I have a Ruger #1 in 450-400 3 inch and am looking for a reduced load to hunt deer and maybe an elk. I've read that you can use 60% of the published data as a starting point. Most of that data is for a 400gr bullet which I have no need/desire to use. I'm more interested in a 300gr bullet or preferably a 225gr pistol bullet at under 2000 FPS. I have read or been advised that Trail Boss is a good powder for the loads I seek but have no starting point. Will I need a Dacron filler? Can I use data for a 405 Win or 400 Jefferies as a starting point? The new Hornady manual only lists data for the 3 1/4 inch case and when I called them to ask questions there technical expert had no clue.

There is a shortage of Lion and Elephant in central Michigan but there are lots of deer and I'd like to use this on some and still keep the fillings in my teeth:)

Any insight and information is greatly appreciated.

The 60% reduction only applies to certain powders. Hodgdon only advises it for H4895.

Hodgdon's formula for working up loads with Trail Boss in any cartridge is on their website. It's easy to use, but I dunno what velocity you might get. Trail Boss usually results in pretty mild loads, thought it might work with a .225. You don't need a filler.

When I had a No. 1 .450/.400 I came up with a few milder loads. One was the .300-grain Hornady softpoint for the .405 and 80.0 grains of H4350, which got around 2300 fps. I also used a cast Lyman bullet that with the alloy I used weighed 408 grains. It shot well both with 100.0 grains of Swiss 1-1/2F black powder and with 32.0 grains of Accurate 5744. Both got around 1400 fps, and the 5744 load would probably work well with a jacketed 400-grain bullet, though velocity would be a little lower, due to not sealing the bore as well as a cast bullet.

There's also a formula for working up loads with 5744:
1) Fill a case with 5744 to about where the base of a seated bullet would be.
2) Weigh the powder.
3) Use 40% of that powder charge as a starting load.

Id bet 5744 would work with a 225 or 300-grain bullet and get the sort of velocity you're looking for.

+1 on the 5744

I have used this in several straight wall cartridges. No fillers needed and has been very accurate and is very temperature stable. Most recently used it to download the 450 Bushmaster for kids to shoot.

405wcf

I never knew that about load workup with the 5744, though I've used it a bunch. Was always my favorite in the 45/70

Thanks John I'll give that powder a try. I was surprised when Hornady couldn't give me any info. The 3 inch case isn't in their latest loading manual. Seems out of place for a company that makes the loaded ammo and sells the reloading components.