New to reloading .44 mag problems.

[benwitt11]

Alright, first post here after a lot of reading.

I finally got my first reloading setup. I've decided to reload for my my .44 mag revolver before moving on to more complicated rifle rounds. My set up consists of a Rockchucker 2, Lee primer seating tool, and RCBS carbide dies.

I wanted to put a load together for basic shooting and one that would be suitable for short range whitetail deer hunting. Starting with virgin Winchester cases, Hornady 240 gn XTP's, Unique powder, and Federal Magnum primers. Magnum primers were suggested to me to insure reliable ignition in Minnesota winter conditions. The firearm used is a Ruger Super Blackhawk Bisley Hunter.

Hornady lists a starting load for Unique of 10 gns. Owing to the hotter magnum primers I loaded up 50 or so rounds with 9.6 gns of powder at a 1.61" COAL. Max load for Unique listed is a 10.7gn charge.

I added what I would consider to be a light roll crimp, one that felt very light at the lever, and visually looked similar to loaded factory rounds.

These are the first rounds I've ever reloaded, and with 20 rounds fired I am experiencing significant problems.

This is, as I understand it, a fairly low pressure load. After firing though, 18 of the 20 primers are flattened, and 2 have blown completely.

My current thought is that my roll crimp was too firm. All other parts seem to check out fine.

I of course will not fire the remaining rounds I've loaded. I need to procure a suitable bullet puller next.

Any advice on how to proceed would be welcome. I thought I had done all of my homework, this has me a bit stumped. Thank you in advance.

 

[former naval person]

Re: New to reloading .44 mag problems.

Federal primers have a bit softer cup. I love them for small resolvers and autoloaders where I have only one chance. Unique is a bit fast for what you want. For your work with the .44 Maggie...consider Winchester or CCI Mags. They are harder and shouldn't pierce as easily. For your area, and what you want, I'd consider CCI Magnum primers and 23 or 24 grains of WW296, depending upon your bullet weight and bearing area. The roll crimp should be firm. In fact, I prefer the Lee Factory Crimp Die for that...it will ensure that the bullet won't jump the crimp.Works for me. Do look at your firing pin to make sure it doesn't have a sharp point. Doubt it though. I just think that the load combination you want needs a slower powder than Unique.Good shooting.

 

[71firebird400]

Re: New to reloading .44 mag problems.

Post a picture of your crimp, but it doesn't sound like that's the issue. I checked my reloading manual and your charges are definitely on the light side, how confident are you in the scale you're using?

I'd probably swap to a different powder just because Unique is not a great 44mag powder and try different primers. As far as I can tell you are not doing anything wrong unless there is something else at play.

Also, I wouldn't worry about using magnum primers. I use regular large pistol primers (Remington 2 1/2) to light off 24 grains of H110 and haven't had a problem.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: New to reloading .44 mag problems.

New to reloading, but also new to the 44mag?

If not, then I wonder if you've been shooting 44SPC with lead bullets much in the revolver, and whether lead buildup might be contributing to your pressure issues. This is not unheard of.

 

[JGorski]

Re: New to reloading .44 mag problems.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: benwitt11</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Alright, first post here after a lot of reading.

I finally got my first reloading setup. I've decided to reload for my my .44 mag revolver before moving on to more complicated rifle rounds. My set up consists of a Rockchucker 2, Lee primer seating tool, and RCBS carbide dies.

I wanted to put a load together for basic shooting and one that would be suitable for short range whitetail deer hunting. Starting with virgin Winchester cases, Hornady 240 gn XTP's, Unique powder, and Federal Magnum primers. Magnum primers were suggested to me to insure reliable ignition in Minnesota winter conditions. The firearm used is a Ruger Super Blackhawk Bisley Hunter.

Hornady lists a starting load for Unique of 10 gns. Owing to the hotter magnum primers I loaded up 50 or so rounds with 9.6 gns of powder at a 1.61" COAL. Max load for Unique listed is a 10.7gn charge.

I added what I would consider to be a light roll crimp, one that felt very light at the lever, and visually looked similar to loaded factory rounds.

These are the first rounds I've ever reloaded, and with 20 rounds fired I am experiencing significant problems.

This is, as I understand it, a fairly low pressure load. After firing though, 18 of the 20 primers are flattened, and 2 have blown completely.

My current thought is that my roll crimp was too firm. All other parts seem to check out fine.

I of course will not fire the remaining rounds I've loaded. I need to procure a suitable bullet puller next.

Any advice on how to proceed would be welcome. I thought I had done all of my homework, this has me a bit stumped. Thank you in advance. </div></div>
I wouldnt use Unique, if you happen to give one of your cases a double dose youre in big trouble, get yourself some H110 or 296 and load up 24grs, youll get more velocity and less chance for a double load, thats the load I always use and i reload for guys at work and they have no complaints.

 

[JGorski]

Re: New to reloading .44 mag problems.

