445 super mag conversion

[schoolmaster]

I recently purchased a new handirifle in 44 mag with the SB-1 frame and am toying with the idea of reaming it to .445 super mag. I know there are shooters on here that have done this conversion. I need to know if the pressure of the 445 super mag is too high for this frame. I ran into the same thing with the 357 maximum some said it was safe, some said it was not. I want to hear from shooters who own and shoot this caliber and what their set up is. Also any favorite bullets and powders you like in this caliber.

[quickdtoo]

I wouldn't recommend full pressure loads, it's a TC Contender chambering which is stronger that an SB1 frame, but an SB2 frame would be prudent if you want to load it to full potential. 

Tim

http://www.accuratepowder.com/data/PerCaliber2Guide/Handgun/Standarddata/44Cal(10.97mm)/445%20Super%20Mag%20page%20136.pdf

[petemi]

I agree with Tim.  My .445 and .357 Max are on SB2 frames.  I would NOT be comfortable with them on SB1s.  I think the large firing pin would also be a major factor.

Pete

[quickdtoo]

If I lived in Indiana, I'd probably have an SB2 frame fitted with a new 44mag barrel and shoot the Hornady 265gr FTX, I know it will push the 300gr XTP close to 2000fps, you should be able to get close to 2100fps with the FTX, Hornady shows loads as low as 1900fps MV for the .444, so it should perform fine at 445 velocities.

Tim

http://www.hornady.com/story.php?s=789

http://www.hornady.com/media/ftx_load_data/444_marlin_ftx.pdf

Trajectory for Custom .430 265gr FTX at 2100 Feet per Second
At an Elevation Angle of: 0 degrees
Ballistic Coefficients of: 0.225   0.225   0.225   0.225   0.225
Velocity Boundaries (Feet per Second) of: 2100   2100   2100   2100
Wind Direction is: 0.0 o'clock and a Wind Velocity of: 0.0 Miles per hour
Wind Components are (Miles per Hour): DownRange: 0.0   Cross Range: 0.0   Vertical: 0.0
Altitude: 0 Feet with a Standard Atmospheric Model.
Temperature: 59 F
Data Printed in English Units
Range   Velocity   Energy   Momentum   Drop   Bullet Path   Wind Drift   Time of Flight
(Yards)   (Ft/Sec)   (Ft/Lbs)   (Lb-Sec)   (inches)   (inches)   (inches)   (Seconds)
0   2100.0   2594.5   2.47   0.0   -1.7   0.0   0.000000000
25   2013.5   2385.1   2.37   -0.25   0.42   0.0   0.036474044
50   1929.1   2189.5   2.27   -1.04   2.0   0.0   0.074529297
75   1847.0   2007.1   2.17   -2.42   3.0   0.0   0.114262598
100   1767.3   1837.6   2.08   -4.43   3.36   0.0   0.155775562
125   1690.2   1680.6   1.99   -7.13   3.02   0.0   0.199172677
150   1615.8   1536.0   1.90   -10.6   1.93   0.0   0.244559406
175   1544.4   1403.2   1.82   -14.9   0.0   0.0   0.292041147
200   1476.2   1282.0   1.74   -20.11   -2.84   0.0   0.341719520
225   1411.4   1171.9   1.66   -26.32   -6.68   0.0   0.393687335
250   1350.3   1072.7   1.59   -33.62   -11.6   0.0   0.448024653
275   1293.3   984.0   1.52   -42.11   -17.72   0.0   0.504791065
300   1240.7   905.6   1.46   -51.9   -25.14   0.0   0.564016054

The other round to consider for Indiana is the 357Max and the Hornady 180gr SSP which seems to work fine on the SB1 frame with the right primer which would be a consideration on the 445SM as well. The 357Max shoots flatter, but has less energy.

http://357maximum.com/developing-a-load/


Trajectory for Hornady .358 dia. 180 gr. SP-SSP Interlock at 2200 Feet per Second
At an Elevation Angle of: 0 degrees
Ballistic Coefficients of: 0.248   0.248   0.248   0.248   0.248
Velocity Boundaries (Feet per Second) of: 1440   1440   1440   1440
Wind Direction is: 0.0 o'clock and a Wind Velocity of: 0.0 Miles per hour
Wind Components are (Miles per Hour): DownRange: 0.0   Cross Range: 0.0   Vertical: 0.0
Altitude: 0 Feet with a Standard Atmospheric Model.
Temperature: 59 F
Data Printed in English Units
Range   Velocity   Energy   Momentum   Drop   Bullet Path   Wind Drift   Time of Flight
(Yards)   (Ft/Sec)   (Ft/Lbs)   (Lb-Sec)   (inches)   (inches)   (inches)   (Seconds)
0   2200.0   1934.1   1.76   0.0   -1.7   0.0   0.000000000
25   2119.3   1794.8   1.69   -0.23   0.26   0.0   0.034734434
50   2040.3   1663.4   1.63   -0.94   1.74   0.0   0.070803188
75   1963.0   1539.9   1.57   -2.18   2.7   0.0   0.108280073
100   1887.6   1423.8   1.51   -3.98   3.09   0.0   0.147243141
125   1814.1   1315.1   1.45   -6.39   2.88   0.0   0.187774469
150   1742.6   1213.5   1.39   -9.46   2.0   0.0   0.229959002
175   1673.3   1118.8   1.34   -13.25   0.41   0.0   0.273883263
200   1606.3   1031.0   1.28   -17.81   -1.96   0.0   0.319634153
225   1541.7   949.8   1.23   -23.21   -5.17   0.0   0.367298318
250   1479.8   875.0   1.18   -29.53   -9.29   0.0   0.416959014
275   1420.7   806.6   1.14   -36.84   -14.41   0.0   0.468692748
300   1364.6   744.1   1.09   -45.23   -20.61   0.0   0.522566907


http://357maximum.com/developing-a-load/