VLP.204
Welcome to the forum. Thanks for stopping in! :lol:
For 5744/300gr MZ/XTP combo I would do the following:
Start around 40gr and work up in 1gr increments. When accuracy drops off, I would back off 1/2 gr and see what happens.
During the warm summer, you will be faced with heat and barrel warming issues. Plastic sabots are very delicate and dont respond well to heat. Just a couple shots on a warm day and your groups can open up considerably. Because of this you may opt to shoot in early morning and in the shade.
If you are working up a hunting load and want max velocity, be aware that you may be able to shoot a couple grains more in the cooler hunting season.
I have shot several pounds of 5744 w/ 250gr bullets and think it is a great powder for that weight of bullet. In a hunting scenerio I would shoot 48gr. of 5744 and a 245 Spitfire... but with a 300 gr bullet, the same load may tear up a sabot...
This April I witnessed Tom Dreschler (Grouse ) load round after round of 42gr 5744 and a 300 XTP into one ragged hole while in Crossville for the hog hunt. While the 70 degree heat didnt stop him, I think boredom did! :wink: Tom's 2000 FPS load knocked the life from his tasty hog! Here is the pic of him holding what is left of his 300gr XTP found under the skin on the far side of his hog.
In reviewing several of Randy's posts showing pressures of 5744 it definately builds pressure faster than many of the other powders available. Because of this.. N120 may be a much better powder for this class of bullet. You may also get a few more FPS because it is a bit easier on the sabot. jnrbronc I concur!
Happy Shooting! Please keep us posted on your results, and stay away from those XTP MAG's.. :wink:
J.J.