Max Vel. for 18 BHN Lead Bullet

[MMH]

I am loading a 44 magnum w/ the following bullet. Missouri Bullet .44 Elmer K which is a 240 grain SWC with a Brinell hardness of 18.

I am looking for a decent hunting load, targeting 1100 fps to 1250 fps out of a SuperBlackhawk w/ a 7.5" barrel. Will this velocity cause excessive leading? I am seeing alot of contradictory load data out there. What are some powders/charges that work for that bullet/velocity.

[slickracer]

2400 would be the classic choice. AA#9 is another solid choice.

[bamboomaster]

I am loading a 44 magnum w/ the following bullet. Missouri Bullet .44 Elmer K which is a 240 grain SWC with a Brinell hardness of 18.

I am looking for a decent hunting load, targeting 1100 fps to 1250 fps out of a SuperBlackhawk w/ a 7.5" barrel. Will this velocity cause excessive leading? I am seeing alot of contradictory load data out there. What are some powders/charges that work for that bullet/velocity.

Leading can be caused by a variety of factors. If the bullet is undersized, leading will occur through gas cutting. If the bullet is oversized, leading will occur through "resizing" the bullet as it passes down the barrel.

If the velocity is too slow, the bullet will fail to obdurate (engage the rifling) and leading will occur.

EK didn't believe in gas checks or so I've read. In any event, just measure your cast 240 gn SWC's. They should be sized to .430".

Your velocity sounds just fine.

And have fun hunting!

[cephas]

I've found that a hefty charge of 2400, standard primer, with a 245 gr keith wc moves along at 1165 fps out of my Redhawk. My mix of half ww/pb, is softer than your 18's. Nothing left that doesn't wipe out easily. According to the "Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook" the pressure of this load is more than sufficient to obdurate the 18 bhn cast. For plinking a charge of Unique suits my needs with this bullet at just around 1,000 fps.
A site often posted "A Cast Bullet Guide for Handgunners" is a good primer: http://www.lasc.us/Fryxell_Book_Contents.htm
However before you get neck deep in it I'd advise just to load some up and try them.

[MMH]

I've found that a hefty charge of 2400, standard primer, with a 245 gr keith wc moves along at 1165 fps out of my Redhawk. My mix of half ww/pb, is softer than your 18's. Nothing left that doesn't wipe out easily. According to the "Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook" the pressure of this load is more than sufficient to obdurate the 18 bhn cast. For plinking a charge of Unique suits my needs with this bullet at just around 1,000 fps.
A site often posted "A Cast Bullet Guide for Handgunners" is a good primer: http://www.lasc.us/Fryxell_Book_Contents.htm
However before you get neck deep in it I'd advise just to load some up and try them.

What are your charges for 2400 & Unique that get to those velocities?

[DucatiRon]

As usual some great advice from resident shooters. To many variables to tell you an exact answer. Shoot and tell us your results. We can help you from there.

And buy a chronograph. Even if it's a cheap one. Test not guess.

At 1100 FPS a cast lubed bullet shouldn't lead in any gun unless the size is wrong.




Must spread rep before bla bla bla to you two guys.



Insert shameless plug here.




Buy coated bullets and not worry about leading.

[phill]

Just try the OLD 2400 load, look around it is still in some of the manuals. 18.5gr is not the old 2400 load for Elmer"s 245gr. bullet.

[rkrcpa]

Just try the OLD 2400 load, look around it is still in some of the manuals. 18.5gr is not the old 2400 load for Elmer"s 245gr. bullet.

Here's what Elmer recommends, some are considered a little hot so work up to them. Also keep in mind, Elmer was not a fan of "maximum" loads.

[cephas]

What are your charges for 2400 & Unique that get to those velocities?

Loads tested over pac chrono at 10 feet. Ruger Redhawk 7.5" barrel.
245 gr lyman 429421 cast bullet 1/2 ww and pb, BAC lube and a WLP with a heavy roll crimp. (Edit: loaded size as dropped at .432)
18.5 grs. 2400, 1165 fps. average
8.0 grs. Unique 1039 fps. average

The 2400 load is not the hottest but is accurate and gets done what I need done. If I'm looking for a full power load, which is less and less as I get older, I'll go to a jacketed bullet with Win. 296.(also known as H-110)
The Unique load is a good plinker.

As a side note, and you may know this, 2400 in Keiths day was made by Hercules. Today it is made by Alliant.
How much of a change? Have seen some debates on the issue. I've followed this fellow's posting over the years and appreciate his work.
FYI: http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...s-vs-Alliant-B
As alway be safe and work up your loads. good luck.

[Bang]

I would make the hunt priority one, removal of lead, if any, priority two. Or three. Or four.