Why Our .458 405gr RNFP Still Groups Like a Laser — Trapper Lever Action, Rudie Fourie’s Test
- Bullet Corp
- Oct 16
- 2 min read
When a customer sends back results like this you sit up and pay attention. Rudie Fourie ran Bullet Corp’s .458 405gr RNFP in a Trapper lever-action .45-70 — big bullet, predictable performance, and tight groups at 100 m when loaded correctly. Below you’ll find the test loads, photos, and the mandatory warning: all load data must be used at your own risk.
The rifle & the shooter
Rudie Fourie ran these bullets in a Trapper lever-action .45-70 — a classic platform that rewards consistent ammunition. Rudie sent range photos and group measurements that speak for themselves: properly loaded, these 405-grain RNFPs group very tightly at 100 m.
The loads tested
(Use at your own risk.)
· 42 gr S321 — 1400 ft/s (16" barrel)
· 42 gr S321 — 1550 ft/s (20" barrel)
· 49 gr N530 — 1450 ft/s (16" barrel)
· 49 gr N530 — 1600 ft/s (20" barrel)
Note from Rudie (Afrikaans): "Julle punte so 1450 vps op die baan dan group hulle mooi op 100m." Translation: “At about 1450 ft/s on the range they group nicely at 100 m.”
What the groups looked like
At roughly 1450 ft/s the groups were clean and repeatable — the photo shows a tight “duim groepering” (thumb-sized group) at 100 m. That’s impressive for a 405-grain round from a lever-action platform.
Quick analysis — why this works
· Bullet design: RNFP profile provides consistent bearing surface and controlled performance.
· Velocity window: The 1400–1600 ft/s range shown by Rudie sits in a predictable band for the 405gr RNFP in 45-70 barrels — stable and repeatable.
· Platform: A Trapper lever-action will reward consistent ammo and solid load development — Rudie’s results show exactly that.
LEGAL / SAFETY: The load data shown is experimental and provided by a customer. All load data must be used at your own risk. Always follow published reloading manuals, start low and work up safely, verify in your own rifle, and use proper safety gear.
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