Hornady XTP bullets are kinda scarce/very expensive, so I've put together some test-fodder using commercial 240gr cast Round Nose Flat Point (sadly not gas-checked) bullets.
Hand-cycling dummies (no powder or primer) seems to run well and they fit fine in the magazine at 1.580" COAL. This is part 2 of an experiment to find a lead bullet profile that works well in my Founders (I had originally tried a RN .44 bullet, but it was far too long to fit in the mag) - the ultimate intent is to have a mold made so I can cast my own. Here it is compared to my normal XTP load above:
I went to the local indoor range during lunch today and I'm pleased to report that they're accurate and feed flawlessly.
@andyc Awesome! If you have some load data to share that would be great. I will be going to the range again likely this weekend.
Paul, I'm running 22.5gr H110 and a Win LP primer - no pressure-signs on the primers.
@andyc Hornady just released a batch of 240gr XTP’s a few weeks back. I picked up a bunch from Graf’s but they are out of them again. GB was flooded with them at reasonable prices for a week or so but I only see one guy still selling them for $31.95 and has 60 boxes left. Not a terrible price but there were some sellers in the high $20’s a week or so ago. Just an FYI
Thank you for the heads-up 🙂
I melted the wax lube off 100 commercial .44 bullets, then powdercoated them (Eastwood "Silver Vein") - this will be the next test through my Automag before ordering a mold.
The ammo worked 100% through the pistol - 7 rounds as fast as I could hit the steel at 10 yards:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJoLb4OIJbg
Bullets sized to .430" - no leading I can see after 40 rounds.
Yes, I think I got lucky re no leading - but now I have a bullet-shape that I know will work so I'll likely do a few little mods on the design (eg. remove the crimp-groove as 1. it's not needed and 2. will allow for a wider range of seating-depths).
I know nothing whatsoever about reloading, but I have a new set of 44AMP dies and a 8lb jug of H110. Look out 😎
Recently, while I was searching the web for more reloading data, I came across an article from Handloader magazine from 1974, on handloading for the 44 amp cartridge. I found it interesting that the loading data that was published was a lot hotter than any of the recent data that I could find. For instance they show a load of 25 gr of w296 for a 240 gr bullet.
