Thebeancounter
07-09-2011, 08:27 AM
I think I may have misunderstood the Lee reloading book and need advice.
I am reloading for 44 Special. I am using the starting charge of 4.6 Gr of Titegroup (wow that is some dirty stuff, but that is another issue) and I am using a Lee 200 Gr round nose bullet. The pistol is a S&W 629 and can handle magnum loads. I want accuracy, after all, I am shooting paper.
I looked at the overall length of 1.615 inches and loaded them up. Then one of the guys at the range told me to stuff the bullet into the case until it looks like a commercially loaded round. I admit it does look a little goofy.
Jazzing around with the bullet seating has to make a difference in pressure, so I started researching the topic - lots of discussion about rifle stuff but not too much about hand guns.
I would like to know if it is safe to seat the bullet deeper as maybe the magic 1.615 number is a maximum length? I read lots of cautions about seating the bullet too deep, but nowhere did I see a safe range - only the 1.615 number.
And another thing, what if you are loading bullets of different weights? Lighter or heavier bullets have to impact the overall length or affect pressure.
There is discussion about what goes on between when the round is discharged and when the bullet makes contact with the lands and grooves. Rifle guys want as little distance as possible between the bullet and the rifling when the round is chambered. In my case there is a relatively huge gap the bullet has to jump before it makes contact with the lands and grooves. So is it better to use magnum brass to reduce the distance the bullet "jumps"? Perhaps I am over analyzing all of this.
Thanks in advance for your comments,
- Bill
I am reloading for 44 Special. I am using the starting charge of 4.6 Gr of Titegroup (wow that is some dirty stuff, but that is another issue) and I am using a Lee 200 Gr round nose bullet. The pistol is a S&W 629 and can handle magnum loads. I want accuracy, after all, I am shooting paper.
I looked at the overall length of 1.615 inches and loaded them up. Then one of the guys at the range told me to stuff the bullet into the case until it looks like a commercially loaded round. I admit it does look a little goofy.
Jazzing around with the bullet seating has to make a difference in pressure, so I started researching the topic - lots of discussion about rifle stuff but not too much about hand guns.
I would like to know if it is safe to seat the bullet deeper as maybe the magic 1.615 number is a maximum length? I read lots of cautions about seating the bullet too deep, but nowhere did I see a safe range - only the 1.615 number.
And another thing, what if you are loading bullets of different weights? Lighter or heavier bullets have to impact the overall length or affect pressure.
There is discussion about what goes on between when the round is discharged and when the bullet makes contact with the lands and grooves. Rifle guys want as little distance as possible between the bullet and the rifling when the round is chambered. In my case there is a relatively huge gap the bullet has to jump before it makes contact with the lands and grooves. So is it better to use magnum brass to reduce the distance the bullet "jumps"? Perhaps I am over analyzing all of this.
Thanks in advance for your comments,
- Bill