This is my first post here. I’m one of those guys deciding between the 450bm and 458soc. For now, I like the cheaper .451” bullets. So I have some questions, wondering if anyone could give me some help.
1) I was going to use plated 250gr pills, and keep the speed to a max of 1600fps due to the plating. However, it appears this newish “hi tek” coating allows lead cast pills to fly at up to 2200fps without leading. Does anyone have experience with hi tek coated lead in 450b or other large bore calibers? or in 30cal, for that matter?
2) what about cast in general…what brinell hardness is generally functional in the 450b? Is 18 okay, or does it need to be more like 22 or 24? Do cast loaders use gas checks normally? I think the 40k psi of the 450b would be a lot for a lead bullet to handle, even if it was coated but I'm not sure. I do not cast myself, but would buy coasted cast bullets on the so-called cheap.
3) what about down sizing .458 bullets to .451 or 452? Is this much down sizing even possible? Has anyone tried it?
4) I think the 450b cartridge could launch a 400gr or 500gr at around 1,000fps, any one try this? Would a faster or slower powder be appropriate? How much capacity do you think these would leave in the case?
5) I’m going to go with either an 8” or 10/10.5” bbl, if I can find one. Which would be better..a pistol or carbine gas system? Does either gas system present any issues for the reloader in 450b? I guess I will likely use an adjustable gas block, just because..but was wondering. And what do you suggest..the 8” or 10” bbl...just in reference to the length's appropriateness for the 450b
I also intend to eventually run these large bore rounds through a bowers vers 50 or vers 458, but that is down the road.
6) Any good places that sell a threaded barrel along with a specifically headspaced bolt?