In case anyone wants 357 Automag die sets. Here's one from Gunbroker. https://www.gunbroker.com/item/890064526
I found some Starline 44 AMP brass. Not cheap, but neither unreasonable @ $47 per hunderd. Starline forecasts June for availability of fresh brass. I guess orders for 9mm and 5.56 brass, are taking priority at Starline. After I ordered some, there were 8 bags listed as left. https://reloadingeverything.com/Starline-Brass-.44-Auto-Mag.-899225545003-6315/
500x cases cost me $203 (about $40/100) from Starline a little under 2 years ago, so they haven't gone up very much.
I was lucky enough to get some Starline brass at the end of 2020. I put in a back order for another 1k for when the .357 AMP uppers come out (fingers crossed). There was a minimal price increase in 2021.
I say, if you're not in a hurry or have some brass already, put in a back order for some. It "may" show enough demand to move up production. I know, highly unlikely but you never know.
Their down to 4 bags of 100 left. If any forum members need brass now, better get it.
Will Automag be making or having reloading dies available in the future?
I have 1000 brass and bullets with primers and powder, just waiting on a gun. 2+ years. Getting to think I will never get it.
@richard-dorn Hang on don’t give up. I’m waiting too I will not give up. Call Rob or e-mail him he will tell you where you are in line.
Will Automag be making or having reloading dies available in the future?
I doubt they'll want to get into making dies - would be cool but I shudder to think of the expense of setting up a production-line for that.
Just got all my components together also, and waiting on the gun. I was recently advised, that the 6.5" barrels are out of stock, and there is a projected 60 day backorder delay, for these barrels. What a bummer. I guess I can patiently wait another 60 days, as some have waited patiently for years, for their Automags.
Just so you guys know, we will have some products in the store soon that will help you guys with your .44 amp reloading.
I have a set of Hornady dies and loaded the first set of ammo, with data provided by the Automag Ltd team. Trying not to get too far ahead of myself until the gun arrives to make final adjustments to bullet depth and experience live feeding and firing of the beast. Some tailoring for the specific gun is always been my experience.
what would be helpful to understand is how often the operating springs (the long ones) need to be replaced to help with longevity, consistency of accuracy, and safety. I want to order service kits to be ready. Thanks!
what would be helpful to understand is how often the operating springs (the long ones) need to be replaced to help with longevity, consistency of accuracy, and safety. I want to order service kits to be ready. Thanks!
I posed this question to Rob a little over 2 months ago, while putting in an order for spare parts. I didn't hear anything, but realistically, I think it is probably still a little early to know the true service life of some of the parts on the "new" Auto Mags. I went ahead and ordered a bunch of springs & parts, based on my limited uneducated knowledge of this platform.
Like you, I want to keep it in top running order. I don't want to cause any undue wear or damage because of a weak spring or worn part.
@beltfeded. I know our .460 Rowland converted handguns are also abusive on springs. I imagine these are no different. I think you had a good plan, and thanks for sharing!
Hey fellow and future owners!
I have pondered the idea of using plated bullets in the Automag. Specifically Berry's .44 240 gr Target Hollow Point. Berry's advertises these as
Cartridge Name: 44 Magnum
Cartridge O.A.L.: 1.610"
Max Velocity: 1850 fps
My experience with them has been loading .44 spl used with my Model 29 for range shooting (I have a couple thousand just need primers). BTW When I load magnum rounds for hunting I have always used 240gr XTP's.
Perhaps I might start with loading some magnum rounds and run them through the S&W first and evaluate the performance from there. The idea is to not take them hunting but use them for range days with the Automag, XTP's are a little pricy to punch holes in paper.
I guess to sum it up does anyone have experience with using plated bullets with a magnum load in the Automag or thoughts on how it would feed?
Thanks, Tim.E