Are you sure your scale is on, my Hornady manual has over 13grs as max, 8.5grs is max with a lead Semi wad cutter. I use Federal 155s for the big loads, 150s for plinking loads. I also use a Redding profile crimp, if you crimp it right the bullets wont creep out from the heavy recoil. Remington brass is my favorite for heavy loads, also.

 

[Halfnutz]

Re: New to reloading .44 mag problems.

I would also reccomend another powder, H110 or Win296 get my vote. I use magnum powders for H110. I have not actually used Win296 but wouldn't hesitate too based on its burn rate compared to H110. Unique is considerably faster in burn rate. Use a heavy crimp on brass that has been trimmed to a uniform length.

Be safe!

 

[jagged77]

Re: New to reloading .44 mag problems.

I only use Unique for lead loads, for jacketed 240 / 250 grain I go with Blue Dot and H110 using Winchester Large Pistol primers with Rem brass.

Current load is Sierra 250gr with 22.5 grains H110 - would suggest you change powder and primer and see if the problem continues.

As always start low and work up!

 

[Clark]

Re: New to reloading .44 mag problems.

The key for many first time handgun handloaders is to seat the bullet and roll crimp the case mouth in two different steps, even though both steps are done with the seating die.

Screw the die into the press, with the ram raised, until the die touches the shell holder. Back the die out two turns. Start seating bullets and screw the seater die stem into the die until the bullets are seated with the case mouth lining up with the canalure. This should be at ~ 1.6" over all length [OAL].

Then back the seater stem out, and screw the die all the way into the press so the die touches the shell holder with the ram raised. Put the cartridge in the shell holder again and raise the ram. This should make a nice roll crimp.

The key load for 44 mag is 240 gr JHP 24 gr H110/W296.

 

[JGorski]

Re: New to reloading .44 mag problems.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Halfnutz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would also reccomend another powder, H110 or Win296 get my vote. I use magnum powders for H110. I have not actually used Win296 but wouldn't hesitate too based on its burn rate compared to H110. Unique is considerably faster in burn rate. Use a heavy crimp on brass that has been trimmed to a uniform length.

Be safe! </div></div>
H110=WW296, same powder, different name.

 

[Halfnutz]

Re: New to reloading .44 mag problems.

Thanks JGorski, I do believe that is right.

 

[leadbullet]

Re: New to reloading .44 mag problems.

+1 for H110 or W296, 22-24 gr with a 240gr Jacketed and make sure to use a magnum primer!!
Federal primers are a lot softer than win, CCi or Rem, I would go with the CCI.
have fun

 

[rweaver00geo]

Re: New to reloading .44 mag problems.

Is your brass sticking when you extract from the gun?
I also would disagree with having to use magnum primers with H110/W296 I find that winchester primers work just fine. Dont forget about the classic 44mag powder alliant 2400 (fairly cheap) and the new power pro 300mp which is a tad more fps than H110/W296

 

[benwitt11]

Re: New to reloading .44 mag problems.

Thank you for all the replies.

First off, I am new to reloading and .44mag. I've not shot any lead through this gun. I've shot many cowboy action loads through my .44 special Taurus though.

I've had several trusted reloaders look at both my spent cases and loaded rounds. They all thought the primers were not truly flattened, but as was suggested above a combination of softer primers, and single action revolver mechanics.

There is no trouble with extraction on any these cases in any chamber. I fired a bunch of factory rounds through the gun today and fired cases from those have expanded in the same manner as my hand loads.

I am using a RCBS 502 mechanical scale and weighed each charge individually to insure no problems arose there. I don't worry too much about a double charge situation, with 9.6gns the case is obviously near full with the 240 XTP seated to the crimp. I will likely switch to H110/W296 just for peace of mind and the slower burn rate anyway.

In comparing my roll crimp to factory rounds I believe I have a proper amount. This was seconded by having my unfired loaded rounds checked today as well.

I honestly think that I overreacted a bit to what I thought could be indicators of problems. I don't want to make any mistakes here, and I would like to develops good habits early. None the issues I thought were present really seem to be of consequence. That said, I am going to change powders and start a low workup with H110 for reasons stated above and others.

Thank you again for all the replies. I've come to trust the information I've read on here. Thank you again for the help.

 

[Ghogs Nightmare]

Re: New to reloading .44 mag problems.

Just started with 44mag as well (6" 629) and after testing am going with 240xtp, win primer, 23.7grs H110. Recoil isnt to bad nice accuracy at 25 an can hit at 100 with it as well.
.
It'll be on my side here in a few weeks for deer season

 

[bigwheeler]

Re: New to reloading .44 mag problems.

I am lost as to why you started lower than the minimum load? 44 Mags take magnum primers unless it was stated otherwise. Underloading can cause higher
pressures just like overloading can. I just stick to the book.

 

[JGorski]

Re: New to reloading .44 mag problems.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: attherange</div><div class="ubbcode-body">+1 for H110 or W296, 22-24 gr with a 240gr Jacketed and make sure to use a magnum primer!!
Federal primers are a lot softer than win, CCi or Rem, I would go with the CCI.
have fun </div></div>
The Fed 155 primers I use arent soft, use the 155s.