44mag and Plated Bullets Reduced Load Question

SpringOWeiler · May 22, 2014, 11:49 PM

I recently bought 500 200gr Plated bullets from Xtreme bullets. I plan is to make a plinker load using titegroup powder.

My concern is that the starting load for a normal jacketd bullet seems too high in pressure for the plated bullets and exceeds their velocity recommendation. However they have lead bullet loads that are use much lower charges for the same bullet weight.

Can I use a charge in between the 2 bullet types? About 8.5gr-9gr is what I estimate for an acceptable velocity and pressure. I'll set for the middle to account for variation.
I'm using Hodgdon's online reloading guide for charge ranges.

I have plenty of experiences with Titegroups finkyness about dropping out of the thrower so I'm not worried about half and doubled charges. I'll double check with a flashlight just to make sure.
I'm using a Ruger SuperBlack Hawk with a 7 5/8" barrel.

Pond, James Pond · May 23, 2014, 02:04 AM

Is there no data for the likes of Berry's and Rainier?

I believe they produce plated bullets. You could use those as a guide, or do a search on handload.com

NWPilgrim · May 23, 2014, 02:11 AM

Plated bullets are generally advised to be loaded same as hardcast lead, not exceeding 1,200 fps unless otherwise specified.

buck460XVR · May 23, 2014, 07:58 AM

Speer shows a reduced load for a 200 gr JHP and TG using 7.9-9 gr in .44 mag. Velocities shown are 989-1084. Should be in your ballpark. I suggest you confirm this with a published reference.

AlaskaMike · May 23, 2014, 10:00 AM

One thing to keep in mind for .44 mag data is that they assume everyone wants to load full-house, barn burner loads.

I'd suggest looking at .44 special data for Titegroup for a starting point, bumping up the charge a couple tenths of a grain to account for the larger magnum case.

madmo44mag · May 23, 2014, 10:07 AM

I have loaded thousands of plated bullets in 44 mag and Berrys, Rainier bullets can be loaded to the lower levels of the mag velocities and shoot great.
I have pushed them well into the magnum range to find the point where the plating gets pulled off the bullet.
1300 fps is about max they will handle.
I love plated bullets for range use.
You can shoot at lower mag velocities and not have leading issues.

WESHOOT2 · May 23, 2014, 10:27 AM

Examine "Cowboy" data.

g.willikers · May 23, 2014, 11:26 AM

Perfect reason to use a chronograph for working up loads.
I've always used lead bullet data for plated bullet loads, without any problems.
But then I got over loading impressive loads a long time ago.
They usually are less accurate than the milder ones, anyway.
And everything lasts longer, too, from powder supplies, the gun and irreplaceable body parts.

mikld · May 23, 2014, 11:38 AM

Your reloading manuals don't list any .44 Magnum loads below 1200 fps? Do a google on "load data for plated bullets"...

SpringOWeiler · May 23, 2014, 02:46 PM

Looks like 7.2 grains will be right around what I want. I'm loading for accuracy so no reason to use the chronograph.

madmo44mag · May 23, 2014, 02:57 PM

18.5 - 19.0 g of Accurate 2400 under a 240g bullet works good.
chronograph this at 1285 fps
Not near my data sheet I think that was 18.5g @ 1285fps

g.willikers · May 23, 2014, 03:15 PM

Quote:

I'm loading for accuracy so no reason to use the chronograph.

Knowing the velocity of the most accurate load can be useful.
As well as help to catch any loading surprises.

Nick_C_S · May 23, 2014, 04:44 PM

You're overthinking this.

Read post #4 by buck460XVR. He nailed it.

SpringOWeiler · May 23, 2014, 05:59 PM

Already loaded up 400 @7.3

spacecoast · May 23, 2014, 07:24 PM

You should be fine. Any .44 special or low level .44 mag load should be fine. In my Model 24 (.44 spc) I use only 3.0 grains of Titegroup under a 185 DEWC and it works great, very accurate at 25 yards (note the deep-seated DEWC). For middlin' .44 mag loads I use 8.0 grains of Titegroup under a 225 LFP. Given Titegroup's high burn rate I wouldn't go too much hotter than that (your lighter bullet is compatible with a little more powder than the 225).

