H E L P !! Please !

[FredMcIntire]

I ordered my first batch of cast bullets from Beartooth Bullets. I was given the following load data to use for these bullets. I'd like to get some feedback from experienced loaders who have shot and loaded cast bullets.

All bullets are gas checked, flat nose, or wide flat nose.

I'll be shooting all of these bullets out of a Handi rifle.


357 Remington Magnum
185 GR FN GC
H110
Small Pistol Primer
16.0 Grains


357 Remington Maximum
185 GR FN GC
H110
Small Rifle Primer
Min 18.0
Max 22.7
Accuracy Load (21.2-21.4)


44 Remington Magnum
280 GR WFN GC
H110
Large Pistol Primer
Min
Max
Accuracy Load (22.5)


445 Super Magnum
280 GR WFN GC
H110
Large Rifle Primer
Min 29.0
Max 31.5
Accuracy Load (30.0)


45 Colt
265 GR WFN GC
H110
Large Pistol Primer
Min 23.0
Max 25.0
Accuracy Load (24.5-24.8)


454 Casull
265 GR WFN GC
H110
Small Rifle Primer
Min 32.0
Max 34.0
Accuracy Load (30.0)


Does this load data seem to be in line as far as safety and accuracy is concerned ?

Thanks !

Fred

[ocelott]

I cannot speak about accuracy - but from looking at those they look like top end loads. Looking at the Hodgdon 2011 a 180 grain Nosler Part 13.5gr H110 is 39K cup for the 357 magnum.

21.0gr for a 180gr jacketed is their listed top end for the 357 Maximum.

and for the 45colt - that would Definately be a Ruger/TC only level load
i.e. a 260gr Nosler Part uses 24.0gr for 30K CUP

[leadman]

I agree, these are towards or at the top end. Normally not a need to shoot your guns at full bore. Much more pleasant if you back the velocity down aways. However, do not back down the loads with h110 or W296.
Other powders like Unique, AA#2, bullseye, Red Dot, etc. can provide acccurate loads at less velocity. This also means your pound of powder goes about twice as far.
Do you have a Lyman Cast bullet manual? Lots of great loads in either #3 or the newer #4.

[Bret4207]

Welcome aboard Fred. What caliber is your rifle in? That's the place to start. And yeah, all those loads look pretty hot.

[1Shirt]

Yep, loads are top end in my opinion. Suggest reducing by 10% as starting loads and work up if you follow that data.
1ShirT!