Bullets seated on an angle, how bad?

IM_Lugger

IM_Lugger

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I jut made a box of .44mag for the first time…and I noticed that a few bullets didn’t go in straight, thery're kinda sideways a little :shock: :? ( I can tell because of the groove is visible only on one side of the bullet only). Is it OK to shoot it?


I have another questions for you guys; is the maximum over all length crucial in a revolver? Most of my loads are around 1.65” Too long?



btw the loads are; 24-25gr of H110 with 180gr xtp and 15gr of HS-6 with 180gr xtp
 
Depends, get a bullet tester for 44mag and see if they go in or hang up.

Yes the overall length is important. Too long and the cylinder will not rotate!
The bullet tester will answer both questions!
 
I tried to load it in the gun and there's enought space left for the cylinder to rotate. is that the only thing that matters?


also what about the bullet isn't sitting straight? is it OK to shoot it?
 
Minor tipping is not a problem but if the bullet is tipped too far then the bullet could jam in the barrel. You dont want that!!
 
Are you using a round nose seater on a flat nosed bullet, or vice versa? That could be your problem.

The case mouths might not be 'flush' - sometimes, either during firing or sizing, I've had case mouths end up 'off-square' especially if they are getting too long from repeated loadings. If that's the case, you need to trim. The point is, the bullets might be straight and the case mouths might be off, if you're judging by the cannelure.
 
Are you using a round nose seater on a flat nosed bullet, or vice versa? That could be your problem.
Click to expand...

I was using hollow points and seated it with a Lee die. I think flare might be a problem (either too mach or not enough :?)

anyways just got back from the range; I shot it all 8) it worked fine, I guess. :mrgreen:

btw 25gr of H110 had a lot more muzzle flash and recoil than 15gr of HS-6. I used 180gr for both.
 
IM Luger,

1) I guess what make you think your bullet are tilted is the fact that the case are not cutted strait. Use a trimmer and get the case to the minimum specs : 1.275 for the .44 mag.
This will help accuracy by getting you a uniform crimp.

2) your seating die is not ajusted properly: the process is a little bit different if you use a progessive or a single stage press but you will get the idea : to line up the dies body with the ram : use a spacer ( flat washer ) of the proper thinkness over your shell holder and fully raise the ram - shellholder and washer up : screw down your die until the bottom of die body is touching firmly the washer, then turn the dies lock ring firmly. This should do it. Note that special ground washer are avialable for this task that are 100 % flat and of uniform thikness to give the proper clearance under the dies and permit full adjustment of the die body.

Die alignment is something most guy overlook : it should be done for all dies not only the seater.

I am sure you want the best reload possible... :mrgreen:
 
thanks guys.... I think the problem might have been - too much flare;

I reloaded the same brass yestarday but this time expanded the case less and everything worked fine :) maybe it has something to do with the fact that the case has through this before... not sure...
 
Ordinarily, I don't recommend trimming pistol cases. More often than not, they are actually shorter than the trim to length. Starting with the same lot is usually enough for consistancy. That being said, loading the bruiser cartridges in a revolver required a healthy crimp. A common trim to length is very important to achieve this. Measure and cull, or trim if needs be.

If you are using RCBS dies, there are a variety of nose plugs for the seating die. Try to pick the one that best matches the profile of your bullet.

Case belling is often overdone when you first start out. Usually less is more, and it's kinder to your brass.

If you have to crimp and seat in the same operation.........don't unless you simply have no other option.
 
H110 works best with heavy crimped cases in the 44 mag unfortunately (IMO)
A nice smooth chamfer may help with the crooked bullets, but it's a fairly common problem, usually I have it with weaker brass like the 44-40 though. I've shot plenty, and as long as they will chamber without force, they work fine. Your forcing cone should straighten them out. I've fired mine from a rifle in both 44 mag, and 44-40, no problems. Hard chambering means you are squeezing the bullet, and that will raise pressures.
 
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