450Bushmaster.net

Hi, just purchased a 450BM and would like to know what powders you like the best. I reload and I'm interested in load data using 200 to 250gr bullets. I have concerns using H110/296 because it can spike in pressure both under/over charge, and I hear Lilgun is really HOT on forcing cones in revolvers and throats in rifles. I currently have accurate 1680, VihtaVuori 110, and Blue dot. Will these powders work? What is a good start/max load using Hornady 225 flex tip bullets? Any powder recommendation 4227, Rel-7,4100,enforcer, or what I currently have...???? Looking for a good accurate hunting load. THANKS... JAY

Welcome, Jay! You might try the forum search function using the bullet weights...there is a LOT of good info already on the site, on tests done with all sorts of boolits. Undoubtedly you will be hearing from our handloading experts shortly. Lil' Gun works extremely well in the 450b, disregard concerns based on other calibers or weapon types...

Lil Gun is the preferred powder in my .450, along with 225 grainers..

Lil'gun from 200 to 300, enforcer for lighter than 200.

Lil' gun is the powder of choice around here for the bullet weights described. There is a lot of info contained in these pages. Have a look around, and welcome.

B.

Lil Gun is my go to powder right now for the Bushy. I've heard That 110 & 296 can be used but you need to be careful and do your research before loading with them. Tim has experience with the 1680 so you might check with him. (WildCatter).
Welcome to the electronic campfire.

450pwr wrote:Hi, just purchased a 450BM and would like to know what powders you like the best. I reload and I'm interested in load data using 200 to 250gr bullets. I have concerns using H110/296 because it can spike in pressure both under/over charge, and I hear Lilgun is really HOT on forcing cones in revolvers and throats in rifles. I currently have accurate 1680, VihtaVuori 110, and Blue dot. Will these powders work? What is a good start/max load using Hornady 225 flex tip bullets? Any powder recommendation 4227, Rel-7,4100,enforcer, or what I currently have...???? Looking for a good accurate hunting load. THANKS... JAY

The powders you list work well, 'cept'en Rx7, where-in the speeds, dismally drop, sometimes more than 500fps, when it is used. I'm trying MP-3100 as a replacement for 296/110, but as yet, I don't have an opinion.

296/110 work well, but as you suggest, they must be kept near max, to stay out of trouble.

4100, is a bit fast, but for light bullets, it can be the panacea, same, same, for blue dot. These powders are great for very cold climates and bullets lighter than 200gr.

L-Gun works great for standard loads and bullets between 200 and 250gr.

296/110 is wonderful in bullets from 230gr to 300gr, with their edge being better with bullets heavier than 250gr area, up to say 300gr. It really shines with 275gr bullets, but care is in order while using it.

4227 spans the area between 296/110 and 1680 and I love it.

1680, is my choice for bullets starting at 275gr and really shines with the 325gr Barnes Busters and of course heavier bullets to say 700gr.

As you can see, from my opinion, there is some over lap. in my powder selections.

If I had one powder, it'd have to be l-gun. Unless someone has a break-through, forget RX7. But I am not one dimensional, so I keep, at least for 450b loading, blue-dot, 4100, l-gun, 296&297 (because 297 is cheap @ $89/8lbs. and slightly slower), and 1680, well in stock, in my larder..

..t

I got my best results using 36 grains lil-gun under the 225 flex-tips.Rem 7 1/2 primers.One inch groups at 100 yards.Thats good enough for me so far.

wildcatter wrote:

450pwr wrote:Hi, just purchased a 450BM and would like to know what powders you like the best. I reload and I'm interested in load data using 200 to 250gr bullets. I have concerns using H110/296 because it can spike in pressure both under/over charge, and I hear Lilgun is really HOT on forcing cones in revolvers and throats in rifles. I currently have accurate 1680, VihtaVuori 110, and Blue dot. Will these powders work? What is a good start/max load using Hornady 225 flex tip bullets? Any powder recommendation 4227, Rel-7,4100,enforcer, or what I currently have...???? Looking for a good accurate hunting load. THANKS... JAY

The powders you list work well, 'cept'en Rx7, where-in the speeds, dismally drop, sometimes more than 500fps, when it is used. I'm trying MP-3100 as a replacement for 296/110, but as yet, I don't have an opinion.

296/110 work well, but as you suggest, they must be kept near max, to stay out of trouble.

4100, is a bit fast, but for light bullets, it can be the panacea, same, same, for blue dot. These powders are great for very cold climates and bullets lighter than 200gr.

L-Gun works great for standard loads and bullets between 200 and 250gr.

296/110 is wonderful in bullets from 230gr to 300gr, with their edge being better with bullets heavier than 250gr area, up to say 300gr. It really shines with 275gr bullets, but care is in order while using it.

4227 spans the area between 296/110 and 1680 and I love it.

1680, is my choice for bullets starting at 275gr and really shines with the 325gr Barnes Busters and of course heavier bullets to say 700gr.

As you can see, from my opinion, there is some over lap. in my powder selections.

If I had one powder, it'd have to be l-gun. Unless someone has a break-through, forget RX7. But I am not one dimensional, so I keep, at least for 450b loading, blue-dot, 4100, l-gun, 296&297 (because 297 is cheap @ $89/8lbs. and slightly slower), and 1680, well in stock, in my larder..

..t

I'm getting kind of interested in that 1680 and also 297 but i can't find them. Haven't I also seen guys working with 2400? I use that for my .357 Mag.

Yes Robin, 2400 is in the 4100, fast area, +-, and is an excellent powder for the lighter bullets. But again, if speed isn't the absolute end all, 2400, will stop the sooting, and give slower speeds, than you are used to, with bullets in the 230-325 realm. Even with those slower speeds, there is enough residual Umph, to get any job done and accuracy is off the rector-scale. Wanna see 1/4 MOA @200yds? Use Hoots suggestions on crimping and use either 250gr FTX's or better yet use the 200gr Barnes XPB's (http://barnesbullets.myshopify.com/prod ... fb-460-s-w) or better still, use the Barnes 275gr (http://barnesbullets.myshopify.com/prod ... fb-460-s-w) with 1680. I was rewarded with sub 1/4 moa @200yds. with these and I think one should really try 2400 with them as well. Speed won't be so great, but world record groups might be in the offing and you'll still easily kill everything out there.

Fyi, though I like my crimp the best (The LeGendre-Side-Crimp), over-all, for getting the powder to cook well, before the bullet leaves the case, Hoot has better suggestions for Barn-Stormer Accuracy Crimps, for when a warm-fuzzy is better than a Group Hug..

..t