When the 500 magnum was introduced, it boasted a 50 caliber handgun cartridge capable of 2,600 ft lbs of energy using a 300gr bullet.
![123635]( "123635")
The two loads above are at the top of the power chart in my Lee reloading manual. Lil’ Gun capable of 2,841 ft lbs of energy and H110 capable of generating 2,738 ft lbs. Both already exceed the original estimate by a decent margin, using a heavier bullet, which is quite impressive. (I actually think hodgdon’s site lists a hotter Lil’ Gun load than my manual does, but I don’t have the manual handy at the moment to confirm that.)
Well, a while back when little brother and I were on the hunt for smaller reloading shops, I came across Alliant’s 300-MP.
I had never used it before and frankly, forgot I had it until I overhauled the loading room. It was specifically designed for magnum pistol cartridges.
While I was on my weekly hunt for loading components today, I found a few hundred 500 magnum new Starline brass. I haven’t been able to find Lil’ Gun in many months. That’s my choice powder for these rounds. Mainly, it’s because of the relatively low pressure at max load. The shop got some H110 in. I should have probably bought more than 3lbs but my total bill was already over $500. 3lbs it was.
Before I left the shop, I looked up load data for 300-MP for 350gr jacketed bullets. To my surprise, it exceeded both top contenders in my manual. The load data below would generate an incredible 3,084 ft lbs of energy.
![123636]( "123636")
I am very curious at what pressure the loads are generating that much energy at. It’s tempting to try a few slightly reduced loads to see what this powder can really do. On the other hand... WOW!
The two loads above are at the top of the power chart in my Lee reloading manual. Lil’ Gun capable of 2,841 ft lbs of energy and H110 capable of generating 2,738 ft lbs. Both already exceed the original estimate by a decent margin, using a heavier bullet, which is quite impressive. (I actually think hodgdon’s site lists a hotter Lil’ Gun load than my manual does, but I don’t have the manual handy at the moment to confirm that.)
Well, a while back when little brother and I were on the hunt for smaller reloading shops, I came across Alliant’s 300-MP.
I had never used it before and frankly, forgot I had it until I overhauled the loading room. It was specifically designed for magnum pistol cartridges.
While I was on my weekly hunt for loading components today, I found a few hundred 500 magnum new Starline brass. I haven’t been able to find Lil’ Gun in many months. That’s my choice powder for these rounds. Mainly, it’s because of the relatively low pressure at max load. The shop got some H110 in. I should have probably bought more than 3lbs but my total bill was already over $500. 3lbs it was.
Before I left the shop, I looked up load data for 300-MP for 350gr jacketed bullets. To my surprise, it exceeded both top contenders in my manual. The load data below would generate an incredible 3,084 ft lbs of energy.
I am very curious at what pressure the loads are generating that much energy at. It’s tempting to try a few slightly reduced loads to see what this powder can really do. On the other hand... WOW!
