beginner questions

ryanb

ryanb

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I'm just getting everything together to start loading for my 44 mag. I only need some bullets then I'm good to go.

I had a couple questions though:

1. Since the dies are carbide dies, the reloading manual says I don't need lube for resizing. It also says though, that I shouldn't clean the brass since excessivley clean brass can shave a bit on carbide dies. So to clean or not to clean, or just clean then put a bit of lube?

2. In regards to overall length, I'm a little confused. I understand you want to be at least minimum overall length to avoid spiking the pressure, and below maximum overall length so that the bullets aren't longer than the cylinder in the revolver. But say you found that maximum length in say a S&W was 1.700" (or whatever it actually is), then can you just make all your loads exactly 1.695" provided this is longer than the minimum OAL?

3. Anyone know where I can find load data for a 240gr cast bullet with H110 powder, or is there a reason no such load exists?

4. How many times can I reload 44mag brass before I have to worry about trimming the cases?
 
Clean the cases and use a very slight lube.

Most .429 bullets, intended for a magnum load, have a crimping groove. Use it. It's not that critical as long as the bullet is not longer than your cylinder.

I have been using the same .44 brass since the early 1960's, and have never trimmed it, and as for the number of reloadings, I quit counting when they reached 25.
 
1. I clean the cases and if I think there's a sharp edge, chamfer them. No lube used to date and (knock on wood ...my head) no problems.

2. I take OAL with a grain of salt. Usually I go to the cannelure and check to make sure I'm under the max. With the 240gr cast that I have on hand right now (no cannelure), I seat them below the junction of the body and nose, to ensure a good crimp.

3. Lyman 48th Edition 240gr cast H-110
start - 22.5 ~1200 fps <> max 23.5 ~1265 fps.
Don't forget that with H-110, you have the 3% rule to go on.

4. Never trimmed mine either.

(E) :cool:
 
You don't need lube with a carbide .44 Mag. die...... If a carbide die shaves brass get the die fixed. The edge of the die should not be that flat and sharp, it should have an extremely small radius which will not shave brass.
 
hmm, I went out and bought some dies for my 7mm today too, this reloading thing is getting expensive in a hurry :D

So when do I have to worry about trimming my 7mm brass?

I'm a little unclear on what the rifle resizing die does. Does it resize the case neck only or a full case resize? It is my understanding that you don't want to full length resize after you've fireformed the brass to your rifle's chamber.

I'm a little hesitant to start running my 7mm brass through till I figure this out.
 
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