I think I made a mistake. Loaded 44 specials with 6.5 grains of Unique and 200gr. round nose lead. I didn't have a caliper at the time so I couldn't check oal. I just picked up a caliper and they all look short, between 1.35 and 1.45. Should I pull them and start from scratch or are they shootable. I only have a Hornady book right now and they only show swc and a oal of 1.80. Thanks Bodyguard.
44 Special OAL
- Thread starter Bodyguard
- Start date
You didn't say which bullet you're using, but if you've got a good, strong crimp and plenty of fwd clearance in your cylinder, those cartridges should be fine in any modern .44 Spl. Set an OAL that suits you, then stick to it That's a nice, moderate load that should give you no trouble in a strong, modern revolver.
Larry
Larry
If the bullet is seated/crimped in the crimping groove, then ignore any OAL references you've seen, unless they are for the exact components. OAL" will always vary a few thousands from round to round because of small differences (mostly the bullet), but if it's a "standard weight for caliber bullet" the crimp groove should provide a normal OAL". That's a pretty light load (<10K CUP) & it doesn't sound like your length is unusual. If it checks okay in your gun's cylinder then they should be good to shoot.
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fredj338
Member
OAL & revolver rounds are not as critical as pistol rounds. Crimp at the crimp groove, done, no need to even measure. Lots fo room in revolver cases & the bullet is a lonmg way from the lands.
If you have bullets with a cannelure there is no problem........
use it and shot them.
On the other hand if a jacket or generally a LRN does not come with a "can" you will need the maximum OAL of the round for your load and adjust as needed for best fit and accuracy.
OAL of 1.45 should be ok and that load is a nice "Target load" but getting the info from the company is always a good thing if possible, since bullet shapes and hardness do play a part on
accuracy and pressures.
Hope to see a picture of a target later on if possible, to see how that gun and bullet shoots.
Good shooting.
use it and shot them.
On the other hand if a jacket or generally a LRN does not come with a "can" you will need the maximum OAL of the round for your load and adjust as needed for best fit and accuracy.
OAL of 1.45 should be ok and that load is a nice "Target load" but getting the info from the company is always a good thing if possible, since bullet shapes and hardness do play a part on
accuracy and pressures.
Hope to see a picture of a target later on if possible, to see how that gun and bullet shoots.
Good shooting.
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