Couple of questions from a new reloader (sorry it's a bit long)

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burnse

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I have been saving brass for the day when I started reloading. All I aquired to this point was a lee classic loading kit ("poor man's reloading kit") for .44 special, so I could make some black powder reloads for my Charter Bulldog. I thought it would be fun to try some of these wadcutters over some 3F Goex. I never got around to that (maybe it's better that way).

Anyhow, my fiancee's grandfather has decided that he'd like me to have his Pacific brand loading press. With that, I've decided that it is time to finally start up those reloads. I can finally build up for all the rounds I use: 7.5x54 French, .44 Special, and .32 ACP.

The only problem I face is this: I have no idea what I'm doing, but I do have an idea of what I want. Winter is coming on, and I want to be sure that I have a nice, indoor range-friendly Bulldog, but I'm still dead set on those wadcutters. The Bulldog is my first DA revolver, and I love it, so I've been treating it nice with cowboy loads. This got me wondering about Trail Boss powder.

1.Would Trail Boss be fine for a nice, low pressure load, under a 185gr full wadcutter? How much of this powder would be too much for a Charter (if there is such a thing)?

2.Would a Trail Boss/Wadcutter combo be adequate as a ccw round? I'm not that person who already plans on doing it, regardless of what people will tell me, so feel free to tell me no, and rest easy knowing I'll take any advice that seems to be good advice. I have heard that wadcutters do not rely on velocity to perform well, as a JHP might. If this is true, I don't see exactly why this might not be a good idea.

3.Would Trail Boss work well in a 7.5x54 French? These would be spit out of my MAS 36. I've so far been using the factory Prvi Partizan load, which is very accurate, and produces a nice little fireball :evil:. Again, though, I do not want to be too rough with this rifle - It's about 3 times my age! I do, however plan to shoot the heck out of it. I was curious about these bullets for the load. This should work over Trail Boss, should it not? Or do I want a better performing powder? Also, would a swaged bullet work any better out of this rifle (don't really know if there is a difference or advantage to swaged).


FINALLY, some important info I should share:
All of these are strictly for paper-punching and plinking, except for the .44, which is going to be for CCW in about a month. I do not hunt, so the rifle is for fun only. The CZ may become my fiancee's carry piece at some point, so she'll probably go back to the fiocchi for carry - She is scary accurate with that thing. Also, I am first and foremost a black powder man, so clean up is not a problem for me - I'm quite fond of lead bullets, and do not mind picking up after them.

Thank you for taking the time to read through this, and if you're still awake, I'd love to see some advice.
 
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I would suggest you start with a copy of The ABCs of Reloading. Also get a copy of Lyman's 49th Edition Reloading Handbook (although I don't remember seeing any 7.5x54 French load data anywhere). Read these and you'll have a good idea of reloading for your guns and what all is involved. I would say start with the .44 Special 'cause it's an easy to reload, very forgiving round, and study the powder descriptions in the Lyman manual. Mebbe some plain old 240 gr.semi-wadcutters because you can find some tried and true loads and any problems have been worked out and you can find answers here. I have only used Trail Boss in my .44 Magnum Puma, all other .44 Magnums get Unique, 2400 True Blue, Blue Dot, and WC820. I have loaded a lot of .44 Specials, mild to wild, with Unique, Bullseye, and W231, but not tried Trail Boss.

FWIW; I would avoid youtube videos (there are a million about reloading and I've seen some pretty questionable practices) 'cause anyone can be an "expert" and post a video. Stick with loads listed in your manual (I'm sure someone's gonna post a "celebrity" load for the .44 Special).
 
1. Trai Boss can be used for any cartridge. There is a page of the Hodgon web site that tell you how do do it; it's not hard.

2. Tail Boss as a CCW round in a 44 Special? I'm sure it would be better than 22 LR but it's not what I would use.

3. Regarding the 32 ACP, I'd see no problem loading wadcutters with the appropriate load for paper punching but I'm thinking they may not feed that well in a semi auto.
 
