Reloading Manual

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Reloading Manual

FIRST EDITION Shoot the Silver Bullet from the Company that Wrote the Book on Accuracy.

U L L E B T OREGON TRAIL C O Y M P A N

• Unique 7-element alloy contains silver • Finer, stronger grain for greater consistency • 24 BHN hard cast • Your satisfaction is always guaranteed • You’ll love our personalized customer service 1-800-811-0548 www.laser-cast.com Reloading Manual

FIRST EDITION U L L E B T OREGON TRAIL C O Y M P A N

Oregon Trail Bullet Company, a dba of Flexible Mining Co.

P.O. Box 529 • Baker City, OR 97814-0529 1-800-811-0548 • Fax: 541-523-1803 www.laser-cast.com

From the Author ...... 1 Foreword ...... 3

Chapter 1: Reloading 101 Why We Reload ...... 7 44 Special Pistol...... 92 Reloading...... 8 44 Magnum Pistol ...... 94 Glossary of Terms...... 10 45 ACP...... 98 Properties of Black and Smokeless Powder . . . . . 13 45 Auto Rim ...... 102 Primers ...... 17 45 Schofield...... 104 Brass Casings ...... 22 45 Colt ...... 106 Bullets ...... 30 45 Colt for Ruger ...... 108 What Makes These Things So Accurate? ...... 32 Understanding Bullet Obturation...... 34 Bullet Fit in Revolvers...... 36 Chapter 3: Rifle Loading Data 30 M1 ...... 113 Loading Procedures and Safety ...... 38 30-30 Winchester...... 115 32-20 Rifle...... 117 Chapter 2: Handgun Loading Data .357 Magnum Rifle...... 119 32 H&R Magnum ...... 47 38-55 Winchester...... 122 32-20 Pistol ...... 49 38-40 Rifle...... 124 9x19 (9mm Luger) ...... 50 .41 Magnum Rifle...... 126 9x21...... 53 44-40 Rifle...... 128 9mm Largo ...... 54 44 Special Rifle ...... 130 9x23 Winchester ...... 56 44 Magnum Rifle ...... 132 38 ACP...... 59 444 Marlin ...... 135 38 Super Auto + P ...... 60 45 Colt Rifle ...... 137 38 S&W ...... 64 45-70 Government...... 140 38 Special Pistol...... 66 .357 Magnum Pistol ...... 70 38-40 Pistol ...... 74 Chapter 4: Loading for the Competitor So, You Wanna Be a Cowboy ...... 145 .40 S&W...... 76 NRA Action Pistol ...... 147 .40 S&W Long-Loaded ...... 81 Steel Challenge ...... 153 10mm Auto ...... 83 IPSC/USPSA ...... 156 .41 Magnum Pistol ...... 86 Police Pistol Combat...... 168 44-40 Pistol ...... 88 Handgun Metallic Silhouette...... 171 44 Russian...... 90 Cowboy Action Shooting...... 174 It is expressly and strictly the hand- loader’s responsibility to know their firearms, reloading equipment, components, procedures and safety practices. Oregon Trail Bullet Company has no control over individual reloading practices, reloading components or the quality of the firearms in which the resulting ammunition will be used, and as such, assumes NO liability for mishaps of any kind resulting from the use or misuse of the reloading data presented in these pages. Every attempt has been made to be sure that this load manual is accurate; however, it is the responsibility of the reloader to verify all loads against manufacturers’ specifications and guidelines. From the Author

he creation of the Laser-Cast Reloading Manual proved to be no triv- Tial undertaking, bending as it did its principal authors to the task for over a year while co-opting the talents of many other contributors. Properly recognizing and thanking them all is no less difficult as this manual would not have been possible without the efforts of all who helped. Still, I will take a shot at it, however inadequate the results.

Foremost among many, my co-author Gayl Morse; his patient intel- lect, unwavering focus and relaxed perspective brought forth the best from the rest of us. Given a task worthy of Sysiphus, Gayl prevailed with his undefeatable armor of perfectionism alloyed with great gen- erosity of spirit. He is simply of the highest order of men.

The loading and range testing of 38 various calibers demanded the coordination of quite a collection of guns and equipment, all borrowed. With his connections, old friend Gary Morgan took on his role of gun pimp with great relish, prostituting us out shamelessly to our associates to obtain the test guns we required. We are also no less indebted to Gary for some of the excellent cartridge descriptions found herein as well as his excellent internet background research.

The monumental work of initial data entry and text formatting called for the ministrations of a true computer geek. Doomed by his well- known genius with the keypad, Steve McCormick was drafted. Our fellow USPSA shooter and master programmer came in just as we were satisfied we didn’t know what the hell we were doing and saved us from ourselves. His basic data presentation design was used in this manual, transforming a process that resembled the decoding of the

1 “message of 13 parts” into a sleek and efficient system. Without Steve’s work, the book would still have been finished — years later.

Still, the huge piles of somewhat-organized data sheets, cartridge descriptions, articles and chapter groups we ended up with were without value as a reloaders’ resource. Making this stuff live and breathe was left to the creative talent of Amy Siedenstrang of Boone Graphics. Amy attacked the formatting and publishing of our manual with cheerful patience. Her quick grasp of difficult, unfamiliar material was key to the successful publishing of the attractively functional, accessi- ble book you hold before you. Every page bears her creative touch.

Again, many other individuals and companies contributed to this manual. We thank all for their generous support:

Bill Anderson Bob Hull Greg & Cristina, GMDR Lee Precision, Inc. “Bounty Hunter” Scott Anderson, Walt Mansell BAR H Productions Guy Neill, Blount, Inc. Walt Burres Robert Schrag Mike Dalton Irving Stone III, Bar-Sto Precision Mike Detty Starline, Inc. Dillon Precision, Inc. Robert Venkus Entréprise Arms, Inc. Mike Venturino Bill Falin, Accurate Co. Bill Williams Mickey Fowler Chuck & Julie, J.B. Hodgdon, Hodgdon Powder Oregon Trail Bullet Company, Company to whom we are deeply grateful

Finally, the author must thank his most loyal supporter and the font of his inspiration, his beloved wife Beki. All things are possible for a common man loved by a great woman.

Shoot well, be safe, and have fun. See you on the range.

Bruce Gray, 1998

2 Foreword

IT’S ALL ABOUT SHOOTING

shot a gun for the first time over 10 years ago and it wasn’t to I learn how to defend myself. It was to see how fast I can punch the tightest 6-shot group on a paper target. Like most American gun- owners nationwide, the guns I use today are sporting firearms. It is a passion I share with my friend Bruce Gray and millions of other recreational shooters across the country.

When Bruce asked me to write an introduction for the Oregon Trail Bullet Company’s reloading manual that he was authoring, I immediately agreed because I’ve seen good results from the cast lead products that the Oregon Trail Bullet Company manufactures. I also knew that Bruce Gray’s expertise would be beneficial to the vast number of recreation shooters across the country.

Bruce is a true grandmaster shooter who has been involved in the competition shooting sports for over 20 years. He is also one of the country’s most intelligent gunsmiths. To him, a micro-second improvement in his competition run-times or a fraction-of-an-inch reduction in his target shot groups is a major deal because it can spell the difference between winning and losing. As a result, he con- stantly pushes the envelope of speed, accuracy, technique, equipment and ammunition. It is a practice he shares with millions of other recreational shooters who over the years have been the consumer backbone of the American firearms industry.

Today’s firearms industry contributes over $30 billion to our country’s gross national product (GNP) every year. This amount is over six times bigger than the $5 billion that the much-hyped and highly visible enter-

3 tainment industry has been contributing to the national economy each year. Being a major economic performer is a role the industry has tra- ditionally played in the American economy since the 1800s when, single-handedly, it fueled America’s first industrial revolution.

Within the firearms industry, the sports and recreation market continues to loom as the single biggest user base, accounting for 99.89% of the approximately 5.4 billion rounds of ammunition fired in the United States each year. Sports and recreation shooters continue to be the primary users of gun products, ammunition, accessories and services in our country.

It is this overwhelming consumer base that Bruce Gray and myself remain to be a part of, the same group of gun-owners that I feel will benefit most from Oregon Trail Bullet Company’s new book on reloading data. This demographic group is also the most potent tool we have today to exact political change for gun owners in America today.

We must always keep in mind that political correctness changes with the winds of the times. What was politically correct decades ago can become politically correct today. Cigars are politically correct once again in 1998 and the walls of the once-revered racial quotas in our schools and other public services are being torn down in favor of performance and excellence.

Changes can and do happen. All it takes is a little dynamism among the constituent base most affected by the changes. To turn the anti- gun tide around, the first step is for gun-owners to go out to the range more often and in bigger numbers because in the end, the bigger and louder economic base always prevails.

Gun-owners effect political change with every shot they fire at the shooting range. We can turn the cultural and political tide in favor of American gun-ownership. But it will not happen if our shooting ranges remain to be silent.

Wally Arida Publisher, GunGames Magazine

4 Chapter 1 Reloading 101

Everything you always wanted to know about cartridge components and safe ammunition assembly*

*but thought you already knew 6 Why We Reload

epending upon the type of shooting you enjoy and the level of Dcompetition (if any) to which you aspire, reloading may be the only way to achieve one or more of your primary objectives. Sure, you can purchase factory ammunition or purchase reloads at the local gun show, but in either case, they’re expensive and an unknown quality.

Given a limited shooting budget, reloading is the only way we can maximize the number of rounds we put downrange without clipping into the household budget, getting a second job, or sacrificing our marriage. It’s also a way to save for that new custom gun or custom work on our current gun. In short, it saves a great deal of money — many reloaders however, find economy a secondary benefit to accuracy, reliability, and a consistent competitive power factor.

More than anything else, though, we enjoy reloading. It gives us control of one critical element of our shooting. We control the selection of powder, primer, brass and bullet. We determine the overall length of the cartridge and the type and amount of crimp — all of these ele- ments tailored to our own gun, barrel and magazine.

If we put the same diligence in our selection of firearm, practice drills, and our mental and physical preparation for shooting events, we are limited only by our aspirations and our natural hand-eye coordination.

— Gayl Morse

7 Chapter 1: ✚ Reloading 101

n presenting this manual, your safety is our paramount concern. IOur objective is to provide the information you need to load excellent ammunition safely, and help you avoid new shooting “handles” such as Pinkie, One-eye, Stumpy, Three-fingered Jack, etc. Your objec-

RELOADING tive is to build the highest quality ammunition in the most efficient manner possible with safety always the highest consideration. Just as quality is a function of rigorous attention to detail, your safety is also dependent upon strict adherence to correct habits and proper reloading procedures. Proper storage and handling of powder and primers is central to safe reloading. (See do’s and dont’s for powder and primers and loading procedures in this chapter.) In general, the following rules and precautions must be observed every time you reload or handle components to minimize the risk of injury or lead exposure and insure quality results.

8 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS • A LWAY S wear eye protection.

• NEVER load or reload when fatigued, distracted or under the influence of any medication, drug or alcohol.

• ELIMINATE potential sources of ignition, such as heaters, ✚ electrical connections, and tobacco. (HEAT, SPARK, and FLAME)

• A LWAY S work in good lighting conditions and visually check each operation. If you don’t see it, don’t trust it.

• Use your equipment in accordance with the manufacturers RELOADING instructions. Always seek knowledgeable assistance when you encounter problems or obtain unexpected results. AN “EDUCATED GUESS” IS A HAZARDOUS DISPLAY OF IGNORANCE!

• A LWAY S wash your hands after you handle components and NEVER eat or drink while reloading.

• THINK AHEAD! Plan your operations and anticipate potential problems before they occur.

• Keep powder, primers, and loaded ammunition OUT OF THE REACH of children and unauthorized adults.

• DO NOT EXCEED THE MAXIMUM LOADS listed in this or any other reloading manual. To do so could be extremely dangerous . Always cross check loading data provided by friends and fellow shooters with data provided by the manufacturer of the powder. If in doubt, don’t use it, or call the manufacturer and seek their advice.

• MAINTAIN A PROPER FIRE EXTINGUISHER at the door of your reloading room or near your reloading area.

• TAKE YOUR TIME, PAY ATTENTION AND WORK CARE- FULLY. REMEMBER, SAFE PROCEDURES INSURE QUALITY RESULTS!

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 9 ? Glossary of Terms

ASPECT VARIATION: The effect lands in a rifled barrel. of powder location within the BULLET ENERGY: The kinetic case on velocity and pressure; energy of a bullet expressed in aspect variation is a significant foot-pounds at a given velocity. factor in the performance of Formula: ((Velocity in F.P.S. / lower density loadings, particu- 7000) / 64.32) x Bullet weight in larly in large volume cases like grains. .44-40 or .45 Long Colt.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS BURN RATE: The relative speed BALLISTICS - Internal: Behavior at which a given propellant of the cartridge components burns when contained; burn within the firearm from ignition rates increase with load density to exit. External: Behavior of and pressure, and may vary with bullet as influenced by gravity temperature. and atmospheric conditions during flight. Terminal: The work CANNELURE: A shallow groove performed by the bullet on the rolled into a case to form a rear- target. ward seat for the bullet sometimes seen on auto pistol car- BALLISTIC COEFFICIENT: A tridges to prevent bullet move- comparative measurement of ment from feeding or recoil. the ballistic efficiency of a bullet, used to calculate its trajectory. CAPACITY (CASE) - Seated: Volume available for powder BELL: The tapered expansion of with the bullet seated in the the case mouth to ease bullet case. Case Capacity: Total vol- seating. ume of the case to the mouth, BORE DIAMETER: Diameter cir- usually measured in grains of cumscribed by the tops of all water for comparison purposes.

10 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS CASE GAUGE: A try chamber of bullet diameter to groove used to determine proper length, diameter of firearm. sizing and/or seating of reloaded GROOVE DIAMETER: The mea- cartridges. surement of a barrel across oppo- CASE SEPARATION: Wherein the site rifling grooves, necessary to case head breaks away from the proper bullet diameter selection. ? body of the case, indicative of IGNITION: The sequence of firing weakened brass or excessive pin impact upon the primer headspace (chamber size and resulting in burning priming com- length) in the firearm. pound being directed through the

C.U.P. Vs P.S.I. - Copper Units of case flash hole into the powder GLOSSARY OF TERMS Pressure: An expression of rela- chamber. tive chamber pressure deter- KEYHOLE: An elongated hole in mined mechanically by the mea- a target indicative of a destabi- surement of a copper pellet sub- lized bullet due to either inade- jected to firing forces. P.S.I.: quate rotational speed, a Pounds per square inch, is a stan- deformed /imbalanced bullet or dard unit of measurement for deflection from striking an object pressure/force, not directly com- in flight. parable to C.U.P.’s (P.S.I. is inferred by electronic instruments LAND: Raised spiral between which can provide a more com- grooves in a rifled bore. plete and accurate view of cham- LEADE: (Throat) That portion of ber pressure over time.) the bore ahead of the case mouth DECAPPING: Removal of spent wherein the lands are reamed out primer usually during sizing at an angle to permit entry of the operation. bullet.

FULL CHARGE: Ammo loaded to LEADING: The accumulation of SAAMI-Standard power or factory bullet alloy in a bore (or an adja- ammo equivalent. cent surface) caused by abrasion (friction) between bullet and GAS CUTTING: Accuracy ruining rifling and/or the deposit of erosion or vaporization of the bul- vaporized alloy onto the bore; let and subsequent bore leading often a symptom of gas cutting, caused by gases escaping around incorrect bullet diameter or and between it and the bullet, excessive pressure. often due to incorrect matching

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 11 LOAD DENSITY: Ratio of volume use. Swaging or deburring tools of a powder charge to net volume are used to remove this crimp for of the case (when fired and reloading. expanded to chamber dimen- POWER FACTOR (PF): Bullet sions). 50% load density=1/2 of velocity in feet per second multi- the available case volume occu- ? plied by bullet weight in grains, pied by the powder charge. The divided by 1000 (Velocity x higher (fuller) the load density, Weight) / 1000. Product used to the faster the burning rate and determine relative power of a load higher the pressure of a given for competition or comparison. charge. Minimum I.P.S.C. major PF=175; MISFIRE: A failure of a cartridge minor=125. to fire correctly, usually due to: a) NRA Action PF=120. Improperly seated primer b) Light ROLL CRIMP: Progressive folding firing pin strike c) Less frequently, of case mouth into crimp groove a contaminated or “dead” primer to retain revolver and carbine bul- d) Rarely, a blocked flash hole or lets against movement due to contaminated powder charge. recoil. GLOSSARY OF TERMS OBTURATION: Shortening and SECTIONAL DENSITY: Numerical expansion of a bullet in the bore expression of proportion of a in proportion to the pressure given bullet’s mass to its cross exerted on it by gas pressure. sectional area. Used to determine Ideally, correct fit of bullet to ballistic coefficient. groove diameter in conjunction with obturation effects will pre- TAPER CRIMP: Gradual narrow- vent leakage and gas cutting; ing of case mouth to retain stan- whereas bullet obturation alone dard bullets, typically in auto pis- cannot be counted upon to seal a tol cartridges. grossly oversized bore. THROAT DIAMETER: The diame- OGIVE: That portion of any bullet ter of the exit leade of the cylin- ahead of the bearing surface. der ahead of the chamber, which with the groove diameter is used PRIMER CRIMP: As found on to determine the correct bullet some military cases, the folding diameter for a particular revolver. or coining over of the primer pocket edge to positively retain the primer for automatic weapon

12 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS Properties of Black and Smokeless Powder

here are three basic types of propellants used by sport shooters: POWDER Tblack powder, black powder substitutes (Pyrodex®), and smokeless powders.

Black powder is the oldest class of propellant available. It is a mixture of charcoal, sulfur and potassium nitrate. It has many disadvantages as a metallic cartridge propellant, being very dirty and inefficient. The residue it leaves behind is hydroscopic and corrosive to brass and gun parts, thus immediate and meticulous cleaning is required after firing. Its proper use is largely restricted to certain large bore rifles and S.A.S.S. competition. Black powder is classified as an explosive and unlike smokeless will detonate unconfined. Therefore black powder requires proper storage and handling procedures. Pyrodex® and certain other black powder substitutes offer the handling convenience and stability of smokeless powders with load density and pressure characteristics similar to black powder. All are mildly corrosive and cleaning after firing with Pyrodex® is no less important. Pyrodex® is designed to be equivalent to black powder by VOLUME, NOT WEIGHT.

Black Powder Granulations Grain Size Pyrodex® Equivalent Black # Use (Average) (Volume-For-Volume) Fg (1f) Large Bore Rifles .062" N/A FFg (2f) Rifles and Carbines .047" RS or Select FFFg (3f) Small and Medium Pistols .030" ‘P’ FFFFg (4f) Priming/Flint Lock .014" N/A

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 13 Smokeless powders were developed from gun cotton in the 1870s, and first used in shotgun loads. Most smokeless powders are classified as follows:

1. Single base - using nitrocellulose.

2. Double base - using nitrocellulose and nitroglycerin.

These basic compounds are moderated by their shape, area, density, and/or the addition of flame retardants to manufacture the full range of propellants, each with its specific and unique burn rate, specific gravity and loading characteristics. Solid film coatings and powdered graphite are used to enhance metering and storage stability. Commonly, smokeless powders are further classified by shape:

1. Extruded - small cylindrical rods.

POWDER 2. Flake - thin dots.

3. Spherical - small balls.

In practice, certain propellants are mixtures of two or more shapes and sizes. Because large flake and some extruded powders tend to settle and measure less consistently than spherical powders, attention to careful measuring and metering is crucial to accuracy. Many

2 3

Powder types: 1-extruded; 2-flake; 3-spherical.

14 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS manufacturers add dyes or unique grain shapes for identification purposes. It’s a good idea to become familiar with the appearance of the various powders you use to help prevent potentially disastrous errors. Do not use powder you cannot positively identify! Smokeless propellants are designed to burn readily and release large ✚ volumes of gas until consumed. All powders must be handled and stored away from potential sources of ignition, whether open flame, high heat, or electrical spark. Smokeless powders contain sufficient oxygen for combustion and can cause serious burns. Your shooting and reloading enjoyment would be impaired by the dispossession and skin grafts resulting from an accidental powder fire. Thus, your religious observance of all safety procedures is required. POWDER

POWDER DO’S AND DON’TS Propellant powders are designed to burn readily with the release of hot gases and flames. Since burn rates and pressures rise with density and confinement, it follows that proper storage and handling of powders depends on separation and insulation:

• NEVER store large quantities of powder together. Instead store stocks of powder in several separate, lightly constructed but fire insulated cabinets or boxes. (Always follow manufacturer’s guidelines for storage and handling of all components)

• A LWAY S wear eye protection when handling powder or primers.

• AVOID SOURCES OF IGNITION, such as: heat, flames, sparks and electrical equipment. Keep an appropriate fire extinguisher at the entrance to your reloading area.

• NEVER store powders near solvents, flammables or aerosols.

• NEVER transfer powders into non-DOT approved or incorrectly marked containers.

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 15 • Store powders in a cool, dry environment.

• NEVER use any powder or other components that are not clearly identified. Guessing powder types by appearance will result in disaster! If you aren’t sure, don’t load with it.

✚ • NEVER use powder reclaimed from pulled ammunition or blank rounds.

• To preserve quality and correct identification, A LWAY S return unused powder from your measure to its original container when you finish loading.

• NEVER discard waste powder in your trash. Destroy old or discarded powders according to manufacturer’s directions only.

POWDER • A LWAY S reduce charges 10% and work up slowly whenever you change lots of a given powder. Many powders can vary considerably lot to lot. (EXCEPTION: Certain powders should not be used in reduced loads and are identified herein. Reduce these 3% to start.)

• Reloading components are hazardous when improperly handled. PROTECT CHILDREN AND OTHERS FROM INJURY OR DEATH by securing all components from unauthorized access.

16 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS Primers

y deliberate design and intent, primers explode, and do so with PRIMERS Brelatively little pressure or heat exposure. They demand the care and respect you would accord any other explosive device. All primers consist of: a cup containing an impact sensitive explosive compound, a thin wad or sealant to protect the propellant and keep it in place, and an anvil, against which the firing pin mashes the cup and compound to cause detonation. There are two basic primers commonly encountered in North America:

Berdan primers use an anvil that is integral to the case primer pocket, rather than a separate anvil which is assembled in the primer cup itself (like the Boxer system). Because the centrally located anvil of the Berdan system does not permit easy removal of spent primers with an ordinary decapping pin, Berdan cases are not considered reloadable. They can be reloaded using special tools. However this is beyond the capability of most home reloaders. The only currently made American ammunition using this system is the aluminum- cased CCI Blazer line of inexpensive non-reloadable pistol cartridges. Berdan primers are also found in some foreign military surplus ammunition available in this country. Be certain to sort out and discard Berdan cases before you reload.

Boxer primers were developed with ease of loading in mind. The central large flash hole makes decapping simple, while the shape and balance afforded by the anvil makes automated primer handling and seating less problematic. All further references are to Boxer primers.

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 17 The two basic diameters of sporting primers are: Large .210" Small .175"

Small rifle and small pistol primers are dimensionally identical, though they aren’t interchangeable in performance and one should never be substituted for the other. On the other hand, large rifle primers are too tall to seat below flush in pistol/carbine cases. Use of large rifle primers in pistol cartridges will produce unreliable, over pressured and unsafe loads!

The various manufacturers color code their primers for identification. Be familiar with what you use and safely discard any primers you can’t identify.

Small pistol and rifle primers are dimensionally similar, but there are PRIMERS significant differences in performance and construction. Cup thickness of a typical small rifle primer versus a small pistol primer is .003" to .009" greater, depending on manufacturer. This thicker cup, not a difference in material, results in a harder primer that is designed to be fired by the manly blow from a rifle striker rather than the indifferent little tap offered by your highly tuned competition pistol. Misfires and/or accuracy problems associated with inconsistent ignition are a frequent result of small rifle primers being used in handgun applications inappropriately.

Standard pistol primers are more than adequate to ignite most of the loads found in this book. Pistol magnum primers are specified only for certain high density slow-burning powder loads in magnums. Generally use of magnum pistol primers is to be avoided, particularly with smaller-capacity cartridges like 9mm parabellum, 40 S&W, or 38 Special. Our testing shows increased leading, poor accuracy, and increased pressure with little improvement in velocity in all but the largest cases and densest loadings. Hard primers (thick cups as with small rifle primers) can mask pressure signs and create a false impression that a given load is safely within limits when it may be marginal or worse. Small rifle primers are rated for higher pressure and don’t show pressure signs that small pistol

18 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS primers do, thereby failing to warn you of impending disaster. Small rifle primers are commonly used with major-power loads in 38 Super, 40 S&W, and 9x21, for IPSC/USPSA competition in an attempt to prevent primer flow and cratering problems. This practice must be approached with great caution! Your loads should never exceed accepted standards, or be so hot as to require rifle primers to be reliable. (See the special IPSC section.)

The industry-wide standard sporting priming compound in use today is lead styphenate, which replaced the older potassium chlorate compounds used through the 1950s. While potassium chlorate primers are very reliable and stable, the residue they leave is hydroscopic and corrosive. The new lead-based priming compounds have saved a moun- PRIMERS tain of rusted bores; however, the toxic lead smoke they add to the air and the residues left on your brass are significant sources of exposure. Lead poisoning is a risk for people who shoot a lot and reload their own ammunition or who shoot indoors. Many indoor ranges lack the air replacement equipment required to reduce your exposure risk to outdoor levels. If you shoot indoors you should consider a respirator. You should also wear an appropriate respirator whenever you tumble, clean, and separate media from your fired cases. Skin absorption rates from lead are low, but washing your hands and wearing gloves will prevent inadvertent ingestion of lead particles (from wiping your face, handling food, smoking, or drinking).

Currently, only Fiocchi of Italy is marketing lead free primers to reloaders. Lead free primers use a compound that is more affected by moisture and humidity than lead styphenate primers. If you choose to use them, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for sealing and shelf life. Primer sealants are available commercially for this purpose. Lead based primers are largely unaffected by humidity and do not require the use of a sealant under normal conditions, nor do they require airtight containers for storage. However, high temperatures and exposure to various chemicals or fumes are very likely to cause deterioration with resulting misfires or inconsistent ignition.

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 19 PRIMER DO’S AND DON’TS Accidental detonations of massed primers (as in a primer tube or magazine) can be lethal; eye injury, deafness and fragmentation wounds are a given. In the interest of avoiding such a catastrophe, ✚ follow these rules for safe handling and storage of primers: • NEVER transfer primers from original packaging to any other container. Loose, bulk primers are called “Bombs”! One primers’ detonation will set off all adjacent primers simultaneously. Primers are designed to detonate easily.

• NEVER store your primers near possible sources of ignition, like: heat, flames, sparks and electrical equipment.

• NEVER subject primers to impact or vibration. Continued shaking can dislodge priming compound. Accumulated PRIMERS priming compound can become a source of detonation.

• A LWAY S wear eye protection when handling primers or powder.

• NEVER store primers and powder in the same location.

• Primers should be stored in a cool, dry environment.

• NEVER change primer types without testing your load with a reduced charge first.

• NEVER decap a live primer. Fire it in a gun or discard safely.

• DON’T use hard or rifle primers to mask signs of excessive pressure.

• Keep ALL components away from children!

• Primers are color coded by manufacturers. DO become familiar with the appearance of the primers you use to avoid mistakes. Unidentified components are nothing more that hazardous junk to be safely discarded.

• A clean reloading bench is a safe reloading bench. DO sweep away any spent or dropped primers, loose powder, and objects that could cause a dropped primer to detonate.

20 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS • DO keep your priming mechanisms clean and free of residues.

• DON’T handle individual primers with your fingers to avoid possible contamination. Dropped primers may be damaged and should not be used. ✚ • USE UTMOST CAUTION when filling primer tubes or charging your press priming system. To minimize your risk of accidental detonation, drop primers into the magazine slowly.

