-Nor No. 5 Sporter, 1:10" twist.
Scope: Leupold FX Freedom 3-9x40mm Muzzle Loader UltimateSlam Reticle,
Scope Mounts: Near MFG Rail, 8x40 screws, Burris Xtac Low Rings

400-gr CEB Safari Solid "Special" Brass FN: COL 3.360"
BOL = 1.225"
G1 BC = 0.180
Norma brass
GM215M primer
69*F
78.0 gr Benchmark with drop tube: Not Compressed, ~ 99% fill
5-yard chrono for 5 shots, mean = 2481.8 fps ... corrected to MV = 2506 fps
5 shots went into one hole at 50 yards.

404-gr Shock Hammer: 3 different COLs, 3.380", 3.480" and 3.580", just could not bring myself to do 3.280".
BOL = 1.440"
G1 BC = 0.419
Norma brass
GM215M primer
69*F

COL 3.380"
78.0 gr Benchmark (mildly compressed): Chrono 2453 fps mean ... MV = 2463 fps, accurate
80.0 gr Benchmark (more compressed): Chrono 2589.8 fps mean ... MV = 2600 fps, not as accurate

COL 3.480"
82.0 gr Benchmark (mildly compressed): Chrono 2610.25 fps mean ... MV = 2620 fps, accurate

COL 3.580"
84.0 gr Benchmark ("full case"): Chrono 2602 fps mean ... MV = 2612 fps, most accurate

Target pictures and further discussion to follow.

Stocking up on Hodgdon BenchMark is recommended.
Excellent for 400-gr to 550-gr bullets in the SAAMI .458 WinMag and same with .458 WM+ loads.
Best level TBI.
Tiny little extruded grains meter very well, like the ball powders.


Ron aka "Rip" for Riflecrank Internationale Permanente
NRA Life Benefactor and Beneficiary
.458 Winchester Magnum, Magnanimous in Victory
THE WALKING DEAD does so remind me of Democrap voters. Donkeypox.