Super redhawk + LEVERevolution bullets

[748]

I got some 265gr Hornady FTX LEVERevolution bullets just for the heck of it from midwayusa to try out.
They look like they should load up, take a crimp normally and totally fill the cylinder.
These will be the heaviest bullets I have loaded or tried to fire from my gun.
I was thinking of starting with about 21gr of H110 and a non mag primer (because I don't have any).
Has any one tried loading these in a ruger?

 

[NCsmitty]

I don't have a 44 Mag now but I wonder if the jacket on the 265gr FTX is designed to expand well at the lower velocity of handguns, compared to the 444 rifle's velocity for which it's designed. Obviously it will still punch a big hole. The FTX bullet loaded in the 44Mag is 225gr.
I would start at 19-20gr and encourage you to get some magnum primers because H110 really benefits from the hotter flame front for consistent ignition. I would not be afraid to use Magnum rifle primers. Cup thickness of the magnum primers is extra insurance at higher pressures.

NCsmitty

 

[jbkebert]

If it makes you feel any better the magazine put out by american handgunner called the complete guide to hornady. Features a pict of a SRH loaded with them. I purchased a box but have yet to fire one of them through a handgun. They are kinda expensive around $25.00 for 20 rounds. I'll wait until closer to hunting season and try them out.

 

[748]

Well now I feel a little burned, but the 265gr were the only FTX 44 cal bullets that I saw on midway.
I will go check out midway again.

 

[Master Blaster]

Call Hornady on the phone and ask them for loading data, they will help you with safe loading data or they will tell you you are risking a dangerous overpressure condition by using them.

Call and ask.

 

[GooseGestapo]

I've loaded the 250gr SST's as packaged for muzzleloaders in .45Colt and fired them through my RedHawk (not super-).

As long as you seat them deep enough to clear the frame (below the face of the cylinder) and crimp them lightly, they'll do fine.

I've also loaded some of the FTX 250gr .451" bullets and fired them in my Winchester M94 rifle. Again, they had to be seated deep enough to cycle through the action.

Accuracy with both was OUTSTANDING. Trajectory was noticeably flatter at 125yds. Didn't get a chance to take game with either this season. Perhaps next.........

 

[Strongbad]

I finally got my hands on some of the 300 gr. FTX's for my 500 Smith last weekend. Cabela's has had the label on the shelf for a little over a month I guess, but I haven't been able to time my visits with their shipments and I keep missing out. Finally snagged to boxes last Sat.

They seem to shoot very well out of my 500 S&W, but not necessarily any better than the 350 gr. HP's I was shooting before. I'm going to clock them the next time I go out to see what kind of speed they're making. I'm guessing around 1800 fps.

The only problem I did notice, and one that anyone who is loading them in a pistol is likely to run into is the fact neither of my seater plugs with my 500 S&W RCBS dies were suitable. The one that I had that was designed for semi-pointed bullets still managed to smash the tip flat. Luckily I had my 416 Rigby dies handy and they happened to have a seater plug made for spitzers. With that plug screwed into my 500 S&W dies it worked like a charm.

Just some food for thought.

 

[748]

Finely after loading these up, I lost them for a couple years, found them put them in my 44mag ammo pile where they sat for a couple more years and finely tested them.
The bullets were so large they limited the powder charge even when loaded to maximum OAL for a super redhawk. Power charge was limited to right around 21 or 22gr of H110, just like I figured it would be.

They shot nice and straight out of my revolver, almost as accurate as 240gr Winchester white box, which my gun likes the most when tested against all other handloads and factory loads.

The muzzle blast was tolerable, not catastrophic, like what I am used to with my 180gr XTP atop 33gr of H110 on a standard large rifle primer. (a S&W obliterating, super redhawk only load)
The muzzle flash was a lot less with these heavier bullets and less powder with my normal 180gr load.
If I remember correctly these 265gr lever gun bullets were 25% to 50% more expensive than the 180gr XTP bullets I normally load.

Recoil was just plain unnecessary for a 44mag, kind of like what you get when loading 250gr lead bullets in a 1911.

There were absolutely no signs of over pressure with this load. Nothing like what I get when I see factory loaded 240gr Winchester white box ammo before and after they are fired.

I didn't care for them in my revolver.
No way I would replace my 180gr XTP load with these.