• Keep spare primers away from your loading operation. Loaded primer tubes should be separated and placed PRIMERS where they cannot tip over or fall.

Primer Designation Chart Winchester Federal Remington CCI

Small WSP 100 1 1/2 500 Pistol Small Pistol WSPM 5 1/2 550 MAG Magnum Small WSR 200 6 1/2 400 Rifle 205 BR4 205M Small Rifle 7 1/2 450 MAG Magnum Large WLP 150 2 1/2 300 Pistol Large Pistol WLP 155 350 MAG Magnum Large WLR 210 9 1/2 200 Rifle 210M BR2 Large Rifle 215 9 1/2M 250 MAG Magnum Caution: when substituting a primer of a different manufacturer or type, reduce maximum loads 10% and work back up carefully watching for pressure signs.

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 21 Brass Casings

FUNCTION: As your gun’s coordinator of primer, powder and bullet, the cartridge case is critical to ballistic performance and firearm function. Reliable, safe and accurate reloads cannot be had with indifferently selected, defective or poorly prepared brass. To avoid a devil’s host of ammo problems you must become familiar with proper selection, inspection BRASS CASINGS and preparation procedures. As well, a working knowledge of case design and function will help you optimize your reloads to get the best performance from your gun.

A case is called upon to perform many interrelated functions with complete precision and reliability. It must:

1. Work reliably through the gun’s feed mechanism.

2. Fit precisely to the firing chamber and bullet.

3. Orient the bullet to bore and the primer to firing pin hole.

4. Direct the primers’ flash and heat to the powder charge.

5. Expand under thousands of PSI chamber pressure to seal the breech without failure.

6. When expended, contract to permit easy extraction.

Modern brass cases do all this with such boring reliability as to invite neglect by handloaders who might understandably be more fascinated by powder charge and bullet combinations than by

22 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS primer pockets and case necks. The fact remains, however, that clean, correctly dimensioned brass in perfect condition is essential to success on the range.

Modern cartridge cases are referred to as “brass” because most are indeed drawn from it, though alternative materials are sometimes encountered. Generally, aluminum or lacquered steel cases are Berdan primed and should be considered non-reloadable. To save broken decapping pins learn to recognize Berdan cases and discard them, i.e. CCI Blazer as shown below: BRASS CASINGS Left: Berdan/CCI Blazer case Right: Boxer - primed case

BRASS CASE TYPES With 150 years of continuous development, there exist uncounted thousands of various cartridge designs reflecting endless combinations of caliber and case type. Still, the industry has a mania for creating new improvements on the old, proven standbys. Thus, we have the 40 S&W in place of 10mm Norma, or 9x23 Winchester as an alternative to 9mm or 38 Super Auto. With so many common cartridge variations out there, familiarity with cartridge identification and classification is a must.

Left to right: Rimmed, semi-rimmed, rimless, and rebated rim

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 23 Most handgun and carbine cartridges can be classified by body style and head design into these basic categories:

Body Casehead

Straight-walled Rimmed

Tapered Semi-rimmed

Bottlenecked Rimless Belted Rebated-rimless

The most basic category of case design — rimmed, straight-walled cases — are very easily resized, and their cylindrical shape affords good die support during bullet seating and crimping stages. Such old standards as 44 Special are far more popular than ballistically similar bottleneck rounds like 44/40 for their ease of reloading. With their

BRASS CASINGS long tapered shape, the old black powder era bottlenecked rounds (44/40, 38/40, 32/20) feed and chamber reliably in the revolvers and carbines of their day, even when fouled. The larger case capacity afforded by this plan was necessary to achieve the ballistics required with black powder, but is a detriment to consistency with modern propellants and low-density charges. For all of these reasons, straight walled cases are to be preferred for most modern applications where the shooter has a choice.

The same disadvantages pertain to bottlenecked auto pistol cartridges and the shooter has scant incentive to choose one where brute force isn’t required. For example, the .357 SIG will push our 124 Round Nose to 1360 fps, while the 38 Super can safely achieve 1260 fps without the attendant problems associated with reloading the bottlenecked case (see section on Action/IPSC in Chapter 4).

An auto pistol round must have excellent feeding characteristics (“transfer factor”) as well, and the straight walled rounds like 38 Super have that all beat compared to bottlenecked alternatives like .357 SIG. Because they have very short case necks, bottlenecked cases do not hold the bullet as securely against feeding impact while the overbore case diameter of the bottlenecked pistol rounds can cause problems with magazine function in some guns.

24 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS INSPECTION AND PRESSURE INDICATIONS Determining condition and spotting defective brass is crucial to successful reloading. We have seen that brass cases must be ductile and soft enough to expand under chamber pressure without failing. This ductility affects case life. Each cycle of resizing, reloading and firing ✚ shortens a cartridge case’s usable life, and failure occurs when brass has flowed beyond the resizing dies’ ability to restore its proper dimensions or the brass has been stressed beyond its yield point and splits, cracks or separates. The number of reloading cycles a given case will yield is dependent on the chamber pressure it’s subjected to, the chamber dimensions it’s fired in and the amount of mechanical work required to resize and reload it. Deep extractor gouges may BRASS CASINGS make the brass slip off the extractor prior to ejection, thereby render- ing the semi-automatic unusable until the case is manually removed from the chamber.

Left to right: case head collapsed into body; cracked wall; incipient blowout at feed ramp; extractor damage to web and rim.

Pressure signs, left to right: normal, flattened, cratered, flowed, pierced/blown, backed out with firing pin drag.

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 25 Case failure manifests itself in these ways:

• Case neck splits, due to overworking of brass. • Case head expansion (“Belted magnum effect”). • Incipient blowout at feed ramp. ✚ • Rim damage from repeated feeding and extraction. • Loose primer pockets. • Body splits. • Case head separation.

CHAMBER DIMENSIONS AND FEED RAMP THROATING Brass expansion is the primary factor in case life. Chamber dimensions must strike a compromise between case support and firearm function. The less a case must expand to fit the chamber and seal the breech, the less resizing work required to reload it and the longer it

BRASS CASINGS will last. Pressure being exerted equally in all directions, brass will flow away wherever it is not supported by the chamber or breech- face. Thus, cases typically fail at the juncture of body and case head where the ratio of body expansion to base diameter is greatest. A majority of semi-auto pistol chambers are relieved at the feed ramp to facilitate feeding, resulting in a partially unsupported case head. Brass will by nature flow at this point weakening it. Over pressure rounds will likely fail by rupturing through the feed ramp throat, while normal expansion and flow will cause failure eventually. Significant bulging of your brass at the feed ramp is a sign of excessive pressure, brass fatigue and/or an incorrectly throated barrel. At a minimum, your pistol’s chamber should support the case body through its web area, but full case wall support to the extractor groove is ideal.

Left: unsupported chamber. Right: supported chamber with minimal case wall visible at feed ramp intrusion.

26 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS PRIMER POCKETS Another indication of case fatigue is loose primer pockets, caused by case head expansion. Such cases must be discarded. Loose primer pockets permit leakage which will damage your gun’s breech face. In low pressure cartridges like 45 ACP or 38 Special, loose primer pockets will not appear for many reloading cycles. Generally, such cases present with neck splits or rim damage before loose primer pockets develop. That’s not necessarily true with high pressure jobs like 9x23, 38 Super or 40 S&W when loaded to maximum. Case head expansion cannot be fully corrected through resizing, and is directly related to chamber pressure and chamber size. Watch carefully and discard all brass with loose pockets, bulged, unresizable case head diameter or BRASS CASINGS obvious swelling in the extractor groove. Sort out and keep track of your cases. You should know how many firings each piece has endured, and if you experience failures you need to reexamine your loads. Case life is shortened drastically as pressure rises; backing off 5% or 10% can make a huge difference. And while there is no absolute rule, you should accept no load combo which won’t permit a minimum case life of six firings without obvious damage.

CASE NECKS Case neck splits, on the other hand, are somewhat preventable, since they are usually caused by repeated belling and crimping. It makes much sense to bell the case mouth no more than is required to clean- ly seat the bullet without shaving. A flare inside diameter that’s .010" over bullet diameter is usually adequate. Crimp dimensions are called out for each cartridge/bullet combination; excess crimp beyond stated values is never recommended and is potentially hazardous. Excessive crimping will raise chamber pressure, distort the bullet and can affect headspace! Be careful.

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 27 BRASS CASE CLEANING AND POLISHING Fired cases must be prepared for reloading by removing the spent primer, dirt, fouling and lead residues, and resizing to original dimensions. Resizing and spent primer removal (decapping) is commonly performed as the first operation on your reloading press, though some shooters prefer to size and decap before they clean their brass to remove fouling from the primer pockets as well.

Case cleaning can be accomplished wet, by washing your brass in a water based detergent solution, or dry by tumbling your brass in an abrasive media. Either way, remember that lead residues will be present that you must protect yourself and others from lead exposure. Gloves and an appropriate respirator are required. I do not prefer wet cleaning of brass. Although wet cleaning does reduce exposure to airborne lead residue it is messy, time consuming and safe disposal of waste water and detergent is problematic. Washed brass will discolor and develop verdigris; while perhaps not unsafe,

BRASS CASINGS such ugly stuff inspires no confidence. Much easier and more effective is tumbling in media. Various vibrating case cleaners, rock tum- blers, media separators and basketry are available to the reloader. Select a machine larger than you think you will need; the bigger units are more cost effective and efficient. The typical cleaning process is a three stage affair:

• First, shake out your cases to remove range dirt and knock out loose spent primers. Discard any cases with missing primers before continuing.

• Second, tumble your brass in a coarse media to clean them. Corn cob grit (chicken scratch at the feed store) works very well. Run them for about 2 hours or so. Separate out.

• Third, polish your cases in crushed walnut hulls. You can use one of the liquid polish additives, but this isn’t necessary. Your finished cases should be clean, uniform in appearance and devoid of heavy residues or powder fouling. (A mirror polish is neither necessary nor desired.)

28 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS Avoid unnecessary lead exposure; wear gloves and a proper respirator when handling media. Be sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and precautions when tumbling your cases. Your media degrades and becomes contaminated with use. Media is cheap; discard it when you see evidence of poor performance.

Ideally you should sort and inspect your brass both before and after cleaning and polishing. Certain stress failure symptoms (such as the ring identifying an incipient head separation) can be masked by the cleaning process, while cracks and bulges might be more easily detected afterwards.

Finally, there is the question of whether to deprime before cleaning BRASS CASINGS and polishing for the purpose of accessing and cleaning out the primer pocket. Generally, the residue that remains behind in the pocket is minor and doesn’t interfere with primer seating or ignition. However, for critical applications, cleaning the primer pockets isn’t a bad idea. Resize and deprime brass after cleaning, but before you run them through the polishing media. You can use a manual primer pocket cleaning tool, or just tumble them again. Generally no amount of tumbling in media will do as good a job as a quick twist with a handheld tool. After polishing deprimed brass, be certain to run them through the resize and deprime stage again to remove stuck media from the flash holes. Failure to do this invites misfires.

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 29 Bullets

election of the proper bullet of a given caliber for your intended Sapplication is influenced by a number of interrelated factors: • Function - The bullet must permit correct feeding, O.A.L., BULLETS and be of appropriate design to work safely in your gun.

• Ballistics - The bullets’ weight and sectional density must be matched to the velocity and/or terminal effect desired.

• Safety - Certain bullet/firearm combinations may be dangerous. Be aware of any safety limitations imposed by your gun’s design.

Auto pistol cartridges must cycle through the pistol’s feed mechanism. (The same holds true for repeating carbine cartridges as well.) Proper bullet shape is crucial to reliable function in repeating and semi-auto guns which is why truncated cone, round nosed or round nose/flat point bullets are preferred over most semi wad cutter designs. Caution: Cartridges intended for use in tubular magazine-fed guns must only be loaded with flat point bullets. Round nose designs can cause disastrous magazine detonations in tube-fed guns! For revolver use where speed-reloading is not a major consideration, the length of the cylinder and/or crimp groove location on the bullet becomes the factor limiting your bullet selection. Heavy loads in particular, require a substantial roll crimp to maintain O.A.L. and correct bullet pull under recoil. Thus, dedicated revolver (and repeating carbine) bullets are designed to be loaded to a set O.A.L. and

30 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS crimped according to the crimp groove location. Certainly, taper crimped light loads may be safely used in most revolvers, but there is little reason to use auto pistol-type bullets in your revolver and doing so may not be safe in all circumstances.

BALLISTICS AND TERMINAL EFFECT Select a bullet that does the most work on your target with the least stress to you and your gun. Here are a few clues:

• Wad cutter and semi wad cutter bullets cut clean, easily scored holes in paper targets.

• Lighter bullets at a given velocity deliver less felt recoil, for BULLETS target applications where power factor isn’t important (i.e. traditional Bullseye and plinking).

• Heavier bullets can be loaded to a given power factor with less powder, blast and recoil than a lighter bullet can (i.e. USPSA Limited class).

• Long, heavy bullets are the choice for steel targets that need to fall; light bullets for steel that “rings.”

• Long, heavy bullets lose less velocity over a given distance and are preferred for long-range shooting (i.e. Metallic Silhouette).

Refer to the section covering your sporting application for more specific loading suggestions. Remember - Do not vary from the load specifications in this or any other manual!

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 31 What makes these things so accurate?

hat’s the question that Oregon Trail Bullet Company employees Tget asked many times a day by customers. We will attempt here to give you an explanation that is hopefully not too technical.

The Laser-Cast alloy is a multi-element virgin alloy that is prepared in a smelter especially for this purpose. It contains such minerals as copper, bismuth, antimony, arsenic, silver, lead and a few trace ele- ments. The exact mix is a trade secret as is the temperature at which the alloy is poured.

This alloy was developed to do three things and we now know it does them well: deliver better accuracy, allow use at higher velocities and eliminate leading. Okay, so the Laser-Cast silver bullets do this… BUT HOW?

The silver, in conjunction with copper and arsenic, creates a condition referred to by metallurgists as inoculation. This is defined as “the introduction of a substance into a metallic mix for the purpose WHAT MAKES THESE THINGS SO ACCURATE? WHAT of providing additional centers for crystallization.” Normal alloys solidify from the outside-in (the coolest areas first). The Laser-Cast silver alloy solidifies from the inside-out in spite of it being the hottest area in the mix. Inoculation causes a more uniform grain structure which means a denser bullet, more stable and less prone to air pockets. The bullet fills out better, looks better and is much more consistent bullet to bullet. (Many of our customers mention that they notice these differences.)

32 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS The unique mix of these particular metals also causes another condition to occur: Dendrite Melt-off. This is defined as “the branching of the grain structure caused by a foreign mineral.” Branching of the grain structure causes the bullet to have increased strength. (Think of the Empire State Building with a bunch of extra steel girders in it.) This helps the bullet resist the forces of ignition and the shock of the super-sonic wave. This results in increased accuracy and also causes the bullet to have much less tendency to lead the barrel of the gun.

The hardness of this alloy is 24 BHN which is half way between copper bullets (50 BHN) and normal cast bullets (15 BHN). That’s why you can shoot the Laser-Cast silver bullet at copper jacket speeds but still not cause undue barrel wear. One other side benefit of the bullet WHAT MAKES THESE THINGS SO ACCURATE? is that it has less resistance to the barrel than other bullets. This allows the use of less powder to achieve the same speeds.

So there you have it. All you wanted to know about bullet metallurgy and more!

— Oregon Trail Bullet Company Staff

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 33 Understanding bullet obturation

There has been much discussion recently about bullet obturation and specifically at what pressure the Laser-Cast silver bullet obturates (therefore sealing the barrel from gas blow-by and gas cutting). We asked our resident consulting ballistic metallurgist, Dennis Marshall, to help explain this condition. Here is what he had to say:

he ordnance definition of obturation is the expansion of a car- Ttridge case or projectile to seal off the breech portion of a firearm and prevent escape of combustion gases. While case obturation to seal the rear of the breach seems to be readily understood, there exists some confusion regarding the nature of bullet obturation.

If a cast bullet is placed on an anvil and struck sharply with a hammer, it will be shorted and its diameter will increase. Similarly, when chamber pressure “strikes” a bullet base, it attempts to shorten and

UNDERSTANDING BULLET OBTURATION UNDERSTANDING expand (obturate) the bullet. Unlike the hammer blow, bullet expansion is constrained by the barrel. Further, since pressure is applied to the base only, obturation begins at the base, overtaking more (but not all) of the bullet as chamber pressure increases.

It is frequently asked, “How much pressure is required to cause obturation?” The most significant portion of obturation (that of perma- nent bullet deformation) begins as the chamber pressure approaches the bullet alloy’s yield strength as measured in pounds per square inch. For lead alloys, yield strength has been defined by scientific research as 480 times the Brinell Harness Number (BHN). For example, a bullet with a BHN of 22 will have a yield strength of about

34 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 10,600 pst. Hence, the bullet’s base will be the first portion to obturate at a chamber pressure of 10,600 psi. As chamber pressure continues to rise, pressure inside the bullet will similarly rise, overtaking more of the bullet from base toward the nose. Any portion of the bullet which is not in close contact with some portion of the chamber or barrel, and which sees the 10,600 psi pressure level, will begin expanding in an attempt to seal the breach.

Since the Laser-Cast silver bullet has a hardness of 24 BHN, it begins obturating at 11,500 psi. By our calculations, the entire base portion of the bullet is fully obturated at 13,000 psi. As you can see, the shooter need not worry about obturation when shooting the Laser- Cast silver bullet at standard velocities. UNDERSTANDING BULLET OBTURATION

— Dennis Marshall, Resident Consulting Ballistic Metallurgist

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 35 Bullet Fit in Revolvers

ne of the most important factors in revolver accuracy is the bul- Olet’s dimension in relation to both the barrel’s groove and cylinder’s chamber mouth diameters. With a proper fit the revolver will be accurate, all other factors considered. An ill-fitting bullet will usually result in poor accuracy.

So, what constitutes a proper fit? The general rule of thumb pertaining to cast projectiles is that a proper fit in any rifled firearm is a bullet .001 inch over the barrel’s groove diameter. For example, with a barrel measurement of .357 inch, the cast bullet should be .358 inch. BULLET FIT IN REVOLVERS However, occasionally cast bullets .002 or even .003 inch over the barrel’s groove diameter can be used in a firearm without the slight- est ill effect. In my personal experience, however, a cast bullet even .001 inch undersize for the barrel will result in very poor accuracy, and occasionally even tumbling.

But, then we must consider the cylinder. Ideally, the cylinder’s chamber mouths should also be no more than .001 inch over the barrel’s groove diameter. Sadly, that is not always the case. The 45 Colt caliber is probably the worst offender here. For instance, in every single second or third generation Colt SAA or foreign made clone that I have ever personally measured, the cylinder’s chamber mouths measure .456/.457 inch, but the barrels in those guns are a tight .451 inch. On the surface then, a bullet for a Colt SAA 45 (or one of the clones) should be .452 inch. However, quite often a .452-inch bullet gives poor accuracy in such guns because the loose fit in the chamber mouth allows it to enter the barrel’s forcing cone cocked off its axis.

36 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS For a bullet to properly fit those 45 Colt cylinder chamber mouth dimensions it would have to be .456 inch, but making one swage down a full .005 inch when passing through the bore seems like a bit much. Therefore, I compromise in my personal reloading for Colt SAA and clone 45s by loading bullets in .454 inch. The increase in accuracy is noticeable, while the increase in pressure is not. For those 45 Colt revolvers whose makers are aware of this mismatched dimension problem and cut their cylinder chamber mouths at .452 inch, then that is also the correct size for the bullet.

My own very rough rule of thumb concerning bullet fit is as follows. Take your cylinder from the revolver, and from the rear end drop your intended bullet into a chamber. If it falls all the way through and BULLET FIT IN REVOLVERS bounces off your toe, then it is too loose a fit and probably will not be accurate. On the other hand if the bullet hangs up in the chamber with just the nose protruding from the cylinder front then most likely it will give good accuracy.

— Mike Venturino

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 37 Loading Procedures and Safety LOADING PROCEDURES AND SAFETY

our press, dies, scale, primer tubes and tools are arrayed before Yyou. You have selected a bullet, primer and powder charge combination to suit your particular application, and a gleaming tray full of clean, inspected brass awaits. Now what?

Your goal of course, is to assemble all of this stuff into safe, accurate and reliable ammo in the most effective manner possible. Full understanding of each of the loading operations and the adjustment of dies that perform them is key to success. The loading sequence can be broken down like this:

38 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 1. Resize and deprime.

2. Trim, if required.

3. Reprime.

4. Bell the case mouth to accept bullet entry.

5. Charge with propellant.

6. Seat the bullet.

7. Crimp.

8. Gauge and package. LOADING PROCEDURES AND SAFETY

Die stations: 3 1-resize-deprime-reprime; 2 1 2-bell case mouth-charge; 3-seat bullet; 4-crimp. 4

SIZING AND DECAPPING Let’s assume you are loading on a modern progressive press (we’re using a Dillon 550B). Be sure to select the correct shell plate for the cartridge you’re loading. Dies for straight walled cases should be screwed down to lightly contact the shellplate. (Pressure exerted on the base of the die can crack the carbide insert.) For bottlenecked

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 39 cases, dies are also generally screwed down all the way, but there are exceptions. Read and follow your die set manufacturers’ adjustment instructions. Tighten the locking ring against the tool head while sizing a case. This will aid concentricity between the shell plate and sizer die. The decapping pin should clear the base of a case by 1/8" or so, while its supporting head shouldn’t contact inside the case head. Run a few cases to check for proper sizing and concentricity. Resizing causes the case to grow longer.

REPRIMING Repriming is accomplished on the return stroke. Learn the “feel” required to seat a primer to proper depth, about .004" below flush. Loose primer pockets will become noticeable to you as you load; those should be culled aside for practice only, or discarded. You will see a difference between primers; the heavier cups on magnum and rifle primers cause them to seat “harder” than pistol primers. Caution - prime in a smooth and controlled way. Jerky slamming can cause detonation.

Generally, trimming to length isn’t required for straight walled pistol cases. Tapered, bottlenecked cases tend to stretch as the shoulder is blown forward and sized back with each use. Case length affects headspace and/or crimping dimensions. Cases should be gauged and sorted by length for critical applications where crimp consistency is required, while over length brass should be trimmed to specified LOADING PROCEDURES AND SAFETY length. (Too short cases shouldn’t be used, particularly in auto pistol calibers that headspace on the case mouth!) Trimming is done before repriming. Clean trimmed brass thoroughly before continuing. (Reprime after trimming and recleaning is done - with case actuated dies.)

BELLING On the Dillon machine, case mouth bell is performed in one operation with powder charge dropping, and the powder drop funnel doubles as an expander ball/flaring tool. Traditional 3-die sets include a separate expander/bell die. Either should be adjusted to provide just enough

40 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS bell to permit bullet seating without shaving or distortion. Excess case mouth flare needlessly works the brass while possibly causing eccen- tric bullet seating. You should start with .010" flare over case diameter and adjust up or down from there. Some sizer dies will reduce case body diameters under SAAMI specifications. The expander “ball” (or its equivalent surface on Dillon’s powder funnel) is designed to regu- late the bullet’s bearing diameter of the case to prevent bulges, eccen- tricity and bullet distortion from too-tight a fit. Ideally, the inside diameter of a resized case below the mouth should measure .003" or so under actual bullet diameter. If your sizer runs small, use a powder funnel or expander ball to bring case diameter back to specs.

Whenever you test run a case to check bell, seating or crimp adjust- LOADING PROCEDURES AND SAFETY ments on a progressive press, resize a fired case as well. Simulating loading tension between the toolhead and ram is necessary to make accurate adjustments to the other die stations. (A note: case neck chamfer is not a substitute for proper belling and shouldn’t be done for most handgun cartridges as chamfer can affect crimping.)

WEIGHING AND CHARGING The single most critical operation in reloading is the consistent function of the powder measure. It must drop exactly the desired charge weight every single time. Case-actuated bell-and-measure systems tend to require some maintenance and careful adjustment, so it’s important for you to become totally familiar with your press’ system. Be sure to read and follow your manufacturer’s instructions before proceeding! On the other hand, manually operated measures are very reliable. They only require the reloader to manipulate measure and cases in a consistent manner. If you load on a single stage press, resist the temptation to drop charges by hand directly into cases arrayed in a loading block. Your chance of error is too great and the measure will likely throw inconsistent charges when hand held. Instead, always use a measure stand or charge from your press. To adjust your measure for a desired charge weight, first fill the measure to within 3/4" or so of the top. Since some powders are bulky and may settle some, it’s a good idea to lightly shake down the powder column. As you load keep the measure “topped off,” all done to help

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 41 insure consistent density and column weight. Now you are ready to weight charges and adjust your measure.

A NOTE ON SCALES Your powder scale is only as accurate as the environment in which it’s used. It must be placed on a solid, level surface away from air currents or temperature extremes. As well, any scale that isn’t cali- brated against known test weights is a pied piper of potential disaster! Test and recalibrate both scale and measure before each reloading session. Variation from this practice is unacceptable.

Many bulky or oddly shaped propellants tend to measure somewhat inconsistently. It’s common to see a variation of one or two tenths of a grain from one charge to the next with fluffy flake powders like Solo 1000 or Clays. This variation can affect velocity extreme spreads, and push given rounds over pressure at maximum loadings. Thus, one dropped charge won’t necessarily indicate the weight you’re actually getting. You should adjust to the average of 10 charges and reduce your load if any one charge exceeds the maximum.

BULLET SEATING Some 3 die sets incorporate the crimp and seat dies together into one. Whether loading progressively or on a single stage press, seating and crimping should always be performed as separate operations or

LOADING PROCEDURES AND SAFETY bullet shaving and inconsistent crimp will result. Ideally a bullet should seat to preset depth in perfect alignment and concentricity to the case without shaving, damage, bulging or wrinkling of either component.

Pay attention! Left is .40 x .38, on right is .40 S&W case fired in a .45 auto.

42 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS Factors that most influence bullet seating are:

1. Case inside diameter vs. bullet diameter (–.003/.004").

2. Bell diameter and depth.

3. Seating punch cavity profile.

4. Initial manual alignment of bullet to case.

5. Crimp groove location, which predetermines overall length.

To start, match the seating punch to your bullet nose profile and install it backed out. This is very important to concentricity and align-

ment. Run an empty case into the seat die and back off the die body LOADING PROCEDURES AND SAFETY one turn from the point at which it crimps the case mouth. Carefully place a bullet onto the belled, uncharged case and run it into the seater. Measure the resulting overall length and adjust the seating punch down until the correct overall length is achieved. (Remember to run a fired case in the sizer each time you try a sample round in another die!) It’s a good idea to run 4 or 5 more dummies to be certain of your overall length adjustments. Loading test dummies pre- vents you from accidentally shooting your mistakes.

CRIMPING In a four or five station progressive press (like the excellent Dillon 550B or 650) the last station is used to crimp. Even if you load on a single stage press, you should obtain a separate crimp die so you don’t have to worry about having to readjust your combo seat and crimp die for each reloading cycle. Adjustment of a standard crimp die is very simple. Determine the correct crimp/case mouth diameter from the specifications for your cartridge. (Your die’s instructions may have a set procedure for crimping. Back this up by measurement and never crimp smaller than the values stated in this reloading manual!) With a dummy round in the crimp station, screw the crimp die down until you feel the die’s crimp ring contact the case mouth. Lower the ram and screw the die down in small increments and repeat until you measure the crimp diameter called for. Tighten the die’s locking ring and test a few more dummy rounds to verify your

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 43 adjustment and you’re done. Some dedicated crimpers (like the Lee factory crimp die) use a floating crimp ring which is adjusted by turning a screw ram in the die’s body. The basic adjustment procedure is otherwise the same. Remember, variations in case length will affect crimp values, with shorter cases receiving less crimp.

