RELOADING THE LIGHT WEIGHTS - -> ??

[SAWMAN]

Morning gentlemen.
Been reloading for many years,for many chamberings,but never for the 450Bushmaster.
My application - -> Using my CVA HUNTER . . . 25" bbl (but most likely be chopped to 17-18.5" to fit the contour of my intended muzzle brake. (No can will be used.)
This gun will be a hunter ONLY. I am over 70 years old now and want/need a certain amount of reduced recoil.
Reserching the 450B and its potential,I want to go with light(er) bullets,driven at the high(er) speeds.
I'm thinking the >226gr at about 2000fps will do me fine. My intended targets will be the somewhat larger NW Fla.,peanut and soy bean fed hogs. Many >225lbs and some >250-275lbs.
We hunt at night using a thermal sight. Our ranges are typically "close" with 45-150yds being the average. I want my trajectories to be - -> "hold top of back,and let it drop in",or better. We do not shoot "ear shots".
Any help or info for the lighter bullets,including the expanding pistol bullets ( I love the Hornadt XTP's),or ML bullets, would be much appreciated.
I have gained alot of knowledge from this forum and it's FIRST HAND expierances. Thanks for all the excellent,in depth,writings. ---- SAWMAN

[Hoot]

The 200 FTX is also a good candidate to consider. You can push them with 36-40gr Lil Gun for light recoiling 2289-2523fps out of a 25' barrel. Speaking of which. The longer the barrel, the more velocity with less muzzle flash and less recoil.

just sayin...

The 225 FTX, is highly accurate and utilizing the same range of powder charge as the 200, will also work. 2200-2400fps. The XTP's work but my experience with them after 5 or 6 range days has been that they're a little less accurate, though I doubt the hogs will know the difference.

Hoot

[SAWMAN]

Thank you for that info sir.
Do you happen to know the B.C. of the line of FTX bullets ??
I know . . . my wife sez I tend to "overthink" everything nowadays. ---- SAWMAN

[Hoot]

Thank you for that info sir.
Do you happen to know the B.C. of the line of FTX bullets ??
I know . . . my wife sez I tend to "overthink" everything nowadays. ---- SAWMAN

I seem to recall its around .160 and the better half is right on this one. With the rainbow trajectory of this caliber, BC is the least of your concerns.
Have fun

Hoot

[MOOSE EARS]

The 225 FTX are the most accurate lighter weight bullet for the 450BM, based on my observation. Hard to beat them with 39gr or more of LilGun.

[Texas Sheepdawg]

I’m tellin ya. If you can find Nosler 230 grain Flat Point FMJs, they put the Whoop in the Whoop Ass.
Unfortunately Hornady doesn’t make the 230 gr FMJ flat points anymore.

[SAWMAN]

Thank you gentlemen for the above inputs. It is most appreciated.
I have the 200gr FTX and Lil' Gun on my shelf. Will most definately be looking for some 225's AND 250's to try.
Has it been your experience that the Flex Tip line of bullets expand adaquately,with "proper" penetration ?? This,at the MODERATE vels ??
Got Hornady once fired brass,Lee Pacesetter die set,Sheridan case gauge. I find the Hornady brass is 1.696 - 1.698"(full length sized).Should be no problem gettin' the proper headspace with those . . . right ?? Looks good in the Sheridan. --- SAWMAN

[MOOSE EARS]

I use the 225 FTX for practice and plinking. They are a little thin for use on deer, especially if you hit bone going in, they will fragment. They shoot great even if they are lightly jacketed.

[Texas Sheepdawg]

This is a MagTech 230 Grain FMJ with 39 grains of Lil Gun through about 4 milk jugs.
If you’re looking to stop a hog, why would someone pass up a chance to put this kinda whomp down on a pig?

082D28A2-4981-49AA-93CF-BF896E099A22.jpeg (299.21 KiB) Viewed 7003 times

https://youtu.be/esX614w9RgU

[MOOSE EARS]

You pics are blurry on my end, but those are good bullets for the 450BM. They really scream with 43gr of LilGun! The load is safe in my rifle but as always, work it up in your own before jumping in...