44 Mag. in Super Redhawk

[CustomGunworks]

I've been thinking about a new load for my Ruger Super Redhawk.
I've been using Hornady's 200 gr. XTP with H110. Well today I bought some Hornady 240 gr. XTP's and some 300 gr. XTP's. The 240's are pretty straight forword but the 300 is what I have a question on.
The 300 gr bullets have two crimp groves, one of the groves gives the c.o.l. 1.60 which is the same as the 200 and 240.
If you crimp to the lower grove the c.o.l. is about 1.75 .
The cyl. on my Ruger is 1.78ish is this a problem ? My other question is if I crimp on the lower grove will it raise pressures and why is there no
data for the longer c.o.l?

 

[Chuck Perry]

Crimping in the lower groove, for a longer OAL, should result in lower chamber pressure with the same powder charge. Conversly, it will also provide room for more powder. There is data out there, somewhere. I'm almost positive I've seen some loads listed by Brian Pearce in Handloader on this very subject.

 

[buck460XVR]

I crimp in the cannulure that gives me the C.O.L. that Hornady recommends for it's 300 grainer in .44mag.......1.600''.

 

[depoloni]

Ditto - for both my Taurus RB 44mag and my father's Ruger Super Redhawk 44mag I load the 300-grainers, when I do (usually a 240 XTP guy) to the cannelure nearest the nose. This is the one that gives the recommended 1.600" OAL in the Hornady XTP.

As to loading with the second groove, I believe that's for rifle (?) applications although if it fits it'd probably work. Moving the bullet out that far will significantly drop pressures though and I haven't personally found load data for it. Please share if you do!

 

[Hook686]

Lyman # 48 shows the 300 grain #2 alloy, with a 1.720" OAL, used with a Thompson Center Contender.

Sierra Edition V shows for Single Shot Pistol (SSP) 1.735" C.O.A.L. with the 300 grain JSP.

I believe that is what the 2nd cannalure groove in the XTPs is for ... a Contender, or other SSP.

 

[Chuck Perry]

CAUTION: The following post includes loading data beyond currently published maximums for this cartridge. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The High Road, nor the staff of THR assume any liability for any damage or injury resulting from use of this information.

Found it! Handloader Magazine #248 August 2007, Bullets and Brass Column (Brian Pearce) page 84. Pearce responds to a reader in reference to the use of long OAL loads with the Hornady 300g XTP in a Ruger Redhawk. Pearce wrote that both the Ruger Redhawk and Super Redhawk have longer than normal cylinders, which will allow a useable OAL up to 1.795". Using this long OAL with normal powder charges will lower chamber pressure. It also allows the use of greater than normal powder charges, due to the increased case capacity created.

He offered two loads with the 300g XTP. He cautioned that both loads exceed SAAMI pressure limits by 10,000psi; however he states both are safe for the Redhawk/Super Redhawk as well as the Freedom Arms Model 83. These loads should not be used in any other firearms.

All loads were made using Starline cases, CCI 350 LP primers and the Hornady 300g XTP, seated in the lower cannelure to an approximate OAL of 1.750". Loads were tested in a 5.5" Ruger Redhawk.

1) 24 grains H-110 produced 1,327fps.
2) 25 grains H-110 produced 1,366 fps.

Pearce writes that neither of these loads are "maximum" for the Ruger double actions; rather they are safe, accurate loads that will give relatively long case life.

 

[Ben Shepherd]

Chuck hit it. The forward groove is for use in lever-action and semi-auto carbines where COL can be critical. The rear groove is for long strong cylinders in some revolvers, owned by folks who have inquiring minds....