Anyone got a recipe for Hodgdon CFE BLK with Hornady FTX 300gr bullets? According to Hodgdon, they have some recipes for different weights but they are different bullets they are using. I believe they are using Barnes bullets. NOTE: Hodgden and Hornady both won’t give any data on that combination.
Anyway, I know the COL will be 2.195 and using WLR primers. The best guess I can come up with is starting load of 46.5 grains of CFE BLK.
BTW, I have experience with many different recipes using Ranier 330 Gr plated and CFE BLK.
Now starting to use full jacketed projectiles.
Any thoughts?
Thanks!

I’ve noticed that Barnes XPB bullets use less powder, for an equivalent bullet weight, that is jacketed lead.
That’s for the 460 in Lyman’s 49th.

Hornady’s manual and Hodgdon’s web site both have data for the 500 Gr. But for some reason leave out the 300 FTX.
If Barnes was almost the price of factory rounds I’d go with them.
It should not be too far apart from the existing data.

Thanks!

Just to be clear, I’m only stating that for the same/close enough bullet weight and same diameter.... the XPB uses less powder than a jacketed lead bullet.... haven’t had time to update myself on the latest in bullet/materials/making.

I’d be reading everything on this site even if I knew what I was doing.

Have fun
Stay safe

Would suggest using a more suitable powder for the 500 S&W than CFE BLK. It is not going to produce the typical velocity associated with the typical powder used with 300 FTX.

Your 46.5 grans will be ok as start load, expect the load to shoot dirty and unburnt powder is to be expected.

I wold urge caution with this combination as a squib type load is possible.
Make sure the bullet leaves the barrel.

If your goal is to shoot reduced recoil load I would also suggest a different bullet as well as terminal performance for the FTX suffers at lower velocity.

be safe
Ruggy

Thanks Ruggy for your input!

Actually, the goal is to increase velocity over the 330 Gr plated Ranier bullets I’ve been loading. There was a noticeable difference in felt recoil when I shot a factory FTX. That’s what I’m looking for. I also have some 500gr Hornady bullets as well. When I get a handle on the FTXs, I’m going to try those out. Hodgdon does have data for CFE BLK and the 500 Gr rounds but not FTXs.
I have not been able to get enough crimp on the Ranier rounds and decide to bump it up.
If you have suggestions on the ideal powder for most any weight bullet I can trade in my powder for something more ideal.
I prefer a higher load density as it would help prevent double charges.
I was talked into using the CFE BLK powder for the 500 and Ranier plated bullets by a guy I respect in the store I bought it from.
I believe John Ross does not like Titegroup and has pictures of damaged guns because of it.
I’ve heard good things about H4227 and Lil’Gun.

So, my goal is to keep bumping up the power factor. The highest power factor I’ve shot so far is 622. That is the power factor of the Hornady FTXs.

Thanks!

Look at 2400 for midrange loads and a descent % fill.
Enforcer performs very similar to 2400 in the 500 S&W.

I like N110 for all bullet weights and construction type, it burns very clean regardless of the % fill.

And of coarse H110 works well across the board in 500 S&W, just keep the fill above 85%.

Yes avoid fast powders is a good practice in the 500 S&W,
if yo are look for reduced loads use TrailBoos or Tin Star and you don't have to worry about your top strap.


be safe
Ruggy