two bit okie":1ceqwo9j said:
I load for 44 mag, and am looking for a steal on a 45 lc. However, I also load light. (44 loads are 200 gr, 6 grs of unique) I am concerned that with the larger volume of the 45, such light loads may not fill the case enough.
Can anyone recommend a more voloumenous powder that will get similar results as unique, but take up more space in the case.
I have no problem changing powder for all such loads in both calibers.
Fill the excess volume with a filler.
I don't have the data in front of me, but when my friend and I took his 500 Smith out for a spin (and my brand new chronograph) we found that the practice loads we made with a light load of Trail Boss powder (which filled the case about one-quarter full) there was a significant velocity difference bewteen shots fired when we pointed the gun up before leveling to the target (putting the powder to the rear of the cartridge) and shots fired when we pointed the gun down before leveling to the target (putting the powder to the front of the cartridge). Obviously, powder position makes a difference, even in a powder that is not supposed to be particularly position sensitive.
Some folks loading reduced loads with lots of extra space in the case will put a barrier (cardboard disk?) in the case to keep the powder up against the primer, with kapok or cornmeal to fill the rest of the case to guarantee everything stays put.
Trail Boss is a bit dirty, but cleans up easily. It also stinks faintly after firing. Don't sniff your gun and you will be OK.
Coincidentally, your question came at the same time as a similar question regarding the 454 Casull. The same answer applied to both. But the other answer also merited a warning against reduced loads of slow powders.
I used to use Bullseye for reduced loads in 357 Magnum cases, but that stuff is scary dense. Very easy to double charge a case. I started using it because it gave the most rounds per pound. So, it is VERY energy-dense.
Remember, only believe half of what you see and one quarter of what you hear. That goes double for what you get from the internet. Even this post. Maybe especially this post.
Do your own independent, confirming research when ANYONE gives you new facts on the web.
Also remember, even the idiotic stuff might have a kernel of truth buried in there somewhere.
Lost Sheep
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