Sorting brass by headstamp for .44 target loads

[SWBigBang]

When reloading rifle brass for target shooting I ALWAYS separate the brass.

Rumor is that its not really required for pistol target shooting, but I have noticed a difference and wondered if anyone else has seen the same with their .44 magnum loads.

 

[H Richard]

For optimum accuracy, sorting brass by head-stamp and/or lot # can prove beneficial when shooting for groups off a bench-rest. In practical use, with a revolver hand held, it will be far less apparent. More important (in revolvers) is consistent case length and crimp.

 

[n4zov]

I sort everything! There are enough differences in handgun brass to make it worthwhile IMHO and especially for serious target loads. Case walls, primer pocket size and depth, and brass hardness all vary between manufacturers. I like to reduce all the variables that I reasonably can when handloading, and sorting cases eliminates some of those variables. Normally I start with a lot of new brass and load the cases until they are worn out.

 

[Joni_Lynn]

I sort my brass if for no other reason than because I can.
I've read that it doesn't really make a measureable difference in accuracy but I still do it.
On auto pistols it makes it a little easier when I only look for one or two different headstamps when playing the pick up game. Finding the brass before the brass gremlins get their share is the worst part of shooting auto pistols.

 

[ChuckS1]

I sort and weigh .45 ACP brass for my 50 yard bullseye loads. Anything else isn't worth the effort, IMHO.

 

[bluetopper]

I sort OUT the CBC (Magtech) brass in 44 Mag caliber. To use them I have to totally reset my Lee seating/crimping die.

I've had some problems with CBC brand in 38 brass too.

 

[socal s&w]

I sort all brass and reload only WW in any caliber that I load.

1.) It makes it easier to pick up my own brass at the range.
2.) I have consistency in the case, eliminating a variable.
3.) Why wouldn't I if I am trying to make the best reload that I can make?

I figure that since components are so expensive and hard to come by, why would I make mediocre ammunition? Even if my range visit is for plinking, I still would rather make the best rounds possible, it only makes sense.

When I scrounge pick up brass from the range, I only pick up WW brass, thereby not requiring sorting......well sorta. I pick up all of the range brass, helping to clean up the walkway, but I only keep the WW brass while putting the rest into the provided containers.

That's my way anyway.

 

[Skip Sackett]

In 38spl I don't sort for plinking loads. Usually I don't crimp them either, just close up the case back to straight and that is it.

When loading for a semi auto, 380, 9mm, 40S&W or 45ACP, I sort because of how critical the crimp is to chambering well. Since I carry my own handloads for CCW I want them to feed, every time!

For 44Mag I load by headstamp only because I am loading for a bunch of different people so they can have hunting ammo. I want them to have the best ammo possible so, I load in batches with the same headstamp.

I have some 44Mag target type of loads, 4.5gr Bullseye under a 200gr LRNFP, that I load like the 38spl mentioned above, just closing the case back to straight, those loads are not loaded by case brand.

Hope this helps.

 

[dennis40x]

Sorting brass by head-stamp is I suppose a tinkers delight. I’ve shoot enough bullseye that the difference @25Yd line isn’t worth the effort with in reason. As for the 50Yd line go ahead if makes you happy. Most people aren’t shooting for the national championship at Camp Perry.

Most shooters I’ve seen can’t shoot to the potential of the firearm nor the ammunition employed. You can’t buy competency but that doesn’t stop people from trying.

 

[oldRoger]

I agree with Dennis, but if you enjoy doing it, why not? The theory that brass thickness might make a difference in crimp is probably a reasonable theory, but in practice you would have to be a very good shot to see the difference.
If you are contemplating max loads I would argue that it is worth consideration.
For me, I have other things I would rather do.

 

[running iron]

I don't trim my 44 brass so I do separate them. If I don't, some times I get a wrinkle from a heavy crimp. I would think that if I trimmed them, that would solve the problem. If I'm loading SWC with a normal crimp it doesn't seem to matter. Most of my shooting is with SWC loads, they seem to have plenty of power for my needs. I have really noticed it with 45-70 brass, it's not very strong compared to 44 magnum brass. The nickel plated stuff is really sketchy for me. I have to be very careful when crimping them. As far as accuracy goes, I'm not that good to notice a difference, it's more about messing up good brass for me.

 

[SWBigBang]

Thanks for all the responses.

I was hoping that someone has some actual results. I have a target from 100 yard with my rifle that has a 5 shot group. On one side is a group of three and about two inches away a group of two and the grouping is per headstamp.

I have some reloads with mixed headstamps and will try to track the holes per headstamp to see if there is really a visual difference with the .44 at a closer range.

 

[dennis40x]

It’s not a 44 Special but 45ACP none the less it illustrates a point. The brass is mixed head stamp. This is traditional standing at 50yds.

The targets represents center fire rifle @ 200yds tradition standing with metallic sights. Mixed brass with weight variation with in reason out to 300yds is of slight consequence. At 500yds and beyond yes it makes a difference.

 

[canoe on the yukon]

When a roll crimp is used and to an extent,case mouth belling,I want consistant case lengths.Otherwise,it makes no difference.

I use the same batch of brass when using full powder loads but for target loads in pistol ammo,I don't bother.

 

[Skip Sackett]

How many rounds?

Thanks for all the responses.

I was hoping that someone has some actual results. I have a target from 100 yard with my rifle that has a 5 shot group. On one side is a group of three and about two inches away a group of two and the grouping is per headstamp.

I have some reloads with mixed headstamps and will try to track the holes per headstamp to see if there is really a visual difference with the .44 at a closer range.

Last I checked, 5 shots isn't enough of a sample to determine anything! Get a box of 50, mix the head stamps evenly, 25 each, shoot them at the same range and then let us know!

p.s. Even though it is a handgun cartridge, you are trying to make it into a rifle cartridge. What kind of rifle are you using and what is the exact load. I am working on several rifle platforms with this caliber right now and may be able to help with more specifics.

 

[SWBigBang]

...p.s. Even though it is a handgun cartridge, you are trying to make it into a rifle cartridge. What kind of rifle are you using and what is the exact load....

The .44 reloads are with a pistol. Using the rifle was just an analogy since most reloaders already do this for their "target" loads. The general consensus is you don't need to sort the headstamp for pistol loads but am thinking this may be true more for a 9mm and .45.This is simply a general question as results from a resent trip got me thinking it may matter for the .44 magnum.

 

[phils]

I say that if you go into a room,all sides and floor glass and shoot 8 .45 acp rounds you will only find 7 brass.

 

[SWBigBang]

I say that if you go into a room,all sides and floor glass and shoot 8 .45 acp rounds you will only find 7 brass.

Not sure how that pertains to this thread but this is so true and was a nice laugh to start my day.