No load data available for Rainier bullets?

[Maxinquaye]

I'm new to reloading and thought I would try some loading some rounds for my .44 mag tonight since the .40 I did went so well. The only powder I have is VV N340 and the bullets I have are the Rainier 300 grain flat point. However, I can't find load data anywhere! Neither Rainier, Midway nor Vituavhori have any published data for the combination. Nothing on loadswap.com either. VV does publish 300gr loads for Sierra JHP and I think nosler or hornady SP rounds, and both are very close on the starting and maximum loads. Would it be safe to begin with the starting load information provided for those bullets of the same weight and work up using the Rainier bullets? If not, where can I get the load info I need?

 

[Austin Charles]

try here http://www.rainierballistics.com/mainframe.htm

Hope this helps Click on loading data

 

[Maxinquaye]

Hi Austin,

Um, I already checked there. They don't list ANY load data for their .44 bullets and VV powder. In fact, it looks strongly like they simply ripped off what VV has published in their online .pdf file.

Back to square one

 

[Austin Charles]

sorry, I did not read it I just had it saved in a folder.

Good luck

 

[Maxinquaye]

I also just realized that the load data for the 300gr bullets is showing an OAL of 1.717. I'm seeing online that the OAL specs for .44 Mag are 1.61 or so. I know the idea is to not jam the bullet in and overpressure the case, but will those longer rounds fit the chamber of my M29-2 or my 1894 trapper?

Thinking I need to toss these rounds and buy some 240 grainers

 

[armoredman]

Thanks for the link!

 

[Standing Wolf]

Thinking I need to toss these rounds and buy some 240 grainers

No. Instead of throwing away perfectly good bullets, buy another can of powder that's been tested with your bullets. You're going to want to try an assortment of powders, anyway, so better to start sooner than later.

 

[SASS#23149]

Not all mauals are bullet-specific....Lyman for one...so I would thing that any starting data for a 300 grain bullet woud be safe to use.You'd only have to load one to know if it'll fit your guns.Who knows,another manual may give a different 'accepted' oal for that cartridge.Thus the reason for having more than one load book on hand.Which book do you believe? why,the one that has the data that will fill your needs.
Be safe,and wear eye protection.

 

[dmftoy1]

They don't have anything for the 50 S&W either. (I'm using some 335 grain JFP bullets)

Regards,
Dave

 

[Maxinquaye]

Well, I just loaded up a minimum load for 300 gr and it worked fine. The increased OAL was annoying as it would not chamber in my lever action, so I loaded up a bunch of rounds with the bullet seated a tiny bit further in. Shot them one by one looking for pressure problems and got down to normal OAL no problem. Could definitely feel the sharper recoil though as the bullet got pushed in further! Dunno if that was a smart thing to do or not, but it worked for me.