Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Express Rifles and Big Bores Only Trail Boss

Anyone using this to get a light load in a 450-400 NE? I have a Ruger #1 and would like to find a mild load to practice with and due some deer hunting. I'm thinking of using 41 cal pistol bullets.

I've used 30 grains of Trail Boss with a 400 grain cast bullet as discussed in this thread:

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/2902561/1

Hodgdon offers some specific recommendations on their site for using Trailboss in rifle cartridges.

https://www.hodgdon.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/trail-boss-reduced-loads-2018.pdf

Following is from their website

Listed below we show a few examples of rifle loads throughout the Reloading Data Center, but the fun doesn't stop there. If you don't see Trail Boss data for your favorite cartridge we have a formula for developing loads for all cartridges and it's simple to follow. This formula may be used in both rifle and pistol applications:

1) Find where the base of the bullet to be loaded is located in the case and make a mark on the outside of the case at this location. Then fill the case to that mark with Trail Boss, pour into the scale pan and weigh. This is your maximum load. Pressures will be below the maximum allowed for this cartridge and perfectly safe to use!

Terry Wieland did an entire article on this stuff a few years back in either Handloader or Rifle. Can't recall which or when, but if you have access to the issues with the index, you can find it. Unlike my frugal pal here (who shall remain nameless), I think Trail Boss is fine stuff, even if it costs a pinch more.

I wouldn't push those pistol bullets too fast, especially holler points. There's a thread right now in the ML forum about them going to pieces when used with heavy charges. Might try lead, or XPBs if available, or go as heavy as possible with jacketed.

Excellent idea, btw, no sense letting a nice rifle go idle just because there aren't any tigers handy.

I have used 12 grains of Trail Boss in a 45-70 with 405 home cast bullets. Velocity just under 1000 fps. very accurate and next to no- recoil from my Buffalo Classic.

I used 13gr with 350gr LC. Very pleasant, just a gentle shove on the back end.

OP, I did exactly what you are proposing with my No.1 in 450-400 NE. Unfortunately I am not at home right now and do not have my exact data. However I followed the procedure Lennie suggested and paired the Trail Boss with a 210gr. jacketed pistol bullet. I believe I got about 1750 fps and it shot like a dream - very consistent & accurate, low recoil and report.

This combo was just plain fun to shoot. I used it as preparation for a buff hunt - scoped and unscoped, off sticks . off hand, trying for quick follow up shots, etc. I was able to do a lot of practicing without developing a flinch and at a much more reasonable cost. It made transitioning and proficiency to full power loads a breeze.