400 rounds is a pretty big commitment in case it's not an accurate load for your gun. Next time you might want to stop at 50 (or even 24) until you've had a chance to test it.

SpringOWeiler · May 23, 2014, 08:10 PM

I wanted my blackhawk to feel like a single six. The bullets seated very well, no shaving or anything. But we'll see. Those cases had a full charge of H110 and a 240xtp prior too this loading. I dumped about 250 rounds over two sessions and my blister got a blister from it lol I'll try them out this weekend and give a report on how they work.

buck460XVR · May 24, 2014, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by spacecoast:

400 rounds is a pretty big commitment in case it's not an accurate load for your gun. Next time you might want to stop at 50 (or even 24) until you've had a chance to test it.

I agree. Accuracy at low powder charges is iffy at best.

WESHOOT2 · May 24, 2014, 02:28 PM

"Make ten test ten"

Of course it helps to literally walk one or two steps out my door and commence shootin' tests!

BOOMST1CK · May 24, 2014, 09:06 PM

I load up five or six when working a load, if it passes that test I'll make up twelve, if i still like the load I'll make up twenty five then fifty, and so on.

SpringOWeiler · May 25, 2014, 10:58 PM

The load was perfect. Primers look good, good case expansion. Felt excellent. Oh for accuracy. I was only able to get 50% hit ratios on a 12" steel plate.... At 165 yards

spacecoast · May 26, 2014, 06:57 AM

Nice shooting... sounds like fun! I just bought a 10" rifle gong and I plan to have it set up and ringing in a week or two.

May 22, 2014, 11:49 PM	#1
SpringOWeiler Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2014 Location: Washington (Dry Side) Posts: 116	44mag and Plated Bullets Reduced Load Question I recently bought 500 200gr Plated bullets from Xtreme bullets. I plan is to make a plinker load using titegroup powder. My concern is that the starting load for a normal jacketd bullet seems too high in pressure for the plated bullets and exceeds their velocity recommendation. However they have lead bullet loads that are use much lower charges for the same bullet weight. Can I use a charge in between the 2 bullet types? About 8.5gr-9gr is what I estimate for an acceptable velocity and pressure. I'll set for the middle to account for variation. I'm using Hodgdon's online reloading guide for charge ranges. I have plenty of experiences with Titegroups finkyness about dropping out of the thrower so I'm not worried about half and doubled charges. I'll double check with a flashlight just to make sure. I'm using a Ruger SuperBlack Hawk with a 7 5/8" barrel.

May 23, 2014, 02:04 AM	#2
Pond, James Pond Senior Member Join Date: July 12, 2011 Location: Top of the Baltic stack Posts: 6,079	Is there no data for the likes of Berry's and Rainier? I believe they produce plated bullets. You could use those as a guide, or do a search on handload.com __________________ When the right to effective self-defence is denied, that right to self-defence which remains is essentially symbolic. Freedom: Please enjoy responsibly.

May 23, 2014, 10:07 AM	#6
madmo44mag Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2008 Location: Ft.Worth, Texas Posts: 1,522	I have loaded thousands of plated bullets in 44 mag and Berrys, Rainier bullets can be loaded to the lower levels of the mag velocities and shoot great. I have pushed them well into the magnum range to find the point where the plating gets pulled off the bullet. 1300 fps is about max they will handle. I love plated bullets for range use. You can shoot at lower mag velocities and not have leading issues. __________________ Texas - Not just a state but an attitude! For monthly shooting events in DFW visit http://www.meetup.com/TexasGunOwner-DFW

May 23, 2014, 10:27 AM	#7
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	Examine "Cowboy" data. __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

May 23, 2014, 11:26 AM	#8
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	Perfect reason to use a chronograph for working up loads. I've always used lead bullet data for plated bullet loads, without any problems. But then I got over loading impressive loads a long time ago. They usually are less accurate than the milder ones, anyway. And everything lasts longer, too, from powder supplies, the gun and irreplaceable body parts. __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.”

May 23, 2014, 02:11 AM	#3
NWPilgrim Senior Member Join Date: September 29, 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 2,346	Plated bullets are generally advised to be loaded same as hardcast lead, not exceeding 1,200 fps unless otherwise specified.

