Hi, I just got into reloading. I use the LEE Loader Classic with the standard case prep tools. Using this kit is a long process, but the tools pay themselves after 150rds or so.
I've loaded few rounds in order to compare them to what is commercially available. I use 230gr .452in copper plated round nose bullets with Alliant Unique powder. My plan is to get a consistent load that give me approximately the same velocity/kick that commercial ammo. I also want to find a load that will produce nice grouping, but with the lesser amount of recoil possible (so my GF can shoot).
The Bond Arms 45/410 barrel is quite interesting... The chamber is way too long (+3'') in order to accommodate the .410 shot-shells. I suspect that to keep my pressure way too low, having much gas passing beside the bullet, before it engage the rifling.
My first run of reloads was 6.4gr, 7.3gr and 8.1gr of unique under a 230gr copper plated round nose. The 6.4gr was suppose to give me around 649fps, it was way to mild and sounding like a primer going off.
The 7.3gr was on the mild side, giving a reasonable consistency. Probably something great for those recoil sensitive lady. The 7.3gr was suppose to give me around 708fps
The 8.1gr was milder than a factory load, producing the same result on target than the previous load. Burning a bit cleaner, it was producing a big muzzle flash, without much sound report. The 8.1gr was suppose to give me around 725fps
I will try to find somebody with a chronograph since I suspect those bullets to go way under the speed that they were suppose to go.
I'm going to try a 9.2gr load today. They are suppose to go around 932fps and should be as close to factory ammo as I can go with Unique. This would be to close to the limit in a Colt Single Action Army/replica and should be used in a Ruger/Contender only. It's 0.5gr to the maximum pressure in Colt, but having gas passing beside the bullet, the pressure wont be as close to the limit. I also keep the case overall length .065'' longer since I use .45ACP style bullets and only resize the neck of my brass. That keep the pressure down and prevent my bullet to fall in the case. The case overall length can be over-spec without much incidence in the Bond Arms, but may get struck in a revolver cylinder, preventing it from rotating.
If anybody did reload for the Bond Arms, let me know your finds. And remember, alway double and triple check with multiples sources before trying any load! A simple typo could blow your hand off!
I've loaded few rounds in order to compare them to what is commercially available. I use 230gr .452in copper plated round nose bullets with Alliant Unique powder. My plan is to get a consistent load that give me approximately the same velocity/kick that commercial ammo. I also want to find a load that will produce nice grouping, but with the lesser amount of recoil possible (so my GF can shoot).
The Bond Arms 45/410 barrel is quite interesting... The chamber is way too long (+3'') in order to accommodate the .410 shot-shells. I suspect that to keep my pressure way too low, having much gas passing beside the bullet, before it engage the rifling.
My first run of reloads was 6.4gr, 7.3gr and 8.1gr of unique under a 230gr copper plated round nose. The 6.4gr was suppose to give me around 649fps, it was way to mild and sounding like a primer going off.
The 7.3gr was on the mild side, giving a reasonable consistency. Probably something great for those recoil sensitive lady. The 7.3gr was suppose to give me around 708fps
The 8.1gr was milder than a factory load, producing the same result on target than the previous load. Burning a bit cleaner, it was producing a big muzzle flash, without much sound report. The 8.1gr was suppose to give me around 725fps
I will try to find somebody with a chronograph since I suspect those bullets to go way under the speed that they were suppose to go.
I'm going to try a 9.2gr load today. They are suppose to go around 932fps and should be as close to factory ammo as I can go with Unique. This would be to close to the limit in a Colt Single Action Army/replica and should be used in a Ruger/Contender only. It's 0.5gr to the maximum pressure in Colt, but having gas passing beside the bullet, the pressure wont be as close to the limit. I also keep the case overall length .065'' longer since I use .45ACP style bullets and only resize the neck of my brass. That keep the pressure down and prevent my bullet to fall in the case. The case overall length can be over-spec without much incidence in the Bond Arms, but may get struck in a revolver cylinder, preventing it from rotating.
If anybody did reload for the Bond Arms, let me know your finds. And remember, alway double and triple check with multiples sources before trying any load! A simple typo could blow your hand off!