A FEW MORE CLUES With everything adjusted and tightened down, you’re almost ready to produce ammo. Once again, take a moment and refer to the safety procedure and checklists in this manual. You’re not ready to do anything until you’re ready to be safe. You might find it useful to run a few more dummy rounds and mark them for future reference. They will save time should you need to readjust your press to duplicate that load. LOADING PROCEDURES AND SAFETY

44 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS Chapter 2 Handgun Loading Data 46 32 H&R Magnum

.055 .337

.375 .314 HANDGUN LOADING DATA

.200

1.075 1.350

he 32 H&R Mag was introduced in 1984 as a sort of beefed-up T32 S&W Long for use in short-barreled pocket revolvers. Giving performance that was slightly greater than a 32-20 revolver of similar barrel length, this cartridge was intended to bridge the power gap between really ineffectual calibers such as 22 Magnum and the 32 H&R MAGNUM proven but harder recoiling 38 Special. The practical result was a six- shot 32 Mag snub nose instead of a 5-shot 38 Special.

Well that was the idea, but 32 H&R Mag never really caught on as a defensive cartridge. 32 H&R Mag did carve itself a niche as a moderate recoil but adequate punch cartridge and has developed a following in the relatively short range “Hunter’s Pistol” Silhouette game where light recoil and excellent accuracy are appreciated. Cowboy shooters who want to gain the maximum competitive advantage — some call it cheating — have been known to shoot a Ruger single six revolver in 32 H&R Mag to get the fastest times with the lightest recoil. Nominal bullet diameter is .313", but check your barrel’s groove diameter. (TCs run tighter than most revolvers.) Single shot pistols like the Thompson Contender may give best accuracy with a very light crimp. Revolvers will need a heavier roll crimp, but don’t overdo it. Bullet jump under recoil isn’t a factor even with maximum loads. Increased bullet pull from a moderately heavy roll crimp will promote more complete, consistent combustion of slow powders.

— Gary Morgan

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 47 Test Gun: Thompson Contender 10", WSP

Hunter Silhouette Loads Powder Start Velocity NEVER Velocity Type Grains FPS EXCEED FPS OAL

115 Flat Point HP-38 3.2 847 3.7 935 1.340 Red Dot 2.9 842 3.4 951 1.340 Unique 4.0 882 4.5 998 1.340 HS-6 4.9 928 5.5 1011 1.340 H110* 8.6 879 9.5 1027 1.340 AA9* 6.7 863 7.8 1050 1.340

HANDGUN LOADING DATA HANDGUN LOADING DATA *Use small pistol magnum primer. Do not exceed the maximum loads! Use .308 diameter for TC Contender pistol. 32 H&R MAGNUM

48 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 32-20 Pistol

5° 42' .065 .352 .343 .332 HANDGUN LOADING DATA .408 .354 .313

.200 .645 .881 .933 1.315 1.592

here are a surprising number of old revolvers hanging around in Tthis caliber. 32-20 isn’t a bad revolver round, but wouldn’t be the best first choice for serious shooting. The bottle-necked case can be a minor pain to reload (though not as temperamental as the larger black powder jobs like 44-40). 32-20 is limited in power by the age 32-20 PISTOL and construction of older guns. These loads are safe for smokeless- era Colt revolvers in good condition as well as for Smith & Wesson Military and Police models.

Measure your cylinder bores and groove diameter to select a proper diameter for your gun.

Refer to 32-20 Rifle for more information.

Test Gun: Colt 5 1/2", WSP

Cowboy Loads Powder Start Velocity NEVER Velocity Type Grains FPS EXCEED FPS OAL

115 Flat Point 231 3.5 735 4.0 840 1.545 Titegroup 2.7 825 3.0 860 1.545 Universal 3.0 815 3.2 875 1.545 Green Dot 4.0 815 4.5 935 1.545 Red Dot 3.6 835 4.1 950 1.545 Unique 5.0 988 5.4 1051 1.545

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 49 9 x 19 (9mm Luger)

.035 .050 .391

.394.347 .356

.200 .754 1.169

he 9x19 is deservedly the most popular pistol/subgun round on Tearth. While controversial among us 45-centric Americans, a properly built 9mm pistol is capable of excellent accuracy, low recoil and HANDGUN LOADING DATA HANDGUN LOADING DATA can be loaded to deliver a serious punch. The 9x19mm’s reputation for poor accuracy rests not with the cartridge itself, but has all to do with the shallow rifling and indifferent fitting of many service grade pistols for which it’s lucklessly chambered. Laser-Cast bullets are hard enough to stabilize and group well from such guns. Best results will likely be had with heavier bullets and slower powders. Check your groove diameter and order +.001" over. For action competition 9x19mm will yield tighter extreme velocity spreads compared to such minor loads in 38 Super Auto. To obtain consistent velocities and function, pay close attention to taper crimp diameter and base sizing. A crimp diameter of .3785 is optimal for most brands of com-

9X19 (9MM LUGER) mercial brass. Do not reduce overall lengths from those listed for each bullet.

50 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS Test Gun: P-35, 4.5" barrel, WSP

Standard Loads Powder Start Velocity Maximum Velocity

Type Grains FPS Grains FPS OAL HANDGUN LOADING DATA

115 Round Nose Clays 3.4 1055 3.6 1088 1.10 AA2 4.4 957 4.9 1093 1.10 WSL 3.8 1038 4.1 1112 1.10 231 3.8 1010 4.2 1115 1.10 AA5 5.6 1088 6.2 1169 1.10 HP-38 4.4 1085 4.8 1195 1.10 122 Flat Point Solo 1000 3.1 950 3.5 1010 1.070 Clays — — 3.2 1017 1.070

AA2 4.0 1000 4.4 1072 1.070 9X19 (9MM LUGER) 231 4.0 1032 4.4 1106 1.070 AA7 7.1 1036 8.1 1135 1.070 Unique 5.2 1085 5.7 1172 1.070 AA5 5.5 1092 6.0 1167 1.070 Universal 4.4 1108 4.7 1168 1.070 HP-38 4.1 1097 4.7 1172 1.070 124 Round Nose Solo 1000 3.2 945 3.6 1015 1.130 Clays — — 3.2 1010 1.130 AA2 4.1 1008 4.5 1080 1.130 231 4.0 1020 4.4 1094 1.130 540 5.0 1018 5.7 1105 1.130 AA7 7.4 1056 8.3 1149 1.130 Universal 4.2 1072 4.7 1154 1.130 AA5 5.6 1052 6.2 1160 1.130 Unique 5.2 1075 5.8 1175 1.130 HP-38 4.2 1056 4.7 1179 1.130

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 51 135 Round Nose AA2 3.7 916 4.1 978 1.155 WAP 4.6 887 5.2 980 1.155 Universal 3.9 988 4.3 1054 1.155 AA5 5.4 1010 5.7 1058 1.155 231 4.0 996 4.5 1059 1.155 HP-38 3.8 991 4.4 1061 1.155 Unique 4.5 1004 5.0 1070 1.155 147 Flat Point WAP 4.3 867 4.7 931 1.155 Unique 3.4 838 4.2 965 1.155 AA5 4.6 890 5.1 1000 1.155 AA7 6.5 946 7.2 1077 1.155 HANDGUN LOADING DATA HANDGUN LOADING DATA

Action Loads Powder Type Grains Velocity FPS OAL

115 Round Nose HP-38 4.5 1108 1.100 122 Flat Point HP-38 4.0 1081 1.070 124 Round Nose HP-38 4.3 1071 1.130

9X19 (9MM LUGER) 135 Round Nose HP-38 3.7 969 1.150 147 Flat Point Universal 3.6 886 1.155

52 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 9X21

he 9x21 was developed in Europe to replace 9x19 Nato for civilian Tuse where military cartridges are prohibited. Factory loads match HANDGUN LOADING DATA Euro 9x19 ballistics, and handload data for 9x19 may be substituted, given identical overall lengths. (As always, work up from our start loads. Results may vary in your particular pistol.) At 9x19 overall length, 9x21 offers the sole advantage of being easier to reload.

FOR IPSC SHOOTING 9x21 had a brief period of popularity and glory as a “rule beater,” after standard length 9x19 major loads were banned by USPSA for exceeding SAAMI pressures — by a lot. (SAAMI had no industry standards for 9x21, thus no liability exposure was incurred for permitting its use. Not that it was really a good idea, but we did it.) The various CZ clones in “short” 9x21 were practically the only option in hose- 9X21 land for a high-cap open gun and bridged the gap from the time of the single stack Super to our post-modern IPSC era. The advent of truly safe, dead reliable 1911 system wide body guns killed the demand for these transitional, unreliable 9x21 guns. 38 Super variants and 9x23 are far better alternatives for major loads in high capacity 1911s. 9x21 brass varies greatly by manufacturer. Make sure your dies will maintain and restore original dimensions for your particular lot, and do not mix brands. Standard length 9mm major loads are not recommended and safe alternatives are available, such as 9x23 Winchester or 9 Super Comp. The Italian CZ clones will work reliably and hold up longer with minor loads and should be reserved for competition where major power factors aren’t required.

Use 9x19 Data. Do not decrease overall lengths from those stated.

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 53 9mm Largo

.390 .379

.392 .355

.910 1.320

minor flood of weird old pistols chambered for 9 Largo has hit A recently, renewing interest in the cartridge that made Denmark famous. It’s a solid cartridge, falling roughly into the 9mm x 19 and HANDGUN LOADING DATA HANDGUN LOADING DATA 38 Auto class. A wide range of pistols of varying strength and quality have been made for it. (Examine an old Bayard M-1910 sometime to see a work of industrial art.)

9mm Largo is similar in overall length to our more modern (and far higher-pressured) 38 Super. Popular myth holds that an Astra 400 can handle any 9mm or 38 Auto class cartridge interchangeably. Not true, muchacho! 9 Largo chambers are way too huge to safely support

9MM LARGO 38 Auto cases, while shorter 9mm rounds won’t headspace. Only correctly loaded 9 Largo rounds are safe to shoot out of your 60-year old, semi-steel, blowback-driven Franco Furter gun. (Note: 9mm Largo was the basis for 9x23 and other 38 Super alternatives; we used Midway 9 Bayard brass for IPSC shooting when it was available in the mid-80s. But, new 9x23 or 9 Super Comp brass is manufactured from heavier cups and is constructed to take the beating from major loads. Use modern 9 Largo brass only for standard loads as those listed here.) These loads are safe for older Astras in good condition.

54 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS Test Gun: Colt Government 5", WSP

Factory Duplicate Loads Powder Start Velocity Maximum Velocity

Type Grains FPS Grains FPS OAL HANDGUN LOADING DATA

124 Round Nose HP-38 4.3 1066 4.7 1145 1.270 231 4.9 1083 5.3 1146 1.270 AA2 4.4 1119 4.7 1181 1.270 700X 4.6 1094 5.0 1183 1.270 9MM LARGO

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 55 9 x 23 Winchester

.390 .379

.389 .355

.910 1.320

wenty years’ development by IPSC shooters has revealed certain Tdisadvantages of the semi-rimmed 38 Super case, creating demand for a safer, “major rated” and double-stack friendly alterna- HANDGUN LOADING DATA HANDGUN LOADING DATA tive for open competition. 9x21 was tried and found wanting. A couple of “rimless super” variants were advanced, but their small diameter case heads cause extraction problems in some pistols.

The best option is likely 9 Super Comp brass made by Starline. Its internal capacity is about 9% larger than 9x23 Winchester and 9x23 CP. The Winchester versions’ extra-thick web allows heavy loads to be safely fired from stock Colt unsupported barrels, a moot point for IPSC shooters who should be using fully-supported chambers in their race guns. 9x23’s reduced capacity causes higher pressure for a given power factor load vs. 9 Super Comp, with attendant

9X23 WINCHESTER primer cratering and flattening being more severe. Use of small rifle primers can attenuate this problem and prevent misfires from primer flow or breech face damage with 9x23 major loads, while comparable velocities might be attained safely in 9 Super Comp brass using pistol primers.

With either, correct headspace and good fit of firing pin to breachface hole is critical to avoid serious primer cratering and flow problems. At over 46,000 PSI operating pressure, 9x23 Winchester realistically requires a hard primer. However, do not use small rifle primers to mask dangerous pressures! Switching from small pistol to rifle or

56 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS magnum primers will increase pressures. Back off charges at least 5% and work back up to the maximums! Do not depend on our test results for competition velocities; use a chronograph to verify your load, as your results will differ. 9x23 Winchester and 9 Super Comp are not load interchangeable. Sort cases by brand and work up to HANDGUN LOADING DATA maximums for each brand. 38 Super data may be substituted. Use as stated for 9 Super Comp; reduce max loads 5% for 9x23 Winchester brass. 38 Super has 8% larger seated capacity than 9x23 Winchester.

These test loads were made with new factory primed 9x23 Winchester cases, fired from a stock Colt 9x23 pistol with unsupported chamber. For your safety do not use these loads in any pistol with an unsupported chamber regardless of the brass cases you select.

Taper crimp to .3785" minimum diameter. 9X23 WINCHESTER

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 57 Test Gun: Colt Government 5", WSR

High-Velocity Loads Powder Start Velocity Maximum Velocity Type Grains FPS Grains FPS OAL

122 Flat Point WAP 7.5 1323 8.1 1388 1.200 AA#7 9.0 1328 9.9 1411 1.200 HS-7 8.7 1416 9.2 1461 1.200 540 8.1 1384 8.7 1463 1.200 HS-6 8.0 1389 8.5 1470 1.200 135 Round Nose AA#9 10.9 1195 11.6 1261 1.255 HANDGUN LOADING DATA HANDGUN LOADING DATA 540 7.3 1242 7.8 1327 1.255 HS-6 7.2 1240 7.7 1330 1.255 AA#7 8.7 1279 9.2 1349 1.255

IPSC Major Loads Powder Start Velocity Maximum Velocity Type Grains FPS Grains FPS OAL

9X23 WINCHESTER 145 Round Nose AA#9 9.7 1096 10.8 1180 1.280 540 6.6 1190 7.0 1230 1.280 HS-7 7.3 1190 7.7 1246 1.280 AA#7 8.2 1200 8.6 1249 1.280 147 Flat Point AA#9 10.0 1104 10.8 1173 1.275 540 6.6 1170 7.0 1213 1.275 HS-7 7.2 1156 7.6 1212 1.275 AA#7 8.2 1203 8.6 1247 1.275 All 9x23 loads are for supported chambers only!

58 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 38 ACP

.040 .050 .384 HANDGUN LOADING DATA .406.345 .356

.900 1.280

he 38 ACP was chambered in a series of Colt/Browning pistols Tstarting with the model of 1900. These pre-1911 government model designs are not particularly strong; 38 Super auto rounds will trash these old-timers. The two cartridges are dimensionally identical, but 38 Super is loaded to far higher pressures. The last 38 ACP pistols 38 ACP were produced in 1928, and the cartridge was rendered obsolete by the introduction of the Colt 38 Super government model in 1929. These mild loads do not exceed 38 ACP pressures and will be safe for use in old Colts in good condition. Use modern 38 Super brass; mark your 38 ACP loads for certain identification! A taper crimp at .380" is correct.

Test Gun: Caspian 1911, 5" Bar-Sto, WSP

Standard Loads Powder Type Grains Velocity FPS OAL

124 Round Nose Bullseye 4.3 1050 1.250 AA2 4.4 1056 1.250 WSL 4.6 1062 1.250 HP-38 4.4 1066 1.250 231 4.6 1078 1.250

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 59 38 Super Auto + P

.040 .050 .384

.406.345 .356

.900 1.280

he 38 Super Auto was developed as a better-penetrating upgrade Tof the 1900-era 38 Auto and was intended to give cops an edge in their epic battles against the auto bandits of the 1930s. Colt 38 Super HANDGUN LOADING DATA HANDGUN LOADING DATA government models did indeed see service with law enforcement despite their traditional bias towards revolvers. The lawman’s fling with the Super ended as Smith & Wesson marketed their 38/44 and .357 Magnum wheelguns to the law enforcement community. Save to civilians in Latin American countries (where coup-fearing dictators wisely restricted their subjects to non-military calibers), sales of 38 Super pistols and ammo remained flat for many years. Modern interest and development was rekindled by IPSC competitors looking for a higher capacity alternative to 45 Auto. The first was a Northern California shooter, Mike Little, who in 1978 commissioned the author to build a couple of Colt Super “terror weapons” for major power factor match use. Our early 5", uncompensated and unramped Supers 38 SUPER AUTO + P AUTO 38 SUPER were shootable and safe enough with the 165 power factor loads of the day. Later, as the power factor was raised, our 10 round magazine capacity advantage was offset by more abusive recoil and the occa- sional case of “Super face.” It was development of good compensators and ramped, fully supported chamber barrels that permitted the 38 Super to realize its potential as the dominant cartridge for open category action shooting. While the trend toward light bullets is undeniable, heavy bullet major loads have some strong advantages. Laser-Cast bullets in 135, 145 and 147 grain weights can be driven to major power factor velocities with less pressure and are safer. Such

60 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS loads are much easier on your gun and will greatly extend the life of your bore and brass. Heavier bullets deliver a less violent, more predictable recoil impulse and such loads may be shot just as competi- tively as 125 grain screamers in a properly tuned pistol. HANDGUN LOADING DATA Maximum loads must only be fired in properly fitted pistols with fully supported chambers! Verify the condition of your pistol before you proceed. Work up to maximum loads slowly and use a chronograph to objectify your results.

Standard small pistol primers should be used when working up maximum loads. Do not subsitute rifle primers simply to mask pressure indications such as serious cratering or flow. Use of rifle primers should not be required for the 38 Super loads listed herein. Reduce maximum loads 5% when changing primers or powder lots and re- chronograph to avoid being “minored.”

Starline 38 Super Comp brass is ballistically identical to standard 38 SUPER AUTO + P semi-rimmed 38 Super auto brass, being simply a rimless version. Other similar-looking cartridge cases are very different, such as 9x23 Winchester or 9 Largo. Be careful and sort your brass before you load.

Test Gun: STI 5 1/2", WSP

Standard Loads Powder Start Velocity Maximum Velocity Type Grains FPS Grains FPS OAL

122 Flat Point AA2 4.0 923 4.6 1103 1.2 HP-38 4.4 1068 5.0 1166 1.2 WSL 4.6 1059 5.6 1229 1.2 WSF 5.2 1102 6.3 1259 1.2 Universal 5.0 1203 5.5 1278 1.2

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 61 Standard Loads Powder Start Velocity Maximum Velocity Type Grains FPS Grains FPS OAL

124 Round Nose AA2 3.9 899 4.5 1070 1.250 HP-38 4.4 1075 4.9 1150 1.250 231 4.7 1087 5.3 1151 1.250 WSL 4.6 1062 5.6 1232 1.250 Universal 5.0 1145 5.7 1250 1.250 WSF 5.2 1091 6.5 1276 1.250

HANDGUN LOADING DATA HANDGUN LOADING DATA 135 Round Nose HP-38 5.0 1021 5.4 1107 1.255 WSF 5.0 1073 5.7 1168 1.255 AA5 6.3 1031 6.9 1168 1.255 WSL 4.5 1080 5.0 1169 1.255 HS-6 6.6 1085 7.1 1180 1.255 145 Round Nose Universal 4.0 894 4.5 1064 1.280 WAP 5.7 996 6.3 1101 1.280 AA7 7.8 1011 8.7 1130 1.280 540 6.3 1014 7.2 1151 1.280 HS-7 7.5 1109 8.1 1176 1.280 38 SUPER AUTO + P AUTO 38 SUPER 147 Truncated Cone AA7 8.2 1069 8.7 1136 1.275 AA5 6.1 1041 6.6 1141 1.275 AA9 9.5 1060 10.5 1142 1.275 Universal 4.0 1004 4.5 1144 1.275 540 6.5 1132 7.0 1210 1.275 HS-7 7.4 1127 8.0 1212 1.275 All maximum 38 Super loads are for fully supported chambers only!

62 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS Test Gun: Caspian 1911, 5", WSP

Action Loads

Powder Type Grains Velocity FPS OAL HANDGUN LOADING DATA

122 Flat Point HP-38 4.3 1049 1.19 Bullseye 4.3 1053 1.19 124 Round Nose HP-38 4.5 1091 1.250 231 4.7 1087 1.250 All maximum 38 Super loads are for fully supported chambers only!

Test Gun: Caspian 1911, 5", WSP 38 SUPER AUTO + P Steel Loads Powder Type Grains Velocity FPS OAL

115 Round Nose 231 4.7 1058 1.2 WSL 4.5 1059 1.2 700X 4.7 1069 1.2 Unique 5.1 1070 1.2 Bullseye 4.9 1099 1.2 HP-38 4.6 1105 1.2 All maximum 38 Super loads are for fully supported chambers only!

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 63 38 S&W for Cowboy Shooting

.050 .386

.440 .361

.200 .775 1.240

espite the fact that the 38 S&W really isn’t very good for any spe- Dcific purpose, it has hung around since the 1870s. Generally chambered for small, inadequate, short barreled “pocket revolvers” HANDGUN LOADING DATA HANDGUN LOADING DATA that range in quality from excellent to, “Why don’t you shoot it first,” 38 S&W was the largest cartridge that would work out of a snub nose, top break revolver — millions of which were churned out by firms like Harrington & Richardson and Iver Johnson in the late 1800s and early 1900s. 38 S&W will not chamber properly in 38 Special revolvers. 38 S&W These guns were essentially the “junk guns” of their day but are often surprisingly accurate, durable and reliable. Accurate, durable and reliable as long as they are used within the limits of their relatively weak design and construction. Keep the loads moderate for safety and remember that like a Colt Single Action most of these old top breaks are unsafe to carry with a round under the hammer. They should be loaded and carried with an empty chamber under the hammer.

Cowboy shooters have sort of rediscovered this caliber for use in their pocket pistol matches. Ranges are seldom over five yards and toy balloons or clay pigeons are often used as targets, so no great power is needed or even wanted. Any load that reliably leaves the barrel probably has sufficient velocity for this application. What more can you expect from a gun they stopped making when Truman was president and cost the original purchaser less than what a Happy Meal costs today?

64 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS Bore diameters vary quite a bit in this cartridge. European guns generally have larger bores. Oregon Trail bullets can be ordered as large as .358" in diameter. Check the section on bullet fit in Chapter 1 for determining which bullet diameter is best for your gun. Although moderate, these loads are intended for modern smokeless guns in HANDGUN LOADING DATA good mechanical condition. If you have any question about the condition, safety, suitability or age of your revolver, then please have a qualified gunsmith check it for safety before firing. A roll crimp is preferred.

— Gary Morgan

Test Gun: H&R 3 1/2", WSP

Cowboy Balloon Loads 38 S&W Powder Never Velocity Type Exceed FPS OAL

158 Round Nose HP-38 2.2 582 1.080 Flat Point (.358) 231 2.0 585 1.080 Bullseye 2.0 591 1.080 Red Dot 2.2 628 1.080 Unique 3.0 675 1.080 Load exactly as stated above. Do not exceed these loads for top-break revolvers!

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 65 38 Special

.059 .379

.440 .358

1.155 1.550

his is the most successful and popular of all revolver cartridges. 38 TSpecial has also been the most reloaded round of any type. It fills a square as the lightest caliber capable of performing serious work HANDGUN LOADING DATA HANDGUN LOADING DATA yet the heaviest that minimally trained people can shoot effectively. 38 Special was universally accepted by law enforcement and military groups for this reason and sporting popularity followed suit.

In reality, few beat cops ever thought 38 Special was adequately powerful, even if fewer really wanted to carry something heavier. In recent years, 38 Special’s defensive shortcomings were made plain even to the most politicized police commissioners, and alternatives now dominate the law enforcement arena.

It’s that legendary lack of power that propelled 38 Special to pre-emi- nence amongst target shooters and casual marksmen. It maintains

38 SPECIAL PISTOL ballistic efficiency throughout a very wide latitude of velocities and bullet weights, grouping well out of many guns at lower power factors which would keyhole in larger calibers.

Technically, 38 Special has seen enormous development and improvement, but its basic dimensions and chambering have remained essentially unchanged since its introduction in 1902. The author’s 1906-vintage Smith & Wesson M&P target mikes out no differently than a modern Smith & Wesson M-14 and shoots as well. (This is a credit to the engineers at Smith who got it right the first time.)

66 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS Notes: Our data is directed towards competitive or recreational shooters who need maximum accuracy with minimal recoil. All loads listed are within standard-pressure limits for the caliber. They are safe for use in quality revolvers in good condition (and of course all

.357 Magnums). Owners of small frame revolvers (Colt ‘D’, S&W ‘J’ HANDGUN LOADING DATA frames) in particular are advised to reduce maximum loads 10% to extend service life of these light guns.

Some older revolvers were rechambered to 38 Special from 38 S&W or 38 Long Colt. If you have an old Webley or Colt Army 38 that chambers 38 Special, have it examined by a good gunsmith before shooting or loading for it!

Use small pistol (standard) primers for all loads in this section. As with other revolver cartridges a roll crimp is preferred, but don’t overdo it; accuracy in the 148 DB WC benefits from a light crimp.

For Cowboy Action shooting, use only the 158 round nose flat point 38 SPECIAL PISTOL bullet to eliminate any chance of a round-nosed round finding its way into a carbine’s magazine tube. The 158 round nose flat point has an edge on speedloading over the semi wad cutter as well.

As for other revolver cartridges, you should determine your cylinder exit and bore and groove diameter before you order bullets in quanti- ty. Refer to the section in Chapter One on bullet selection.

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 67 Test Gun: Smith & Wesson 686 6", WSP

Standard Loads Powder Start Velocity NEVER Velocity Minimum Type Grains FPS EXCEED FPS OAL

125 Truncated Cone HP-38 3.9 852 4.3 909 1.450 N100 3.3 845 3.7 928 1.450 W-231 4.3 873 4.8 974 1.450 Titegroup 3.7 873 4.1 980 1.450 AA2 4.3 914 4.8 1005 1.450 Bullseye 2.9 711 4.6 1007 1.450

HANDGUN LOADING DATA HANDGUN LOADING DATA Unique 4.1 742 5.7 1012 1.450 Red Dot 3.4 879 4.3 1018 1.450 700X 3.4 882 4.2 1046 1.450 158 Semi Wad Cutter/Round Nose Flat Point/Round Nose HP-38 3.3 712 3.7 781 1.435 International 3.0 677 3.5 818 1.435 AA2 3.5 766 4.0 839 1.435 Universal 4.1 805 4.5 883 1.435 700X 2.5 685 3.6 884 1.435 Red Dot 3.2 793 3.8 889 1.435 Titegroup 3.3 800 3.8 891 1.435 Unique 3.8 732 5.0 976 1.435 38 SPECIAL PISTOL

PPC Loads Powder Start Velocity NEVER Velocity Minimum Type Grains FPS EXCEED FPS OAL

148 Double Base Wad Cutter Clays 2.2 644 2.5 734 1.175 231 3.0 681 3.4 814 1.175 Titegroup 3.0 814 3.3 862 1.175 Bullseye 2.7 753 3.3 862 1.175

68 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS HP-38 3.4 784 3.8 866 1.175

Test Gun: Ruger Blackhawk 6 1/2" , WSP HANDGUN LOADING DATA Cowboy Loads Powder Type Grains Velocity FPS OAL

158 Round Nose 700X 2.6 708 1.435 Flat Point HP-38 3.5 745 1.435 AA2 3.5 749 1.435 Unique 3.9 750 1.435 Bullseye 2.9 756 1.435 Red Dot 3.2 771 1.435 Titegroup 3.2 780 1.435 38 SPECIAL PISTOL

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 69 .357 Magnum Pistol

.060 .379

.440 .358

.200 1.290 1.590

he .357 was cooked up as the logical improvement on the higher- Tpressured 38-44 loadings popular with 1930s coppers. Our sample of vintage Winchester 158 grain 38-44s chronograph at 1060 fps HANDGUN LOADING DATA HANDGUN LOADING DATA from a 5-inch blower, well above today’s 38 Special + P stuff. These 38-44 loads were intended for big, purpose-built large-framed revolvers such as Smith & Wesson’s Outdoorsman and were arguably the most powerful that could still be inadvertently fired from a standard 38 Special heater without certain catastrophic failure. The hazard of interchangeability was removed by lengthening the 38 Special case .135" to 1.29", creating the .357 Magnum.

