454 casull BHN

[Casull]

I got myself in a funk. My question seems simple but i still cant seem to get an answer that i can trust. My question is about 454 casull pressures and bhn. Ive found 2 different formulas for determining hardness but don't know which one is true or not. Basically im looking for the best bhn for a verity of 454 pressure’s. I have everything i need to make 300 grain gas checked bullets but cant get a definitive answer on the best hardness at a given pressure. I need a pro

 

[Arkansas Paul]

I'm going to watch this thread.

My first thought is that if you are using gas checks and the bullet fits properly to your barrel, the BHN isn't that big of a deal. Anything over 12 should work just fine.
If you're shooting flat based bullets at near maximum loads, it may make more difference.

But you asked for opinions from a pro, and I'm not one of those.

 

[SlowFuse]

This would probably get better answers in the Handloading & Reloading area.

 

[LaneP]

I shoot a fair amount of cast gas check lead in .454 but purchase "hardball" alloy from midway, which is about 2% tin and 6% antimony. Of course these bullets are just for paper punching so if you're searching for something better suited to hunting that may or may not be the best option. I don't know what that equates to in BHN.

My cylinder throats are a loose fit with a .452" bullet so I pretty much get leading with anything that is plain base and driven to maximum velocity, even the Cast Performance heat treated bullets. But the gas check alone prevents much of that issue.

One of these years I'll probably get a .454" LBT mold and size if required depending on drop diameter.

 

[LaneP]

I'm going to watch this thread.

My first thought is that if you are using gas checks and the bullet fits properly to your barrel, the BHN isn't that big of a deal. Anything over 12 should work just fine.
If you're shooting flat based bullets at near maximum loads, it may make more difference.

But you asked for opinions from a pro, and I'm not one of those.

You're actually right on the mark.

 

[Texas10mm]

What's the purpose of the bullet?

 

[Casull]

Watermelons packed with a cheep explosives or paper targets backwoods shooting. Im interested in using H110 27.5 grains @ 1483 fps and that should come to 44,400 psi. Using the formula psi=1422xBHN tells me i need a bhn of 31 is this correct?

 

[Texas10mm]

No. That formula is flawed.

http://www.lasc.us/Fryxell_Book_Chapter_3_alloySelectionMetallurgy.htm

Elmer Keith used 16-1 alloy in developing the .44 Mag. That's BHN 11.

Read the above link. It contains the information you seek.

 

[Varminterror]

Whatever BHN the Swift A-Frame JACKET comes out to be, that’s what I recommend.

 

[Casull]

Excellent! My cast book says up to 44,000 psi use linotype but my lyman book says use lyman #2. I assume both are good up to about 44,000 psi

 

[AJC1]

Excellent! My cast book says up to 44,000 psi use linotype but my lyman book says use lyman #2. I assume both are good up to about 44,000 psi

Your book value is based on bullet base opteration. If using a gas check the base will not be gas cut so you may find using a softer mix may give better results. I would make a batch in the 15 or 16 range to try and shoot a few. Testing always provides the best answers and more antimony is not always best.