Loading data for .405 Winchester

[abcollector]

I finally got around and cast some bullets for the 1895 Win in .405 Winchester. Now, I need some loading data to see what she shoots like. The bullet is a gas checked 300 gr cast from WW and water cooled. Bullet style is LFN by LBT.
Anyone have anything to share or point me in the direction for loading cast bullets?

If I used the Hornady 7th Edition loading manual that lists 300 gr jacketed, how much is a good rule of thumb to back off for lead... 10%?

Thanks

[TedH]

Here's some data that I got from Accurate Arms after emailing them the same question you are asking.


Caliber: .405 Winchester.

Barrel length: 24”

Case length: 2.583” - Trim to length: 2.563” –

COL: 3.175” max

Reduced loads.

Powder: Accurate -- 5744.

Bullet weight: 300grains

Start load: 22.0 grains (approx 1200Ft/p/sec)

Maximum load: 28.0 grains (approx 1550Ft/p/sec)

High Velocity (optimum loads)

Powder: Accurate -- 5744.

Bullet weight: 210 grains

Start load: 38.0 grains (approx 1950 -2050 Ft/p/sec)

Maximum load: 42.0 grains (approx 2300-2400 Ft/p/sec)

Bullet weight: 260 grains

Start load: 36.0 grains (approx 1950 -2050 Ft/p/sec)

Maximum load: 40.0 grains (approx 2200-2300 Ft/p/sec)

Bullet weight: 300 grains

Start load: 32.0 grains (approx 1800 -1900 Ft/p/sec)

Maximum load: 37.0 grains (approx 1900 - 2000 Ft/p/sec)

Powder: Accurate -- 2015.

Bullet weight: 300 grains

Start load: 43.0 grains (approx 1900 -2000 Ft/p/sec)

Maximum load: 48.0grains (approx 2100 - 2200Ft/p/sec)

Bullet weight: 350 grains

Start load: 40.0 grains (approx 1700 -1800 Ft/p/sec)

Maximum load: 44.0grains (approx 1900 - 2000Ft/p/sec)

Bullet weight: 400 grains

Start load: 36.0 grains (approx 1650-1750Ft/p/sec)

Maximum load: 40.0grains (approx 1800-1900 Ft/p/sec)

Powder: Accurate -- 2230.

Bullet weight: 300 grains.

Start load: 45.0grains (1900 – 2000 Ft/p/sec)

Maximum load: 50.0grains (2000 – 2100 Ft/p/sec).

Bullet weight: 400 grains.

Start load: 36.0grains (1500 - 1600 Ft/p/sec)

Maximum load: 41.0 grains (1700 – 1800 Ft/p/sec)

Powder: Accurate -- 2495.

Bullet weight: 300 grains

Start load: 47.0 grains (approx 1850 -1950 Ft/p/sec)

Maximum load: 53.0grains (approx 2100 - 2200Ft/p/sec)

Bullet weight: 400 grains

Start load: 40.0 grains (approx 1650-1750Ft/p/sec)

Maximum load: 44.0grains (approx 1800-1900 Ft/p/sec)

[Don McDowell]

28 grs of 5744 has worked very well for a variety of 300 gr cast bullets in my rifle.
25 grs of IMR4759 has also been alright.
35 grs of H4895 has shown some promise with cast, and really shined with the Hornady 300 gr sp's

[abcollector]

Thanks for the replies guys! Figures, none of the powder I have on hand in my meager little supply So I guess I'll need to fix that with an order somewhere. It's the pits not having a local gun shop that I could visit.

Gotta keep trying...

[Kansas Ed]

The 42nd Lyman Manual (1960) Lists the following Cast loads for the .405 with a 290 gr bullet (Mould 412263).

2400 ---------- 25.0 gr ----Vel. 1500

IMR4227-------26.0 gr----Vel 1485

IMR4198-------30.0 gr----Vel 1530

IMR3031-------40.0 gr----Vel 1500

IMR4064-------42.0 gr----Vel 1510

IMR4895------ 43.0 gr----Vel 1480

IMR4320------47.0 gr----Vel 1515

Unique--------16.0 gr----Vel 1460

As always use at your own discretion, and remember this is data for powder mixtures from 50 years ago...

Ed

[Don McDowell]

My chrono said those reading were about 200 fps slow, and some of it was shot with powder that was as old as the data, and some of it from new production.