44 Mag OAL

[sw1115]

I'm working on a hunting load for a 7.5" SBH. I have some 429421 WW sized to .430 and lubed twice with 45/45/10. Starting with 18.5 gr. of 2400. My question is what should be my OAL. Lyman #49 says 1.710 but that doesn't get me to the crimp groove. A 429244 goes to 1.680. I tried this on a dummy round and it looks perfect. Moderate crimp and it's good to go. Will I be ok at this OAL

Skip

[runfiverun]

seat one just barely past the bottom of the crimp groove and chamber it.
if it don't stick out of the cylinder and chambers properly [easily] there you go.

[dale2242]

429421 is my favorite SWC for my 44 Mags. SBH included.
It works great with a firm crimp in the crimp groove.
Accurate and never backs out under recoil....dale

[sw1115]

Made up 10 rounds this morning and when I seat to an OAL 1.710 it's just to the bottom of the groove. When I crimp them the crimp die sucks them down another .025. I'm at the bottom end powder charge so I'll run to the range and see how they go.

Dale, what are you doing for length?

Skip

[turmech]

when seated in crimp groove my loads are 1.70. same gun same bullet as you

[sw1115]

10 rounds fired at a 10" plate @ 100 yards off a bag. 6 hits but more important is NO LEADING. The last boolits I loaded(hornaday 11108 240gr.) leaded so bad it took 3 days to get it out. Which is what prompted me to start casting for this. All things considered' this is a much better deal. Now to start working up for accuracy. Very encouraging.

Skip

[turmech]

I had to increase my charge of 2400 above what you posted to get really good accuracy with my SBH (actually use the classic keith load which is over current max). Don't overlook unique as that really shined in my gun as well.

[sw1115]

I loaded Unique with the Hornady boolits but I'm sure the problem was the boolits. I'll work up the 2400 and when i get the best results with that I'll go back and retest with the Unique. I think the 429421 are really going to do well.

Skip

[turmech]

IIRC 10.5 gr of unique gave great results for me. Clean, accurate, and low recoil (for a 44 mag anyway).

I am not tumble lubing I pan lube.

[sw1115]

Have you hunted with your SBH?

[turmech]

Yes, I carried it most of last season. I have not shot anything other than targets with it. My sons are young and they most of the time are the shooters on our hunts. I bought the gun to take with as my gun as I felt kind of silly carrying a rifle when I am probably not the one shooting.

may be this year.

[sw1115]

Thanks

Good Luck