Another .44 Mag Question

[Tophernj]

Hello all.

I've been reloading for about a year and a half and really enjoy this facet of the hobby. I am new to .44 mag loading as I will be picking up my first .44 revolver in a few weeks.

I've secured some brass, once fired, and some 300gn Hornady XTP/HP projectiles. In the Lyman book they call for

300gn Hornady XTP/HP's
19.6gn H110 starting load
The overall length is where my question comes in, they list it at 1.720.

On the Hodgdon site, they call for an 18gn starting load at 1.610 OAL, which is the "standard" OAL for the cartridge.

What gives with the difference?

Thanks in advance for the help.

Christopher

 

[rcmodel]

The difference in OAL is because you are comparing a Sierra 300 grain bullet in the Lyman manual to a 300 grain Hornady XTP bullet in the Hodgdon data.

Apples and Oranges!
Because the crimp cannulure's are placed in a different place by each company.

Since you are using Hornady XTP bullets, use the Hodgdon data for them.

Not the Lyman data for Sierra bullets.

rc

 

[Tophernj]

RC, thank you.

FWIW, the XTP has two crimp grooves. The longer OAL hits the bottom one perfectly.

That being said, I'll pull them and re-do them.

C

 

[gamestalker]

Just put a firm roll crimp over the bottom of the canelure, OAL measurements don't really mean anything with this type of cartridge and bullet. I also strongly recommend trimming the brass to same lengths to produce consistent roll crimps, H110 is notorious for causing bullet jump.

Make sure you use magnum primers with H110 / 296! If you enjoy shooting full house magnum loads, your going to love H110, that's about all I load for my magnum wheel guns.

Don't reduce your starting charge to below published data!

GS

 

[Tophernj]

Thank you Gamestalker.

I have a nice crimp on there. I figure that I'll shoot the 12 loaded long and adjust from there.

C

 

[Steve in PA]

The Hornady manual has the COL set at 1.600" which is what I have been using for many years.

The lower cannelure is for handguns with longer cylinders, like Rugers or for use in something like a T/C Contender.

 

[BYJO4]

Hornady's loading manual shows OAL at 1.600 and starting load of 17.5 gr of
H110. I would use their info since it's their bullet.