With no constraints beyond the yield strength of the best revolvers Smith & Wesson could make, Winchester loaded their original 158 grain .357 Magnum to in excess of 1520 fps from an eight-inch barrel. When introduced in 1935, the new .357 Magnum was indisput- edly the most powerful handgun round available. With nothing else .357 MAGNUM PISTOL to compare it to, its proponents set forth to prove its worth by hunting all manner of large and dangerous game. These marginally sporting but well-publicized exploits served to exaggerate the Magnum’s true capabilities and created the “Magnum as elephant gun” myth that delayed its eventual full acceptance by America’s lawmen.

Of course, as truly brutish calibers such as 44 Magnum came along, the sporting public began to see .357 Magnum for what it is: a superbly accurate and efficient cartridge possessed of just enough power to get you into trouble but not quite enough to always get you

70 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS out of it. For example, .357 is surely accurate and flat-shooting enough to engage the hardest targets in Metallic Silhouette, but lacks the on-target momentum to reliably drive down the rams with other than a perfect hit — and then only with a down-range breeze.

Shooting IHMSA standing division with a .357 Magnum revolver must HANDGUN LOADING DATA surely be the ultimate challenge of man vs. metal. (This paradigm applies directly to its hunting applications as well.)

In other sports where power is a factor, .357 Magnum is very effective. IPSC/USPSA major power factor is easily achieved from a 6" barrel revolver. Though the 45 Auto Rim is first choice for pins, the .357 is an easier-to-shoot alternative (and usually wins the 8-pin events).

The best thing about a good .357 Magnum revolver is its ability to fire 38 Specials, and for low power applications that’s the way to fly. (This section includes reduced .357 loads for Cowboy Shooting. Do not load them in 38 Special cases!) .357 MAGNUM PISTOL Don’t over-flare your brass! A light roll crimp is all you need for Cowboy loads. Magnum-level charges require a heavy crimp. Seating depth is determined by crimp groove location; sort sized cases by length for critical accuracy loading and adjust seating depth accord- ingly. Use Magnum small pistol primers where indicated by an aster- isk (*).

Finally, be certain of your gun’s cylinder exit bore and groove diameters; select a bullet diameter at or .001" over the mean diameter.

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 71 Test Gun: Smith & Wesson M-686 6", WSP*

Standard Loads Powder Start Velocity NEVER Velocity Minimum Type Grains FPS EXCEED FPS OAL

125 Truncated Cone HP-38 4.1 775 5.0 959 1.585 N100 3.6 836 4.3 1003 1.585 Titegroup 4.0 910 4.8 1048 1.585 700X 3.6 843 4.9 1065 1.585 Red Dot 3.8 912 4.9 1092 1.585 HS-6 8.0 1025 9.0 1168 1.585

HANDGUN LOADING DATA HANDGUN LOADING DATA AA5 8.7 1255 9.5 1369 1.585 Unique 7.7 1320 8.6 1448 1.585 2400* 14.0 1398 16.3 1484 1.585 158 Round Nose Flat Point/Semi Wad Cutter/Round Nose HP-38 3.6 707 4.2 806 1.570 Bullseye 3.3 751 3.8 813 1.570 N100 3.2 771 3.9 900 1.570 Red Dot 3.6 803 4.4 936 1.570 Titegroup 3.8 838 4.4 943 1.570 AA9* 11.0 1094 12.2 1215 1.570 H4227* 13.5 1172 15.0 1254 1.570 HS-7* 9.0 1136 10.0 1276 1.570 H110* 13.8 1225 14.5 1296 1.570 2400* 14.2 1336 15.3 1460 1.570 .357 MAGNUM PISTOL

72 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS Metallic Silhouette Loads

Powder Start Velocity NEVER Velocity HANDGUN LOADING DATA Minimum Type Grains FPS EXCEED FPS OAL

180 Flat Point Unique 5.2 917 6.2 1030 1.580 H4227* 12.1 1082 13.0 1144 1.580 296* 12.5 1035 13.7 1158 1.580 H110* 12.4 1000 13.4 1169 1.580 2400* 10.8 1130 12.0 1187 1.580 Blue Dot 8.9 1214 9.3 1252 1.580 *Requires magnum pistol primers. Do not reduce loads below start charges shown .357 MAGNUM PISTOL

Test Gun: Smith & Wesson M-686 6", WSP

Cowboy Loads Powder Maximum Velocity Minimum Type Grains FPS OAL

125 Truncated Titegroup 4.2 944 1.585 Cone 700X 4.2 945 1.585 N100 4.1 955 1.585 HP-38 5.0 959 1.585 Red Dot 4.1 961 1.585 158 Round Nose Titegroup 3.3 750 1.570 Flat Point Bullseye 3.3 751 1.570 N100 3.1 752 1.570 Red Dot 3.3 753 1.570 HP-38 3.9 756 1.570 180 Flat Point Clays 3.2 741 1.580 Universal 4.0 746 1.580 Red Dot 3.4 747 1.580 231 4.0 760 1.580

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 73 38-40 Pistol

° .065 7 .467 .456 .435

.525 .470 .400

.200 .613 .922 1.003 1.074 1.305 1.592

his cartridge is neither .38 caliber nor did it originally use 40 Tgrains of black powder. Originally loaded in the 1870s by

HANDGUN LOADING DATA HANDGUN LOADING DATA Winchester with a 200 grain .40 caliber bullet and 38 grains of black powder, the cartridge is actually a .40-38. It’s a little confusing and I suspect that some dyslexic Winchester employee probably got the numbers reversed. At any rate, this was at one time a very popular cartridge, being the third most popular chambering of first generation Colt Single Action revolvers. Many Winchester and Marlin lever guns were also chambered for this cartridge. Throughout the years various ammunition companies have tried to beef up the performance of this new cartridge with a “carbine only” load. These loads are not safe for pistols. The loads we show here are safe for modern pistols and car- 38-40 PISTOL bines in good condition.

This is a tapered bottle-necked cartridge that has a reputation of being somewhat difficult to reload. Cases can sometimes crush if the resizing process is rushed. Cases can also collapse during bullet seating if the cartridge case is too long, the bullets are seated beyond the crimping groove, or if the bullet enters the cartridge case at an odd angle. Generally, round nose flat point bullets present the least problems with seating and crimping. Some shooters have reported reduced seating problems after trimming their cartridge cases to a uniform length. Bore and chamber mouth diameters vary quite a bit for this cartridge. You may need to experiment with various bullet sizes to find the best fit. A bullet that fits the chamber mouth may

74 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS not chamber in some revolvers. You may have to compromise on bullet size. We recommend using new brass in this cartridge as many older unsafe balloon head cases are still encountered with the 38-40. A roll crimp is preferred. HANDGUN LOADING DATA Note: Our test Ruger Blackhawk revolver with 6 1/2" barrel produced some wickedly high velocities, perhaps due to its particularly tight cylinder gap and minimum exit bore and groove diameters. These loads all fall within powder manufacturers’ standards. Your velocities will likely be lower! We recommend Starline cases for 38-40 and other obsolete “Cowboy” calibers.

— Gary Morgan

Test Gun: Ruger Blackhawk 6 1/2", WLP 38-40 PISTOL

Cowboy Loads Powder Start Velocity NEVER Velocity Minimum Type Grains FPS EXCEED FPS OAL

180 Round Nose Flat Point Red Dot 4.0 754 4.7 845 1.575 231 5.0 801 5.8 910 1.575 Bullseye 4.6 853 5.2 924 1.575 Clays 4.6 825 5.5 925 1.575 Unique 5.9 846 6.5 932 1.575 XMP-5744 11.0 767 14.8 949 1.575 HP-38 5.6 876 6.5 980 1.575 2400 11.3 816 13.0 982 1.575 Titegroup 5.0 902 6.0 1020 1.575

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 75 .40 S&W

.045 .055 .424

.424.347 .400

.200 .850 1.135

everal tragic incidents between lawmen and determined, well- Sarmed felons in the early 1980s brought out a need for a better defensive pistol cartridge. With many well-documented stopping fail- HANDGUN LOADING DATA HANDGUN LOADING DATA ures of 9mm/38 Special on record, the Feds knew what didn’t work. Led by the FBI, they undertook serious, reality-based testing of terminal ballistics to objectify criteria to replace the flawed and discredited “computer man” model of the 1970s.

This program led to the conclusion that a 180 grain, .40 caliber bullet

.40 S&W at 970 fps optimized barrier penetration and “stopping power” with controllability. The FBI adapted a 10mm Norma Smith & Wesson pistol and a reduced 10mm load.

This reduced load gave somewhat inconsistent velocities as a function of 10mm’s big-capacity case. As well, function problems appeared in the big Smith autos which were originally rated for heavier loadings. Smith & Wesson teamed with Olin to design a new round meeting the new performance criteria in a smaller package. With various 10mm wildcat cartridges as a starting point, they arrived at .40 S&W and designed a new, higher capacity but smaller- framed pistol around it — the excellent 4006 series.

.40 took off in popularity. It offers 45 ACP energy in a 9mm P-sized handgun of good magazine capacity. But, where S&W designed a purpose-built gun for .40 S&W, other makers of 9mm service-type pistols got into the market by simply rebarreling and modifying the breechfaces of their existing models, depending on luck and stiffer

76 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS recoil springs to compensate for the greatly increased power factor of the .40. The feeding characteristics of .40 S&W are poorer than that of 9mm P, being of similar O.A.L. but larger in diameter. This preclud- ed manufacturers of 9mm P pistols from using non-intrusive feed ramps in their .40 S&W versions without considerable redesign. HANDGUN LOADING DATA Thus, many .40 S&W service-type pistols have chambers which don’t fully support the case wall in the feed ramp area, and may have oversized, feeding-friendly chamber dimensions to boot.

Ammo and pistol manufacturers aren’t concerned with reloading safety or case life, but you are. Factory loads will fire safely from such guns, one time, but may expand the brass past its safe yield point; resizing works it further, weakening it more. All Glock .40 S&W pistols as of this writing have large, unsupported chambers, as do other makes. Examine your barrel and know what you’re dealing with before you proceed!

.40 S&W is loaded to maximum pressure by most manufacturers. .40 S&W Our basic data is adjusted to not exceed the FBI’s original criteria by power factor. Our unsupported chamber loads have an additional margin of safety factored in and are maximum for such guns, using only new or once-fired cases! We cannot recommend reloading cases fired in pistols with large, unsupported chambers! (See your gunsmith if you have questions about your gun.)

Best accuracy was achieved with our 170 semi wad cutter Laser-Cast bullet, with the 38-40 180 round nose flat point a close second. The 180 round nose flat point is seated so the case mouth just meets the front of its crimp groove, or 1.125" O.A.L. Taper crimp to .420 with all bullets. Stated overall lengths are minimums. Do not load any shorter, or dangerous pressures may result! Some .40 S&W pistols function better with slightly longer O.A.L.s; load up and mark a few dummy rounds to verify feeding before you proceed.

Owners of Para-Ordnance, STI/SVI or other 1911-type .40 S&W pistols should refer to the next section.

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 77 Test Gun: Entréprise 5", WSP

Standard Loads Powder Start Velocity NEVER Velocity Minimum Type Grains FPS EXCEED FPS OAL

155 Round Nose Semi Wad Cutter WST 5.0 970 5.6 1034 1.126 WSL 4.7 1042 5.2 1102 1.126 HP-38 5.0 1045 5.4 1108 1.126 WAP 6.7 1050 7.2 1120 1.126 231 5.0 1045 5.4 1121 1.126 Universal 5.1 1066 5.6 1136 1.135

HANDGUN LOADING DATA HANDGUN LOADING DATA 540 7.1 1076 7.7 1151 1.135 AA5 6.7 1081 7.3 1154 1.135 170 Semi Wad Cutter AA5 5.5 926 6.1 998 1.135 WSL 4.3 969 4.7 1022 1.135 WAP 5.8 966 6.2 1025 1.135 HP-38 4.5 962 4.9 1028 1.135 .40 S&W 231 4.6 967 5.0 1043 1.135 540 6.5 985 7.0 1050 1.135 Universal 4.6 1000 5.0 1065 1.135 180 Truncated Cone Clays 3.2 848 3.4 880 1.130 WAP 5.4 814 5.9 884 1.130 WST 4.5 886 5.0 941 1.130 Unique 5.2 895 5.6 949 1.130 Red Dot 4.1 924 4.4 969 1.130 AA5 5.5 885 6.0 945 1.130 HS-6 6.6 908 7.1 973 1.130 Universal 4.7 933 5.1 979 1.130 540 6.2 896 6.9 998 1.130 Caution: These loads are intended for use in pistols with fully supported chambers ONLY!

78 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS Test Gun: Entréprise 5", WSP

Standard Loads Powder Start Velocity NEVER Velocity

Minimum HANDGUN LOADING DATA Type Grains FPS EXCEED FPS OAL

180 Round Nose Flat Point WAP 5.4 795 5.8 842 1.122 WST 4.5 886 5.0 941 1.122 Unique 5.2 891 5.6 941 1.122 HS-6 6.6 890 7.1 957 1.122 Universal 4.7 917 5.1 961 1.122 540 6.2 877 6.9 978 1.122 200 Truncated Cone 540 5.5 835 6.0 886 1.135

AA5 4.7 823 5.2 907 1.135 .40 S&W Unique 4.2 825 4.7 910 1.135 Universal 3.9 832 4.3 912 1.135 HS-6 5.6 842 6.1 915 1.135 Caution: These loads are intended for use in pistols with fully supported chambers ONLY!

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 79 Test Gun: Glock M-22, WSP

Maximum loads for unsupported chamber service pistols Powder NEVER Velocity Minimum Type EXCEED FPS OAL

155 Round Nose WST 5.6 1029 1.135 Semi Wad Cutter 231 5.1 1067 1.135 HP-38 5.1 1067 1.135 WAP 7.0 1092 1.135 Universal 5.3 1097 1.135 540 7.3 1101 1.135 AA5 7.0 1108 1.135 170 Semi Wad AA5 5.7 950 1.135

HANDGUN LOADING DATA HANDGUN LOADING DATA Cutter WSL 4.3 958 1.135 HP-38 4.6 983 1.135 231 4.7 986 1.135 WAP 5.9 989 1.135 540 6.6 998 1.135 Universal 4.6 1013 1.135

.40 S&W 180 Truncated Cone, WAP 5.7 849 1.135* or Round Nose WST 4.6 884 1.135 Flat Point AA5 5.6 895 1.135 Unique 5.3 918 1.135 540 6.4 922 1.135 HS-6 6.8 934 1.135 Universal 4.8 935 1.135 *To use this load data for our 180 RN FP bullet, seat to minimum OAL of 1.125

Do not exceed these loads in pistols with unsupported chambers; read and understand text fully before loading.

Be certain your pistol will fully chamber these loads using dummy rounds. Your pistol should not fire out of battery (slide not fully forward)! Consult your pistols’ manufacturer or a qualified pistol smith to make sure your pistol is safe before shooting.

80 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS .40 S&W Long Loaded

.045 .055 .424 HANDGUN LOADING DATA

.424.347 .400

.200 .850 1.165 +

he current emphasis on run and gun stages has compelled many TUSPSA Limited competitors to bypass the 45 ACP for a high capacity .40. They are willing to sacrifice a degree of accuracy, case life and a margin of safety to cram three more rounds into their magazines. (Perhaps, if having teeth pulled added 5% to our scores, we’d .40 S&W Long-Loaded do that too...) Fortunately, .40 S&W loses a lot of its bad bite when loaded out to overall lengths that function optimally in the various wide body 1911s. Standard overall length .40 S&W rounds often won’t run in guns with 45 ACP-length magazines and steep, supported feed ramps. Long loaded .40s operate at a bit less pressure, restor- ing some case life and safety to the reloader. Caution: Your barrels’ rifling leade must be cut longer to accept these longer overall lengths reliably. Use dummy rounds to check chambering and function. Be certain that your pistol will feed and eject long rounds 100%and consult your pistol’s manufacturer or your gunsmith if you have any doubts before you proceed. DO NOT shorten these overall lengths. These loads are only to be used in 1911-type pistols with fully supported chambers. Taper crimp at .420".

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 81 Test Gun: Entréprise, 5" Bar-Sto, WSP

Major Power Factor IPSC Loads Powder Start Velocity Maximum Velocity Type Grains FPS Grains FPS OAL

170 Semi Wad Cutter 540 6.3 915 7.2 1030 1.170 AA5 6.6 1018 6.7 1035 1.170 180 Flat Point 231 4.3 899 5.0 989 1.190 Universal 5.1 944 5.5 1016 1.190 Titegroup 4.2 960 4.6 1016 1.190 HANDGUN LOADING DATA HANDGUN LOADING DATA Unique 5.5 941 5.9 1018 1.190 WSL 4.3 918 4.8 1012 1.190 540 6.2 907 7.0 1021 1.190 200 Flat Point Titegroup 3.5 828 3.9 884 1.190 AA5 5.0 841 5.3 886 1.190 HS-6 6.3 884 6.7 940 1.190 N350 5.0 888 5.4 944 1.190 Universal 4.2 860 4.7 951 1.190

Test Gun: Entréprise, 5" Bar-Sto, WSP

Minor Power Factor Action Loads .40 S&W Long-Loaded Powder Type Grains Velocity FPS OAL

155 Round Nose/ HP-38 4.9 998 1.165 Semi Wad Cutter Clays 4.0 1000 1.165 231 5.1 1027 1.165 WSL 4.8 1029 1.165 170 Semi Wad Clays 3.5 887 1.170 Cutter WSL 4.6 969 1.170 231 4.8 977 1.170 HP-38 4.6 986 1.170 Caution: Use only in pistols with fully supported chambers!

82 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS HANDGUN LOADING DATA 10 MM AUTO 83 1.260 .992 NEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS OVERALL STATED REDUCE NEVER .425 .045 .055 .347 .200 .425 .400 Be sure your pistol will eject loaded rounds — check with loaded rounds will eject pistol your Be sure

Bren of thoughtful the brainchild of 1983. This was pistol 10 he 10mm Norma Auto was first chambered in the infamous in the chambered first was Norma Auto he 10mm DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADS MAXIMUM EXCEED NOT DO closest extreme velocity spreads of those we tested. of those we spreads velocity closest extreme a potential for accidental firing by contact with the ejector. 10mm with the ejector. contact by firing accidental a potential for .4205" to max loads, crimp. For taper heavy a fairly benefits from the give major loads listed here is suggested. The reduced .4210" Caution: small case head create primer and relatively large 10mm’s dummies. less pressure, greater safety margin and less wear on the gun. Cases and less wear safety margin greater less pressure, who also shooters And, for loads. with reduced last almost forever primer is a major convenience. pistol the large load 45 ACP, Despite these shortcomings, 10mm Auto has some advantages too. has some advantages Auto 10mm Despite these shortcomings, with much .40 S&W performance loads can deliver 10mm Reduced spreads over comparable .40 comparable over spreads The long case loads. S&W or 45 ACP reliable critical for length very bullet selection and overall also makes pistols. feeding in many as full-on 10mm Auto loads are far too powerful for responsible for powerful too far loads are Auto as full-on 10mm to be down-loaded may Auto use or competition. 10mm defensive velocity extreme case yields greater but its big levels reasonable .400 Cor-Bon are available, 10mm Auto is still the best cartridge is still the Auto 10mm available, .400 Cor-Bon are Of is required. pistol a 1911-sized from choice when brute force be has not been determined, may just what that requirement course, T needed to round pistol defensive an effective who believed experts like alternatives end. Although Imperial - end to a Chrysler penetrate 10mm Auto 10mm Test Gun: Entréprise 1911 frame, 5" Bar-Sto barrel, WLP

Standard Loads Powder Start Velocity Maximum Velocity Type Grains FPS Grains FPS OAL

155 Round Nose Unique 6.5 1093 7.1 1182 1.255 AA5 8.3 1173 9.2 1284 1.255 AA7 10.3 1119 11.5 1254 1.255 HS-6 9.6 1263 10.6 1364 1.255 170 Semi Wad Cutter 231 5.0 1031 5.6 1121 1.250 Unique 6.0 1021 6.7 1130 1.250

HANDGUN LOADING DATA HANDGUN LOADING DATA AA5 7.6 1041 8.4 1186 1.250 AA7 9.6 1080 10.6 1222 1.250 HS-6 9.0 1149 9.6 1229 1.250 180 Flat Point Unique 6.1 1015 6.7 1075 1.260 AA7 9.2 991 10.0 1086 1.260 AA5 7.6 1045 8.2 1109 1.260 540 8.2 1132 8.8 1204 1.260

10 MM AUTO 10 MM HS-6 8.7 1150 9.2 1205 1.260 200 Flat Point Universal 4.8 931 5.6 1041 1.260 HS-7 8.2 1006 9.0 1089 1.260 AA9 10.9 1011 11.8 1105 1.260

84 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS Reduced Action Load

Powder Type Grains Velocity FPS OAL HANDGUN LOADING DATA

155 Round Nose Clays 4.4 1017 1.255

IPSC Major Loads Powder Type Grains Velocity FPS OAL

200 Flat Point HP-38 4.8 920 1.260

Universal 4.8 931 1.260 10 MM AUTO Unique 5.5 937 1.260 700X 4.6 941 1.260

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 85 .41 Magnum Pistol

.059 .435

.492 .410

.200 1.290 1.590

his excellent cartridge was introduced in 1965 and promoted by Tthe gun press of the day as a ballistically superior alternative to either 38 Special or .357 Magnum for law enforcement use. Coming HANDGUN LOADING DATA HANDGUN LOADING DATA as it did at the dawn of the semi-auto pistol era for John Law, the .41 Magnum Smith & Wesson M-57 and 58s represented the apex of revolver development. (The industry was no doubt as proud of the new cartridge as was Baldwin of their last steam locomotives.)

The heavy N-frame M-58 demanded much more training time for officer proficiency, while the “Magnum” label became a liability in the politically poisonous atmosphere of community relations circa 1968. For these reasons, the .41 Magnum didn’t see much popular acceptance nor development. It’s remained in the shadow of the 44 Magnum amongst sporting shooters. This is unwarranted, given that the .41 Mag can deliver 85 percent of the 44’s momentum with

.41 MAGNUM PISTOL a flatter trajectory and much less abusive recoil. Our 215 grain semi wad cutter requires a fairly heavy crimp and Magnum primer for maximum performance. Our reduced loads should approximate the old law enforcement cartridge’s ballistics.

86 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS Test Gun: S&W M-57 6 1/2", WLP

Magnum Loads

Powder Start Velocity NEVER Velocity HANDGUN LOADING DATA Type Grains FPS EXCEED FPS OAL

215 Semi Wad Cutter H4227 17.9 1076 19.4 1166 1.595 Unique 8.0 1025 10.0 1265 1.595 H110 - DO NOT REDUCE -21.0 1306 1.595 296 19.1 1227 20.6 1325 1.595 2400 18.4 1253 19.6 1336 1.595 HS-7 11.8 1281 13.2 1375 1.595 Caution: Do not reduce maximum H-100 loads more than 3% .41 MAGNUM PISTOL

Reduced Loads Powder Maximum Velocity Type Grains FPS OAL

215 Semi Wad 231 6.5 895 1.595 Cutter Unique 7.6 956 1.595 Titegroup 6.5 973 1.595 Universal 7.5 995 1.595 Bullseye 6.0 997 1.595 Reduce above loads by 10% for starting loads.

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 87 44-40 Pistol

4° .065 .458 .469 .446

.525 .471 .427

.200 .653 .928 1.004 1.305 1.592

ntroduced in the 1870s as the original caliber for the Winchester I1873 lever action carbine, Colt soon chambered their Single Action Army for this cartridge as a companion piece to Winchester’s lever HANDGUN LOADING DATA HANDGUN LOADING DATA guns. This cartridge was widely used on the frontier and handguns in 44-40 were produced well into the 1940s. This cartridge has enjoyed sort of a resurgence among Cowboy shooters and those interested in traditional calibers.

The 44-40 has a reputation for being somewhat difficult to reload. The case can be thin and fragile often crushing if run into the resizing die without due care. The tapered case originally helped the cartridge feed through slightly fouled black powder chambers, but 44-40 PISTOL tapered chambers preclude the use of carbide resizing dies. Sometimes 44-40 cases crush or deform during the seating and crimping process. Trimming cases to a uniform length may alleviate this problem. Bore and cylinder throat dimensions vary quite a bit in this caliber. Some original 1870s guns have bores as tight as .425" while modern guns should measure .427". If you are unsure about the safety, lineage or bore diameter of your gun, have a gunsmith check it out. These loads are intended to be safe in modern guns in good condition. Watch out for balloon head cases in this caliber. Many are still floating around. We recommend using only new cases in 44-40 to avoid this problem. A roll crimp is preferred.

These loads gave us good accuracy and reasonably narrow velocity spreads; we don’t recommend reducing these starting loads. With

88 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS HANDGUN LOADING DATA 44-40 PISTOL 89 — Gary Morgan NEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS OVERALL STATED REDUCE NEVER Cowboy Loads Test Gun Colt S.A. 5 1/2", CCI large pistol primers 5 1/2", Gun Colt S.A. Test 13.0 695 15.4 780 13.5 705 17.0 873 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADS MAXIMUM EXCEED NOT DO XMP-5744 XMP-5744 Titegroup Titegroup 5.0 749 6.2 897 Unique 6.2 231 5.8 650 684 7.2 7.0 780 838 Unique 6.0 225 Round Nose Flat Point Universal 675 Titegroup 6.5 4.6 8.0 705 655 925 7.0 5.6 745 777 231 N100 5.5 5.0 726 734 6.4 5.3 793 766 200 Round Nose Flat Point 200 Round Nose Flat Universal HP-38 6.5 5.5 676 667 7.2 6.5 731 768 Type Grains FPS Grains FPS their thin cylinder walls, Colt-type revolvers in 44-40 are not strong not are in 44-40 revolvers Colt-type walls, thin cylinder their increase Do not standards. CUP 12,500 loads exceeding for enough case. in any loads maximum these Powder Start Velocity Maximum Velocity 44 Russian

.965

.511.429 .454

ike the 45 Schofield, this obsolete cartridge has been revived for Luse in reproduction Smith & Wesson copies by Cowboy Action shooters. It was originally chambered in many of the most elegant HANDGUN LOADING DATA HANDGUN LOADING DATA revolvers of the last century, such as Colt’s Bisley and Smith’s Frontier D.A. The 44 Russian cartridge enjoyed an unrivaled reputation for accuracy, being favored by exhibition shooters of the era. 44 Russian is the precursor to 44 Special, is .185" shorter and has 78% of the Special’s seated case capacity. It will chamber correctly in any 44 Special (or Magnum) revolver; function through carbine actions may be a problem, however. 44 Russian loads may exhibit less aspect variation with more consistent velocities compared to 44 RUSSIAN comparable, reduced 44 Special rounds. Modern reproduction top break revolvers are metallurgically superior to black powder antiques, but are mechanically identical. Do not exceed these loads in such Smith & Wesson copies. Roll crimps are preferred. If your crimp die is too long for the shorter Russian case, a carefully adjusted .40 S&W/10mm sizer may be substituted to crimp with excellent results.

