Loading Speer Deepcurl 240gr bullets in 44 magnum

[JSmith]

Hello forum members,

I'm preparing to load some .44 magnum ammo with Speer Deep Curl 240 gr JHP bullets over W296. These bullets have a cannelure. Do I need to get a crimp die for my press (Lee turret) and crimp these rounds? If so, how much crimp us appropriate?

 

[someguy2800]

Your seating die can crimp. If your shooting them from a light weight revolver a lee factory crimp die can help them from jumping forward

 

[Walkalong]

Your seating die can crimp

This.

Seated and crimped with the seater die.

 

[Sunray]

"...how much crimp..." Enough to hold the bullet in place under recoil and no more. You can forget the cannelure altogether and load to 1.600".

 

[Blue68f100]

W296/H110 prefers a heavy crimp, and Mag primers to get a consistent burn.

 

[Walkalong]

You can forget the cannelure altogether and load to 1.600".

Bad advise with full load W-296 240 Gr loads in .44 Mag.

Crimp into the middle of the cannelure and that is your OAL for that bullet. With no crimp it is not uncommon to have bullet jump from recoil. Enough to matter? Maybe not, but it doesn't have to happen, a roll crimp will stop it, and also help the start pressure and in general help the powder burn better.

 

[Walkalong]

W296/H110 prefers a heavy crimp, and Mag primers to get a consistent burn.

Exactly.

 

[JSmith]

Thanks for the info. Useful, as always. If it matters, the revolver is an S&W 29, 6.5" barrel.

I usually use CCI #300 Large Pistol primers. Do I need to go up to magnums?

 

[someguy2800]

Yes, it will work much better with magnums

 

[Charliefrank]

I always roll crimp my magnums.
A, it stops bullet movement which can easily create unsafe pressures.
B, gives consistent initial pressure
C, crimping in the canalure should give you the correct oal, but I always double check. I also hunt with a model 29, but with 8 3/8" barrel. I don't load them quite as hot for the smith as I do for my super Blackhawk.
I've always used 240gr bullets either hollow points or hard cast swc, over 2400 powder with standard large pistol primers. I've put down many of white tails and more than a few hogs without issues.
No matter what combination you go with always watch your cases as you approach maximum powder charges. They will generally tell you the story, ie; flattened primers, firing pin piercing, case failure.

 

[Walkalong]

No matter what combination you go with always watch your cases as you approach maximum powder charges. They will generally tell you the story, ie; flattened primers, firing pin piercing, case failure.

Hopefully we are paying close enough attention that we don't get to pierced primers and especially case failures before we figure out we are too hot.

 

[Charliefrank]

Agreed, but felt the need to mention it anyway