VVN105 / .44 Magnum / LSWC

[michaelnel]

Hello Folks

I have a quantity of VV N105 that I have been using very successfully with full power loads (Hornady 200 and 240gr XTPs). However, those things are expensive to shoot. I have about 1500 hardcast 240gr LSWCs that I would like to load up using this powder, since I have moved over to W296 for the jacketed bullets.

I am not having much luck finding loads for the VV105 with lead bullets. The VV loading data doesn't show any loads for 240gr LSWC with N105, but they do show these:

240gr Hornady Jacketed Truncated Cone N105 13.9gr 1286FPS 16.4gr 1424FPS

Think I would be OK starting at 13.9gr with the 240gr hardcast (Alpha-Bravo and Xtreme brands)? I would like to be around 1200 FPS or so. They are not gas checked, so I want to limit the velocity some.

Or is this whole thing just a bad idea? Thanks!

 

[Kernel]

Since N105 is relatively slow powder it could be that there is no good load for a 240 gr lead bullet at 1200 fps. Probably wouldn't make enough pressure for the cartridge to function correctly. I think 13.9 grains, might function okay, but would likely give you 100 fps more than what the jacketed bullet does, resulting in leading. Do the bullets have gas checks?

 

[Walkalong]

If the lead bullets you have fit the throats well, and the throats are not undersized, and there is enough pressure to bump the bullet up to seal the throats and bore, or the bullets are soft enough for the pressure and tough enough to hold the rifling, then the difference between 1200 and 1300 FPS isn't going to be a problem. Gas checks are not needed to run 1300 FPS.

While N105 is indeed slow for pistols, it is a good bit faster than N-110 and other full bore .44 Mag powders.

I believe it could work. Heck, my "full load" .44 Mag loads are 240 Gr jacketed bullets at 1300 to 1350 FPS. A lead bullet at those speeds doesn't need a powder much slower than W296.

I say give it a try. If it were me, I would try 11.0 grs and work up as needed. I have some N-105 and some 240 Gr commercial cast bullets. I could give it a try.

My only concern at the lower levels is how position sensitive N-105 may or may not be. I think I'll try it this weekend. Heck, I am not on call and have plenty of time.

 

[michaelnel]

Thanks guys.

Yesterday I loaded some up at 13.9 grains, which is VV's recommended starting load for jacketed bullets. I will shoot some, check for pressure signs, etc. I normally use that N105 at either 15.3 or 16.4 grains with Hornady 240 grain XTPs, and that's a stout load, but not a dangerous one in either of my .44 magnum revolvers. No pressure signs and very very accurate.

I'll post back how it goes, if I still have two hands to type with and eyes to see the screen. ;-)

 

[Kernel]

The pressure signs to look for will be low pressure, not high -- sooty cases, unburnt kernels, and backout primers. A chronograph would be real helpful, for constancy as much as velocity.