May 23, 2014, 07:58 AM	#4
buck460XVR Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 2006 Posts: 4,342	Speer shows a reduced load for a 200 gr JHP and TG using 7.9-9 gr in .44 mag. Velocities shown are 989-1084. Should be in your ballpark. I suggest you confirm this with a published reference.

May 23, 2014, 10:00 AM	#5
AlaskaMike Senior Member Join Date: September 26, 2005 Posts: 941	One thing to keep in mind for .44 mag data is that they assume everyone wants to load full-house, barn burner loads. I'd suggest looking at .44 special data for Titegroup for a starting point, bumping up the charge a couple tenths of a grain to account for the larger magnum case.

May 23, 2014, 11:38 AM	#9
mikld Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2009 Location: Southern Oregon! Posts: 2,891	Your reloading manuals don't list any .44 Magnum loads below 1200 fps? Do a google on "load data for plated bullets"... __________________ My Anchor is holding fast! I've learned how to stand on my own two knees...

May 23, 2014, 02:46 PM	#10
SpringOWeiler Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2014 Location: Washington (Dry Side) Posts: 116	Looks like 7.2 grains will be right around what I want. I'm loading for accuracy so no reason to use the chronograph.

May 23, 2014, 02:57 PM	#11
madmo44mag Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2008 Location: Ft.Worth, Texas Posts: 1,522	18.5 - 19.0 g of Accurate 2400 under a 240g bullet works good. chronograph this at 1285 fps Not near my data sheet I think that was 18.5g @ 1285fps __________________ Texas - Not just a state but an attitude! For monthly shooting events in DFW visit http://www.meetup.com/TexasGunOwner-DFW

May 23, 2014, 04:44 PM	#13
Nick_C_S Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2013 Location: Idaho Posts: 5,523	You're overthinking this. Read post #4 by buck460XVR. He nailed it. __________________ Gun control laws benefit only criminals and politicians - but then, I repeat myself. Life Member, National Rifle Association

May 23, 2014, 05:59 PM	#14
SpringOWeiler Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2014 Location: Washington (Dry Side) Posts: 116	Already loaded up 400 @7.3

May 23, 2014, 07:24 PM	#15
spacecoast Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 2009 Location: Sunshine and Keystone States Posts: 4,461	You should be fine. Any .44 special or low level .44 mag load should be fine. In my Model 24 (.44 spc) I use only 3.0 grains of Titegroup under a 185 DEWC and it works great, very accurate at 25 yards (note the deep-seated DEWC). For middlin' .44 mag loads I use 8.0 grains of Titegroup under a 225 LFP. Given Titegroup's high burn rate I wouldn't go too much hotter than that (your lighter bullet is compatible with a little more powder than the 225). 400 rounds is a pretty big commitment in case it's not an accurate load for your gun. Next time you might want to stop at 50 (or even 24) until you've had a chance to test it.

May 23, 2014, 08:10 PM	#16
SpringOWeiler Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2014 Location: Washington (Dry Side) Posts: 116	I wanted my blackhawk to feel like a single six. The bullets seated very well, no shaving or anything. But we'll see. Those cases had a full charge of H110 and a 240xtp prior too this loading. I dumped about 250 rounds over two sessions and my blister got a blister from it lol I'll try them out this weekend and give a report on how they work.

May 24, 2014, 02:28 PM	#18
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	Tim's rule "Make ten test ten" Of course it helps to literally walk one or two steps out my door and commence shootin' tests! __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

May 24, 2014, 09:06 PM	#19
BOOMST1CK Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2014 Posts: 117	I load up five or six when working a load, if it passes that test I'll make up twelve, if i still like the load I'll make up twenty five then fifty, and so on.

May 25, 2014, 10:58 PM	#20
SpringOWeiler Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2014 Location: Washington (Dry Side) Posts: 116	Summary The load was perfect. Primers look good, good case expansion. Felt excellent. Oh for accuracy. I was only able to get 50% hit ratios on a 12" steel plate.... At 165 yards

May 26, 2014, 06:57 AM	#21
spacecoast Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 2009 Location: Sunshine and Keystone States Posts: 4,461	Nice shooting... sounds like fun! I just bought a 10" rifle gong and I plan to have it set up and ringing in a week or two.