90 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS Test Gun Smith & Wesson 1950, 6 1/2", WLP

Cowboy Loads

Powder Start Velocity Maximum Velocity HANDGUN LOADING DATA Minimum Type Grains FPS Grains FPS OAL

200 Round Nose Flat Point Clays 3.2 661 3.7 745 1.230 HP-38 4.2 705 5.0 839 1.230 Red Dot 3.9 776 4.5 848 1.230 Titegroup 3.9 754 4.6 900 1.230 Bullseye 4.4 820 5.0 918 1.230 Unique 5.8 844 6.5 954 1.230 225 Round Nose Flat Point

Clays 3.0 661 3.5 712 1.230 44 RUSSIAN HP-38 4.2 695 4.8 789 1.230 Red Dot 3.7 718 4.1 789 1.230 Bullseye 4.1 784 4.4 834 1.230 Titegroup 3.8 737 4.3 839 1.230 Unique 5.4 814 6.0 881 1.230 Do not exceed these loads! Use only in modern 44 Special/Magnum revolvers or Smith & Wesson Schofield reproductions in excellent condition. Original Smith & Wesson Top-Break revolvers should never be fired with smokeless powder loads!

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 91 44 Special Pistol

.060 .457

.514 .430

.200 1.160 1.615

mith & Wesson introduced the 44 Special for their first model Shand ejector of 1906. Though it’s larger in seated case capacity than the black powder 44 Russian on which it was based, 44 Special HANDGUN LOADING DATA HANDGUN LOADING DATA was always intended for smokeless powder. Despite the large case, 44 Special has proven itself to be a very efficient and accurate round, yielding consistent velocities even with fairly light loads. As with the case with 38 Special, handloaders saw the potential for improved ballistics, leading to the 44 Magnum. Today, 44 Special stands as the perfect standard-performance compliment to the latter. It’s very suitable for Cowboy Action competition, giving more consistent results with lighter loads than may be had with 44 Magnum or certainly 44–40 while working smoothly through most carbine actions.

For consistent weenie loads out of 44 Special revolvers, use of the 44 Russian case holds some appeal, but in practice the extra bullet 44 SPECIAL PISTOL jump seems to negate the advantage of the smaller capacity case. Our 44 Special start loads were developed with acceptable extreme velocity spreads and safety in mind; we don’t recommend reducing them appreciably. If low-recoil shooting and competitiveness are desired, consider 38 Special. 44 Special requires a moderate roll crimp for best results. Try the 240 semi wad cutter with Unique or 2400 for full power accuracy work.

92 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS Test Gun Smith & Wesson 6", WLP

Standard Loads Powder Start Velocity Maximum Velocity

Type Grains FPS Grains FPS OAL HANDGUN LOADING DATA

240 Semi Wad Cutter 700X 3.9 655 4.5 728 1.480 HP-38 4.3 648 4.9 775 1.480 Unique 6.0 660 6.9 780 1.480 Bullseye 4.0 722 4.4 790 1.480 HS-6 7.1 726 7.6 797 1.480 231 4.5 661 5.4 798 1.480 AA2 4.2 721 4.7 819 1.480 2400 11.4 725 13.2 845 1.480 HS-7 9.1 735 10.4 850 1.480 AA9 9.7 818 10.8 930 1.480 44 SPECIAL PISTOL

Cowboy Loads Powder Start Velocity Maximum Velocity Type Grains FPS Grains FPS OAL

200 Round Nose Flat Point Clays 3.5 660 4.1 755 1.425 Red Dot 4.5 749 5.1 841 1.425 HP-38 4.6 735 5.5 855 1.425 Titegroup 4.3 765 5.1 915 1.425 Bullseye 4.8 750 5.5 920 1.425 Unique 6.1 790 7.3 949 1.425 225 Round Nose Flat Point Clays 3.3 650 3.8 704 1.425 Red Dot 4.1 710 4.6 774 1.425 HP-38 4.6 691 5.3 793 1.425 Bullseye 4.5 780 4.8 815 1.425 Titegroup 4.1 723 4.7 830 1.425 Unique 6.1 811 6.8 877 1.425

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 93 44 Magnum

1.285

.514.430 .456

o modern handgun round has benefited from more hype nor Nbeen more exaggerated in popular mythology than 44 Magnum, “the most powerful handgun in the world…” The shadow cast by its HANDGUN LOADING DATA HANDGUN LOADING DATA monolithic popularity has obscured other worthwhile cartridges and 44 Magnum is often promoted for applications perhaps more suited to less powerful rounds. Still, the 44 Magnum rates the praise heaped upon it. Though other more powerful handgun and revolver cartridges have been promoted, the 44 Magnum still puts the most energy on target at range from a reasonably sized and shootable handgun. In fact, 44 Magnum represents the upper threshold of recoil tolerance for most shooters.

44 Magnum is the descendant of heavily-loaded 44 Special experiments and is blessed with much of the latter’s wide load tolerance, efficiency, and superb accuracy. While designed as a high-horsepower

44 MAGNUM PISTOL hunting cartridge, 44 Magnum performs quite well with reasonably reduced loads in the 900 to 1050 fps range. Of course, Cowboy Action competitors will want to cut their velocities further and we’ve worked up some good loadings for our 200 and 225 grain round nose flat point bullets for the fringe vest and spurs crowd. As with the other large-capacity revolver rounds, consistency suffers as load density is decreased below 50% of seated capacity. We don’t recommend reducing our starting loads further. Low-velocity loads will likely not group as well as you’d like, to boot; incomplete obturation of Laser-Cast bullets may occur at pipsqueak pressures.

94 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS Whatever your application, correct bullet sizing is critical to accuracy. Refer to “Bullet Fit in Revolvers” in Chapter One for suggestions.

44 Magnum revolvers are very competitive in Metallic Silhouette shooting. When working up to your maximum ram load pay careful HANDGUN LOADING DATA heed to pressure indications. Sticky extraction may present itself before primers appear excessively flat or cratered, for example. Small changes in crimp, seated depth or components used may affect accuracy and pressure disproportionately; reduce maximum loads at least 5% when changing anything. (Exception: reduce H110 and 296 maximum loads by 3%.)

Case length will affect crimp values, so sorting brass by manufacturer and sized length is worthwhile, particularly for maximum accuracy from full-on Magnum loads.

Please also read the 44 Magnum Rifle and Chapter Four Metallic

Silhouette sections for more information. 44 MAGNUM PISTOL

Use a heavy roll crimp for Magnum loads.

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 95 Test Gun: Ruger Super Red Hawk 9 1/2", WLP

Silhouette Loads Powder Start Velocity Maximum Velocity Type Grains FPS Grains FPS OAL

240 Semi Wad Cutter HS-6 10.8 1044 12.0 1170 1.605 HS-7 12.0 1080 14.0 1274 1.605 Unique 10.8 1302 11.7 1349 1.605 AA9 19.8 1334 21.7 1465 1.605 H110 23.4 1423 24.0 1469 1.605 296 22.6 1357 24.3 1515 1.605 2400 19.8 1354 22.4 1525 1.605 HANDGUN LOADING DATA HANDGUN LOADING DATA Work up to maximum loads carefully.

300 Flat Point 2400 13.0 986 16.2 1178 1.610 AA9 16.6 1163 18.5 1300 1.610 296 20.2 1308 1.610 H110 20.0 1333 1.610 Do not reduce H110 or 296 maximum loads more than 3% to start. Use WLP for all 44 Magnum pistol loads. 44 MAGNUM PISTOL

96 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS Test Gun: Ruger 7 1/2", WLP

Cowboy Loads

Powder Start Velocity Maximum Velocity HANDGUN LOADING DATA Type Grains FPS Grains FPS OAL

200 Round Nose Flat Point Bullseye 4.5 719 6.0 914 1.560 Clays 4.3 690 6.4 972 1.560 HP-38 5.8 783 7.3 985 1.560 XMP-5744 13.0 755 17.0 1025 1.560 231 6.5 878 8.0 1052 1.560 Titegroup 6.3 965 7.1 1055 1.560 Red Dot 6.3 968 7.2 1060 1.560 225 Round Nose Flat Point

Bullseye 4.0 633 5.3 801 1.560 44 MAGNUM PISTOL 700X 4.4 716 5.7 874 1.560 XMP-5744 11.5 647 15.2 895 1.560 Clays 4.3 667 6.4 939 1.560 231 5.7 771 6.9 950 1.560 HP-38 5.6 746 7.3 968 1.560 Titegroup 5.7 861 6.7 985 1.560 Red Dot 5.8 865 7.2 1025 1.560

Test Gun: Ruger Super Redhawk 9 1/2", WLP

Reduced Practice Loads Powder Maximum Velocity Type Grains FPS OAL

240 Semi Wad International 6.5 963 1.605 Cutter HP-38 7.2 984 1.605 700X 6.5 1003 1.605 Titegroup 7.0 1030 1.605

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 97 45 ACP

.035 .049 .476

.480.400 .452

.200 .898 1.275

ith 80-odd years of successful development, the 1911 pistol and W45 ACP cartridge really require no introduction. It remains the most popular auto pistol round with serious shooters and reloaders HANDGUN LOADING DATA HANDGUN LOADING DATA for very good reason. 45 ACP is a well-mannered, relatively low-pressured cartridge with a good safety margin and tremendous case life. It’s big, easily reloaded and has an unusually wide tolerance for different velocities and bullet weights.

With origins deeply rooted in grand American notions of “bigger is 45 ACP better” the 45 ACP’s reputation has stood unchallenged amongst pro- fessionals, despite the advent of powerful alternatives like .400 Cor- Bon and 10mm Norma. When all’s done, the 45 ACP 1911 throws the heaviest, largest-caliber chunk of lead with the highest degree of accuracy and control. This fact, coupled with its loading versatility, continues to present the 45 ACP as a first choice for many sports. It dominates NRA Bullseye matches, still wins in IPSC and has even been used for Metallic Silhouette. If you need to hose down a pin table, 45 ACP is it. Our loads are intended to cover a broad spectrum of possible applications and are safe for properly-chambered and “throated” semi autos or modern revolvers. Overly-deep, amateur feed ramp throating is a potential hazard; check your pistol’s chamber and see your gunsmith if in doubt. Taper crimp to .470".

98 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS Test Gun Entréprise 1911 frame, 5" Bar-Sto barrel, WLP

Standard Loads Powder Start Velocity Maximum Velocity

Type Grains FPS Grains FPS OAL HANDGUN LOADING DATA

180 Semi Wad Cutter 231 4.8 840 5.7 950 1.250 WST 4.0 856 4.7 965 1.250 Unique 5.5 791 7.1 975 1.250 Red Dot 4.4 811 5.3 967 1.250 540 8.0 920 8.6 980 1.250 Bullseye 4.2 840 5.2 983 1.250 WSL 5.0 905 5.6 988 1.250 700X 4.0 770 5.5 1010 1.250 N100 4.7 947 5.1 1027 1.250 Universal 6.6 994 6.9 1057 1.250 45 ACP 200 Semi Wad Cutter Titegroup 4.2 797 4.7 856 1.250 Red Dot 4.0 731 4.8 871 1.250 Unique 5.0 713 6.4 879 1.250 231 4.8 796 5.8 914 1.250 HP-38 4.5 808 5.6 920 1.250 WST 4.1 849 4.7 920 1.250 WSL 4.5 793 5.2 923 1.250 Bullseye 4.2 794 5.2 933 1.250 Universal 6.0 815 6.7 963 1.250 700X 4.4 823 5.4 968 1.250 225 Flat Point Titegroup 3.9 680 4.3 768 1.205 WSL 4.2 685 4.8 750 1.205 Unique 5.0 680 5.8 750 1.205 Red Dot 4.1 747 4.5 815 1.205 HP-38 4.8 722 5.3 820 1.205 Universal 5.4 700 5.9 825 1.205 WST 3.9 785 4.3 829 1.205 231 4.5 728 5.1 830 1.205 700X 4.0 740 4.8 837 1.205 Bullseye 4.5 800 5.1 865 1.205

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 99 Test Gun Entréprise 1911 frame, 5" Bar-Sto barrel, WLP

Standard Loads Powder Start Velocity Maximum Velocity Type Grains FPS Grains FPS OAL

230 Round Nose WSL 4.2 706 4.8 772 1.260 Unique 5.0 700 5.8 778 1.260 Titegroup 3.9 701 4.3 783 1.260 Red Dot 4.1 760 4.5 828 1.260 231 4.5 728 5.1 830 1.260 HP-38 4.8 742 5.3 841 1.260 Universal 5.4 714 5.9 844 1.260

HANDGUN LOADING DATA HANDGUN LOADING DATA WST 3.9 800 4.3 845 1.260 700X 4.0 755 4.8 852 1.260 Bullseye 4.5 819 5.1 887 1.260 45 ACP IPSC Major Loads Powder Type Grains Velocity FPS OAL

200 Semi Wad 700X 5.0 901 1.250 Cutter Bullseye 5.0 905 1.250 HP-38 5.5 908 1.250 231 5.7 918 1.250 230 Round Nose 700X 4.2 782 1.260 231 4.9 796 1.260 Bullseye 4.5 819 1.260 HP-38 5.2 822 1.260

100 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS IPSC Heavy-Bullet Major Loads + P

Powder Type Grains Velocity FPS OAL HANDGUN LOADING DATA

250 Round Nose Clays 3.3 700 1.168 Flat Point Titegroup 3.8 725 1.168 Solo 1000 3.5 733 1.168 Bullseye 3.9 735 1.168 Unique 5.0 745 1.168 Use the above loads exactly as listed. These are MAXIMUM loads - Do not exceed charges, or shorten overall lengths. Do not fire these loads in pre-1950 revolvers. For use in pistols with fully supported chambers only. 45 ACP

NRA Bullseye Loads - 25 Yard Line Powder Type Grains Velocity FPS OAL

200 Semi Wad Bullseye 3.6 701 1.250 Cutter 231 4.4 718 1.250 HP-38 4.1 726 1.250

NRA Bullseye Loads - 50 Yard Line Powder Type Grains Velocity FPS OAL

200 Semi Wad Bullseye 4.2 794 1.250 Cutter 231 4.8 796 1.250 HP-38 4.4 798 1.250

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 101 45 Auto Rim

.089 .476

.516 .452

.200 .898 1.275

his nifty, cleverly-designed case was invented to allow owners of Tsurplus M-1917 Colt or Smith & Wesson service revolvers to shoot them free of the torture of jerking around with half-moon clips. HANDGUN LOADING DATA HANDGUN LOADING DATA 45 Auto Rim is simply a thick-rimmed version of 45 ACP, has similar case capacity and yields identical ballistics. Since it headspaces more positively than ACP cases with clips, using 45 Auto Rim will improve primer ignition and accuracy in these revolvers.

45 Auto Rim is a good, strong case which cannot be loaded to full potential due to the relatively thin cylinder walls of the various revolvers chambered for it. Furthermore, a distinction must be made between the old M-1917s, converted Webleys or Brazilian contract 45 AUTO 45 AUTO RIM Smith & Wessons, and modern Smiths such as M-25-2s, 1950 or 1955s and M-625s. The old, pre-1950 Smith & Wesson or Colt M–1917s must not be fired with any loads which exceed those listed as “STANDARD LOADS” in our 45 ACP section and in truth should be reserved for use with reduced loads as found in the left column of that section to be safe and preserve their value. As for converted (I would say “ruined”) Webley revolvers, the 45 ACP cartridge is rated for higher pressure than the .455 Eley and such sadly butchered relics of Britain’s faded glory must be fired only with such reduced loads, if at all!

Though by no means of Magnum strength, with superior metallurgy the modern Smith & Wesson revolvers should handle moderate +P loads which do not exceed 19,900 C.U.P., though a steady diet of

102 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS such heavy loads is not recommended. Our Max. 45 ACP load data is safe for these guns, though service life will definitely be extended with reduced loads in these modern revolvers as well. M-25 and 625 Smith & Wessons are deservedly popular with bowling pin shooters, for whose sport these +P pin loads are designed. These +P revolver HANDGUN LOADING DATA loads may be duplicated in ACP cases for use with moon clips. They are only to be fired in modern revolvers in excellent condition, and should be loaded in new or once-fired cases; roll crimping is required. For loads adapted from our 45 ACP data using bullets without a crimp groove, a fairly heavy taper crimp should be applied to prevent bullet jump under recoil. 45 AUTO RIM 45 AUTO

Test Gun Smith & Wesson 1955 6", WLP

+ P Pin Loads Powder Type Grains Velocity FPS OAL

250 Round Nose Unique 6.1 900 1.170 Flat Point HS-6 8.5 925 1.170 HS-7 9.2 905 1.170 800X 6.2 840 1.170 Blue Dot 8.9 895 1.170 255 Semi Wad 800X 6.2 863 1.200 Cutter Universal 5.8 868 1.200 HS-6 8.5 899 1.200 HS-7 9.2 910 1.200 Unique 6.2 910 1.200 Blue Dot 8.9 915 1.200 These are maximum loads — do not increase these charges!

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 103 45 Schofield

1.095

.520.454 .478

ntroduced in 1875, this black powder revolver cartridge was used in Ian Army version of Smith & Wesson’s top break revolver. Long obsolete, 45 Schofield brass has once again become available for use HANDGUN LOADING DATA HANDGUN LOADING DATA in the reproduction top break Smith & Wesson revolvers found on the hips of Cowboy Action shooters.

The Schofield case measures 1.1" long, nominally. Practically, 45 Schofield may be compared to 45 Colt in somewhat the same way as 44 Special to 44 Magnum (the obvious difference being 44 Magnum runs at twice the pressure.) 45 Schofield has about 80% seated case capacity of the big 45 Colt. A down side to 45 Colt is its tendency to produce inconsistent velocities with reduced loads. It fol-

45 SCHOFIELD lows that comparable 45 Schofield loads will be more consistent, with tighter extreme velocity spreads and less aspect variation. The extra .175" bullet jump may negate this, however. Chronograph different loads in your revolvers to find out what works best for you. Original 45 Schofield Smith & Wessons are strictly black powder only! Modern reproductions of Smith & Wesson top breaks may be metallurgically superior, but are no stronger by design; load for them as if they were 120-year old guns. These loads are safe in modern reproduction Schofield top break revolvers, and should meet the 650 fps velocity floor for Cowboy shooting. Use a roll crimp into the crimp groove of our 200 grain round nose flat point bullets. These loads are designed specifically for use in Smith & Wesson reproductions for Cowboy Action competition. Slug cylinder and measure groove diameter of your revolver; for best results use bullets sized at or .001" over groove diameter.

104 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS Test Gun: Smith & Wesson 6", WLP

Cowboy Loads

Powder Type Grains Velocity FPS OAL HANDGUN LOADING DATA

200 Round Nose/ HP-38 5.0 745 1.39 Flat Point Clays 4.9 767 1.39 Red Dot 6.0 849 1.39 Titegroup 6.0 873 1.39 700X 6.1 889 1.39 231 5.5 890 1.39 N100 5.4 890 1.39

Do not exceed these loads! Use only in modern .45 Colt revolvers or S&W Schofield reproductions in excellent condition. Original S&W top break revolvers should never be fired with smokeless powder loads! 45 SCHOFIELD

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 105 45 Colt (Standard & Cowboy Loads)

.060 .480

.512 .454

.200 1.285 1.600

he 45 Colt has been produced continuously since 1874, longer Tthan any other handgun cartridge. It was the most powerful revolver round available in North America until 1935’s .357 Magnum. HANDGUN LOADING DATA HANDGUN LOADING DATA The Colt S.A.A. in 45 Colt was the pre-emptorate revolver of its day and stands as the most recognizable symbol of our western heritage, thus its continued popularity among the Cowboy Action crowd. With its romanticized history, 45 Colt will persist forever, limitations and caveats not withstanding.

45 COLT Early Magnum experiments lead by Elmer Keith found the performance envelope of the 45 Colt to be greatly limited by the strength of the thin cylinder walls of the old S.A.A. and New Service revolvers of the time. Flying cylinder fragments and blown-off loading gates compelled this unusually brave man to abandon 45 Colt in favor of smaller calibers for such high-pressured excursions. Modern versions of old designs are to be regarded as little stronger; do not depend on modern metallurgy for your safety margin! (See the next section for loads appropriate for Ruger revolvers.)

These loads deliver reasonably tight extreme velocity spreads from the big 45 Colt case; we don’t recommend reducing these start loads further. Those Cowboy shooters wishing to become more competitive would be better served with a brace of good 38 Special revolvers which will yield much more consistent results at pokey velocities.

45 Colt should be lubed before sizing to avoid damage to its small rim. A solid roll crimp is required.

106 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS Test Gun: Vaquero 4 3/4", WLP

Standard Velocity/Cowboy Loads

Powder Start Velocity Maximum Velocity HANDGUN LOADING DATA Type Grains FPS Grains FPS OAL

200 Round Nose Flat Point HP-38 6.2 680 7.2 800 1.575 Clays 4.7 661 5.9 805 1.575 Unique 6.8 721 7.8 835 1.575 Bullseye 4.9 692 6.2 874 1.575 XMP-5744 15.2 760 18.2 909 1.575 231 6.5 787 7.9 913 1.575 700X 5.6 798 6.8 941 1.575 Red Dot 5.8 795 7.2 948 1.575 Titegroup 5.5 743 7.4 966 1.575 45 COLT 250 Round Nose Flat Point AM Select 4.9 648 5.3 717 1.580 HP-38 6.3 654 7.0 735 1.580 Bullseye 4.7 659 5.4 754 1.580 231 6.3 693 7.2 801 1.580 Solo 1000 5.6 702 6.2 804 1.580 Red Dot 5.2 729 6.0 811 1.580 XMP-5744 13.0 667 15.2 825 1.580 Titegroup 5.2 722 6.3 839 1.580 Unique 6.7 708 8.1 842 1.580 700X 5.4 775 6.4 875 1.580 These loads are safe for use in Colt SAA and clones.

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 107 45 Colt (Ruger only)

.060 .480

.512 .454

.200 1.285 1.600

uger revolvers can safely handle uprated 45 Colt loads, which Rwhile not quite Magnum level are suitable for many heavy-bullet

HANDGUN LOADING DATA HANDGUN LOADING DATA applications like Metallic Silhouette. They are a bit more pleasant to shoot than comparable 44 Magnum rounds and are accurate.

Our 4 3/4" Vaquero test gun yielded velocities well below what you can expect from long barreled guns; we used it to determine worst- case performance characteristics from these slow powders.

Caution: Use these loads for Ruger revolvers and TC pistols in excellent condition only. These loads are unsafe in other, Colt-type single actions or Smith & Wesson revolvers. If in doubt, do not use these loads in your gun and consult a qualified gunsmith or manufacturer.

Mark your .45 Colt +P loads to avoid disastrous confusion! These loads benefit from a heavy roll crimp. 45 COLT FOR RUGER 45 COLT

108 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS Test Gun: Vaquero 4 3/4", WLP

Silhouette Loads

Powder Start Velocity Maximum Velocity HANDGUN LOADING DATA Type Grains FPS Grains FPS OAL

255 Semi Wad Cutter 296 18.9 831 19.8 907 1.595 H110 — DO NOT REDUCE —19.2 932 1.595 2400 16.0 907 17.5 1009 1.595 700X 6.3 865 8.0 1023 1.595 Unique 7.6 825 10.1 1039 1.595 HS-7 12.5 907 14.5 1073 1.595 45 COLT FOR RUGER

300 Grain Silhouette Loads Powder Type Grains Velocity FPS OAL

300 Flat Point 296 17.0 855 1.570 H110 16.5 865 1.570 AA9 15.0 866 1.570 2400 15.2 909 1.570 HS-7 12.5 961 1.570

Reduce 300 Flat Point charges 3% to start. These are maximum loads. Caution - These loads are intended for Ruger revolvers and T/C pistols only! These loads will produce higher velocities when fired in long-barreled revolvers and pistols for which they are intended.

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 109 110 Chapter 3 Rifle Loading Data 112 30 M1

.033 .050 .339 .355 .336 RIFLE LOADING DATA .360.310 .308

.200 .670 .982 1.290 1.680

he 30 M1 cartridge is successful only on the merits of the zippy Tcarbines chambered for it. The M1 carbine was developed as a more combat-effective alternative to the 1911 .45 caliber sidearm for World War II-era officers and support troops. As such, it was found to be handy and serviceable if underpowered. An M2 selective fire ver- 30 M1 sion was issued as a sort of stopgap assault rifle but proved ineffec- tive for that reason. The 30 M1 cartridge can’t be considered for applications which exceed the capability of a light-bullet .357 Magnum.

Given the limited accuracy potential of the 30 M1 carbine, this gun/cartridge is largely left to the province of the shooter-collector, or the master plinker (an activity for which the neat M1 carbine is ideally suited). A number of handguns have been chambered for the 30 M1, intended as companion sidearms for the M1 and to exploit the vast quantities of 30 M1 surplus ammo available. The cartridge is capable of decent accuracy in a good firearm. With its very long, tippy, small diameter case, 30 M1 can be hard to load on progressive presses; patience is demanded. Use moderate case mouth flare and taper crimp .002" under case neck diameter. Generally .30 carbines require a minimum 1425 fps for reliable semi-auto function. Small rifle primers are required.

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 113 Test Gun: Winchester M1, 18", WSR

Carbine Loads Powder Start Velocity Maximum Velocity Type Grains FPS Grains FPS OAL

115 Round Nose 540 6.1 1212 7.1 1389 1.660 Unique 5.8 1398 6.3 1468 1.660 HS-7 7.4 1408 8.2 1503 1.660 2400 10.5 1642 11.5 1691 1.660 H110 12.9 1756 13.6 1822 1.660 296 13.0 1779 14.0 1865 1.660

RIFLE LOADING DATA RIFLE LOADING DATA AA9 12.6 1820 13.2 1866 1.660 30 M1

114 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 30-30 Winchester

.063 .403 .420 15° 39' .375

.506 .421 .308 RIFLE LOADING DATA

.200 1.150 1.441 Headspace .487 1.562 2.039 2.550 he 30 WCF of 1895 was the first American sporting rifle cartridge Tdesigned for smokeless powder and was chambered in the slick new Winchester 1894 rifle. As such, this classic combination became immediately popular with game hunters, whose irrational love for this marginally-performing round was conferred by the convenient, 30-30 WINCHESTER effective and shootable carbines made for it. Many ballistically superi- or lever-action rounds have been marketed over the ensuing 103 years without turning the heads of these loyal adherents.

In modern times, the 30-30 has continued to be a most popular sporting cartridge. On the strength of its reputation, makers like Savage and Marlin de-emphasized their better proprietary cartridges while offering 30-30’s to the wool shirt and duck boot crowd. The 30–30 has been developed as an outstanding single shot pistol cartridge. Its long case neck, heavy rim and smallish capacity (for a rifle cartridge) make it easy to reload and very suitable for cast-bullet shooting. 30-30 is legal for Cowboy Action long range rifle events; our 170 flat point is designed for this application. Our bullet will accept a gas check; we recommend the Lyman “snap-ons,” though crimp-on gas checks may be used with a proper luber-sizer (sans lubricant). Apply a slight case mouth flare to aid seating, and return with a moderate crimp. Best accuracy will be achieved at velocities in the 1200 to 1400 fps range. These loads were tested without using gas checks. Gas checks will raise pressure, so work up from start loads very carefully! Use a chronograph to verify your results as they may vary from ours.

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 115 Test Gun Winchester model 94, 20" barrel, WLR

Rifle Loads Powder Start Velocity Maximum Velocity Type Grains FPS Grains FPS OAL

170 Flat Point 700X 6.0 1131 7.0 1233 2.530 Unique 7.0 1148 10.0 1443 2.530 H4198 14.0 1312 16.0 1449 2.530 IMR 4895 18.0 1257 21.6 1476 2.530 H110 12.5 1391 13.3 1482 2.530

RIFLE LOADING DATA RIFLE LOADING DATA XMP-5744 17.8 1654 20.1 1813 2.530 IMR 3031 23.1 1626 26.2 1838 2.530 30-30 WINCHESTER

116 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 32-20 Rifle

5° 42' .065 .352 .343 .332

.408 .354 .313 RIFLE LOADING DATA

.200 .645 .881 .933 1.315 1.592

n the black powder era, thirty caliber was considered small-bore for Ia rifle or pistol. The 32-20 was brought forth for Winchester’s M–1873 rifles and carbines to fill the needs of small game and fur hunters looking for less meat damage and a smaller “hole.” The very accurate and efficient 32-20 was very successful in this role, and it 32-20 RIFLE remains popular with some single-shot varmint hunters for these reasons.

