newbie reloader

[xterrettx]

I have embarked on the journey of reloading, and more specifically reloading for accuracy. I am putting this topic up to chronicle what I have learned and ask questions.
So far I have loaded around 200 rounds of 44mag with interesting results.
first lesson learned- crimp is really important. I shot my loads at a match and had real consistence problems. This seems to be traced back to first crimp and second case length.
Another problem I ran into was case volume.
I used 2400 in my loads and at 20gr ended up with compression.
is this common?
I just bought some H110 to see if that does any better.

My loads consisted of 225gr hornady FTX, 20gr of 2400. These seemed to fly relatively flat, which I like (I know some seem to think is not important but I is nice as the sights on my gun suck and less adjustment is better)
My next indevor is using plain old LSWC 240gr. Also I have now trimmed all brass to within .001" of each other, hopefully this will help.
Any way, more latter

[260 Striker]

Sounds like you are discovering some of the "secrets" of reloading already. Case length is critical for all cartridges to prevent over pressure if cases are too long but length is very critical for revolver rounds that need to be crimped. Trimming to the correct length and consistent length for all cases will help with your load develoment. H110 powder is a good powder choice but a lot of cast bullets do well with H4227 so give that a try if the H110 doesn't give the results you desire. Don't know what type of crimp you are using (roll or taper) but the cheap Lee taper crimp dies give excellent results. Another trick is to seat your bullets with the dies raised so no crimp is applied during bullet seating then go back and do the crimp as a separate step. I have never noticed much difference but a lot of people and loading articles recommend doing the seating and crimping in two separate steps. I use the two step method just for peace of mind. Also bell the cases just enough to get a cast bullet started into the case. About 1/16" is all you need. You don't want to severely bell your cases since that will shorten case life by over working the case mouths when belling then later crimping. You do need to bell enough when using cast bullets to prevent shaving lead while seating the bullets. Read all you can and consult several load manuals. Lots of good info out there and on this forum. Sounds like you have a good start.

[35isit]

+1 on the advice 260 gave you. Also make sure the cast bullets fit your gun. Fit is king in cast bullets. I assume you are going to buy them. Google up the cast boolit forum and read a lot there and the LASC website. When you try the cast, be sure to get all the copper out of your barrel. Cast will not grip the rifleing of a copper fouled bore. I too believe 4227 or even 2400 may suit your needs with cast more than 110.

[IHMSA80x80]

Redding Profile Crimp die.

[xterrettx]

I just loaded a batch of cast bullets. My crimps look much better. It was a bit easier, probably a combo of lead being slightly softer and less powder, means no compression.
I have heard good things from about the redding die, I will be looking for one
Thanks

[xterrettx]

I have now done significantly more load development. I tried every powder quantity that was reasonable (starting with the lowest recommended 44 special and going threw 44 mag) and found a load that seems to work. This is only one bullet so far. I did .5gr increments of powder (2400 still). I tried it at the last meet with good results. I am shooting a little under what Lyman would call a 44mag but no problems knocking over rams.
I missed a lot but not so much because of my loads.

My next test bullet is the sierra 250gr FPJ sil. I just loaded a 50 test cases with H110 and 2400.
I can't resist trying a bullet designed for Silhouette


We will see

[dhagerty40x]

H110 is probably the best powder for the 44Mag. But warning, this powder needs at least 90% of Case filled for best results.

A bullet to try is the Sierra 140 JHC. the best bullet I have ever used!

[260 Striker]

Sounds like you are making progress on the mysteries of reloading. When I do load series I usually find two "sweet spots" where I get really good groups. Usually about one grain above minimum recommended loads and againg about one grain below the recommended maximum. I'm not too flincy but I always thought that a hit at a lower velocity was better than a miss at a higher velocity so usually chose the lower sweet spot. Easier on me and the gun. H110 and W296 are the same powder. H4227 has always been a good powder in magnum pistol cartridges too. When you get into reloading bottle neck cases there are just too many combinations that work. What works for one person may not for another but that is the fun of reloading and finding what works for you. Keep up with the latest reloading manuals too since some earlier loads have now proven to be a little hot with the newer formulations of powders. Have fun and always be safe.