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#95778 - 11/21/11 06:31 PM

My thoughts on reloading.

claytonfaulkner
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Registered: 06/15/11
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I have been considering reloading a lot lately. I think buying a 44 might finally push me over.

It looks like a 240 xtp and a 300 xtp have a very similar trajectory between 50 and 100 yards. I am thinking the 240 at 1300 fps would be a good practice and hunting load for someone else wanting to hunt with it. I would use the 300 at 1350 for my hunting duties.

My main motivation is cost. It looks like I could reload the 240 for $16.62 for a box of 50. I made this handy spread sheet for calculating reload costs and it seems like it would save me a good bit. I paid $60 for a box of 50 300 grain HP's from double tap, I just can't shoot very much for that.

I think it might be worth it.

I could always go lower for the light load but I would have to hold over or adjust the scope every time I shoot because I would get too much drop.

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#95785 - 11/21/11 08:00 PM

Re: My thoughts on reloading. [Re: claytonfaulkner]

s4s4u
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Quote:

I would use the 300 at 1350 for my hunting duties.

No need to beat yourself up now. I'm not sure you can get there in a wheelgun anyway but even @ 1,200FPS the 300 will kill with authority.

Reloading is absolutely worth it, moreso than just monetary savings which will allow you to shoot more. You can tailor a load for your liking, recoil versus terminal balistics, etc.

Plus, it is quality time with yourself.

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#95792 - 11/21/11 08:17 PM

Re: My thoughts on reloading. [Re: s4s4u]

TCTex.
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Ya, what Rod said... LOL

Your right about the hunting and plinking loads as well. I have been fortunate to find a combo that shoots very close to one another at 100 yards.

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#95794 - 11/21/11 08:48 PM

Re: My thoughts on reloading. [Re: TCTex.]

wapitirod
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Registered: 01/19/05
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the reason the trajectory is so similiar is the ballistic coefficient of the bullet. It's the same reason I shoot 180gr Nosler BT's and Accubonds out of my 300Win mag but I could get around 200fps more out of a 150 or 165gr bullet of the same style. Because of the better BC of the longer bullet though my trajectory is about the same, the heavier bullet sheds speed slower and the heavier bullet retains more energy downrange. Alot of guys get too wrapped up in velocity and what you'll eventually find is there is normally a middle point that gives you the best of both worlds. It's like the 460XVR being toted as the fastest revolver out there at 2300fps + but to me it's just an advertising gimmick. I know there are guys that like the 200gr Hornady ammo but the gun is more effective with 260 or 300gr bullets.

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#95796 - 11/21/11 08:55 PM

Re: My thoughts on reloading. [Re: wapitirod]

Dan B.
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For a practice load you can use a different powder that will get you down to 8-9 grs per load and use a swagged bullet. Your overall pratice cost could be cut in half!

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#95799 - 11/21/11 09:13 PM

Re: My thoughts on reloading. [Re: Dan B.]

claytonfaulkner
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Registered: 06/15/11
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I looked at a few powders and if I was loading strictly for practice I might go that route.

I am also thinking about pushing the reloading equipment back awhile and getting a s&w 617!

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#95802 - 11/21/11 09:37 PM

Re: My thoughts on reloading. [Re: claytonfaulkner]

wapitirod
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Registered: 01/19/05
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Loc: Tillamook, Oregon

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Originally Posted By: claytonfaulkner

I looked at a few powders and if I was loading strictly for practice I might go that route.

I am also thinking about pushing the reloading equipment back awhile and getting a s&w 617!

I use H110 and then if I want something lighter I go with HS6. I try to keep the amount of powders down and I already have too many types for all the rifle cartridges I load for, not to mention the 30lbs or so of black powder I have after buying those 23lbs of the KIK powder from my customer. My great grand kids will still be able to shoot my front loaders

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#95805 - 11/21/11 09:53 PM

Re: My thoughts on reloading. [Re: wapitirod]

claytonfaulkner
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Originally Posted By: wapitirod

Originally Posted By: claytonfaulkner

I looked at a few powders and if I was loading strictly for practice I might go that route.

I am also thinking about pushing the reloading equipment back awhile and getting a s&w 617!

I plan on getting H110 for the 300 grain, that seems to be everyone's go to powder for heavy hunting loads

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#95819 - 11/22/11 07:45 AM

Re: My thoughts on reloading. [Re: claytonfaulkner]

zac0419
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Registered: 01/26/10
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Loc: CO

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Just so you know, you won't save a dime reloading..... but you will shoot a lot more.

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#95822 - 11/22/11 08:01 AM

Re: My thoughts on reloading. [Re: zac0419]

500WE
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Registered: 02/12/07
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Loc: North Carolina

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IMO a person will never learn to be an excellent handgunner without reloading, and without a .22. You'll need both, to learn to excel.
On a separate note, regarding 300 gr. bullets, I've been known to use bigger bores than .44 and heavy bullets as well, but if deer and hogs, for example, are the size game you will hunt, a .44 240 gr. will kill any deer that ever lived. No real need for the heavies with that game. But sometimes people want what they want ....

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