The 32-20 can also “ring” a plate as well as the larger calibers and has a following amongst the cowboy crowd.

Our 32-20 115 grain flat point will load to 1.545" overall length, short enough to cycle through lever actions and chamber in most all revolver cylinders. Measure your cylinder bore and groove diameter(s) to find the right sizing for you. Newer guns have tighter bores, while a few original Colts we’ve examined ran .313" plus.

Lube your cases before resizing and take your time to avoid misalign- ment or crushing problems. Your expander “ball” shouldn’t be too small — about .003" under bullet diameter is enough.

Be sure your old original gun is 100 percent safe to shoot with smokeless loads. Consult a good gunsmith if in any doubt! Roll crimp moderately. These loads may be used with small pistol primers.

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 117 Test Gun: Winchester M-92 22", WSR

Cowboy Loads Powder Start Velocity NEVER Velocity Type Grains FPS EXCEED FPS OAL

115 Round Nose Flat Point Universal 3.2 875 4.0 1040 1.545 700X 2.8 950 3.9 1185 1.545 231 3.5 1135 4.0 1188 1.545 Red Dot 3.6 1040 4.1 1193 1.545 Green Dot 4.0 1150 4.5 1225 1.545

RIFLE LOADING DATA RIFLE LOADING DATA HP-38 3.9 1090 4.4 1245 1.545 Unique 5.0 1283 5.5 1392 1.545 2400 8.5 1289 9.0 1379 1.545 32-20 RIFLE

118 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS .357 Magnum Rifle

.060 .379

.440 .358 RIFLE LOADING DATA

.200 1.290 1.590

good .357 Magnum carbine is optimal for Cowboy Action shoot- A ing. This caliber, taken together with 38 Special, offers light recoil, ease and economy of reloading and excellent accuracy potential. The task of finding one load suitable for both revolvers and carbine is made simpler by a number of factors attending this caliber: .357 MAGNUM RIFLE with stiffer barrels, .357 Magnum carbines are generally less load sensitive compared to larger-bore versions. The rifling plans of large bore carbines tend to best stabilize heavy bullets at 90% of maximum velocity for a given caliber. .357s are more tolerant of different bullet weights. As well, carbines in .357 Magnum exhibit tighter bore and groove tolerances, particularly when compared to those in obsolete black powder cartridges like 44-40 whether original or reproduction. Thus, the competitive cowboy has a fair chance of finding one load suitable for both revolvers and longarm.

Use our .357 Magnum “Cowboy Load” pistol data as a starting point for your carbine. Any 38 Special pistol loads using 125 truncated cone, 158 semi wad cutter, or 158 round nose flat point bullets are also suitable.

Expect velocity increases of 125 to 175 fps over those listed for pistol loads. For Cowboy Shooting, 38 Special rounds usually function through most lever actions; a good gunsmith can tweak and massage the errant example. Best accuracy is likely to be had with Magnum cases, though the difference won’t be seen on the generous plates and moderate ranges encountered at such matches.

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 119 Caution: Do not use 38 Special cases with any .357 Magnum pistol or rifle data! Dangerous pressures will be developed.

Never load round-nosed or pointed bullets for use in any tubular- magazine fed firearm! Primer detonation under recoil and ensuing disaster will result!

These loads are specifically designed for maximum performance from .357 Magnum rifles and long-barreled single-shot pistols. Use small Magnum primers where indicated. A light roll crimp is all that’s required for cowboy loads adapted from pistol data. These Magnum- level rifle loads benefit from a heavy roll crimp.

(See .357 Magnum pistol data section for more information.) While

RIFLE LOADING DATA RIFLE LOADING DATA safe, these loads are not intended for use in revolvers.

Test Gun: Marlin 18 1/2", R 1 1/2

Magnum Rifle Loads Powder Start Velocity NEVER Velocity Type Grains FPS EXCEED FPS OAL

125 Truncated Cone Bullseye 3.5 1028 5.5 1378 1.590 Unique 4.0 962 8.0 1669 1.590 VV N350 5.0 1047 8.8 1680 1.590 Blue Dot 8.0 1342 11.5 1816 1.590

.357 MAGNUM RIFLE IMR 4227* 13.0 1464 18.0 1816 1.590 2400 12.0 1647 16.0 1867 1.590 296 — DO NOT REDUCE —18.0 1875 1.590 H110 18.5 1917 19.0 1957 1.590 *Use WSR for IMR 4227 loads Do not reduce H110/296 start loads! Apply heavy roll crimp to magnum loads

120 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS Magnum Rifle Loads Powder Start Velocity NEVER Velocity Type Grains FPS EXCEED FPS OAL RIFLE LOADING DATA 158 Semi Wad Cutter/Round Nose Flat Point (see note) Bullseye 3.5 954 5.5 1284 1.600 VV N350 6.0 1213 7.4 1402 1.610 AA9 10.0 1378 12.0 1575 1.610 296 13.0 1522 14.0 1591 1.600 H110 13.7 1538 14.1 1570 1.610 2400 10.0 1378 13.0 1593 1.600 IMR 4227* 10.0 1133 16.0 1614 1.610 Blue Dot 7.0 1149 10.3 1626 1.610 Note: Use 1.575 OAL for Round Nose Flat Point

180 Flat Point .357 MAGNUM RIFLE Unique 4.0 937 6.0 1219 1.610 VV N350 6.0 1165 6.5 1245 1.610 IMR 4227* 10.0 1093 13.0 1352 1.610 AA9 8.0 1091 11.0 1413 1.610 Blue Dot 6.0 994 9.3 1435 1.610 H110 13.0 1466 13.4 1501 1.610 2400 8.0 1127 12.0 1506 1.610 296 13.0 1502 13.7 1554 1.610 *Use WSR for IMR 4227 loads Do not reduce H110/296 start loads!

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 121 38-55 Winchester

.063 .425 .394

.506 .377

.200 1.813 2.085 2.510

ut of the miasma of proprietary medium bore sporting cartridges

RIFLE LOADING DATA RIFLE LOADING DATA Ooffered in the late 1800s, this fine old number is the most successful survivor. Every major rifle maker of the late black powder era made guns for it. Winchester even chambered their Model 1894 lever action repeating rifle for this cartridge for times when the 30-30 was- n’t quite enough. 38-55 became such a standard that no less than eight other rifle cartridges were developed directly from it!

Long obsolete, Winchester introduced a new higher pressured off- spring, the 375 Winchester, in modern versions of the Model 94 lever gun. 375 Winchester is about one tenth of an inch (.1") shorter in case length, but factory loads run at considerably higher pressure. Do not shoot factory 375 Winchester loads in any rifle chambered for 38-55! In a pinch, 375 Winchester cases could be used safely and accurately in some 38-55 rifles; maintain these overall lengths and 38-55 WINCHESTER reduce maximum loads by 3% to be safe.

Velocity ratings for the 38-55 have varied over the many years since 1884. Our data falls well within black powder ballistics but should not be used for old original black powder rifles, particularly Ballard or Stevens guns. These loads are safe for modern smokeless powder repeating or single shot rifles in good condition. When loading, use an expander plug of no less than .372". Roll crimp moderately over the first lube groove; for .375 Winchester cases crimp over the second lube groove. Use only modern cases of known origin; all old brass is suspect.

122 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS Test Gun: Winchester M-94 20", WLR

Long-Range Rifle Loads Powder Start Velocity NEVER Velocity

Type Grains FPS EXCEED FPS RIFLE LOADING DATA

240 Flat Point Flat Base 377 Unique 8.0 1108 10.7 1305 2400 13.8 1222 16.5 1485 H4198 20.0 1149 24.5 1502 IMR 3031 29.0 1489 31.8 1607 H4895 30.0 1413 32.5 1641 H4895 — — 34.0 1691 Do not reduce these starting loads Use these in modern rifles only. 38-55 WINCHESTER

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 123 38-40 Rifle

° .065 7 .467 .456 .435

.525 .470 .400

.200 .613 .922 1.003 1.074 1.305 1.592

uring the black powder era, 38-40 remained quite popular as a

RIFLE LOADING DATA RIFLE LOADING DATA Dcarbine chambering. Old loadings gave a few bits better velocity with flatter trajectory and less recoil compared to heavier caliber numbers. Its steeply tapered, bottle-necked case design was a big plus, feeding smoothly through dirty actions and fouled chambers that would jam with a straight-cased round. Our borrowed M-92 test carbine feeds and loads perfectly.

As is the case with revolvers, 38-40 carbines will vary in bore and groove dimensions. While less load sensitive than 45 Colt, some experimenting with various powers and charges will pay off in good

38-40 RIFLE groups. 38-40 is generally efficient and tolerant.

We tested the same maximum loads developed for our 38-40 pistol data; refer to that section for starting loads. Do not reduce these start loads further! Take care in bullet seating and pay close attention to case length and crimp. A fair roll crimp is all that’s required for these loads, excepting 2400 and XMP-5744. Use a more solid roll crimp for them to promote consistent ignition. (Refer to 38-40 Pistol section for more information.)

124 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS Test Gun: Winchester M-92 20", WLP

Cowboy Loads Powder Type Grains Velocity FPS OAL RIFLE LOADING DATA

180 Round Nose Red Dot 4.7 965 1.575 Flat Point 231 5.8 1018 1.575 Bullseye 5.2 1027 1.575 Clays 5.5 1036 1.575 Unique 6.5 1063 1.575 HP-38 6.5 1088 1.575 2400 13.0 1101 1.575 XMP-5744 14.5 1134 1.575 Titegroup 6.0 1168 1.575 These are maximum loads. Do not increase charges.

These loads are intended for modern smokeless-powder rifles in good condition. 38-40 RIFLE Do not fire these in black-powder/antique guns!

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 125 .41 Magnum Rifle

.059 .435

.492 .410

.200 1.290 1.590

e are indebted to Dr. Greg Mushial, whose interest in lever

RIFLE LOADING DATA RIFLE LOADING DATA Waction rifles compelled him to test a wide spectrum of loadings for inclusion in the Laser-Cast manual.

As a carbine round, .41 Magnum is efficient and capable of tremendous accuracy; .41 Magnum will do nearly the work of 44 Magnum to which it must inevitably be compared. Marlin’s micro-groove rifles tend to be load sensitive but shoot our 215 semi wad cutter very well once the right load is determined through experimentation.

Caution: your .41 Magnum lever action rifle shouldn’t be considered as stronger than a modern revolver of identical caliber. Do not exceed these loads! Work up to maximums in careful increments, paying slavish attention to pressure indications. Use a moderately heavy roll crimp and a Magnum primer where noted. .41 MAGNUM RIFLE

126 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS Test Gun: Marlin 20", WLP

Magnum Rifle Loads Powder Start Velocity NEVER Velocity Type Grains FPS EXCEED FPS OAL RIFLE LOADING DATA

215 SWC Bullseye 3.0 691 7.0 1278 1.590 231 4.0 770 8.0 1308 1.590 Unique 6.0 1063 9.7 1441 1.590 IMR 4227 15.0 1190 19.0 1448 1.590 AA7 9.0 1071 13.0 1469 1.590 Blue Dot 9.0 1131 13.0 1567 1.590 AA9 12.0 1256 16.0 1576 1.590 HS-7 10.0 1232 13.2 1551 1.590 296 19.1 1568 20.0 1621 1.590 2400 12.0 1209 18.0 1659 1.590 .41 MAGNUM RIFLE Do not reduce this 296 start load!

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 127 44-40 Rifle

4° .065 .458 .469 .446

.525 .471 .427

.200 .653 .928 1.004 1.305 1.592 ost revolver loadings will gain between 180 and 300 fps velocity when fired from your 20" barrel carbine, with the greater

RIFLE LOADING DATA RIFLE LOADING DATA M increases generated by slower powders. For Cowboy shooting, finding a single load that performs optimally from (both) revolvers and your carbine is obviously desirable, but may not be feasible. Particularly in 44-40, groove diameters in carbines and cylinder exit vs. groove diameters in revolvers all may vary widely, from .426" to .430" in some guns we’ve examined. As well, your revolvers require loads that shoot to point of aim, usually limiting them to a given bullet weight — whereas some carbine rifling plans are very picky as to what weight bullet they will stabilize at a given velocity. We tested identical

44-40 RIFLE loads in both revolver and carbine to help you, but considerable measurement and experimentation may yet be required for you to obtain the results you seek!

Lube well before sizing, and roll crimp solidly.

Caution: Use only round nose flat point bullets in your tube-fed carbine or rifle. Use of pointed or round nose bullets may cause accidental discharge with disastrous results and injury. Do not use these loads in any black powder era firearm. If in doubt consult your gunsmith. (See 44-40 Pistol section for more information.)

128 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS Test Gun Marlin 24", CCI large pistol primers

Cowboy Loads Powder Start Velocity Maximum Velocity

Type Grains FPS Grains FPS RIFLE LOADING DATA

200 Flat Point HP-38 5.5 871 6.5 1009 Universal 6.5 886 7.0 1010 W 231 5.5 968 6.4 1037 Titegroup 5.0 1004 6.2 1062 Unique 6.0 926 8.0 1119 XMP-5744 13.5 947 17.0 1159 225 Flat Point Universal 6.5 856 7.0 959

Unique 5.2 830 7.2 1023 44-40 RIFLE Titegroup 4.6 876 5.6 1024 XMP-5744 13.0 926 15.4 1035 W 231 5.8 912 7.0 1101 These loads are intended for modern rifles. Do not fire in black-powder/antique guns!

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 129 44 Special Rifle

.060 .457

.514 .430

.200 1.160 1.615

se of 44 Special in carbines will be of interest to Cowboy

RIFLE LOADING DATA RIFLE LOADING DATA UShooters looking to find a single round for both pistol and long gun. Most 44 Magnum lever actions will run Specials reliably, and any accuracy loss due to extra bullet jump from the shorter case will likely not be noticed when engaging metal targets at typical Cowboy Action distances. (For maximum accuracy with moderately reduced loads, 44 Magnum cases may be necessary.)

We tested our best-performing pistol loads from a Marlin 24"-barreled rifle to give you a good place to start. For a given 44 Special load using pistol powders like HP-38 or Titegroup, expect your carbine to generate 125 to 175 fps over revolver velocities. (See 44 Special pistol text for more information.) Use a moderate roll crimp with these loads. 44 SPECIAL RIFLE

130 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS Test Gun: Marlin 24", WLP

Cowboy Loads Powder Start Velocity NEVER Velocity

Type Grains FPS EXCEED FPS OAL RIFLE LOADING DATA

200 Round Nose Flat Point HP-38 5.0 864 5.6 972 1.425 Universal 6.0 872 6.5 972 1.425 231 5.1 886 5.6 976 1.425 Bullseye 5.0 958 5.5 1048 1.425 Unique 6.3 997 7.1 1101 1.425 225 Round Nose Flat Point Clays 3.3 745 3.8 829 1.425 HP-38 4.6 803 5.3 914 1.425

Bullseye 4.5 877 4.8 940 1.425 44 SPECIAL RIFLE Titegroup 4.1 833 4.7 965 1.425 240 Semi Wad Cutter HP-38 4.3 787 5.1 907 1.480 231 4.5 810 5.2 915 1.480 Titegroup 4.2 815 4.8 930 1.480 Unique 6.0 860 6.9 960 1.480

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 131 44 Magnum

1.285

.514.430 .456

his section has something to offer anyone with a 44 Magnum car-

RIFLE LOADING DATA RIFLE LOADING DATA Tbine. This most popular of heavy caliber handgun rounds has had a wide assortment of rifle types and makes made for it and some peculiarities of each should be addressed.

Soon after 44 Magnum’s introduction in 1955, many gunsmiths set to rebarreling old M-92 Winchesters for it. With maximum factory loads operating at over 35,000 CUP, 44 Magnum generates several times the pressure of black powder-era cartridges like 44-40 for which these M- 92s were originally chambered. A legitimate debate over the relative safety of such conversions ensued, with the conclusion reached that converted M-92s should only be fired with reduced loads in the 44 Special class. The author has examined several sprung receivers from such guns, enough to be both convinced of the wisdom of reduced

44 MAGNUM RIFLE loads and saddened at the waste of original, valuable guns.

The Winchester 94AE and Marlin’s excellent 1894 are both strong enough to handle any 44 Magnum load in this book. Still, modern guns will last longer if treated kindly with reduced loads. We recommend reserving Magnum-level loads for those applications where maximum energy and penetration are required. In any event, no 44 Magnum lever action rifle should be considered stronger than the best revolvers. Do not exceed these loads!

Lever guns are load sensitive by design; with thin-walled barrels supporting a magazine tube and fore-end they make a black art of pre- dicting effects of heat and vibration on grouping. Expect to spend

132 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS time experimenting with different powders through a range of velocities to find out what shoots best from your gun.

Ruger semi-auto carbines are sensitive to bullet shape/OAL and powder burning rates. They were designed to function with full-power, jacketed-bullet ammunition. We recommend loading with medium or RIFLE LOADING DATA slow-burning powders for use in Ruger carbines. For reduced-velocity loads, median charges of Unique or HS-6 should work. Do not use maximum loads of fast pistol powders in these guns. We like the Lee Factory Crimp die for semi-auto loads.

All 44 Magnum loads require a heavy roll crimp, particularly so for heavier bullets and slower powders.

Know your barrel’s groove diameter before ordering bullets in bulk, at or .001" over. 44 MAGNUM RIFLE Test Gun: Marlin 20", WLP

Cowboy Loads Powder Start Velocity NEVER Velocity Minimum Type Grains FPS EXCEED FPS OAL

200 Round Nose Flat Point Clays 4.3 865 6.4 1147 1.580 HP-38 5.8 958 7.3 1160 1.580 231 6.5 1053 8.0 1227 1.580 Titegroup 6.3 1155 7.1 1245 1.580 Red Dot 6.3 1158 7.2 1250 1.580 700X 5.0 1014 7.0 1259 1.580 XMP-5744 13.0 995 17.0 1265 1.580 Bullseye 4.0 820 8.0 1327 1.580

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 133 Test Gun: Marlin 20", WLP

Cowboy Loads Powder Start Velocity NEVER Velocity Minimum Type Grains FPS EXCEED FPS OAL

225 Round Nose Flat Point Bullseye 4.0 808 5.3 976 1.585 700X 4.4 901 5.7 1059 1.585 Clays 4.3 842 6.4 1114 1.585 231 5.7 946 6.9 1115 1.585

RIFLE LOADING DATA RIFLE LOADING DATA XMP-5744 11.5 887 15.2 1135 1.585 HP-38 5.6 921 7.3 1143 1.585 Titegroup 5.7 1051 6.7 1175 1.585 Red Dot 5.8 1055 7.2 1215 1.585 Rifle Loads Powder Start Velocity NEVER Velocity Minimum Type Grains FPS EXCEED FPS OAL

240 Semi Wad Cutter Bullseye 3.0 600 5.0 927 1.610 231 4.0 730 8.0 1208 1.610 AA2 5.0 894 8.9 1308 1.610 Unique 6.0 940 10.0 1371 1.610 44 MAGNUM RIFLE HS-7 10.0 1080 13.0 1397 1.610 AA7 10.0 1015 14.0 1420 1.610 VV 3N37 11.3 1390 12.0 1468 1.610 VV N350 11.3 1394 12.0 1477 1.610 Blue Dot 10.0 1094 16.0 1615 1.610 2400 16.0 1363 20.0 1618 1.610 VV N110 19.6 1644 20.0 1674 1.610 AA9 16.5 1480 20.5 1711 1.610 H4227 18.0 1351 24.0 1736 1.610 300 Truncated Cone VV N350 9.3 1155 10.0 1233 1.610 2400 13.0 1160 15.9 1365 1.610 AA9 12.0 1111 16.0 1393 1.610 VV N110 17.1 1440 18.0 1506 1.610

134 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 444 Marlin

.025 .063 .470 .455 RIFLE LOADING DATA .514.450 .430

.200 1.800 2.225 2.570

opular shooting lore has long held that large caliber, heavy bullets P“buck brush” and stay on course after inadvertent impacts with cover vegetation better than smaller calibers of higher velocity. In fact, tests with the .50 BMG cartridge and 750 grain bullets at over 3,000 fps showed that even glancing hits against dowels of 1/8" to 444 MARLIN 1/4" diameter would completely destabilize these huge projectiles, with full 90° sideways impacts well off point of aim on a target five yards downrange from such barriers.

The superior terminal effects of large bore rifle bullets are well known to hunters, but this supposed “buck brush” ability has still been a principal selling point of cartridges such as 444 Marlin, despite evidence to the contrary.

444 Marlin can really be thought of as a stretched-out 44 Magnum, sharing the latter’s bullet diameter and selection options. In performance, 444 Marlin with our Laser-Cast 240 semi wad cutter or 300 truncated cone .430" diameter bullets outruns 44 Magnum (rifle) considerably with less pressure. Micro-groove rifles might take some load development for accuracy.

Lube your cases before sizing. 444 Marlin uses large rifle primers. These loads require a moderate roll crimp.

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 135 Test Gun: Marlin 444 24", WLR

Marlin Rifle Loads Powder Start Velocity NEVER Velocity Type Grains FPS EXCEED FPS OAL

240 Semi Wad Cutter Blue Dot 14.7 1260 17.1 1439 2.550 700X 10.0 1250 13.0 1450 2.540 Red Dot 10.5 1265 13.5 1450 2.550 Unique 12.0 1305 15.3 1520 2.550 2400 — DO NOT REDUCE — 22.0 1735 2.550 300 Truncated Cone RIFLE LOADING DATA RIFLE LOADING DATA 700X 10.0 1247 12.0 1366 2.550 Unique 10.0 1178 14.5 1423 2.550 Approach maximum loads with caution. 444 MARLIN

136 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 45 Colt Rifle

.060 .480

.512 .454 RIFLE LOADING DATA

.200 1.285 1.600

he 45 Colt has seen renewed interest for carbine use as the coun- Tterpart to Colt revolvers in Cowboy Action competition. 45 Colt has a deserved reputation for load sensitivity, sharing that trait with the other large capacity, black powder revolver/carbine cartridges. Its great seated capacity is best worked with rather than against: 45 Colt 45 COLT RIFLE is most consistent when loaded with 250 grain, round nose flat point bullets and moderate charges of bulky propellants such as Unique, Red Dot, or 700X.

On the other hand, our 200 grain round nose flat point can be made to shoot reasonably well from Winchester 94s, but such loads are not likely to print close to point of aim and show consistent velocities from fixed-sight revolvers. If having one load for both revolvers and carbine is your goal, try our 250 grain round nose flat point. Loaded to around 700 fps from your sixguns, this bullet should print close to sight and also group well from your carbine. Look at our 45 Colt Cowboy load data and text for more information.

Our .45 caliber round nose flat point bullets both share similar ogive profiles and will feed correctly through lever actions.

As with other black powder-era cartridges, a solid roll crimp is preferred.

Caution: do not use these smokeless powder loads in any antique or black powder firearm! If in doubt, consult a good gunsmith before you shoot.

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 137 Test Gun: Winchester 94AE 16 1/2", WLP

Cowboy Loads Powder Start Velocity NEVER Velocity Type Grains FPS EXCEED FPS OAL

200 Round Nose Flat Point HP-38 6.2 804 7.2 984 1.575 Clays 4.7 785 5.9 989 1.575 Bullseye 4.9 816 6.2 1058 1.575 231 6.5 911 7.9 1097 1.575 700X 5.8 946 6.8 1125 1.575

RIFLE LOADING DATA RIFLE LOADING DATA Red Dot 6.3 975 7.3 1143 1.575 Unique 6.8 852 7.8 1019 1.575 Unique — — 9.0 1161 1.575 Titegroup 5.5 867 7.5 1163 1.575 XMP-5744 15.2 950 19.0 1198 1.575 Approach maximum loads with caution.

250 Round Nose Flat Point Clays 5.0 796 5.3 860 1.580 Bullseye 4.7 779 5.4 914 1.580 HP-38 6.3 827 7.0 925 1.580

45 COLT RIFLE 45 COLT 231 6.3 813 7.2 966 1.580 Solo 1000 5.6 822 6.2 969 1.580 Red Dot 5.2 849 6.0 971 1.580 Unique 7.0 849 8.0 981 1.580 700X 5.0 840 6.0 991 1.580 Titegroup 5.2 842 6.3 1019 1.580 Approach maximum loads with caution. These Cowboy Loads are intended for modern rifles in good condition only!

138 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS Test Gun: Winchester 94AE 16 1/2", WLP

Maximum Rifle Loads Powder Type Grains Velocity FPS OAL RIFLE LOADING DATA 255 Semi Wad H110 19.2 1166 1.595 Cutter AA9 17.5 1186 1.595 296 19.8 1263 1.595 2400 17.5 1266 1.595 HS-7 14.5 1294 1.595 Reduce these charges 5% to start. Reduce H110 by 3%. Approach these maximum loads with caution. Shoot these only in modern Winchester M-94 or Marlin 1894 rifles in good condition.

300 Flat Point AA9 15.0 1059 1.570 H110 16.5 1106 1.570 2400 15.2 1128 1.570 45 COLT RIFLE 296 17.0 1134 1.570 HS-7 12.5 1146 1.570 Reduce these charges 5% to start. Reduce H110 by 3%. Approach these maximum loads with caution. Shoot these only in modern Winchester M-94 or Marlin 1894 rifles in good condition.

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 139 45-70 U.S. Government

.070 .504 .481

.608 .458

.200 1.800 2.105 2.550

he 45-70 represented the apex of U.S. military black powder car-

RIFLE LOADING DATA RIFLE LOADING DATA Ttridge design work undertaken after the Civil War. It was chambered in a series of “trapdoor” Springfield rifles which were themselves direct descendants of the last muzzle loading rifled muskets. The 1873 Springfield-type guns are not particularly strong and 45-70 cannot be loaded near its potential for them. Some later black-powder era rifles such as Remington’s rolling block and Sharps are little stronger and also should be used with our “1873 Springfield” data.

Lever actions: More modern actions including the 1895 Marlin, 1886 Winchester, 1895 Winchester (and all other modern single shot or bolt guns) can use our “1895 Marlin” data safely. If in doubt of your rifle, consult your gunsmith.

Try-check for proper feeding in your repeating rifle by loading and marking a few dummy rounds. 45-70 GOVERNMENT As with other lever action rifles, experimentation with various loads may be required to find out what shoots most accurately from your gun. Approach maximums with great caution, increasing charges in 2/10th grain increments. Watch for flattened primers and any sign of incipient head separation. (Refer to Chapter One.) Do not exceed these maximums for any rifle, nor use “1895 Marlin” data for any trapdoor-action or Sharps-type rifle.

Use a substantial roll crimp in the forward crimp groove. All loads require standard large rifle primers.

140 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS Test Gun: Marlin 1895 24", WLR

Marlin 1895 Lever Actions Powder Start Velocity Maximum Velocity

Type Grains FPS Grains FPS OAL RIFLE LOADING DATA

350 Flat Point AA 3100 48.0 1124 56.0 1314 2.530 H4198 22.0 1040 30.0 1413 2.530 IMR 4198 22.0 1150 30.0 1483 2.530 H4895 44.0 1489 49.0 1572 2.530 IMR 3031 46.0 1560 48.0 1625 2.530 405 Flat Point H4895 38.0 1220 40.0 1312 2.530 IMR 3031 34.0 1200 38.5 1375 2.530

H4198 22.0 1018 30.0 1410 2.530 45-70 GOVERNMENT H 4831 52.0 1303 55.0 1421 2.530 IMR 4198 22.0 1125 31.0 1515 2.530 These loads are safe for Marlin 1895 lever action and other modern rifles. Do not use in any “trapdoor” 1873 Springfield

Test Gun: Ruger No.3, 21", WLR

Reproduction Springfield 1873 rifles Powder Start Velocity Maximum Velocity Type Grains FPS Grains FPS OAL

350 Flat Point SR 4759 19.0 1045 23.8 1350 2.530 IMR 4198 23.0 1070 31.0 1420 2.530 IMR 3031 29.5 1075 38.0 1420 2.530 405 Flat Point SR 4759 18.0 950 22.0 1160 2.530 IMR 4198 21.0 950 27.5 1251 2.530 IMR 3031 34.0 1175 37.0 1330 2.530 These loads are safe for reproduction 1873 Springfield rifles and other 45-70s in good condition.

