barnes 200gr

[BushBuster]

Hi guys, was wondering if anyone messed with Barnes 200gr solid copper bullets and 2400 powder. Looking for a starting point for that bullet.

[Hoot]

I went as high as 36gr of 2400 loaded to 2.18 COL and taper crimped to .475, but that was in cool weather. 2400 takes off when it's hot, which is why I didn't pursue it. I'd say work up from 34gr in no more than .5 gr steps as it can go from good to overpressure in a 1gr span.

Hoot

[BushBuster]

what about Lil Gun and some cci magnum primers would that be a better one for warmer weather. The only thing ive tryed was light loads and 2400 in
cold wather.

[Hoot]

what about Lil Gun and some cci magnum primers would that be a better one for warmer weather. The only thing ive tryed was light loads and 2400 in
cold wather.

Yes, with 200gr bullets, 2400 does do well in cold weather.

To date, my best results with the Barnes 200gr XPB came using Lil Gun and not necessarily magnum primers, just strong primers. Actually, to qualify that even further, the only primers I had less than good results with were CCI BR4, though they did well with 2400. Go figure...

Lil Gun is slower burning powder. Changes to it's characteristics occur to a lesser degree as a result of temperature extremes compared to 2400, but that's a double edged sword. It relies more heavily upon neck tension in order to get cooking and then resistance to travel in the barrel to keep it burning efficiently while the bullet is on the way to the muzzle.

If you haven't seen them already, This Thread has links in the first post to a series of threads detailing my experience reloading both the 200 and 275 XPBs in great detail.

Other members have worked with them and you can find their input as well.

Hoot

[BushBuster]

thanks Hoot your the man thats just what i was looking for a little bit more reserch and ill have a good time with the Barnes thanks.