insanelupus
01-02-2009, 06:55 PM
I am not a fan of shooting high velocity loads out of a handgun, though I do prefer heavy bullets. I have recently purchased the Lee 431-310 GC bullet mould.
I originally loaded a Speer 300 grain jacketed bullet to about 1050 fps (chrono'd)and found it to be an excellent load for accuracy using IMR 4227. I wasn't thrilled though with the bullet performance as I feel the bullet is very hard but has a meplat that is too small for my intended use.
Currently I'm loading bullets from Montana Bullet works that are 300 grain WFN LBT bullets, but they are of heat treated alloy. While I like the bullet, the load I've been using with 2400 is not wholly satisfactory to me. Though it is reasonably accurate, the velocity is just over 1100 fps.
I am currently shooting these out of a 5.5" Ruger Vaquero Bisley, .44 Magnum. Slugging cylinder mouths and barrely showed a diameter of .430 was a good place to start with sizing. Soon I may be putting a Bisley frame on a 4.75" Ruger Super Blackhawk, also that requires a .430 diameter.
I use the Vaquero as my every day packing revolver in the mountains in NW MT. Besides targets of opportunity, I have these loaded as a fall back for deer, elk, and black bear under 50 yards max, with an ideal range of 35 yards for the iron sights and my shooting.
When I try this new Lee bullet, I intend to try 2400, IMR 4227, 231, Unique and possibly H-110 and 296. I am afraid even starting loads with the later two will be above the the 1050 fps benchmark I try to stick close to. Ideal velocities will be between 1000 fps and 1050 fps, with good accuracy (6" @ 50 yards minimum).
Are there any other powders to try for a medium velocity load and my new 310+ Lee bullet?
I originally loaded a Speer 300 grain jacketed bullet to about 1050 fps (chrono'd)and found it to be an excellent load for accuracy using IMR 4227. I wasn't thrilled though with the bullet performance as I feel the bullet is very hard but has a meplat that is too small for my intended use.
Currently I'm loading bullets from Montana Bullet works that are 300 grain WFN LBT bullets, but they are of heat treated alloy. While I like the bullet, the load I've been using with 2400 is not wholly satisfactory to me. Though it is reasonably accurate, the velocity is just over 1100 fps.
I am currently shooting these out of a 5.5" Ruger Vaquero Bisley, .44 Magnum. Slugging cylinder mouths and barrely showed a diameter of .430 was a good place to start with sizing. Soon I may be putting a Bisley frame on a 4.75" Ruger Super Blackhawk, also that requires a .430 diameter.
I use the Vaquero as my every day packing revolver in the mountains in NW MT. Besides targets of opportunity, I have these loaded as a fall back for deer, elk, and black bear under 50 yards max, with an ideal range of 35 yards for the iron sights and my shooting.
When I try this new Lee bullet, I intend to try 2400, IMR 4227, 231, Unique and possibly H-110 and 296. I am afraid even starting loads with the later two will be above the the 1050 fps benchmark I try to stick close to. Ideal velocities will be between 1000 fps and 1050 fps, with good accuracy (6" @ 50 yards minimum).
Are there any other powders to try for a medium velocity load and my new 310+ Lee bullet?