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 141 142 Chapter 4 Loading for the Competitor Previous page: The first modern 38 Super “Comp gun,” this 1982 “Super Gammon” was photographed by the author partially completed.

144 LOADING FOR THE COMPETITOR

Photo courtesy of Bar H Productions Bounty Hunter blasts with his carbine.

So, You Wanna Be a Cowboy

here is everything good to be said for Plinking, defined as the Tsport of non-competitive shooting for fun. You don’t have to con- front yourself to blast away at milk jugs and soda cans. All that mat- ters is fun, with each hit a triumph and misses soon forgotten (if noted at all). Any decent gun with reliable ammunition will scare tin cans into the air. Plinking is unvarnished, visceral, pure shooting fun — so naturally we’ve found ways to screw it up: add a timer, objec- tively scored targets and someone to shoot against and suddenly even the most arcane aspects of gun, load, eyeglasses, hearing protection, and rosin take on immense significance. It’s been said we humans will do things to compete that we’d never consider doing to save our lives. With all the competitive pressures we put on ourselves in our quest for excellence and glory perhaps the most important thing we must do is remember to have fun!

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 145 THE LOADING CHALLENGE Any athletic endeavor compels us to sharpen skills and push against boundaries, yet the shooting sports demand an extra dimension of technical and intellectual performance that brings depth to the competitive challenge while steepening the learning curve for new partici- pants.

Each discipline’s course of fire presents a unique set of ballistic problems that can be solved by appropriate handloading. This section should help you to identify your sports’ ammunition requirements and provide some good, proven loading solutions. Of course you should also be asking the top shooters in your area for sound advice, preferably after they’re done shooting for the day. If we’ve lowered

LOADING FOR THE COMPETITOR that learning curve a bit and kept you safe, we’ve done our part.

One of the most challenging of all the action shooting sports from a handloading perspective must be NRA Action Pistol competition. Loading match ammo for the Bianchi Cup takes on religious significance to the top shooters in this game, and their techniques are a good model for anyone wishing to load the best ammo possible for their application.

146 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS LOADING FOR THE COMPETITOR

Photo by Yamil Sued Author shooting the Barricade Event at 1998 Bianchi Cup.

Bianchi Cup, NRA Action Pistol PISTOL NRA ACTION

History John Bianchi took his vision of a truly professional pistol tournament to Ray Chapman, the 1975 World Combat Shooting champion. Ray designed a 4-stage course of fire which demands skills from PPC, IPSC and bullseye without unduly favoring or handicapping any one discipline. While the Bianchi Cup course can be fairly criticized as being dated, static, and boring (IPSC with the fun removed?) it still persists as the most challenging of the action disciplines. It’s a tough room!

Each of the four classic matches that comprise the 20-year-old Bianchi Cup NRA Action Pistol championships imposes its own unique personality and technical demands upon the shooter. Over the years, this unchanging course has spawned some very specialized and extreme equipment modifications as top competitors strive to game out each match’s course requirements and pitfalls. The open championship is decided on X-count so nothing is left to chance. This extends to loading procedures and load selection.

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 147 Early on, the Bianchi Cup was won by IPSC shooters using 45 Auto pistols. Mickey Fowler has the distinction of winning with the most inaccurate pistol: his barrel-ringed 1981 Devel Gammon 45 Auto wouldn’t hold six inches at 50 yards! Such a poor-grouping gun fired by mere mortals won’t cut it at the Cup, whether in open or stock category. You will fire 12 rounds at 50 yards, 12 at 35 and another 48 at 25 yards. In open category, the course can perhaps be cleaned with a 3 1/2" or 4"-capable pistol, but achieving a winning X-count is impossible without a sub-2"/50-yard gun.

Which Caliber? These days, firearm selection is divided between L-frame Smith & Wesson revolvers and 38 Super Auto pistols. A well-built example of either type should be capable of consistent 2"/50-yard accuracy. LOADING FOR THE COMPETITOR Revolvers do have the edge in being simpler and generally less expensive to build up; an action job, perhaps a top-quality barrel and your choice of a red dot sight and mounts are the minimum requirements to be competitive. Barricade wings, finger stops and extended prone-friendly grips round out your options.

Load selection for a .38 Special Bianchi gun takes two tracks, depending on how you approach the all-important moving target event. Higher bullet velocity on the “mover” never hurts, but light-bullet, high-velocity loads will be a bit harder to shoot off of the barricades than tamer stuff. With the development of lead-compensating scopes and cam-action “mover bases,” the requirement for a 1000 fps minimum velocity to facilitate a leading edge hold at 25 yards has been negated. The Laser-Cast 148 DBWC driven to about 850 fps remains a shootable and accurate choice for any shooter opting for a center

NRA ACTION PISTOL hold on the mover. Try HP-38 or Titegroup first.

Still, a number of shooters opt to forgo having to readjust their optic for each pass and simply hold for a pre-determined lead point at each distance. The minimum velocity needed for a leading-edge hold on the 18" wide D-1 target at 25 yards is 1000 fps. There is a noted tendency for revolver shooters to “stop the gun” at the point of trigger break, more so than for the auto pistol crowd. Thus a little extra bullet velocity might be worth some trailing Xs. Our 125 grain trun-

148 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS LOADING FOR THE COMPETITOR

Steve Ikeda practicing the Barricade Event with his S&W M-586.

cated cone is capable of excellent accuracy throughout the 1000 to 1100 fps range, and such velocities are easily attained. We list loads for the 125 truncated cone that are safe for use in standard and small-frame 38 Special revolvers. Velocities over 1050 with our 125 NRA ACTION PISTOL NRA ACTION truncated cone Laser-Cast bullet will approach the “+P” range, which is no problem for your “L” frame Smith & Wesson 586 or 686.

(Note: Early on, a number of Bianchi competitors used converted “K” frame PPC guns. These loads tend to erode or even break out the relatively thin forcing cone area of such revolvers after the firing of mul- tiple thousands of practice rounds. “L” frame Smith & Wesson revolvers are superior in this regard.)

+P 38 Special Loads for ‘L’ Frame Revolvers Only Powder Maximum Velocity Type Grains FPS PF

125 Truncated Titegroup 4.3 1033 128 Cone Red Dot 4.4 1036 128 Universal 5.1 1040 129 Unique 5.9 1046 130 VVN320 4.8 1067 132 Caution: these loads should not be fired in small-frame or very old revolvers. Refer to our 38 Special section for more load data.

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 149 Auto Pistol Loading On the semi auto side, light bullets are the rule and the 38 Super Auto (or variant thereof) is the dominant cartridge. Considerable experimentation with our Laser-Cast 122 grain flat point in .356" diameter has yielded some very accurate and consistent loads, with one of the best being 4.3 to 4.5 grains HP-38 seated to 1.2" O.A.L. This load will consistently produce sub-2", 50 yard groups for 10 shots from the author’s iron-sighted, Bar-Sto barreled stock gun. Each pistol has its idiosyncrasies and preferences, so plan on doing some experimenting with your own. Knowing the actual groove diameter of your barrel will help. Refer to our 38 Super Auto section for loading data and more specific information.

LOADING FOR THE COMPETITOR Note: These Laser-Cast loads require much less powder than comparable-velocity jacketed versions. With some tuning, you can achieve excellent accuracy with much less recoil and wear to your guns.

Bianchi Cup shooters tend towards seemingly unreasonable fanati- cism in the preparation and loading of their match ammunition. It’s not hard to see why, when a year’s worth of practice, endless trips to the pistolsmith and expense culminate in 192 (hopefully) perfect shots. Any malfunction or stray shot is an unsurvivable disaster! Thus, certain precautions and procedures are employed by the top X–men to insure perfect performance in the tournament.

Most shooters opt to use once-fired brass in their match loads, holding to the theory that if it worked the first time, it’ll work again. There’s an element of truth to this as defects like mal-formed rims or a missing flash hole may not be revealed through visual inspection. The first firing also expands the case a bit and subsequent firings NRA ACTION PISTOL may show less velocity variation within a given string. New brass can also be used but each round must be inspected and gauged for case length, rim diameter and concentricity of flash hole, rim and extractor groove. New brass often has sharp, burred case mouths and starred burrs around the flash hole exit.

150 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS One approach to case preparation involves tumbling in walnut hulls

for as long as it takes to remove these burrs; this can take days to LOADING FOR THE COMPETITOR accomplish. Another is to hand-reburr using one of the many tools available. Though time consuming, a little work with 600 grit abrasive paper will do an excellent job on rough case mouths. At least one shooter goes to the trouble of regulating primer pockets and flash holes with a hand-held pocket reamer in bench-rest fashion. The author has tested this practice and not found it to be profoundly beneficial to 50-yard pistol accuracy. Then again, it probably can’t hurt. Thus is the price of peace of mind at the Bianchi Cup.

Loading is done in the traditional manner as outlined in Chapter 1, with a few minor precautions thrown in. Check your powder measure for consistency; installing a set screw to lock down the charge bar insert is a good idea. Recheck charge weights each time you refill the primer magazine. Start each bullet squarely on the case mouth (after visually checking the powder charge, of course). Taper crimp only as much as is needed to prevent bullets from pushing in under feeding pressure. Use dummies to determine the right amount of crimp. And if using new brass, size and deprime anyway! A granule of media stuck PISTOL NRA ACTION in a flash hole can blow your match. Finally, test hot and cold samples for both velocity and groups. (The 120 power factor is easily achieved, but resist the temptation to hedge the line with weenie loads.)

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 151 Lead Chart The moving target event is fired at 10, 15, 20, and 25 yards on an NRA D-1 traveling at 10 feet per second across 60 feet of exposure. The D-1 target is 18" wide. Therefore a bullet with an average velocity of 1000 fps across 25 yards will strike center using a leading-edge hold. This is of particular importance to Stock Firearm Division competitors who must use metallic sights without lead-compensation devices. The following chart will provide some guidelines for load selection.

10 fps Moving Target Lead Chart Lead in inches at 10 yards 15 yards 20 yards 25

LOADING FOR THE COMPETITOR yards

Average 750 4.80 7.20 9.60 12.00 velocity 800 4.50 6.75 9.00 11.25 (fps): 850 4.25 6.40 8.50 10.60 900 4.00 6.00 8.00 10.00 950 3.80 5.70 7.60 9.50 1000 3.60 5.40 7.20 9.00 1050 3.40 5.15 6.85 8.60 1100 3.25 4.90 6.50 8.20 1150 3.10 4.70 6.25 7.80 1200 3.00 4.50 6.00 7.50 NRA ACTION PISTOL

For further information on NRA Action or any other NRA-sponsored shooting sport, contact: National Rifle Association of America Competitions Division 11250 Waples Mill Road Fairfax, VA 22030 Phone: (800) 627-3888

152 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS LOADING FOR THE COMPETITOR STEEL CHALLENGE 153 NEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS OVERALL STATED REDUCE NEVER VERYONE E OMETHING FOR DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADS MAXIMUM EXCEED NOT DO Steel shooters have many equipment categories to choose from at choose from equipment categories to many have Steel shooters Limited, Revolver Challenge: Open, USPSA Steel revamped the newly categories and IDPA required) (costumes Single Action Open, Cowboy category of gun and holster the same any For all represented. are is not. lighter is better but slower apply: basic loading imperatives on uses timing microswitches currently The Steel Challenge course Muzzle to time. the competitors’ and stop a hit register plates to stop in a closely con- a difference make plate time adds up and could stop by down you loads will slow velocity low really As well, tested race. — or miss- hits on metal from feedback the visual and aural delaying open guns in 38 Super or for es in the dirt. An optimal velocity bullet. or 124 grain fps with a 115 9mm 1100 to 1050 is around Para enough pres- develop in lightened guns, Such loads function reliably mask the sound as to not so fast and are compensators work to sure of bullet impacts with muzzle blast. S Because the targets seem big and the shooting fast, many steel shoot- many seem big and the shooting fast, Because the targets in their ammo. This consideration as an important neglect accuracy ers gun-load unless your hits at speed cannot call your You is a mistake. shots at least within half of the 8- or all of your combination will keep Outer Limits determines at 40 yards. dot red of your area 10-minute an with mindless hosing from won and Outer Limits isn’t this match, is on. shrink when the pressure Those plates pistol. inaccurate Steel shooting is perhaps the most giggly fun of all the action disci- most giggly fun is perhaps the Steel shooting no power-factor of no-limits, a game purely It’s there. plines out casual the to like what it looks least that’s at hosing. Or, super speed can hit; the faster as you as fast can only go you In reality, observer. (who with Mike Dalton must be! Mike you accurate go the more you ago) 20 years almost the Steel Challenge format Fichman invented Speed Shooting Championship” that the “World the author once told Plate-Shooting Championship.” called the “World be should really a relaxed and precision, demands smoothness, This type of shooting nothing if not Steel shooting is fun as hell, but attitude. but focused master. difficult to Steel Challenge Steel STEEL CHALLENGE LOADING FOR THE COMPETITOR 154 deal with.Theauthorhasseen everything thatcanbefired from a Revolver openshooters don’thave suchfunctionalconsiderations to bullet isparticularlyaccurate inourtestguns.) perhaps the170 semiwad cutterand4.5grains HP38. (Thelatter either our155round nosesemiwad cutterand5.0grains WST or feels “clean” andfunctionsreliably. 40S&WGlocksrunwell with return. For 9mmGlocks, our135round nosewith3.7grains ofHP38 bullets andfaster powders to provide softerrecoil withgoodsight reduced loadsorrespringing, solook to medianloadswithheavier perhaps another9mmservicetype. Glocksdonottake well to IDPA stock serviceshooters willlikely beshootingGlock pistols or action, lightrecoil andstable sight-picture return. will beenhancedby careful springingto achieve abalanceofcrisp the caliberofyour choice. Optimalperformance withreduced loads to stock steelhosing,refer to oursteelandactionloadsectionsfor If, ontheotherhand,you are intendingto dedicatealotofpractice shouldn’t greatly altertimingorrequire respringing ofyour pistol. mal charge. Thiswillyieldalighter-recoiling load,butonewhich steel may beto simplysubstitutealighter-weight bulletover your nor- recoil from your limitedpistol, theleastdisturbingloadingchoicefor sprung slidesluggishly. Ifyou’re very usedto theway majorloads obtained. Thelastthingyou want isalightloadthatcycles your over- as fast asthesightsreturn from recoil andastable sightpicture is for steelwithlimited-typeguns. Withiron sights, you canonlyshoot with reduced loads, sosomethoughtneedsto gointo loadselection Stock, uncompensatedpistols behave andhandleradically differently USPSA LimitedandIDPA shooters have ahomeinSteelshooting,too. to our38SuperAuto sectionfor Steel/Action loaddata. extra 7grains won’t benoticedbutthetightergroups willbe. Refer If the115 round nosedoesn’thangfor you, tryour122flatpoint;the accurate combinationfor your particularpistol. amount ofloadexperimentation may berequired to findthemost bullet for opencategoryguns. Becauseit’s shortandlight,afair Our 115 grain 9mmround nosebullet,sized to .356",isanidealsteel DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADS NEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS STATED OVERALL REDUCE NEVER LOADING FOR THE COMPETITOR STEEL CHALLENGE 155 ID NEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS OVERALL STATED REDUCE NEVER , K AST F RETTY P need to weenie out, try the 9mm Laser-Cast 115 grain 115 out, try the 9mm Laser-Cast weenie need to ER Y really EAR DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADS MAXIMUM EXCEED NOT DO round nose in .356" with 3.5 grains Red Dot. This bullet requires a This bullet requires Dot. Red with 3.5 grains nose in .356" round load just well this Our test M-686 grouped crimp. modest taper it. about Forget Recoil? be promising. enough to Mike Dalton Mike c/o The Steel Challenge Sage Road Valley 6073 93510 CA Valley, Action 269-2245 (661) For more information about the Steel Challenge, contact: Challenge, about the Steel information more For Cowboy Steel shooters are on a whole different trip. The classic Steel on a whole different are Steel shooters Cowboy demanding of be much more to acknowledged are Challenge courses the At shoots. at Cowboy encountered typically than stages accuracy be loaded (carefully!) may single actions Cowboy Steel Challenge, finish a string. to be drawn may and a second sixgun with six rounds will be the cow- this event of winners can anticipate that future We hit ‘em all in six time to taking draws, who made the fewest pokes will demand a load that is Such a winning strategy shots or only five. both blasters. point of aim from to and prints exactly accurate very on tombstone a pretty score shooting will get your or index Point be a sighted one! needs to shot in the match Boot Hill; every and your per se, control than recoil important thus is more Accuracy and group best bet. Zero not be your load may Action usual Cowboy will do! of what they certain and be guns at 40 yards your I H If you If you Smith & Wesson tried on steel, from round balls on up. For compen- up. For balls on round from on steel, tried & Wesson Smith medium- to with a fast- cone truncated the 125 try space guns, sated light-bullet reduced Severely Dot. or Red Unique like propellant rate wide velocity cartridges) show revolver Special (as in all loads in 38 pressure at low burn rates powder inconsistent due both to spreads Dot, Red as 700X, such Bulkier powders aspect variation. and simple powder Titegroup new be used. Hodgdon’s should Clays or perhaps attenuate specifically to being formulated as well, promise shows cases. in big revolver aspect variation IPSC/USPSA LOADING FOR THE COMPETITOR 156 and OtherActionGames IPSC/USPSA IPSC shootingmustlookateachbranch, Open andLimited,separately. branched outintwo directions, andourdiscussion ofreloading for our sportwas introduction of38Super Auto. Soonafter, thesport ed by therules, thesinglemostimportant development to influence Since theearlydays whenthesingle stack 45was practically mandat- Limited thanOpen,andshooters dominate many clubs. become very popular. More new shooters are choosingto competein (and IPSCStandard) categorylargely answers thisneedandhas with lessexpensive, more-or-less practical equipment:USPSA Limited also responded to thedesire ofmostshooters to beableto compete ment testedinreasonable, scenario-basedcourses offire. USPSA has and the1911 Society—eachpromoting useofcarry-orientedequip- been theformation oftheInternationalDefensive Pistol Association, esoteric sport.Cool!Becausethenatural reaction to thattrend has defensive practicality, reducing IPSCcompetitionto afunbutstylized, round countfieldcourses bothserved to pushasideany pretense of and syntheticspeedholsters…) andthepopulardrive towards high- tive equipment(compensated,opticallysighted,highcapacitypistols the modeloriginallyenvisionedfor it.Unforseen advances incompeti- sport —atleastintheory!Inpractice, IPSChasdeviated widelyfrom tim. Afteralltheseyears, theseprinciplesstillguideandinform our 1970s itsfounders adoptedSWCPL’s rulesandprinciplesalmostverba- League insouthernCalifornia. WhenIPSCwas formed inthelate first to codifyrulesfor thesportwas theoldSouthwest CombatPistol disciplines, eachwithitsown rules, viewpoint andorganization. The has grown anddeveloped into anumberofindependentandvaried Since itsinceptioninthelate1950s, thesportof“combat shooting” history little A DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADS NEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS STATED OVERALL REDUCE NEVER LOADING FOR THE COMPETITOR IPSC/USPSA 157 NEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS OVERALL STATED REDUCE NEVER DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADS MAXIMUM EXCEED NOT DO In truth, an uncompensated 38 Super was of little advantage. Sure, it Sure, of little advantage. was In truth, an uncompensated 38 Super more but recoiled Auto, 45 the 1911 over rounds more held three the guy who simply winner was when the match In an era sharply. of an issue than magazine more was shootability hit all the targets, didn’t really So, 38 Supers still true today.) that’s (Perhaps capacity. The out compensators. figured we until on fire set the IPSC world blobs of steel, but we barrel-mounted than little more were first a .38 Super works high-pressure learned quickly; the smaller caliber, of can. The era efficiently than 45 Auto more far good compensator As compensator 38 Super comp guns had arrived. dominance by as well. our loads progressed in efficiency, designs improved 38 Super takes com- over “combat PF 38 Super Auto major When the author built the first a trend accelerated unwittingly) he (very in the 1970s, petition” pistols equipment tournament-gaming less practical, smaller caliber, towards that then dominated the 45 Autos the carry-suitable from and away 160 loaded to caliber auto Competing with a 9mm/.38 discipline. clubs dishonest. Certain even heretical, considered was factor power the author, ceased speaking to shooters banned us “supermen”; certain themselves. for weapon” “terror a 38 Super at least until obtaining A then- “state of the art” compensated pistol fromA then- “state of the the Golden Age by single-stack, iron-sightedof IPSC dominance Supers, circa 38 1987. IPSC/USPSA LOADING FOR THE COMPETITOR 158 the top. However, thisonlycorrects that20%ofnetflipgenerated by are alsodesigned to attenuatemuzzleflipdirectly by blowing gasout abrupt andsightreturn more predictable to theshooter. Mostcomps spring whichhasthedesired effectofmakingthefeedingcycle less velocity. Less slidevelocity permitsuseofalighterweight recoil rel from slideandthusreduce residual chamberpressure andslide faces to negatethejetthrusteffect,slow down theunlockingofbar- piston. Acompensator works by redirecting muzzleblastagainstsur- upon bulletexit whiledrivingtheslideusing the chambered caseasa caused by thebehavior ofpropellant gaswhichforms ajetofthrust A significantportionofperceived recoil from your 1911mechanics pistol is Compensator up to today’s 175,fully-supportedchambers becamemandatory. barrels andnew, more suitable propellants. Asthepower factor crept lets was facilitated by theappearance offully-supported,“ramped” chronographs were adoptedto checkPF. Safeuseoftheselighterbul- numerous castandjacketed designsinthe135to 150-grain range and listic pendulum.Bythelate80s, thebulletindustryhadcomeoutwith sized to .356",to give usthemassneededto score major PFonabal- 9mm/38 SuperAuto reloading. We used158-grain round noselead, In 1978there existed few commercially available heavy bulletsfor DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADS negotiates the tires negotiates thetires at aUSPSAmatch. Mike Briggs NEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS STATED OVERALL REDUCE NEVER LOADING FOR THE COMPETITOR IPSC/USPSA 159 NEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS OVERALL STATED REDUCE NEVER accompanied by a mind-shattering report. Yet, the nature Yet, report. a mind-shattering accompanied by down, DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADS MAXIMUM EXCEED NOT DO Bullet weight and lots of develop charges powder while light bullets and heavy Thus, controllability vs. violent and are more such loads are comp, run your to pressure safety parts, The incidence of broken equipment. on your much harder as exponentially all increase erosion sights and bore electronic failed racegun A well-fitted 150 grains. below is reduced bullet weight a for performance accurate reliable, deliver to should be expected lead bullet major loads. of 147 grain, rounds minimum of 70,000 typi- the service life expectancy ammunition, jacketed With 147 grain and hammering erosion greater due to less than 45,000 to cally falls fac- major power make to required charge powder the heavier from a tough out even bullets will burn 125 jacketed Major velocity tor. and the author once rounds, in less than 25,000 barrel Bar-Sto than 500, with fewer barrel Bush “de-rifle” a new Aaron observed session! losing 85 fps in one practice JHP screamers, 115 That explains flip, but what about felt recoil? While a compensator, about felt recoil? flip, but what That explains fitting barrel and thoughtful redistribution springing, weight correct of per- the character and sight return, muzzle flip can all influence of bullet of the physics a function impulse is much more recoil ceived “softer” bullets will feel gun, heavier In a given and velocity. weight regardless factor, power making the same screamers than lightweight of this phenome- design used. The best example of the compensator essentially cartridge, 9x25mm Dillon in the heroic non might be found specifically to .355" and created to down Norma necked a 10mm with as much as 20 grains compensators multi-chambered blast large 7-port compen- and a that much gas volume With gases. of propellant at all — and indeed some 9x25 pistols no flip expect you’d sator, recoil Recoil and bullet weight barrel unlocking. Another 5% or so comes when the case hits the the case when or so comes 5% Another unlocking. barrel transmit- with energy associated flip of muzzle 75% leaving ejector, frame. to the slide ted through of that recoil impulse is ultraviolent, like holding a steel pipe struck by like impulse is ultraviolent, of that recoil 38 to compared 9x25s magazine capacity for (Reduced a hammer. in advantage its purported control negates probably Super-type pistols 9x25 has seen little popularity.) run and gun field courses; today’s IPSC/USPSA LOADING FOR THE COMPETITOR 160 exchange your majorpower factor loadswithanyone else’s! chamber andbore dimensionsandfittingprofiles —never loanor only for fully-supportedchambers. Custom pistols willvary widelyin pressure! Ourmaximumloaddata for 38Superand9x23isintended the desired velocity isreached. Watch carefully for signsofexcessive mum load,increase powder charges in2/10th grain increments until the required velocity for your bulletweight. Starting from ourmini- When developing aloadfor your particularracegun, first determine Procedures andSafety and safetyinformation. Read andunderstand ChapterOne, Refer to our38SuperAuto and9x23sectionsfor fullloadingdata point ofaimfrom fullrecoil. reliably stripandfeedrounds andreturn thedotto, orslightlyabove, and canaggravate lateral stringing;you want justenough tensionto overly stiffrecoil springcausesthedotto bouncearound onreturn bullets. Experimentwithrecoil springsfrom 11 to 14pounds. An nose; two orthree portrigswillstillfeelcrispwith145or147grain pensated pistols willprobably “track” bestwith135grain round predictable muzzleflipandsightreturn characteristics. Heavily com- 180 power factor usingtheheaviest bulletthatproduces manageable, everything to win,thinkagain.)Thisidealloadshouldyieldareliable durability. (Ifyou thinkyou needto shoot13/100-second splitson that balancessafety, recoil, andmuzzlecontrol withenhancedpistol inaccurate pistols, andtheopencompetitor shouldlookfor aload load. Control isimportant, butmatches aren’t won withunreliable, barrel, butlessthanthree cycles withacomparable 115 jacketed reloadings assumingacorrectly chambered andheadspaced than 10 Safe caselifefor 147grain castmajorloadsin38Superisnoless rated casesincreases inlike fashion withdecreased bulletweight. This says nothingfor safety, either. Thelikelihood ofblown or sepa- DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADS before proceeding! NEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS STATED OVERALL REDUCE NEVER Loading LOADING FOR THE COMPETITOR

Everything old is new again: IDPA, and new production-gun divi- sions for USPSA and NRA Action competition have arisen from the popular revival of orthodox, carry-oriented practical shooting concepts.

LOADING FOR USPSA LIMITED AND OTHER STOCK PISTOLS IPSC/USPSA Muzzle flip and recoil mechanics We’ve seen that the open hosers crave pressure, loading their raceguns with light bullets and slow-burning powders to work those compensators. Taking this to extremes is counterproductive and potentially dangerous, but even relatively sedate, 147 grain 38 Super major loads develop enormous volumes of high pressure gas. Fired from a limited, uncompensated pistol such loads are brutal; unredirected, that excess gas volume drives slide velocity to wicked speeds. It follows that if you could make major Pf with the same 147 grain bullet using a faster powder developing less excess gas volume, your slide would cycle more slowly and flip less. This is true, however calibers like 38 Super or 9x23 cannot be loaded to major velocities with fast pistol/shotgun powders safely (which explains the IPSC/USPSA .40 caliber floor for Limited/major PF).

