Redhawk Headspace

[gunboat57]

I've got a couple questions about my 44 mag Redhawk. Can someone tell me what the headspace should measure? I know it's the distance from the breech face where the firing pin hole is to the back face of the cylinder. SAAMI sez the 44 mag range of headspace should be .060 to .070 but I was wondering if Redhawks run a little tighter.

Maybe the brass I'm reloading is on the thick side but I'm finding that the brass very lightly drags when the cylinder turns. I've already made sure there's no crud under the ejector star. The brass drops into the chambers with a clunk so seating isn't the problem. Could I have other issues at work here?

 

[MOUNTAIN WILLIAM]

Endshake?

 

[flatgate]

Powder residue in the chambers, esp. where the cartridge rims seat?

flatgate

 

[Jimbo357mag]

Brass can vary quite a bit. I have had some problems with MagTech brass at times. It is not the primers sticking-up, correct?

...Jimbo

 

[gunboat57]

Jimbo357, I think you hit it. It was the primers dragging. When I reload I usually check to make sure the primers are fully seated but I've gotten a batch of primers that are a little over-spec on thickness. A few were sticking up just enough to bind the cylinder. I guess I got sloppy because those "proud" primer rounds work just fine in my Super Blackhawk.

I have an adjustable primer pocket reamer. I think I'll deepen my pockets another .005" or so. It's better to have the pockets a little deep than a little shallow.

 

[98Redline]

Don't go too deep.

Redhawks have some very well documented issues with firing pin protrusion issues.

I would ream the pockets only to get the primers just flush. You don't want to go too far the other direction and end up with misfires.

 

[Thel]

Wonder if primers vary in thickness? Read somewhere about a primer depth gauge one of the reloading companies offered (RCBS?) that stated would only work with certain brands.