450Bushmaster.net

This is the whomper that Wildcatter designed...hasn't been on the shelf for a couple years, at least. What took 'em so long?

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/32128 ... roductLink

Glad to see they finally brought them back. I wanted to try these since they last sold out, only now, I have too many projects going on. Shame.

shot a few of their 400gr .500 version, think I could blow thru a 8" tree and still kill what was behind it.

That's a lot of powder infringing length to fit down into the case in order to make length. Would like to measure one for COL when it engages the lands. Might not be able to go to 2.26, much like the 300gr XTP Mag.



Hoot

Wildcatter loaded these in his personal 450b at 2100fps (with the "Corvette" modification he did) that some teenagers used for hog hunting, IIRC. He posted some pics of the event a few years ago here...it was with the rifle he has pictured as his avatar. I can't remember if he mentioned the load information...

Edit: Just found the post: viewtopic.php?f=13&t=1634&p=9966&hilit=barnes+buster+wildcatter#p9966

In another post he mentions that a "stock" 450b will not get to 2100fps before excessive pressure signs show up, along with timing problems (early extraction)... I think the powder used with this was 1680...

The various single-shot and bolt guns available these days should be able to sling these whompers at that speed or better, I would think. Muzzle brake recommended...

commander faschisto wrote:Wildcatter loaded these in his personal 450b at 2100fps (with the "Corvette" modification he did) that some teenagers used for hog hunting, IIRC. He posted some pics of the event a few years ago here...it was with the rifle he has pictured as his avatar. I can't remember if he mentioned the load information...

Edit: Just found the post: viewtopic.php?f=13&t=1634&p=9966&hilit=barnes+buster+wildcatter#p9966

In another post he mentions that a "stock" 450b will not get to 2100fps before excessive pressure signs show up, along with timing problems (early extraction)... I think the powder used with this was 1680...

The various single-shot and bolt guns available these days should be able to sling these whompers at that speed or better, I would think. Muzzle brake recommended...

Having loaded up those resized (.458) 325gr FTX bullets to 1950fps with 1680, I can say that while a muzzle brake is a big plus, the Lion's Share of the recoil is from Newton's 3rd Law. The mid-length gas system on the Bartz handled them just fine in terms of timing, but yes, a rifle-length would probably be more at home with slower powders like that weight of bullet would suggest. QuickLoad shows a maximum safe (ninny) pressure with 1680 will get you to 1900fps. I took them up to 1950fps and unfortunately, ran out of bullets before I had advanced the charge to where I had adverse pressure signs. Should have bought more when Midway had them on sale, but didn't expect them to shoot accurately based upon the experiences I had with 300 grainers. Was pleasantly surprised when the fastest load produced 5-shot 1 MOA accuracy at 100 yds! Three step resizing each of them was a chore, but definitely do-able if you have the dies and the time.

I still have my Franklin 20" upper with rifle-length gas system. I will be going on a pig hunt down at the Circle T Ranch in February, courtesy of my rich brother-in-law. It'll be the first guided hunt I've ever been on. My brother-in-law has gone several times and says that the staff treats you real good. Can't Wait!

Mike, we're driving down I-35 most of the way. Sure would like to have a face-to-face with you on the way, if only to shake your hand and spend a few minutes if you're close to I-35. Brother-in-law not much of a dawdler, but I bet it would be a welcome break in the drive, to stop for a short while and shake off the road. Food for thought...

Hoot

Meet-up would be a "hoot"... Totally doable, as I live all of five minutes east of I-35 in OKC... Have you decided what you're going to go piggy popping with yet?

Question: Is "ninny pressure" a strictly technical term for reloading?

commander faschisto wrote:Meet-up would be a "hoot"... Totally doable, as I live all of five minutes east of I-35 in OKC... Have you decided what you're going to go piggy popping with yet?

Question: Is "ninny pressure" a strictly technical term for reloading?

We will be hunting from comfortably outfitted blinds downrange from feeders (= hardly hunting in my book). My brother-in-law and his son use .223's as they just take head shots. I'm more inclined to take the Grendel as it puts 4 of 5 shots in the same .264 hole at 100yds, if head shots are the going protocol. I will also take my 30 RAR for neck shots and of course, the 450b for body shots. In the latter case, I have a box of 200gr Barnes XPB bullets and a box of the 275's. I have accurate loads worked up for both of them. Those Lehigh penetrators would penetrate, but not sure how much internal damage they would do. Hate to have a trophy class boar run off on me.

I'd try those 325gr Busters if I needed the other 45 bullets, but at a buck and change a bullet, they're pretty rich for my blood. This hunt is a once in a lifetime event as my rich Brother-in-law owed me one for some work I did for him.

Hoot

Sounds like fun, if a bit sedate (I know what you mean...) Looks like you've got all the gun bases well covered.

LG Outdoors has these in stock too...$47/50