Help w/ 44 mag reloading

[Coffeeman]

I have not reloaded in 20 years and now getting the boxes out of attic. I am reloading S-W 40 (Glock) and 44 mags (new 629). Can I get thoughts on following.

1) for the 44 mag, purchased 240 grain, and 2400 powder. Is this powder good for use? ALSO, I am reading warnings about not over-crimping due to pressure buildup. Is there any easy way to know how much to crimp? I am using a Lee four die set in an old rock chucker.

2) for the .40 will power pistol work well? Same die and how will I know how much to crimp?

Thanks for helping as I try to get back into things...

 

[Vulcan Bob]

Sorry no input for the .40 as I dont load for it. 2400 is a great powder for the 44 mag. With 2400 you want a heavy roll crimp to help build pressure to ensure a good burn. You dident say if your 240 grainers were jacketed or cast lead. With a cast bullet I set the crimp till I cannot catch a finger nail on the case as I draw it down the bullet onto the case. Then I use the same crimp with a jacketed bullet. Check the instructions that came with your dies and use what they would call a heavy crimp. I use the Lee factory crimp die for my 44's and 38 and 357 ammo, it really does a nice job.

 

[Skip Sackett]

Coffeeman,
Good to have you back in the fold!

One thing I would like to suggest though, get your manuals out and read the front again.

Also, the dies you have, Lee, their website has videos on how to set them up. The instructions are there too and can be found with a little digging. Watch the videos and read their manuals. It'll really help you.

Your powder choices are superb for the calibers you are loading.

With the 40S&W in a Glock, there are extra precautions that need to be taken. Be sure to follow the instructions in most manuals about deep seating them and excessive pressure. The Glock, and I load for them in several calibers, fine firearms, has a reputation for being sensitive to heavy loads. This is especially true in the 40S&W. It can be done successfully by following a few safety rules.

Hope this helps!

 

[flop-shank]

I heavy crimp everything. Use a heavy crimp, don't seat the bullet deeper than the minimum over all length, and build up your published load in five equal steps, checking for signs of excessive pressure (I'm sure you know the whole routine, sorry if I sound patronizing), ect., ect.

You'll be fine.

 

[handgunner356]

The crimp on the fortys is very important. I check mine by taking a loaded round and press it in againest the bench to make sure it's tight. Just chambering a round that doesn't have a good crimp can really raise the pressures on them. As long as you're shooting them in your Glock you'll probably be OK, but Glock chambers seem to be generous and the fired brass is hard to get fully resized.

 

[tlen]

Taper crimp the .40 S&W to .421", .423" is spec.

 

[tlen]

Taper crimp the .40 S&W to .421", .423" is spec. Power Pistol will work, I use Herco for everything.

 

[Coffeeman]

THanks for all the help. I have read the books completely and have the Sierra Handgun Relaoding video.
It sounds like I don't need to be overly concerned with the 44 crimp as it should be solid.
I also understand that for both the 44 and 40 I should seat the bullets to the regular overall length from the manual, that makes depth seating quite easy with a measurement.
I am guessing I should check the new brass for length--and trim if needed, hopefully they are ok to save a bit of work and time.
I located the only availbale bullets for the 40 cal and they are 155 and 180 grain, so they sould work well.

THANKS for the support and help...

 

[canoe on the yukon]

I heavy crimp everything. Use a heavy crimp, don't seat the bullet deeper than the minimum over all length, and build up your published load in five equal steps, checking for signs of excessive pressure (I'm sure you know the whole routine, sorry if I sound patronizing), ect., ect.

You'll be fine.

I don't crimp"everything" but with that exception noted,I agree completely with the above post.

At some point,someone may pop up and suggest that there are "better" powders.Don't concern yourself with that right now.Looking at the load data in the manuals,you will very quickly learn which powders are among the most ideal for your application.2400 is excellent for the 44 magnum.Follow the manuals.

 

[running iron]

I've been loading for the 44 magnum for 30 years and have heard about too heavy of a crimp but don't know how this could be done. I put a heavy crimp on all my 44 loads. If I try to crimp more, the case will start to buckle. If there is such a thing as "too heavy" of a crimp with all other things being done right, please tell me how this can be done. Respectfully , Tater. Retired Amtracker.

 

[Skip Sackett]

I used to guard those things across the bay! Courthouse Bay that is!

I'm a 1371!

I have seen too heavy of a crimp on 44Mag loads before. That being said, it missed the crimp groove, buckled the case and looked a fright. I told the guy that had the gun/rounds combination that I didn't really want to shoot his stuff that night! I did shoot his gun with some load that looked a lot better later though!

running,
Semper Fi!

 

[fredj338]

I've been loading for the 44 magnum for 30 years and have heard about too heavy of a crimp but don't know how this could be done. I put a heavy crimp on all my 44 loads. If I try to crimp more, the case will start to buckle. If there is such a thing as "too heavy" of a crimp with all other things being done right, please tell me how this can be done. Respectfully , Tater. Retired Amtracker.

I agree, you'll know when the you have over crimped the 44mag. The case will buckle at the crimp. One thing about the 40, it's a high pressure round & as noted, loading near the top end & having a bullet setback is bad. Unfortunately, you can NOT crimp enough to hold the bullet & overcrimping can actually cause less neck tension. Properly sized cases & anb expander button that is no bigger than 0.398" should give you good neck tension. Taper crimp to remove the case mouth bell.
Both powder choices will work well. PP may have a bit more blast & flash, but works fine. Best results w/ 2400 in the 44mag will be above midrange. It is not a good choice for light loads.

 

[sonny]

I've been loading for the 44 magnum for 30 years and have heard about too heavy of a crimp but don't know how this could be done. I put a heavy crimp on all my 44 loads. If I try to crimp more, the case will start to buckle. If there is such a thing as "too heavy" of a crimp with all other things being done right, please tell me how this can be done. Respectfully , Tater. Retired Amtracker.

You're doing it exactly right...
Sonny

 

[Paul5388]

I loaded some .44 Mags today and I didn't worry too much about "heavy crimps". There a lot of guns that will shoot horrendous groups with heavy crimps, but shoot real good with a taper crimp. Since I load dual purpose loads, can be used in handgun or rifle, I just barely roll a Lee modified taper crimp on all of these loads.

Of course, if you really want to know how much crimp is enough, just set your crimping die with a factory load, but don't expect to shoot a 1" group at 100 yards with that crimp.