[Dr. A]

I'm with you on that one. I've kicked up some hunting loads I made several years ago when I was not sparing any powder. :, and found that cowboy kicks way more than my 22 inch, my Buffalo Classic, and my Ruger #1. I got that leather slip on kick killer from Cabelas that has a bit of padding (you can add to it). Certainly helps for my increased length of pull and a little buffer. Even light loads let that thing kick??? Your load looks good. Back in the first days with the caliber, I had the 300's going 2200, but it isn't necessary. Have fun!

 

[Dr. A]

Contrary to what it may sound like, with that kick killer, its easy to take the kick, and as long as you use the same bullet with different loads, the POA will be fairly similar. I like lead, so I seem to gravitate to the 400gr. variety. Using the 13gr of Unique or Trailboss for plinking and that 2400 load is good for hunting as long as you dont mind a little more arc than the 300's. Those 300's are fine, but the lead going slower makes for a more pleasant load in my estimation. Might even tone that load to 23 gr. or so of the 2400 to keep it more accurate with that long barrel. 25gr. of 2400 also works with a good Remington HP. That is not very fast, but definitely works, and is a powder puff compared to what you're shooting now. Give it a try. You might become a convert. ;D The remington is the key component there, cause its so soft.

I know the trail boss/unique would work fine for hunting, but prefer that 2400. It really rocked the hogs world we used the other day. I can't believe I used to load those 400's at just under 2000fps for my mental security. It simply isn't needed. That CB will probably spit them out at 1500fps, and that really isn't all that slow. (much faster than Remington's express load)

 

[Dr. A]

I'm sure I'll go back to shooting the hot stuff some day, but not in this gun. I don't think anything convinced me of the need for downloads more than watching my buddy shooting my hot loads. He rated expert in the military and teaches weapons/techniques etc. in the local police force. He hunts with a 300 win mag some of the time. There is no reason for a heavy load for 99% of what we do.

 

[Dr. A]

I really need to get to casting. I haven't shot my 1895 in months because the ammo is so expensive to buy, but it's such a hoot to shoot that's almost a crime...I have the Lyman dies, 2400 powder, Unique powder, plenty of brass, and the casting setup...just need to order the mold from Ranchdog and get some lead to cast with. Okay, I'm going to order those today.

I think he now offers them without the gas check shank. Something I'd be looking at for sure. Even getting just half for the gas check would be better.

 

[Dr. A]

Interesting about that load. I found that old 25gr. to be too much in the CB, and that 23 was better for accuracy. Past that 1500 mark, the accuracy does go down. My 26 inch barrel must kick them out just a little faster than my 22 incher. Sounds like you're working some pretty good loads there. I've been sticking to the slower stuff for sure and ending up using the 2400 just for the hunt. Incidentally, I think it was BABore that ringed his barrel doing the dacron filler (in a 450Marlin). 13gr. of the Unique sends my bullet at about 1150fps, and would be entirely enough for me to hunt with. Not that much different than the Remington Express load everyone howls about. Thanks for keeping us updated!