Home Forums Lever Action Central Big Bore Levers 405 Win and Rl 7

I have been happily shooting a RL7 load in my 405 with Win 300 grain Spitzers. It is a load from Pet Loads by Ken Waters and I considered it a max loads based on case, base expansion. I am getting 2300fps and excellent accuracy (1.5-2" with open sights) Cases seem to last a long time. However this load is about 7 grains over the modern Hornady book maximum and that makes me nervous. Any reliable pressure testing out there with RL7? I get the same base expansion with H4995 max load as listed by Hornady, but I am still nervous about being so much out of wack with Hornady data.

I have found Hornady data to be very very tame when compared to most other sources.

Tim: another thought is to chrono their factory ammo and see what they are getting. You are right, seven grains over max is a LOT, even though we all know manuals are extremely conservative. I don't use RL-7 in the 405, instead I've found great accuracy and velocity using VV N-133. Jorge

What JorgeI said about VV N133 +1.

I use a lot of Re7 in 45-70.
Recently started shooting a 444 Marlin. Now shooting IMR4198. If I can find some I hope to try H4198 as load data shows a bit more velocity.

I wonder why the 405 pressure level is so much lower than other cartridges that are chambered in the 1895.

Assume cartridge though.

I don't know. Haven't had problems with the RL7 and base expansion is ok but these rear locking firearms are harder to gauge pressure in. I respect Ken Waters a lot but I think I will try another powder. N133 doesn't give the same type of accuracy as RL7 nor does 3031. H4895 is a bit better. I'll keep exploring.

Brass might be a lot thinner

I suspect, just like the 45-70 reloaders can take it up a bit.

N133 is currently in stock at most online places. I just ordered a 8 pound jug for just under $300 plus fees from Grafs. Might as well buy it now instead of scrambling around later looking for it.

All?

Any idea what powder and charge Hornady might have used in their ammo?
Just curious.

Possibly bolt thrust, I don't know.

Btw North61,

I enjoyed.your 405 reloading video, are you going to do some more??

RL-7 is a champ in the .358 Win, good velocity without compressed loads.

DF

In my original 405s from years past, RL 7 did better than 3031. The case size and 1895 design allow it to operate at safer pressures
than the 30-03 or 30-06. The wise choice in lever action original Winchesters is to stay close to factory cartridge pressures and velocities.

I think Hawk makes a 325 gr bullet for the .405 WCF. In the modern 1895s, that bullet loaded carefully would create an interesting
bear or moose stopper in Canada or Alaska. Might even work in the 1920s 405s...

Measure the case expansion just in front of the rim with a micrometer. Try factory loads and your hand load.
Wish I could remember my loads for the 405 but sold it as the lever loop is too small for my hand. Interesting rifle with good power.

At some point..enjoying retirement so much I have slowed down the channel a lot!

thankful

I am thankful for those you have done. When I bought my 405 and started researching the cartridge, your videos really were a big help.

Thanks.