I am loading some 44 Mag and 44 Special rounds for my first range session with my new M29-2. I am in the process of loading some 240 gr Sierra JHC number 8610 bullets over 7.5 gr of Unique in 44 Special. I noticed that seating the bullet to the cannular will result in the OAL being under 1.5". Also, and I think more importantly, the exposed lead point is being flattened in the seating process. I have tried both ends of the seating die, flat and pointed, with the same result. Is there a way to avoid this or is this of no consequence? I also loaded a box of 44 mag using the Oregon Trail 240 gr LCSWC over 10 gr of Unique and had no problems. I suspect the lead nose of the Sierra round is quite a bit softer than the LCSWC.

Any recommendations or suggestions will be appreciated.

Thanks,

Frank

Sierras manual lists the OAL of that bullet in a .44 special as 1.49", what is the problem with it being under 1.5"?

To avoid damage to the exposed lead you will need a seating stem that either is made speciffically for that bullet or one that doesn't contact the lead at the nose. This is one reason I don't like Lee's seating stems, they don't fit anything I've ever used. I've never seen a bullet damaged to the point it makes a difference, try shooting some and see if it does to yours.

You are right about the LSWC bullets being harder.

quote:

Originally posted by Jellybean:
Sierras manual lists the OAL of that bullet in a .44 special as 1.49", what is the problem with it being under 1.5"? I got the load from LoadData and they listed the OAL as 1.5 quoting Sierra.

This is one reason I don't like Lee's seating stems, they don't fit anything I've ever used. I am using the Dillon dies, not Lee.

I've never seen a bullet damaged to the point it makes a difference, try shooting some and see if it does to yours.

You are right about the LSWC bullets being harder.

I will take them out tomorrow and give them a try.

Thanks for the info.

Frank

Frank,
What Jelly said!

With one exception. The damage to the nose of the bullet may be coming from the "timing" in your crimp/seating die.

Try doing it in two steps. I don't know the system that you are using to hand load by but here is what I would do. Back out the crimping part of your Lee die and screw the bullet seating portion in all the way. Go through all of your bullets seating them to the correct depth. Then do just the opposite with the die. Screw the bullet seating portion all of the way out, you can remove it for that matter and run the crimping section down until you get the desired crimp. See if the "smashed" end doesn't go away.

Let us know how things turn out.

Hey Skip:

Let me clarify. I am using Dillon dies which has seperate seating and crimping dies. I am using a Dillon 550 with the seater in station three and the crimp die in station four. I think the nose on the Sierra JHC is quite soft causing the nose to flatten as the bullet is seated. I will charge up the digital camera and try to take some pics to illustrate

Thanks,

Frank

Not very clear, but I think it shows the flattening.

I had that problem and had RCBS make up a custom seating stem for me (RCBS dies) and now it's a non issue.

Joni brings up an excellent point. I bet a call to Dillon will give you what you need.

quote:

Originally posted by smith crazy:
Frank,
What Jelly said!

With one exception. The damage to the nose of the bullet may be coming from the "timing" in your crimp/seating die.

Try doing it in two steps. I don't know the system that you are using to hand load by but here is what I would do. Back out the crimping part of your Lee die and screw the bullet seating portion in all the way. Go through all of your bullets seating them to the correct depth. Then do just the opposite with the die. Screw the bullet seating portion all of the way out, you can remove it for that matter and run the crimping section down until you get the desired crimp. See if the "smashed" end doesn't go away.

Let us know how things turn out.

+1
if your still driving the bullet into the case while the crimp grabs the bullet, you exert more pressure upon the nose.
seating and crimping as separate steps helps to curb this issue.

When you seat it, do you get any shaving of the bullet. you may not have enough flare on the case. It looks like it has alot of pressure on it to do that. Call Dillon and ask then, let us know what they say. Later John

I had this same issue with 300 gr. JHP Sierras.

They shoot and look fine, other than the flattened lead.

quote:

Originally posted by TN RAT:
I had this same issue with 300 gr. JHP Sierras.

They shoot and look fine, other than the flattened lead.

I took them to the range and they performed well. Not a one hole group, but as good as my tired eyes could do. I also called Dillon and they had nothing they could do to help. Next time I load them I am going to try to bell the cases a bit more to see if they seat any easier.

Frank

This sounds like maybe an under sized expander or not belling enough. Maybe you should mike your expander.