quote:Originally posted by glw
Hi Ron,
I checked the Alliant site, and they list 18.7 as max for 2400. In what do you shoot your 44 mag load? Do you have any over pressure signs? I haven't loaded very much 44 mag, and the max I have loaded is 18.5 of 2400, so I don't know what an over pressure sign looks like in a 44 mag.
Glenn
Hi Glenn

Below, are for any cases. Not just for 44 mag,45 Colt or 30-06.
There's little things I wrote about.If I left something out,it was not intentional.I did include some things that are not 44 mag related,yet are case related.
Nearly all,if not all manuals, you buy has a section for inspection of cases,die adjustments,etc.
This is just like in a rifle case: signs abound.
Usually, the first sign is the cases sticks.Course, others can be included too.Every gun is an individual.What's OK for mine,in yours,
not.
Should sticking cases be found, then it's time to back off the powder.
This MIGHT be a grain or 2.Sticking still, back off another grain or two.Starting loads are a must.Then, work up.
There's many pluses and minuses in reloading.For that matters,in any thing we do.
Also, could be rough chambers to cause the cases to stick.An easy fix.
A "reader error";too fast of powder,with a heavier than usual bullet weight, can cause the pressure to skyrocket into the danger zone.
ALWAYS double check the powder to the bullet weight you'll be using.
Keep your manuals up-to-date.When checking for a particular bullet weight,read, and re-read the powder can.Just to make sure.
Hit the manual one more time.Trying to eliminate "operator error" as much as possible.Check your scales from time-to-time.
I've heard of mistakes being made.
Keep records of your loads.If good and accurate, then you can do a repeat performance.If a lousy,poor performance,write it down too.
Another thing,is having ammo out in the sun.This can raise pressures
big time.Could cause false high pressure signs.
Cold weather,well, haven't experienced that....yet.
Primer flattening,well, nearly all fired primers are flattened,even at safe pressures.As it is being,thrust rearward ie:recoil,the case is comming backward,due to the pressures being in a 360 Deg,not just to the bullet,being forced out of the case/chamber into the barrel.
But, when the primer flows,looking like a larger primer than usual,time to back off the powder.Manuals has this also.
We're dealing with tons of pressure for a few scant milliseconds.
Then, there's brass flow.Another sign of over pressure.Gross OVER pressure.Very bad sign.In a revolver,you might be lucky to get those cases out.
Case separation do happen.It's when the case has been stretched beyond it's useful limit/life. Nothing lasts forever.
One thing I made,from a reloading manual: A straightened paper clip,a heavy duty one,or heavy guage steel wire,sharpened at one end.Then bent almost 90 Deg,about 3/16",from the end, will be an aid to find those cases.1/16" stainless filler rod can be used
It's used by placing the sharp,bend wire into the case.Drag it lightly.A normal case,you'll feel a smooth interior.A streched case,
will feel smooth, then like a reverse speed bump,you'll feel it.Time to crush that case, and dispose of it.
Can be used for rifle or pistol cases.
Sometimes, a bright ring will show.Another case separation indicator.
Another "sometimes" is no indicator.When checking with the tool, the case can feel normal.When fired, it comes apart.when this happens, a broken case extractor is required.Or the possibility of a gunsmith, to remove the rest of the case in the chamber.
I've had case splits (45 Colt), and case separation (30-06).
The Rugers are built to take the pressure.A Freedom Arms,it ain't.
Each caliber has it's limits.
There has been talk on sixgunner forums about "Weak 45 Colt Cases".
FYI: sixgunner has been off line for some time.Due to ?????
Was an article in "Guns& Ammo" some months back.
I wrote, that the 45 Colt cases are not weak.Uncle Elmer had a balloon case come apart,thus "Weak 45 Cases...".You'd be lucky-or unlucky to find balloon head cases anymore.I have 1.It's been separated,and kept a a reminder of the "good old days".
With some loads I've made, those cases sure ain't weak !
What I fired these loads in, was my F.A. Model 83 454 Casull.Was firing 250gr at over 1400+ FPS.I sure don't want to find out if the Ruger can take it.Will either fire then from the F.A.,or strip them down.
Well, it's actually the chamber, that contains the live ammo.
And every chamber has a limit.This is where we really have to watch it.
I've shot some very HOT loads in my Ruger RedHawk.I mean, these were in the no-doubt dangerous zone.Was up there at or very near what the 454 Casull operates at.Chronographed them.Those 320gr JDJ's were going OVER 1500 FPS.Cases stuck like you would not believe !
In my manual, I wrote "DANGEROUS DO NOT LOAD".My loads were the 44 mag.The handgun was intact.Had it until some druggie stole it.Now in the hands of gangs.And so is the ammo,loaded to much safer levels.
Still,this ammo is capable of doing a lot of damage.
The replacement RedHawk,isn't like the first one.Still accurate.So,I can't complain.Oh, both RedHawks are stainless.
Case inspection is another "must do".
Anyway Glenn, I hope this helps.