As a follow up to my previous 44 mag/spl post, I've got another related question.
If I'm loading up light 44 magnum loads, can I use plated bullets? In 9/38/45, I use a lot of Rainier plated bullets. Partially because I like the fact that they are manufactured in my home state, also because they are a good budget plinking choice, and mostly because the indoor range requires a TMJ or "covered base" bullet. We have an outdoor range. But I enjoy the ability to use the indoor range and given that my wife has said she has no interest in the outdoor range during the 9 months of rain we get in the PNW, I'm not likely to try and switch. So I'm hoping I can find a decently priced "indoor" bullet from Rainier/Berrys/xtreme.
Given the choice, I'd go for the lighter 200-220gn bullets. But I'd also be happy with the plain old 240 if needed. I've heard that people have issues with the plated bullets in big calibers because there is no crimping cannelure and a heavy crimp will break through the plating. And of course, too light of a crimp will cause bullet jump. In terms of dies, I have a hornady LnL progressive press and my 44 dies are a RCBS 3-die setup. I do not use a powder through expander and I have an RCBS powder-check lockout die in my remaining station. as far as I am aware, the RCBS 44 mag dies are only set up for roll crimp. Given that I'm aiming for 800-900 velocities, can I get away with the plated bullets and a light roll crimp without having terrible accuracy or bullet jump? Should I just forget the plated bullets and look for a covered-base or semi jacketed or TMJ 44 bullet the meets the indoor requirements?
Any thoughts or suggestions?
EDIT for additional info: In case it matters, I will likely be loading these over Trailboss or Unique. Though I also typically have Titegroup and Bullseye in my powder stash.
If I'm loading up light 44 magnum loads, can I use plated bullets? In 9/38/45, I use a lot of Rainier plated bullets. Partially because I like the fact that they are manufactured in my home state, also because they are a good budget plinking choice, and mostly because the indoor range requires a TMJ or "covered base" bullet. We have an outdoor range. But I enjoy the ability to use the indoor range and given that my wife has said she has no interest in the outdoor range during the 9 months of rain we get in the PNW, I'm not likely to try and switch. So I'm hoping I can find a decently priced "indoor" bullet from Rainier/Berrys/xtreme.
Given the choice, I'd go for the lighter 200-220gn bullets. But I'd also be happy with the plain old 240 if needed. I've heard that people have issues with the plated bullets in big calibers because there is no crimping cannelure and a heavy crimp will break through the plating. And of course, too light of a crimp will cause bullet jump. In terms of dies, I have a hornady LnL progressive press and my 44 dies are a RCBS 3-die setup. I do not use a powder through expander and I have an RCBS powder-check lockout die in my remaining station. as far as I am aware, the RCBS 44 mag dies are only set up for roll crimp. Given that I'm aiming for 800-900 velocities, can I get away with the plated bullets and a light roll crimp without having terrible accuracy or bullet jump? Should I just forget the plated bullets and look for a covered-base or semi jacketed or TMJ 44 bullet the meets the indoor requirements?
Any thoughts or suggestions?
EDIT for additional info: In case it matters, I will likely be loading these over Trailboss or Unique. Though I also typically have Titegroup and Bullseye in my powder stash.
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