Regarding the 32 ACP, I'd see no problem loading wadcutters with the appropriate load for paper punching but I'm thinking they may not feed that well in a semi auto.
HA! Of course they wouldn't! I don't know what I was thinking. It's my only bottom-feeder, so I'm always thinking in terms of revolvers and single-shots. Wow. Yeah nevermind on that one. I'll fix that.
 
burnse said:
The only problem I face is this: I have no idea what I'm doing, but I do have an idea of what I want.
Welcome to the wonderful world of reloading that is a passion for some of us. Don't feel bad, all of us started out just like you, new and unsure.

First of all, I highly recommend a good reloading handbook like Lyman #49, (about $20 from most vendors). In addition to load data, initial sections 1-4 covers all the basics of why we reload/how to reload safely to equipment/bullets including lead bullets/powders/primer selection with specifics to loading handgun/rifle cartridges.

Most of your public libraries should have reloading handbooks in the reference section - if not, you can make a inter-library request to have one/some sent to your library.

You can also check out older archived handbooks online as basic reloading principles still apply (but I would reference current published load data for powder charges). This archive site has Lyman #44 along with Speer #6 and they are good read but Lyman #49 has much, much more in-depth reloading information - http://www.castpics.net/LoadData/OM/default.html

Most current published load data can be obtained online from powder manufacturers' websites or you can download them in pdf format - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=8295582#post8295582

Since I don't load those calibers, I'll bow out and allow others to lead you from here.
 
My FN Model 1922 will actually feed WC's if I don't load the mag full. My other .32s will not even chamber them.

Trail Boss will work fine in your rifle. Load it to 100% load density. Do not compress it.

My old Bulldog loved 700X with lead bullets, whether it was store bought 240 SWC's or my home cast 208 Gr WC's. The full WC's would cut full caliber holes through things. They would work fine for self defense. Maybe not the absolute best, but with proper shot placement they will do fine.

Any bulky, fast, pistol powder such as 700X, Solo 1000, American Select, Red Dot, etc would work in .44 Spl, as would a case full of Trial Boss. Trail Boss is 10 times better with lead than plated or jacketed though. I do not think TB would be the choice for a full power SD load though.
 
Lets get back to the .44 Special, Trail Boss and wadcutters for SD.

While there's nothing wrong with using a wadcutter for SD Trail Boss is not the powder to use. Trail boss was developed for the Cowboy Action game to produce low pressure ammo that smokes a little but the velocities are always low. I would use a different powder for SD loads, something that will push the bullet a little faster than Trail Boss will, just to insure adequate penetration. You might want to try W231/HP-38, Unique, Universal, HS-6 and some others.
 
"I have no idea what I'm doing, but I do have an idea of what I want."....

OK, if you have no idea what you are doing you have to learn. And that would be by buying a couple reload books, watching a ton of youtube videos but best would be attending a NRA reloading course (if thats available in your area). I am a NRA metallic reload instructor. With no idea what you are doing its really not a good idea to use the forum to get your basic education. A lot of guys here have been doing things their own way for years which might not be right for a beginner. Ask questions when you get stuck and something is really not clear but you gotta do the first steps on your own.
 
My advise is to find a reloading mentor in your area that will help you through the process. Most reloaders will want to see you safely learn the craft. At your range/club or gunshop there will probably be a reloader that will help you if you ask. Look for the guys that are after the brass as they are the reloaders usually.:) I would try to get her grandfather to show you how to use the gift and ask questions as needed but read up on the subject some before you ask anyone to show you how so it will make more sense. No books can ever beat hands on when it comes to the actual reloading IMHO.
 
I started loading years ago. The guy at the store where I bought my stuff was a reloader. He helped me get the tools I needed. First item on the list was the Lyman reloading manual. It started with the steps to reloading. I just read and went at it step by step and it worked out great. I suggest you start by reading a manual as already suggested. Yes, a mentor would be great too, but not necessary. There may be documentation with the tools? That is also a good source of info if that gets passed on with the tools. Documentation for many things is available on the internet these days if needed, you may be able to find it that way. Good luck and enjoy a great hobby.

Perhaps your fiancee's grandfather could be your mentor?
 
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