16 to 1

[lead chucker]

I just got a cva 44 mag rifle if i mix 16-1 lead tin how hard can i drive a lyman 265 gr HP. I was also wundering when you cast 16- 1 does the bullet have to age at all or is it good to go as soon as its cools these will have gas checks. I heat treat all my bullets 2 parts WW 3 part lead and heat treat at 450 for an hour and after 2 to 3 weeks they average about 14 brinell hardnes I think the HP will be too brittle at that hardnes. Any expert infor would be great.

[Larry Gibson]

I shoot my 16-1 alloy 429642HPs at 1350 fps out of a 6 1/2" barreled Ruger FTBH and 1486 fps out of my 8.4" barreled Contender. Expansion is fine, weight retention excellent and accuracy is excellent. I have not shot any "as soon as it cools" but have shot them the next day with no difference between those that are "aged". There will be a bit of difference in the BHN but really, just how much does a couple BHN mean?

I also use WWs + 2% tin and at a ratio with lead of 30/70, 40/60 and 50/50 and let them air cool for a week or so before use. The specific alloy used is dependent on the bullet, the game used on, the muzzle/impact velocity and expected expansion. I've not had accuracy problems with any of those aaloys up through 1400+ fps with GC'd bullets.

Larry Gibson

[lead chucker]

I figure i would be at over 1600 fps with this bullet and with a lower brinell hardnes would it be able to handle the stress. Im looking for it to shoot as flat as practical being a 44

[lead chucker]

Larry I use 2400 in my 44 pistol would a different powder be better in a 22 inch barrel.

[Larry Gibson]

With my 429640HP at 270 gr fully dressed I find 20 gr 2400 pushes 34,800 psi (Measured with Oehler M43) at 1481 fps out of the Contender's 8.4" barrel. I suspect it would be 1750, perhaps 1800+ out of a 22" barrel. That very well could be pushing 16-1 alloy a bit hard. I suggest starting at 18.5 gr and work up in 1/2 gr increments to 20 gr to see where accuracy goes south.

While 2400 is one of my favorite powders for magnum level loads with 240-250 gr PB cast bullets in the .44 Magnum I prefer H110 with the 270 gr 429640HP or the 429244 both of which run 270 gr fully dressed. If you try H110 I suggest a starting load of 21 gr and work up to 23 gr with your 265 gr bullets looking for accuracy.

Could be both powders will push the 16-1 alloy cast bullets, even with GCs, too hard in the 22" rifle. Remains to be seen though. Keep us appraised on what you do and the results please.

Larry Gibson

[lead chucker]

Thanks for the info. I just cast some up and will load them up tonight. weather permiting i will go shooting tomorow. I have used H110 before i have heard that it is real temp sensitive. I have also read that 2400 is not case position sensitive. Any way i apreciate your info thanks.