Starting loads for cast boolits.

[Hogstir]

I have never used cast boolits before so I have a simple question.
I have a Henry Steel Carbine in 45 Colt and have always used JHPs for my loads. Currently I am using a 250gr exp and 25.7gr of H110 resulting in 1620 fps.
My question is if I switch to a 250gr RNFP with a BHN of 16 do I have to back off on the powder load even though it is the same weight as my EXP JHP that I am using?

[stubert]

The cast bullet will have less pressure, so velocity should increase, however you are at the threshold of needing a gas check. Use a very good lube.

[robg]

Are they gas checked? If not back off a little as lead moves faster with the same pressure behind it.might be worth using a more flexible powder to work up the best load as h110 works best with high pressure loads.

[Shiloh]

Larsen's Lube.
Link at the bottom of the page.
http://www.lsstuff.com/lube/

Shiloh

[Hogstir]

The cast bullet will have less pressure, so velocity should increase, however you are at the threshold of needing a gas check. Use a very good lube.

these are commercially cast boolits by HSM. Aren't they prelubed or do I need to lube them myself?

[Hogstir]

No they are not gas checked. Had trouble finding anyone with gas checked bullets in stock. I put in an order with Beartooth but it's 16 weeks out.

[dragon813gt]

Use a listed starting load and work back up. You should do this every time you change a component.

[Hogstir]

Use a listed starting load and work back up. You should do this every time you change a component.
The charge I'm using 25.7gr H110 IS the starting load Hodgdons lists for a 250gr JHP.
Should I back off below the starting level if I'm using cast bullets?

[Seeker]

Check out Linebaughs Sixguns

260gr cast bullet with 25.5 gr. H110 runs 1364 fps
27 gr. H110 runs 1459 out of a 7 1/2" barrel

http://www.customsixguns.com/writings/dissolving_the_myth.htm

These are RO loads

[Hogstir]

So it looks like my load would be ok in my Carbine. Thanks. Now I just have to see if I get any leading with no gas check.

[mdi]

Suggest a Lyman's Cast Bullet Handbook. Good info and lead bullet load data...

[Hogstir]

Suggest a Lyman's Cast Bullet Handbook. Good info and lead bullet load data...

I have one but they do not list any Ruger only or +P loads for the 45 Colt.

[Mohawk Daddy]

If your current load is hitting 1620 fps with JHPs, you can expect the same load to achieve more velocity with a cast boolit of the same weight. How much more I can't guess. But as others have indicated, you may be approaching the speed limits for cast with no gas check, depending on the quality of the bullets and lube. Are HSM bullets from Hunter's Supply? I believe Hunter's guarantees their bullets not to lead up to 1600 fps with no gas checks. Lee offers loads for Ruger and T/C only with a 255 grain "lead" bullet, but only list Accurate #9 and #7 powders with a range of 15.8 to 17.6 grains for #9 and 13.6 to 15.1 for #7. Max velocities are under 1200 fps, but I assume that is for handguns.

[bangerjim]

Do not play around with H110 loads. Warnings abound about not going a few % below listed load data. I never do. I stick with what the books say for all H110 loads. Period. Even the manufacturer says that.

bangerjim

[runfiverun]

yep I'd just use the jacketed data for the cast boolit.
do not reduce H-110.

your doing pretty good with the H-110.
I could break 1600 in my 24" lever guns without a gas check but I was using 2400.
give what you got now a go.

[Hogstir]

Do not play around with H110 loads. Warnings abound about not going a few % below listed load data. I never do. I stick with what the books say for all H110 loads. Period. Even the manufacturer says that.

bangerjim

the load I am using is the recommended starting load by Hodgdons.

[clearcut]

Hogster , Have you thought of powder coating? It doesn't take the place of a gas check but it dose stop the leading,and may allow you to use the H110.
CC

[mdi]

I have one but they do not list any Ruger only or +P loads for the 45 Colt. I thought you asked for data for a Henry carbine?

[dragon813gt]

the load I am using is the recommended starting load by Hodgdons.

Which is fine. If they list a starting load you are not to reduce from it. If all they list is a max load the maximum you can reduce is 3%. They took this information off their site when they switched to the new online database. It's not good that they did this IMO.

[Hogstir]

I thought you asked for data for a Henry carbine?

The loading manuals list the +P 45 Colt loads as Ruger only loads. I am using them in a 45 Colt Henry Carbine which is rated for +P loads according to Henry.

[Nose Dive]

Mmmm Hogstir... My opinion buddy... time to 'study up' abit.

Your rifle is a fine piece. Henry doesn't make or offer any '****' firearm. I swear by them and swear by the family that makes them. ALL CALIBERS and ALL FIREARMS. But...YOU CAN SCREW THEM UP if you don't know what you are doing. Or..'you can wreck a CADILLAC if you drive it into a concrete pillar'!

So.. we need to get a good reloading manual and do some reading. SPEER..Hornady.. and Barnes offer excellent manuals on reloading for your rifle. Get one or two... go to the caliber and gun (rifle-pistol) and read what they say about powders, primers and loads. FOLLOW THEIR instructions and DO NOT UNDER LOAD OR OVER LOAD on any caliber or bullet weight. To do that would be stupid and put you and your firearm at risk of DISASTER. By that I mean..you can be hurt...your rifle can be damaged.

Now. Bullet lube is not covered in these manuals as LUBE is for lead boolits. I suggest, LUBE all lead boolits before loading and you should be fine. LUBE recipes are plentiful on this site. There is a whole section on this..and again.. GO AND READ AND LEARN....Right here!! You can learn about lubes...loads...lead alloys...reloading powders and primers for YOUR RIFLE...right here!!

Your are at the right place...with the right information.. Now...it is up to you to research and read and learn.

GOOD LUCK BUDDY. We are here to help you!!

Nose Dive

Cheap, Fast, Good. Kindly pick two.

[10mmShooter]

Hogstir,

I own two Henry's one in .44 and one in .357, when I shoot cast bullets(all the time), I have to run .432 in the .44 and .360 in .357, otherwise they will lead my barrel just in front of the chamber.

I can push the .44 to 1550 fps with AA#7 with no leading at all. For me that's the limit beyond 1500 fps, you getting into the range where gas check might be required. I don't like messing with the checks so 1550 fps is where I stop.

You did not mention what your .45 bullets are sized too ? This will be critical to good results out of your Henry, also just a suggestion my normal .44 target load in my Henry is only 1100 fps with a 240 L-RN bullet, it will go through most anything I would ever shot within the 100 yard range of the rifle. Just curious what are you shooting that you need to push right to the limit of .45 Colt rifle? Would hate to see you damage a fine rifle. I love my Henry's

[mdi]

SAAMI data for .44 Magnum barrels is .431" groove diameter. Normally, cast bullets are sized anywhere from .002" to .004" larger than groove diameter, so getting a leading free bullet would you'd prolly need be sized to .433" in a rifle barrel...

Leading "early" in the barrel is often from too small bullets...