Heavy bullets This theory holds for the larger pistol calibers to varying degrees and many USPSA Limited shooters have adopted heavy bullet, fast powder loads. Extreme examples in .40 S&W using Clays, VV N310 or

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 161 IPSC/USPSA LOADING FOR THE COMPETITOR 162 make majorpower factor. cycling afforded by thelighterpower charge suchbulletsrequire to barrel unlocking,butthat’s more thanoffset by thelessviolent or above in45ACP) dotendto causemore initialmuzzlerisefrom Heavy bullets(i.e., 200grains in40S&Wor10mm Normaand225 double usefulcaselifeandare far easieronyour pistol to boot. with Universal willbewell withinsafelimits. Suchloadsmore than with littleornoincrease inperceived recoil orflip,andmajorloads Switching from Clays to Universal cutsgroup sizes by more thanhalf recommended maximumcharge weights. Notcoolandnotsafe! with thesepowders and200grain bulletsallexceed manufacturers’ results are obtained withVVN310 andSolo1000 andmajorloads S&W MajorClays loadleadsthebore andgroups poorly. Similar .40/10mm 200grain flatpointfor example, theonce-popular.40 pressure, recoil impulse, torque, andaccuracy. WithLaser-Cast Having saidthis, anexcellent balancecanbereached between safe with catastrophic results! bers.) Such loadsfired instandard, unsupportedchambers (See ChapterOneillustration ofsupportedvs. unsupportedcham- loads unsafe, even in1911 typepistols and fully-supportedchambers. high peakpressures withultrafast shockwave propogation make such Solo 1000 with200+grain bulletsdofeelsoftlycontrollable, but using achronograph to verify results. any changeto your majorload,reduce your charge andwork up characteristics ofvarious lotsofpowder orprimers. When making Remember, chamber andbore dimensionsvary widely, asdothe switch to adifferent powder andwork upfrom areduced load. If you cannotmake majorPFreliably withagiven maximumload, charges inanattemptto reach thedesired velocity andpower factor! web. Undernocircumstances should you exceed ourlistedmaximum certain your pistol’s chamberfullysupportsthe casewall through the Approach maximumloadscarefully and consultyour gunsmithto be made 1911-type pistols usingfullysupportedramped barrels only. Our heavy-bullet majorloadsare intended to beusedinproperly Safety DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADS NEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS STATED OVERALL REDUCE NEVER will fail LOADING FOR THE COMPETITOR IPSC/USPSA 163 The minimum required: .45 a box-stock Springfield holster. in a practical carry NEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS OVERALL STATED REDUCE NEVER DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADS MAXIMUM EXCEED NOT DO The 230 round nose bullet has always had its devotees. Reliable feed- Reliable had its devotees. nose bullet has always The 230 round the 200 semi wad will group asset. Most pistols ing is its greatest Modern powders and heavier bullets can yield somewhat more con- more bullets can yield somewhat and heavier Modern powders as our classic Laser-Cast as well loads shoot but few results, trollable Other powder powder. WW231 cutter and semi wad 200 grain cutter include 700X, semi wad and 200 grain the 45 ACP options for more recoil seemed to always in particular and HP38. 700X Bullseye, spreads. velocity extreme greater show but tends to softly than 231, Traditional loads 5-inch gun, 80% of all the shooters for Auto of the 45 era In the previous 45 Auto & Hensley 200 grain load: a hardcast used the same encountered we This WW231. 6.0 grains 5.7 to over cutter bullet Gibbs #68 semi wad pro- under 2" at 50 yards, into classic combination will often shoot millions of these clean. Untold duces litle leading and is relatively by of reference who had no other frame shooters by fired were characteristics. judge its recoil which to IPSC/USPSA LOADING FOR THE COMPETITOR 164 erence. Flying3,000miles to get“minored” isatotal bummer. loads underavariety ofconditionsandrecord theresults for future ref- humidity andtemperature allaffectvelocity, sodosome testingofyour IPSC competitors travel widely. Changesinatmosphericpressure, guarantors ofconcentricityand sure chambering. is theuseofLee’s factory taper crimp die. These thingsare great A bigaidinthereloading ofreliable ammo for semiautomatic pistols fully understand Chapter1before you proceed! care withwhichyour ammunitionis reloaded. Besure to read and Competition pistols needto work 100%. Central to functionisthe Reliability the rightchoice. out there andour180semiwad cutterwithUniqueorUniversal is became viable. Alotoftheseold“first generation raceguns” are left When compensated45’s appeared, the180semiwad cutters 180 grain semiwad cutters were never popularfor 5-inchguns. sharpness of200swiththeheavy roll ofthe250s. betterandrecoil impulsefrom 230scombinessomeoftheflat cutter an earlycompensated9mmHKP-7. Bruce Grayshootingthe9-pineventat1984SecondChancewith DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADS NEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS STATED OVERALL REDUCE NEVER LOADING FOR THE COMPETITOR IPSC/USPSA 165 NEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS OVERALL STATED REDUCE NEVER DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADS MAXIMUM EXCEED NOT DO Alas, in IDPA the 9mm minor squirters have their promised land. their promised have the 9mm minor squirters in IDPA Alas, action type. against one another by compete only Minor caliber pistols this For as well. this includes all 40 S&W caliber pistols Interestingly, In 9mm concepts apply. control type of competition the same recoil the minimum 125 power make bullets easily 135 and 147 grain Para, These HP38, Unique and Universal. like powders with faster factor lighter hand and permit use of somewhat in the predictably loads roll feels pistol your the way not like may Still, you spring rates. recoil ballis- loads duplicate typical factory bullets; our standard with heavy optimal function. Standard for adjustment no pistol tics and require pistols some load sensitive for also recommended bullets are weight fully- and/or do not have re-sprung which cannot safely be and others pistols service-type many Finally, such as Glocks. supported chambers well. bullet weights certain stabilize rifling plans which do not have Sure, minor loads recoil less but that doesn’t usually translate into translate less but that doesn’t usually recoil minor loads Sure, Today, hits. ‘A’-Zone runs or more faster split times, reduced markedly win- between a place purgatory, minor category is the chronoman’s fac- souls who thought 177 power tragic ning and disqualification for “Dead Man, sucks; it’s totally enough. Minor at home was tor Shooting.” Major vs. minor a is really category factor power loads? Minor minor about So, what reasons, competitive primarily for when, the 1970s from holdover the magazine equalize to a way for looked shooters the 45 Auto Tommy as the P-35 or such 9mm pistols of advantage capacity never Tommy “supergun.” Smith & Wesson famous Campbell’s who 9mm at minor — that Smith shooting 10 of the top placed out gun. had he shot a “real” won he’d have matches many how knows match competitive very in today’s reproducible Such a feat is not of a maga- 9 or 38 Super Limited gun has enough No environment. (The author and .45s. our hi-cap .40s over zine capacity advantage and pistol Limited Nationals using a 9mm minor the 1995 fired at major would scored An identical performance overall. placed 23rd 6th.) for been good have IDPA is much more accuracy-intensive than IPSC/USPSA competition; you should place accuracy above recoil control.

Refer to the following power factor chart for a guideline towards load selection for you particular action sport.

Remember: safety first, last, and always. Read and understand the material in this book before proceeding. Hose with caution and have fun!

For more information on USPSA and other Action Shooting sports, contact:

1911 Society United States Practical Shooting c/o Heinie Specialty Products Association 301 Oak Street, Suite 3-4 (IPSC/US) Quincy, IL 62301 P. O. B ox 811 LOADING FOR THE COMPETITOR Sedro Woolley, WA 98284 IDPA (International (360) 855-2245 Defensive Pistol Association) 2232 CR 719 Berryville, AR 72616 IPSC/USPSA

166 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS POWER FACTOR SHEET LOADING FOR THE COMPETITOR

Bullet Bianchi Minor Major Weight PF 120 PF 125 PF 130 PF 175 PF 180 PF 185

95 1263 1316 1368 115 1043 1087 1130 120 1000 1042 1083 125 960 1000 1040 1400 1440 1480 130 923 962 1000 1346 1385 1423 135 889 926 963 1296 1333 1370 145 828 862 897 1207 1241 1276 147 816 850 884 1190 1224 1259 150 800 833 867 1167 1200 1233 155 774 806 839 1129 1161 1194 160 750 781 813 1094 1125 1156 162 741 772 802 1080 1111 1142 165 727 758 788 1061 1091 1121 IPSC/USPSA 170 706 735 765 1029 1059 1088 175 686 714 743 1000 1029 1057 180 667 694 722 972 1000 1028 185 649 676 703 946 973 1000 195 615 641 667 897 923 949 200 600 625 650 875 900 925 205 585 610 634 854 878 902 230 522 543 565 761 783 804

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 167 PPC (Police Pistol Combat)

PPC evolved in the era of dominance by the 38 Special revolver in law enforcement. While new equipment categories have come along, the basic course remains a stylized, revolver-oriented ballet fired in multi- ples of six shot strings upon a single target. As happens with all static courses, very specialized equipment has been developed and shooting techniques have evolved to the point that perfect scores have decided winners for many years. Not unlike NRA Action, PPC has become a game of attrition and success hinges on making no mistakes.

In some regions, the semi auto division matches must be fired with factory loaded service ammunition. Accurate practice ammo still is a consid- LOADING FOR THE COMPETITOR eration, and we recommend our 122 grain flat point for this application. Refer to our 9mm Para loading data section. Some experimentation will be required, no doubt, but HP38 is an excellent powder to start with.

The distinguished match requires use of stock, factory-barreled revolvers. Best accuracy will often be had using the Laser-Cast 158 round nose or semi wad cutter bullet vs. our 148 DB-WC in Smith & Wesson M-586/686 wheelguns. Since full wad cutters may be prohibited in distinguished division, this is no real problem. Bullseye, WW231 and HP38 are all excellent choices here. Use a minimum roll crimp for best accuracy with 158 grain target loads.

The heavy barreled PPC conversions are designed with full wad cutters in mind. Any gun that won’t place 12 shots into half the width of the 10 ring at 50 yards isn’t worth keeping. Loading ammunition that will deliver such accuracy isn’t difficult but there are a few important- points to note.

POLICE PISTOL COMBAT Cases should ideally be sorted by brand and condition. With bullets traveling at the lower threshold of stabilizing velocity an overly bulged, odd case can cause a slow flyer.

168 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS Primer selection is also extremely important. PPC actions are often too

light to afford truly consistent ignition and Remington or Federal small LOADING FOR THE COMPETITOR pistol primers, being a bit thinner, are used to overcome this. Experimentation with different primers and varied mainspring tension may reveal a more accurate combination. Primer seating depth is crucial to both accuracy and reliable ignition as well; crush primers in hard!

Some sizing dies are really small in diameter and undersize cases excessively. Laser-Cast bullets are hard and will generally seat without distortion even in undersized cases, but it’s best to use a sizer that brings the cases’ ID to within .002" of bullet diameter. This will insure more concentric bullet seating and chambering, less bullet shaving or distortion, and consistent bullet release. All of these factors contribute to stable velocity spreads and accuracy.

Be certain to hand-start each bullet as concentrically as possible. Too much or too little case mouth flare can make smooth in-line bullet seating difficult. Our Laser-Cast 148 DB WC has a small crimp groove on either end, but treat them as single-ended bullets. Load them

sprue-end up to present the as-cast base to your revolvers’ muzzle POLICE PISTOL COMBAT upon exit.

You may find it unnecessary to roll crimp into the groove provided. Equal or superior accuracy may be obtained by flush-seating and crimping just enough to straighten out the case mouth flare.

Finally, our 148 DB-WC is cast harder than the others available and benefits thereby with superior consistency of weight, diameter and base profile. Being harder, these bullets do not obturate as fully at very low pressures. Thus, correct sizing of bullets to cylinder and groove dimaters is crucial to accuracy. Refer to our section on “Bullet Fit in Revolvers” in Chapter 1.

As well, best groups will be obtained at charge weights above those listed as starting loads for the 148 DB-WC bullet.

DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS 169 Your department may have some PPC shooters in the ranks; seek out experienced competitors for advice. If not, a good video can be a great help in avoiding rookie pitfalls. (John Pride’s instructional tape on PPC is particularly strong.)

For more information on this sport, contact: National Rifle Association of America Competitions Divison 11250 Waples Mill Road Fairfax, VA 22030 LOADING FOR THE COMPETITOR POLICE PISTOL COMBAT

170 DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADSNEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS LOADING FOR THE COMPETITOR HANDGUN METALLIC SILHOUETTE 171 after being beaten Laser-Cast Load Laser-Cast anything anything NEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS OVERALL STATED REDUCE NEVER will include loading information for the 357 Maximum and the 357 Maximum for information will include loading DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADS MAXIMUM EXCEED NOT DO Then, we have the interrelated effects of the bullet’s sectional density effects of the bullet’s the interrelated have Then, we held aren’t Silhouette matches and wind drift. Metallic on trajectory of the part and parcel are and mirage Doping crosswinds indoors. by 40-plus rounds of Magnum-class nervous system torture in the hot torture system nervous of Magnum-class 40-plus rounds by as principal factors can’t be ignored sensitivity and noise sun. Recoil cannon perhaps the most powerful So, performance. influencing your need after all. really isn’t what you living room can hold in your you Now, about your hold. The challenge isn’t about hitting a chicken at hitting a chicken hold. The challenge isn’t about about your Now, about hitting — it’s 200 during shootoffs Secondly, that powerful load needs to be accurate. How accurate? That accurate? How be accurate. load needs to that powerful Secondly, on the turkey’s zone wobble of your on the size depends somewhat hit, par- to is the hardest turkey The oddly-proportioned gobble zone. 150 meters, At hot desert breeze. out in the ticularly when standing hang them on reliably. capability to need sub-4" group really you The whole Metallic Silhouette game boils down to these basic com- to Silhouette game boils down The whole Metallic the on only scored are you first, and factors: imperatives petitive gun/load combination must be your Therefore, drop. you “animals” at 200 rams drive decisively to enough momentum deliver able to under the rams drop enough to powerful of loads are Lots meters. but what about in a backwind? ideal conditions, Manual the Casull cartridges.) The once-dominant 44 Magnum has given ground to high-velocity to ground 44 Magnum has given The once-dominant though stan- as .353 Casull and 357 Maximum, such .357 variants at will be encountered Magnum revolvers and 41 357 Magnum dard editions of the (Future as well. matches IHMSA The unlimited categories within International Handgun Metallic International categories within The unlimited firing single shot pistols dominated by Association are Silhouette bullets. and jacketed rifle cartridges essentially bottlenecked what are stand- and revolver on the production, discussion centers Instead, our ing categories. Handgun Metallic Silhouette Metallic Handgun HANDGUN METALLIC SILHOUETTE LOADING FOR THE COMPETITOR 172 yards) ofanumberbullets: Examine thischartcomparingtrajectory andretained energy (at200 impact atrange iswithintheadjustmentrange ofyour sights. trajectory inandofitselfisn’tabigissuesolongasyour pointof Trajectory isofcourse alsoaffectedby sectionaldensity, butahigh at .41 Magnumintheballisticcomparisonchart.) accuracy andshootability, smallercalibers mightmake sense. (Look deliver maximummomentumatrange withadequate momentum compared to lighter, faster examples. Sinceourgoalisto Long, heavy bulletsalsoretain proportionately more velocity and .357 Magnumcanruna158grainer. Maximumround —it’lldrive 180grain bulletsfaster thanany .357 tiles. Thisexplains partofthecontinuedappeal er calibers holdanadvantage whenloadedwithheavy, longprojec- game. Any supersonic bulletdriftsinwindlike aparachute, butsmall- 666 548 1000 522 390 1015 -38.5 366 1046 988 -32.6 1040 -31.2 1022 1250 -37.6 1120 Magnum .44 Energy 1003 -31.1 1450 675 300 TC Velocity .44Magnum 1450 240 SWC at200 780 1300 .41Magnum 215 SWC .357Magnum Energy 180 FP 1500 Velocity .357Magnum 158 SWC Bullet/Caliber Sights 1.0"abovebore, zeroedat50 Yards: E DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADS XTERNAL B ALLISTIC uzeMzl rpRtie Retained Retained Drop Muzzle Muzzle C OMPARISON NEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS STATED OVERALL REDUCE NEVER C HART LOADING FOR THE COMPETITOR HANDGUN METALLIC SILHOUETTE 173 NRA Competitions Division Mill Road Waples 11250 22030 VA Fairfax, NEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS OVERALL STATED REDUCE NEVER DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADS MAXIMUM EXCEED NOT DO IHMSA 95690 Box P.O. UT 84095 South Jordan, In general, Laser-Cast bullets will not lead at the velocity you can you velocity bullets will not lead at the Laser-Cast In general, section on “Bullet See our revolver. barreled 8 or 10" your from attain section on the caliber of the specific to and refer Fit in Revolvers” Silhouette on Handgun Metallic information more For choice. your competition, contact: Just from this comparison of our bullets at reasonable maximum at reasonable our bullets of comparison this Just from 215 Magnum’s The .41 things. of see a number can we velocities the hard- better than proportionately performs cutter wad semi grain bullet. As well, 240 grain with a standard .44 Magnum er-recoiling at 200 energy more far retains 180 flat point Magnum’s the .357 of foot-pounds 390 cutter. wad 158 semi faster than the much yards under most with high-center hits rams drive is adequate to energy revolver, heavy a long barreled from fired Such a load, conditions. than a .44 or (being much less abusive) competitive might be more out starting shooter, a new For advantage. maximum loaded to .41 the allowing sense, makes or revolver pistol with a .357 Magnum of such pun- good hold and trigger tehcnique absent of devlopment can’t hit! what you can’t drop all, you After ishing recoil. COWBOY ACTION SHOOTING LOADING FOR THE COMPETITOR 174 what your own results willbe. Beconservative inyour own round research andresulting data putforth may well changeordifferfrom Do nottake lightly, norfor granted, thefact thateven thebest most mainmatch Cowboy competitions. matches today, andare bestsuitedto theshorterdistances found in designed to meetminimum650fpsrequirements inforce atSASS well. Whiletheseloadsare “tailored” for my own firearms, they are “American Select”powder may beworth doing somework withas Hodgdon’s Clays hasworked well enough,althoughAlliant’s pistol loads, and5.0to 5.5grains for the rifleorcarbineloads. guns. Thepowder charges willrange from 4.9grains to 5.2for the extremely well inbothmy .45caliberpistols andmy 44-40 lever Oregon Trail BulletCompany (inrespective diameters) works I have found thatthe200grain round noseflatpointmadeby the find thebestsolution(s). tolerances ofsamemustbelooked to andaccountedfor, inorder to types offirearms, barrel lengthsandtheindividualconditions chronograph itselfisanotherarea to lookto. Understand thatthe will affectashooter’s firearms, theloadsbeingtestedand tial. Theuseofareliable chronograph andwhatclimaticconditions as goodinformation regarding thekindsoffirearms loaded,isessen- The importance ofsafetywhileengagedintheseoperations, aswell ed loadsto fillspecificneeds. ers theopportunityto experiment, tailor anddesignpersonally select- Besides theobviouscosteffectiveness ofreloading, itprovides shoot- time to do. ing willremain what75%ofthosecompetinginthesportwillfind specifically for today’s Cowboy Action shooter, itislikely thatreload- Even withthedevelopment ofworthy factory ammunitiondesigned Cowboy ActionShooting DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADS NEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS STATED OVERALL REDUCE NEVER LOADING FOR THE COMPETITOR COWBOY ACTION SHOOTING 175 Photo courtesy of Bar H ProductionsPhoto courtesy of Bar H NEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS OVERALL STATED REDUCE NEVER — Bounty Hunter, SASS Regulator #1849 Regulator SASS — Bounty Hunter, DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADS MAXIMUM EXCEED NOT DO Single Action Shooting Society Single Action Way Cowboy 215 NM 87015 Englewood, For more information about Cowboy Action competition, contact: Action about Cowboy information more For Since much of this manual’s text is oriented towards reloading for reloading towards is oriented text Since much of this manual’s be would here that information shooting, reproducing Action Cowboy caliber your to the section pertaining to Please refer a bit redundant. and specific reloading Cowboy to approaches more of choice for loading data. Bounty Hunter takes aim with his Colt 45. Bounty Hunter takes sur- fun learning the facts and have patience, have development, pastime. and satifsying an enjoyable found have what many rounding COWBOY ACTION SHOOTING LOADING FOR THE COMPETITOR 176 emulsify fouling from strippedpartsandbores. Whencleaned,pour Label thebottlewell! Working rapidly, usethissolvent to loosen and One partMurphy’s OilSoap One partrubbingalcohol One parthydrogen peroxide Black Powder CleaningSolvent: cousins useahomebrew thatisaseffective asany: powder solvents are available commercially, your Buckskinning after firingeven oneshot!Sobeit;while anumberofgoodblack therefore muchharder to clean),makingprompt cleaningnecessary ing blackpowder (theresulting oilyfouling isnotwater solubleand must notbepresent inyour firearms’ bore orchamberwhenshoot- guns runningincompetitionorpreserve theirvalue. Oilandgrease nately, noshortcuts ortrickscanreplace honesteffort to keep your and maintenanceritualsmustbecomeapartofyour act;unfortu- it down withrustywater. Therefore, rigorously adhered-to cleaning corrosive andhydroscopic, meaningthiscrudeatsrifling andwashes longevity ofyour weapons. Blackpowder fouling isbothchemically equivalent, Pyrodex®) fouling willaffectthereliability andpotential Straight off,acceptthefact thatblackpowder (anditseye squint able withforethought, goodtechniqueandeffort. problems thatdopresent withthisoldestofpropellants are manage- stuck ourteams’ManifestDestiny where thesundoesn’tshine. The out to be, my Native Americanwife’s worthy ancestors would have black powder were asmuchtrouble to work with aswe now make it Still, theoldtimers somehow managedto “tame” theWest withit;if ing difficulty. (Nooffenseintendedto your ass, muleorhinny. Sure, blackpowder rates highestonthepain-in-the-assscaleofshoot- experience, blackpowder willplay acentral role. West whoare really committedto recreating anauthenticfrontier which gunsare onlyapart.For thoseimbuedwiththeethosof quite keen onalltheperiod-correct clothingandaccoutrements, of If you are anavid Cowboy Action shooteryou have likely become B O THE FOR DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADS LACK P C WE AND OWDER OWBOY A CTION P YRODEX NEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS STATED OVERALL REDUCE NEVER S HOOTER ® R ELOADING -Ed. ) LOADING FOR THE COMPETITOR COWBOY ACTION SHOOTING 177 equivalent NEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS OVERALL STATED REDUCE NEVER (Refer to the Chapter One section on prop- the to (Refer DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADS MAXIMUM EXCEED NOT DO Choosing the either for correct is desired charge slightly compressed density, A 100% charge for accomplish this it is only necessary to To or Pyrodex.® yourblack powder bullet weight cases to and fill your crimp groove to base bullet from your measure account the thickness into taking the top, within that dimension from We of the propellant. compressibility material and the wad of your about 1/16" best when compressed burns find that 3f black powder with a dowel. wad hand-seating the card by attained the level beyond the case, 1/8". In any say a bit more, ‘P’ can benefit from Pyrodex maximum charge guide for your rule should be “1/8" compressed” and carbine cartridges such as pistol in black powder-era volumes pistol us use a 38-40 RUGER 32–20, 38-40, 44-40 and 45 Colt. Let as a model: with a 6.5" barrel Wads between with a wad should be seated charges black powder Ideally, coarse damage by the base from and bullet, which protects powder perfectly; cham- note pad works a typical The backing from granules. an edge and cookie-cut them out to case fer the mouth of an unsized the them from remove Use a small punch to with a plastic hammer. case periodically. On to the loading differ from or Pyrodex® black powder for procedures Loading 100% to be loaded to are propellants These techniques. smokeless com- efficiently when somewhat combust most and in fact density, as air space between not recommended loads are (Reduced pressed. obstruc- as a bore behave bullet can cause the bullet to and powder are velocities and widely varied nasty fouling tion; poor accuracy, Such loads.) black powder low-density from expected be the most to well do not meter very of chunky granules volumes charge large and Both black powder measures. powder automatic standard from muzzle-loading standard a from should be charged loads Pyrodex® are since these propellants anyway, type bulk measure boiling water over your parts until very hot, then dry them quickly, then dry hot, until very parts your over water boiling and oil inside a good preservative of application a liberal by followed are you event, In any seems. as it as long take This doesn’t out. it! clean for to know when you only powder shoot black to ready by volume, not weight! not weight! volume, by erties of black powder.) COWBOY ACTION SHOOTING LOADING FOR THE COMPETITOR 178 Flat Point 180 RoundNose little trouble producing 150+rounds perhour. pressed charge. Onceyou are setupandorganized, you shouldhave crimp willbenecessaryto holdthebulletin place againstthecom- three, handstart abulletandindex to four to seat/crimp.Asolidroll set offaprimer. Becareful! Replacing thecharged caseinto station must beexercised notto crushthepowder granules orinadvertently pressure againstadowel ofslightlylessthanbulletdiameter. Care measure. Then,seatacard wad over thecharge usingmoderate hand block, where you willdrop a charge from your blackpowder bulk mouth inthesecondstation. At three, remove thecaseto aloading reprime acaseintheusualmannerstation one. Bellthecase The actualprocedure isstraightforward enough:first, resize and Set upatoolhead asfollows, clockwise: Bthatpreserves asmuchspeedpossible: 550 impossible. We have usedabasicloadingsystem for theDILLON powder loadinglessthansuitable for trueautomation, thoughit’s not The extra stepsinbelling,charging andwad seatingrender black procedure Loading DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADS .Comboseatandcrimpdie 4. Blank-nodie 3. Emptymeasure adjustedto bellonly 2. Sizingdie 1. 38-40 BlackPowderandPyrodex ox3 0.2"998 .020" 30 Goex 3f odrGan,Vlm Card Grains, Volume Powder ox2 0.2"927 .020" 30 Velocity Wad Goex 2f Equivalent Pyrodex Type Ruger Blackhawk6.5", WLP ® P 0.2"1045 .020" 30 ‘P’ NEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS STATED OVERALL REDUCE NEVER ® Loads LOADING FOR THE COMPETITOR COWBOY ACTION SHOOTING 179 NEVER REDUCE STATED OVERALL LENGTHS OVERALL STATED REDUCE NEVER DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADS MAXIMUM EXCEED NOT DO This information applies to original black-powder cartridges described black-powder original applies to This information 44 Special, like rounds in this manual. Modern smokeless-era 44 use adequate seated capacity for Magnum have Magnum or .41 from performance find may You as well. with black powder 38 you recommend than thrilling. We Special and .357 Magnum less 26, which has an excel- MANUAL DATA of Hodgdon’s a copy obtain applications. varied for reloading Pyrodex® lent chapter covering On the plus side, Pyrodex® delivers excellent ballistic performance excellent delivers Pyrodex® On the plus side, this is still about hitting targets.) loaded. (Remember, when properly but loads, of lower-density tolerant more is somewhat Black powder could not said, you When all’s tighter groups. produce often won’t aesthetic an important for them, save between on the difference live of luxuri- the shooter in billows wreaths black powder consideration: just might permit both the Pyrodex® whereas ant white smoke, of his marksmanship. This the results witness to shooter and crowd ego… but that depending on your or not, could be an advantage looks great. sure smoke sulfurous wonderful Which powder? the black powder, traditional over advantages holds some Pyrodex® fashion same in the stored and be shipped being it can one principal performance powder’s black it shares Still, propellants. as smokeless were (If Pyrodex® degrees. varying to and deficits characteristics as much fun.) Pyrodex® be nearly shooting it wouldn’t much better, behind is it does leave the fouling though a bit cleaner, is perhaps guns than your to pernicious and no less destructive more arguably a “hot” requiring ignition sensitive, It is notoriously stuff. the charcoal so than black powder, more And even results. consistent primer for unless compressed. a hoot in Hades burn worth won’t just Pyrodex® If you have questions or problems, we are happy to assist you. Call Technical Support at 800-811-0548. U L L E B T OREGON TRAIL C O Y M P A N 1-800-811-0548 www.laser-cast.com OREGON TRAIL BULLET COMPANY P.O. Box 529 • Baker City, Oregon 97814 • 1-800-811-0548 • www.laser-cast.com