Author Topic: First timer.........sort of. (Read 454 times)

ssmith_1187 · « **on:** November 11, 2003, 02:54:15 AM »

While I am not new to reloading (I have been reloading shot shells for over 10 years) I am new to the intricacies of loading handgun cartridges.

Shotshell reloading is rather forgivingyou might be +/- .5 grains of powder and lets face it, I know I dont always turn out factory crimps with every pull of the handle.

I currently own both a single stage MEC 600 Jr. and a progressive MEC 9000 G.

After a recent trip to the range, I was floored at the discrepancies in accuracy between factory ammunition. 3-4 inches between brands is hardly a confidence builder.

Enter, reloading. In addition to the cost savings, which in .44 magnum can be substantial, I am looking for accuracy. I know I can achieve that with hand loaded ammunition.

I am looking for recommendations on presses, dies, case trimmers, calipers, BOOKS, etc.anything that a first time hand loader might need. I already have 2 scales, a Cabelas electronic scale and a RCBS 502 beam scale so I have those bases covered.

Looking through the various catalogs is a kit the way to start, if so, which would you recommend?

Thank you in advance,
Steve

Questor · « **Reply #1 on:** November 11, 2003, 04:11:31 AM »

I like the Rockchucker kit from RCBS, but you already have a scale and don't need a case trimmer, so all you really need is:
1) RCBS Rockchucker press
2) RCBS carbide dies for 44 magnum
3) Lee autoprime tool
4) Case holder for 44 magnum shells. One for the Lee tool, one for the press. (I'm probably wrong on the name of the things. They're little metal doo dads that holds the case while you're working the press.)
5) The Speer reloading manual is particularly excellent.
6) Hornady trays for holding your brass upright while you charge the cases with powder.
7) A good powder measure with a micrometer adjustment (optional on the RCBS). I would buy a good non-RCBS measure though. Others are better. There are models that drop unused powder back into the powder jug when you're done reloading.
8) A log book for recording your loading activities.
9) A decent dial caliper. I like the digital RCBS model. No need to spend more than about $60 on one.
10) Boxes to put your finished ammo in.

You don't need a case trimmer for 44 mag. You won't need to lubricate cases for it either. That should just about do it. Having an extra autoprime tool on hand may be worthwhile. Mine last about a year before something breaks.

Powders: Win 231 for target loads. Win 296 for full power loads. Winchester brass. CCI 300 primers for target loads. CCI 350 primers for full power loads. Avoid the Lyman books because velocity figures are pure fiction. The 240 grain lead bullet data in the Speer manual works fine for all commercial 240 grain cast bullets I've tried.

grizz · « **Reply #2 on:** November 11, 2003, 05:10:27 AM »

Steve,

Questor preaty much covered everything to get started.. 44mag in my Ruger Super Black Hawk has to be my favorite round to load.. For powder suggestions I would go with good ole H-110 this is the ONLY powder I use in my 44. However I like to load my 44 on the rather "hot" side. My load of choice is 30grains of H110 behind 180gr Sierra JHC's which is pushin that 180 grainer right around 1650fps.. THIS IS A MAX LOAD!!! NEVER start at this and work up to this very slowly and see how your gun likes it.. You can start @ 24.3gr of H-110 with the 180's and work up from there I wouldnt start anything below 24.3gr.. Hodgdon's "moto" on H-110 = NO WIMPS PLEASE!!!!!!! have any other questions feel free to ask you will get alot of good help from this site..

grizz

Ron T. · « **Reply #3 on:** November 11, 2003, 05:17:55 AM »

I found 10.0 grains of Herco (a 28 gauge shotgun powder) using a standard Remington large pistol primer in Winchester/Western cases with either a 240 grain hard-cast or a 240 grain jacketed, hollow-point bullet to shoot very accurately in my old "3-screw" Ruger Super BlackHawk with a 7½ inch barrel @ 25 and 50 yards.

While I've never chronographed the load, I'm guessing this load yields about 950 fps... or very close to .44 Special velocities. This mild load has a very reasonable recoil and is fun to shoot.

Strength & Honor...

Ron T.

ssmith_1187 · « **Reply #4 on:** November 11, 2003, 07:41:17 AM »

Thank you very much gentlemen.....I appreciate your responses.

Questor, do you prefer a dial caliper over a digital one?

Also, on the dies do you prefer RCBS over Redding??? Do you have a recommendation on the powder measure??? Unfortunately they don't make them like they use to....especially the old Lyman's.

Thanks again.

Questor · « **Reply #5 on:** November 11, 2003, 10:07:58 AM »

I have a digital caliper and prefer it to a dial. I don't have any experience with the other stuff because my RCBS stuff is so good that I don't need to experiment with other things. Consider a Redding powder measure because I know it's good quality, but I have no experience with it.