.445 Supermag Reload Problem

Turkeybeard · Jul 26, 2017

I've been trying to work up a load for my Dan Wesson .445. I'm loading 240 gr XTP's over 37.5 grains of AA1680 with Winchester mag primers with a OAL of 1.925. There's not too much load data out there for this cartridge, but it looks like I should have a velocity of @1608. I'm only getting @ 1150. The only thing I can think of is maybe a tighter crimp, but can't believe that will make a 450 fps difference. Anyone have experience with this cartridge or have a similar problem?

Mr.Revolverguy · Jul 26, 2017

I have reloaded a little of the 445 but never got what the books advertise. There are just to many variables the load you are using is suppose to net you about 1400fps if shot out of an 8 inch barrel around about 40gr is the max and I would approach careful. Well honestly I wouldn't do it at all though the book list it, the closer I got to it the more uncomfortable I got with primers cratering really bad.

Turkeybeard · Jul 27, 2017

Thanks for the reply.
I went to the range again this morning before work to check two more variables. First I tried a heavy crimp which had no real effect. Second, I tried the same load with regular rifle primers. Wow, what a difference! 200 fps more! As I'm sure you know, there is a debate as to what primmer to use. The old brass that I have, had the shallower pockets for the large mag pistol primers. I didn't want to have to ream them out so that's what I went with. I was also skeptical because the Winchester primers that I have said that they are for regular and mag loads. Possibly a different brand that was large mag pistol only would have given better results. For now I'm satisfied with the load, very accurate. Thanks for the help.

Captcurt · Jul 28, 2017

Turkeybeard said:
Thanks for the reply.
I went to the range again this morning before work to check two more variables. First I tried a heavy crimp which had no real effect. Second, I tried the same load with regular rifle primers. Wow, what a difference! 200 fps more! As I'm sure you know, there is a debate as to what primmer to use. The old brass that I have, had the shallower pockets for the large mag pistol primers. I didn't want to have to ream them out so that's what I went with. I was also skeptical because the Winchester primers that I have said that they are for regular and mag loads. Possibly a different brand that was large mag pistol only would have given better results. For now I'm satisfied with the load, very accurate. Thanks for the help.

8th Edition Hornady Manual has your load at around 1400fps using Federal 155 primers.

Sunray · Jul 28, 2017

The only place I'm seeing .445 Mag load data is on Handloads.com. One such load is a Max load for a 240 with AA1680. Guys says it comes from Accurate and runs 1806 FPS, also with Federal 155 primers. No barrel length given but that would do it. There's some test results using 34 to 37 grains of 1680 and a Federal 215 primer by John Taffin using a 10" barrel that are running 1,256 fps to 1,388 fps.
Nether the primer nor crimp should make any difference in velocity.
http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/t...g&Weight=All&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source
Anyway, book velocity numbers apply to the specific firearm and it's barrel length with a bunch of environmental variables thrown in only. Accuracy matters a great deal more than velocity too.

Turkeybeard · Jul 29, 2017

I am shooting a 10 inch barrel. There was a very definite 200 fps increase on the crony with all other things being equal. I don't believe that the mag pistol primers were sufficiently lighting the powder and I was blowing it out the barrel.

.445 Supermag Reload Problem

Turkeybeard

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