500 mag / Trail Boss / Bullet question

[JD 500]

I know some are using Trail Boss in the 500 for plinking loads. I've looked at the data at IMR / Hodgdon website, which shows Trail Boss loads for Cast Lead bullets only.

Has anyone used trail boss with plated (Berry's) bullets or Jacketed bullets ? and/or your thoughts on doing so ?

Thanks,

Thanks in advance,

[model14]

I can't answer your' question, but I sure want a new 8 3/8" 500 at my local gun shop for $997

[DonD]

One would think that there would be no issue. If you look at the Hodgdon site, you'll see that even with "max" loads, most bullet weights using Trail Boss show pressures around 20,000 psi, a trivial amount for an X frame.

Why not just call Hodgdon? They're quite easy to deal with and I am confident that they will answer your question and you can trust their response.

I enjoy Trail Boss. I do routinely shoot heavy loads in my .500s but Trail Boss ammo is just plain fun, like a massively overgrown .22LR. Don

[duckloads]

I called trail boss about the use in 460 S&W mag using Hornady XTP's and Speer JHP's. They were real nice to talk to me about it. I was told the max charge was to fill the case to where the bullet seats without compressing the powder. Also I was told to back off a bit to start. It works for me with 250 and 300gr JHP's. The other day I shot 4-5" groups at a wind-blown target at 50 yds. bunches of fun

[duckloads]

like a massively overgrown .22LR.

Yep, like a gigantic cap gun.

[JD 500]

Originally posted by model14:
I can't answer your' question, but I sure want a new 8 3/8" 500 at my local gun shop for $997

Frankly, that is a good price (At least around here). My local Rip off mtn, I mean Gander mtn is tring to get $1300 for a 4" 500.
------------------------------------------------------

Called Hodgdon, and they suggested exactly what duckloads said. Fill case to bottom of bullet without compressing, and that is max, can go 30% less as start load. They said no issue with jacketed or plated(w/ cannelure)at all. Load the same.

Honestly with velocities as low as in thier data, I was more concerned with squibs / bullet stuck in barrel.

Thanks guys. I wouldn't say I was "new" to reloading, but I sure don't try anything unless I find reliable data / source for it.

[DonD]

I certainly endorse using reputable sources. Hodgdon is so responsive that I use them frequently.

I have found in several instances with the .500 that I can safely start with powder charges below what is listed on their site. That allows me even more flexibility so that I now use Trail Boss, TiteGroup, 4227 and LilGun to essentially give me a nearly seamless range of velocities to choose from.

Another good resource are the ballistics technicians at Sierra. Very friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. Don

[Houndog2]

One more thumbs up for TB. Lots of fun to shoot. I use only jacketed bullets, btw. When I got the first container of it I asked "Bill" about 460 loads....his reply...."fill the case up and dump out enough so the bullet doesn't compress it" "or not, it won't matter"! I was shocked! This coming from a manufacturer of hard cast bullets! He said "it's a GREAT powder, for that very reason, you simply can't put too much in your 460."

Of course always stick with the books but with guns like the 500 and 460 Trail Boss is pretty much "the bomb" for fat, slow loads that are accurate and not ear blasting. 250 or 300 gr. @ 850 fps is nothing to sneeze at either!

HD2

[JD 500]

Originally posted by DonD:
I certainly endorse using reputable sources. Hodgdon is so responsive that I use them frequently.

I have found in several instances with the .500 that I can safely start with powder charges below what is listed on their site. That allows me even more flexibility so that I now use Trail Boss, TiteGroup, 4227 and LilGun to essentially give me a nearly seamless range of velocities to choose from.

Another good resource are the ballistics technicians at Sierra. Very friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. Don

Thanks Don. Too funny, with the addition of Trail Boss, I'll have the same collection of powders.

[JD 500]

Originally posted by Houndog2:
One more thumbs up for TB. Lots of fun to shoot. I use only jacketed bullets, btw. When I got the first container of it I asked "Bill" about 460 loads....his reply...."fill the case up and dump out enough so the bullet doesn't compress it" "or not, it won't matter"! I was shocked! This coming from a manufacturer of hard cast bullets! He said "it's a GREAT powder, for that very reason, you simply can't put too much in your 460."

Of course always stick with the books but with guns like the 500 and 460 Trail Boss is pretty much "the bomb" for fat, slow loads that are accurate and not ear blasting. 250 or 300 gr. @ 850 fps is nothing to sneeze at either!

HD2

Thanks Houndog2 - Mike at Hodgdon said the same thing. It's amazing to hear "just fill it up" and "500 mag load", in the same sentence. Mike did say that Trail boss is a Bulky powder that will fill the largest cases and yield low pressure and velocity as DonD mentioned above.

Can't wait to try some out. Kinda be fun to try a slow 350gr into a watermelon or waterjug just to see what'll happen

[DonD]

As Houndog mentioned, big bore bullets at 850 fps are still serious objects at the backstop. I usually shoot 405gr slugs I get from Tennessee Valley with Trail Boss and they make a very satisfying crater at the backstop.

Too cheap to buy overpriced mellons just to blast at the range. Don

[JD 500]

Originally posted by DonD:


Too cheap to buy overpriced mellons just to blast at the range. Don

If I have a camcorder, I may splurge on one, just to get it on tape.