44Mag Question

[Littledragon777]

I am loading some 44 magnums with 180 grain Hornady JHPs. My Hornady book says to make the C.O.L 1.6". Instead of using AA#7 as the book recommends I am using 15 grains of AA#5 per Accurates loaading manual. The Accurate loading manual says to use a C.O.L of 1.56" with Hornady 180gr JHPs. I am not sure what length to use. Also I measured some Remington 180 grain factory JHP loads and they are 1.58" C.O.L. Should I go with what Hornady recommends even though I am using a AA#5 load instead of the recommended Hornady AA#7 loading or should I go with what Accurate says as for the C.O.L? Also I am crimping to .453" is this enough crimp? I am going to be shooting these in my Super Red with 9/2 inch barrel. I appreciate your comments.

 

[Littledragon777]

I am loading some 44 magnums with 180 grain Hornady JHPs. My Hornady book says to make the C.O.L 1.6". Instead of using AA#7 as the book recommends I am using 15 grains of AA#5 per Accurates loaading manual. The Accurate loading manual says to use a C.O.L of 1.56" with Hornady 180gr JHPs. I am not sure what length to use. Also I measured some Remington 180 grain factory JHP loads and they are 1.58" C.O.L. Should I go with what Hornady recommends even though I am using a AA#5 load instead of the recommended Hornady AA#7 loading or should I go with what Accurate says as for the C.O.L? Also I am crimping to .453" is this enough crimp? I am going to be shooting these in my Super Red with 9/2 inch barrel. I appreciate your comments.

 

[Alk8944]

Don't get too hung up on COL. As expressed in most loading manuals it is NOT a specification, but rather a result, a statement of their results. All it means is: This bullet/case combination, when seated to crimp in the cannellure, resulted in a COL of ---.

It isn't a measurement you should or need to achieve for a safe/efficient load. As a matter of fact, frequently you will find that the same bullet from any manufacturer from different production lots have been seen to have the cannellure position vary by as much as .050", resulting in COL variations. The bullet, at least in a revolver cartridge, should always be seated to crimp in the cannellure, especially in magnums.

In short, crimp into the cannellure and don't even measure COL, it really means nothing.

 

[Littledragon777]

Thanks for your comments I appreciate them.