My Reloading Journey Thread

[rjtodd]

Jun 19, 2024 21:51:11 GMT -5 eisenhower said:

OK, gents, so I went back and did a better slug/measurement of my cylinder mouth(s). I'm showing .430"

So, with a bore size of .427", and cylinder mouth of .430", which would be the preferable 200 grain cast bullet?:

a) .427
b) .428
c) .430

There seem to be two schools of thought from what I'm reading (and when chamber mouth size is larger than bore size), either: bore size + .001", or those who size to the chamber mouth.

Thoughts?

Thanks,
DeWayne

My vote is match your cylinder throats at .430”..

Randy

[steve]

.430 cylinder throat size.

[Encore64]

I'll also recommend .430"...

[eisenhower]

Gents, when I take a 240-grain .430" bullet (which I'm using for 44 Special/Magnum) and do the drop test into my SAA cylinder, I find that not only does it hang up, but I cannot push it through without a hammer and dowel. Yet, when I slug the same chamber, I'm measuring exactly .430".

SO ... do you still recommend .430 bullets in this pistol, or something that will fit through easier like .429, .428? I don't know how much force should be required to punch the bullet through and not blow up the cylinder.

[Cholla]

How did you measure your cylinder throats? The most accurate way to measure them is to drive a soft lead ball through the mouths then measure the ball with a micrometer. That said, your load(s) seem pretty accurate so you may already be on the right path.

[eisenhower]

To measure the throats, I took a lead bullet (a .427) and hammered on it a bit to obdurate the base larger than .430", then drove it through the cylinder mouth with a hammer and dowel. I then measured the base of the bullet at .430".

[steve]

You're over thinking it.

Size 6 bullets to .430 and shoot them....trust us, you'll like it!

[rjtodd]

Looks like our new loader is buying his bullets. He will have to accept store bought for now. BUT, I agree. Buy the .430. Pressure increase will be inconsequential. Accuracy will likely improve.

Randy

[sharps4590]

Jun 20, 2024 22:06:41 GMT -5 eisenhower said:

Today, I got a Lee Loader kit to try my hand at the "whack-a-mole" method. I have to say, it was super simple and seemingly pretty fool-proof, which is right up my alley. Unlike my learning curve with the Lyman tool and .44-40, I loaded 50 rounds of .44 Special and didn't damage a single case.

Now, I really want to find a Lee Kit in .44-40 (no longer in production) so I can sell this Ideal tool to a collector. The Lee kits let me adjust my crimp so it's just right, which I can't do with the Ideal.

DeWayne

View Attachment

That's what Dad started me with back in 1962 when I was 9.  They work just fine.  I have a bit more some 62 years later.

[eisenhower]

Jun 21, 2024 17:45:11 GMT -5 rjtodd said:

Looks like our new loader is buying his bullets. He will have to accept store bought for now. BUT, I agree. Buy the .430. Pressure increase will be inconsequential. Accuracy will likely improve.

Randy

Yes, for sure, I'm buying not casting. These are Missouri Bullet Co. pre-lubed bullets. Problem is, they sell in quantities of 500, so a purchase is a bit of a commitment.

DeWayne

[sharps4590]

You might be surprised how fast that commitment goes.

[bigbore5]

500? That's about three weeks worth! There's a reason I moved to the Apex 10 press

[eisenhower]

OK guys, different reloading question for a different gun(s).

I just bought one of the new Ruger/Marlin 1894 carbines in .44 Magnum, as I was hoping to load for both it and my Ruger Bisley Super Blackhawk in .44 Magnum. The old carbine/pistol combo scenario.

Here's the specs on both.

Pistol: Bore=.429"; Cyl Mouths=.4305

Carbine: Bore=.430"

So, the question is, I'm thinking I should shoot .431" cast bullets in the Marlin, but will a .431" bullet be safe in the .429" bore of the Ruger pistol?

Thanks,
DeWayne

[sharps4590]

I would. You generally size cast bullets .001 - .002 over groove diameter.

[contender]

Will it be safe? Yes.
But only each gun can let you know if it's accurate or not.