.44mag OAL

[6MT]

I have a question... I've fired 200 rounds of factory ammo just to obtain some cases (all had 240gr JHP bullets.) I see the OAL length for the .44mag loaded round is 1.610". I measured the factory "stuff" before I shot it. The PMC was the worst with varying OAL's of between 1.520- 1.575". Winchester white box was 1.55-1.595". And Federal was the best only varying from 1.570-1.600".

I know that I probably won't load up to the 1.610" length. I do want the rifle to easily cycle. And it did with all of the factory loads. What I'm thinking is to load to 1.600".

What say you....experts?

Andy 6MT

Opps...forgot to mention the rifle is a BBS.

[PJM]

I load for a Henry single shot so I don't have cycle issues. It really depends on bullet style. Checked all my 44 mag data and oal ranges from 1.575 to 1.670
for different styles of bullet. Someone posted somewhere that Henry rifles in 44mag are rifled to stabilize a 240 grain bullet. I don't know if that is correct. I have found that 240 grain bullets fly the best for my Henry. For this bullet size, all data I have says 1.60 is the specified length. I think you are good to go.

[6MT]

I'm going to be using the Hornady XTP 240gr bullets. I chose those because Cam-Pro bullets have a tendency to come apart above 1500fps with a 20" twist barrel.

Thanks for that. I kind of thought I was on the right track. I will be making a pilot dummy round to check the dies with that will have that spec.

[RanchRoper]

I always load my 45 Colt just under the OAL in the guide. Never had an issue chambering a round. Smooth.

[servant824]

I have no problem cycling 1.600 44mags out of my BBS using 240 grain XTP. Ive also loaded them a bit longer up to 1.605 with no problem. Hope that helps.
I usually try to keep my brass consistent in length. I think it makes more consistent crimps. I just trimmed a bunch that were over 1.610. But just one or 2 firings and sizings with anything but very mild loads and they stretch and are inconsistent again. I usually separate them in lots by brand and length for my hunting bullets. Not as picky when just range shooting.

[Steve51]

According to the Lyman reloading handbook (49th addition), .44 magnum loads for rifles list OAL's from 1.61" to 1.645" depending on the bullet used. The heaviest bullet listed for rifle loads is 265 grain.
For .44 magnum handgun loads, OAL's range from 1.585" to 1.72" and bullets range from 180 grain to 300 grain. Single action handguns will accept longer OAL loads than will lever action rifles. I have fired 1.71" OAL loads through my Henry Big Boy but I had to feed them into the chamber one at a time.
My go to .44 mag rifle load is a Hornady 240 grain XTP JHP with a 1.60 OAL. I have never had any problems cycling these loads.

[Pitchman1968]

I my ,44Mag BBB I use Starline brass exclusively, Their case length when unfired is consistently at 1.284" - 1.285". Like all new brass, I resize, trim, and chamfour all new cases. I load 250 gr gas capped hard cast bullets atop 17 grs of AA #9 powder. I recently installed a Skinner Express rear peep sight along with a skinner post front sight which I had to file down a bit. At 75 yds. I am getting 3" groups which is much better than I shot with the original Marble factory sight.

[6MT]

Finally gout out to try out the first batch of hand loads. Although the weather wasn't promising in the morning. But I was finished at work at 1pm, and ready to shoot at 2:30pm. I brought 200 rounds, but only shot 100.

The first rounds went bang! Success! The rounds at 1.601" OAL, cycled better than the factory stuff I first fired to get some brass. Smooth as butter. So, my choice of this length was spot on. Accuracy was great (when I do my part). I even hit the 4" gong at 100m.

Now the speeds. This was very pleasing for me being my first crack at straight walled pistol caliber cases. Here's the data from the LabRadar...

30 shot string: Ave speed= 1704fps ES= 14 SD= 4.0

Now, this is not a precision round. But those numbers are fantastic! It shows the consistency that I always thrive for. I'm glad the speed is around 1700fps. I loaded 23.5 grains of the H110 on purpose. I did not want to load up to the maximum. And probably won't either. The Henry's barrel will thank me in the long run. My crimps were excellent too. No marring on the neck and no brass shavings in the barrel or action. So not too tight. Yet no issues with recoil moving the bullets.

So all in all, I am very pleased. I have a friend who needs some coyotes dispatched. After my holiday, I'm looking forward to trying my luck. Dennis, I hope you do as well.



Here's the LabRadar series screen shot.



Well, onwards and upwards. Here's the batch freshly de-capped, wet tumbled, and on the drying tray. Ready for loading again.

[BigAl52]

Were you using the Hornady 240 xtp bullet? Looks like you have it dialed in.

[6MT]

Yes, there are the 240gr XTP's.