Feeding shouldn't be as much of an issue as the velocity versus the plating on the bullet.
If Berry's says their plating can handle 1,850 fps, I'd personally buy a box and try them out.
300 Grain loads anyone? This was specifically mentioned by Dirty Harry in the movie - but I have not found any 300 Grain loads out there - anyone worked one up yet or have a source to look at?
He said a "300-grain cartridge", which always sounded odd - but no, I won't bother trying to use a 300-grain bullet even if that's what he meant in the movie.
He said a "300-grain cartridge", which always sounded odd - but no, I won't bother trying to use a 300-grain bullet even if that's what he meant in the movie.
Yes - I assumed that quote meant “300 grain bullet” as well. I’ve seen 44 Mag loaded with 300 Gr bullets but not Automag -
Just curious if anyone knew if that was an erroneous Movie line or if there is anyone with experience with 300 Gr Automag loads?
I’m not planning to run out an load these - just wanted to understand if anyone has done it and what was the experience...
Somehow I walked into an unbelievable deal - the very nice guy wanted $50 + shipping:
He sent it before getting paid - I'm going to send him a lot more than the 50 he wanted.
That's a fact - for example, a few months ago I paid $53 for an RCBS taper-crimp die alone.
Anyway, there was some interesting load-data included that I wanted to share:
The usual disclaimers apply - this isn't my data and I've not tested it; just posting because of the interest in heavier bullets. Not quite the 300-grainer that William had hoped for but it's the heaviest bullet I've seen used so far 🙂
300 Grain loads anyone? This was specifically mentioned by Dirty Harry in the movie - but I have not found any 300 Grain loads out there - anyone worked one up yet or have a source to look at?
I have shot quite a few of the 300 grain bullets in a Ruger Super Redhawk years ago and they are a hand full. Personally, I would never load them in one of my Auto Mags.
Also I have tried shooting plated bullets in magnum revolvers, never an Auto Mag, and I came to the conclusion it is not a good idea. The manufacturers velocity limits are way too high as far as I am concerned. Lots of fouling, poor accuracy. I believe the problems would only be exaggerated in an auto loading pistol. JMO
@Andy C did I read LR for primers in the load data? Hmmm, never tried that either
@Bob Cohee. I Posted this earlier and glad you responded. I run some plated bullets as 44 special through my model 29. I might try a few with magnum loads in the same pistol. I will probably get the same results.Thanks for the heads up
You sure did. I've used LR primers before (not in an Automag) as a substitute for LP, but it's not something I did lightly - I guess that was the previous owner's thing. I'm sticking those primers into my .308 rifle stash and will just use my regular LP primers for the .44
You sure did. I've used LR primers before (not in an Automag) as a substitute for LP, but it's not something I did lightly - I guess that was the previous owner's thing. I'm sticking those primers into my .308 rifle stash and will just use my regular LP primers for the .44
Large rifle primers are taller than large pistol primers. If you are cutting down rifle brass they will work but they will sit high in pistol brass made to use large pistol primers. Using large rifle primers in pistol brass can cause "slam fires", be careful. Small rifle and small pistol primers have the same dimensions.
Great advice, Bob.
I am glad I asked and thank you for the information. I use Starline and I’ve never cut down brass but it’s certainly something I’m going to put in my need to know.
I used 296 and CCI 350 magnum primers in my model 29. When I loaded my first rounds for the classic I’m waiting for I also used 296 and CCI 350 primers. Any opinion on using LR primers versus magnum primers. In the Automag?
I would never use rifle primers in an Auto Mag.
I always have used the CCI 350 primers mostly because they were always available and they were what most of the loading data specified.
Winchester powders, such as 296, are all ball powders and thus are thought to be harder to ignite than others types. I have been told that Winchester primers are "hotter" than other brands because of this. I personally would not be afraid to try Winchester LP primers in the Auto Mags and have done so in other 44 Mag revolver loads with good results.
All the 300 Weatherby loading data said to use Federal 215 primers as they are the hottest. I substituted Winchester LRM for them and obtained identical results in both accuracy and velocity.
Re the chap who sold me the dies etc incredibly cheap - he's happy:
