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December 2009 No. 263
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December 2009 Volume 44, Number 6 ISSN 0017-7393 Issue No. 263
8 12 16 18
Personal Best
Reloaders Press Dave Scovill
22 26 30 34
Die Adjustment Tips

From the Hip Brian Pearce
42 52 60
Cast Bullet Myth Busting

Nothing but the Truth
Mike Venturino
.300 Weatherby Magnum

Bullets & Brass Brian Pearce
Trigger Time
Pistol Pointers Charles E. Petty
Ruger LCR
Little Guns, Big Business
Charles E. Petty
The Vernacular of BPCR Silhouette

Mikes Shootin Shack Mike Venturino
Hodgdon H-335
Propellant Profiles R.H. VanDenburg, Jr.
3 Sixgun Cartridges
.45 Colt, .44 Special, .44 Magnum
Brian Pearce
.275 H&H Belted Magnum

Cartridge Board Gil Sengel
New Powders in the .220 Swift

Speed and Accuracy
John Haviland
Page 42 . . .
Page 60 . . .
Page 52 . . .
Background Photo: 2009 Royal Tine Images
Handloader 263
On the cover . . .
The Thompson/Center Contender rifle is chambered for the .22 Remington Jet. Photo by Stan Trzoniec
Page 52 Page 42 Page 34
70 78
.22 Remington Jet

T/C rescues defunct handgun cartridge in rifles.
Stan Trzoniec
Rampro AmmoCheck Universal Reloader Gauge

Product Tests R.H. VanDenburg, Jr.
Issue No. 263
December 2009
AMMUNIT ON REL NG JOUR AL AMMUNITION RELOADING JOURNAL

Publisher/President Don Polacek Associate Publisher Mark Harris
Page 82 . . .
82 86 90
Sierra MatchKing Palma Bullet

Inside Product News Clair Rees
Editor in Chief Dave Scovill Managing Editor Roberta Scovill Art Director Gerald Hudson Production Director Becky Pinkley
Contributing Editors
Associate Editor Al Miller John Haviland Ron Spomer Brian Pearce Stan Trzoniec Charles E. Petty R.H. VanDenburg, Jr. Clair Rees Mike Venturino Gil Sengel Ken Waters
Gun Digest 2009

Book Reviews R.H. VanDenburg, Jr.
Is Bigger Better?
In Range Terry Wieland
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Handloader (ISSN 0017-7393) is published bimonthly by Polacek Publishing Corporation, dba Wolfe Publishing Company (Don Polacek, Pres ident), 2625 Stearman Rd., Ste. A, Prescott, Arizona 86301 (also publisher of Rifle magazine). Tele phone: (928) 445-7810. Periodical Postage paid at Prescott, Arizona, and additional mailing offices. Subscription prices: U.S. possessions single issue, $5.99; 6 issues, $22.97; 12 issues, $39.00. Foreign and Canada single issue, $5.99; 6 issues $29.00; 12 issues, $51.00. Please allow 8-10 weeks for first issue. Advertising rates furnished on request. All rights reserved. Change of address: Please give six weeks notice. Send both the old and new address, plus mailing label if possible, to Circulation Dept., Handloader Magazine, 2625 Stearman Rd., Ste. A, Prescott, Arizona 86301. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Handloader, 2625 Stearman Rd., Ste. A, Prescott, Arizona 86301. Canadian returns: PM #40612608. Bleuchip International, P.O. Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2. Publisher of Handloader is not responsible for mishaps of any nature that might occur from use of published loading data or from recommendations by any member of The Staff. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Publisher assumes all North American Rights upon acceptance and payment for all manuscripts. Although all possible care is exercised, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for lost or mutilated manuscripts.
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Handloader 263
PERSONAL BEST
RELOADERS PRESS
by Dave Scovill
ber of one of the great track teams of the 1960s and 70s; it was clearly another to be embedded in the tradition of worldclass distance beat. We owned the legend, and like it or not, Kenny was a part of it. What Kenny and most of us at Oregon ultimately learned is that there was no use in making excuses since no one on the team would listen, least of all Coach Bill Bowerman. He was a task master, a tyrant and to most, a masterful coach. Those who chanced to admit defeat were, as Kenny put in his book, Bowerman and the Men of Oregon, disappeared. One day they were there, gone the next. Kenny went on to become a world-class distance runner at Oregon, olympic marathon runner, writer for Sports Illustrated and, during various track and field events, a sportscaster. He even managed a passable appearance in Personal Best, opposite Mariel Hemingway, that was filmed on the Oregon campus. So it was that I overheard the notion on national television news that it was important for folks to know that the present economic condition was inherited from the previous administration. It made no sense. Who would offer a precursor to cover a win or a loss but a politician?
n this politically charged societal evolution, Ive noticed a curious phenomenon the art of scape goating. It doesnt matter if we win or lose, either way we must remind folks that we have a scapegoat. Nowadays, its the former president. So, the current administration rarely, if ever, misses the opportunity to mention that difficulties were inherited. And before anyone gets the wrong idea, this is about a mindset not any particular politician or the present administration. Many years ago, I noticed true winners never quit, never offered excuses and never blamed someone else for a loss. Kenny Moore, a distance runner out of South Eugene High School was a classic example. In high school, Ken was not a serious challenger to top-notch runners. As a freshman at the University of Oregon, however, he changed. It was no longer enough to just be a mem-
Reloading manuals are not just suggestions.

runners who competed at the U of O. During my undergraduate and graduate years at Oregon, I watched Kenny overcome the dread of his greatest fear . . . losing. Not just losing, but doing so in front of the home-town crowd. The entire nation knew the Ducks were the team to
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Handloader 263
The answer is simple enough. Those who continue to shirk responsibility with an inherited caveat are building a case for a scapegoat and are not fully committed to the task. So it is with most of life. Not long ago, as this is written, I watched the host on a TV hunting program shoot two different animals three times before bringing them to the ground. In the roundup with the talking head (the host), he said he was simply trying to prevent needless suf fering by following up on the wounded animal as quickly as possible. Noble possibly, but short on commitment. If the host had been a serious student of the rifle and hunting, a follow-up should not have been necessary. Ive also heard a great deal about the necessity for a clean, one-shot kill. If a hunter is serious about such morality, its easy enough to produce results, not platitudes. Any hunter with half a brain is aware that a clean kill is particularly desirable. Having to explain ones moral high ground is superfluous, unless of course, it is simply an effort to conjure a scapegoat for lousy shooting, i.e., a distraction to divert attention from responsibility. I suppose the point of all this is that it is possible to be a lousy shooter/hunter and still be seen on TV. And, it is possible that the host is so busy with production, etc., that it never occurs to him that the success of the show might include being responsible enough to put in some serious rifle practice offhand, kneeling, shooting sticks or whatever so he doesnt have to be concerned about needless suffering, and he darn sure wont have to explain himself to his audience. *** The following comments were
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The 45-120-3 4 A Guide to Reloading and Shooting the Mighty 45-120

1
recently received from Dr. Don Heath of Norma Precision: A Reloading Warning Reputable companies that sell bullets or powder go to a lot of effort to produce reloading manuals. There is a reason for this, namely so customers can reload safely. Almost all manuals contain a warning along the lines of: These loads were safe with the components listed. If you change anything, you should reduce the charge by 10 percent and work up. There are also a lot of folks with a CNC lathe who think they can make bullets. Yesterday a fairly well known Scandinavian journalist came to see me with a new brand of bullets available in Norway. He had loaded some in a .300 Winchester Magnum and wanted them pressure tested and accuracy measured in test barrels. The reports on these bullets are fantastic. They are shooting sub- 12-MOA groups with them. You guys should seriously consider loading them in some of your lineup. Hmmm, I thought, well see. I have seen many such bullets, and it takes a lot to impress me. I set up a pressure barrel and fired a round. Err, sir, better not fire another. came from the technician. Pressure was a rather enthusiastic 81,000 psi. The equipment is only rated up to 65,200 psi! It says a lot for the old 1896 Swedish Mauser action that the pressure barrel is screwed into that it didnt let go, and there was only a little stickiness when I opened the bolt. What load did you put in there? I asked. Oh, the max listed in your manual for that bullet weight. Hmmm. I pulled a few bullets and weighed the charge. As stated, it was the maximum listed 81.3 grains of MRP powder but for the 150-grain FMJ training bullet. Maximum loads for the 150-grain Nosler Partition and BST (Ballistic Tip) are a couple
Handloader 263
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of grains less. I dropped the charge to the recommended starting load for the Nosler Partition. Pressure was still over 68,000 psi, but the velocity was a lackluster 3,000 fps. Interestingly, there were almost no visible pressure signs on the case or primer. I needed a magnifying glass to see the cratering around the edge of the primer. I came down another grain, and although pressures were at Weatherby maximum, velocity was down to 2,980 fps. Great bullet, I said. At maximum loadings, you can get it to go as fast as a .30-06 will drive a 150-grain bullet! There could be little arguing about the equipment. I test fired a few CIP (European equivalent of SAAMI) proof rounds to calibrate the equipment, then took the load that was judged safe with the new bullet (74 grains of MRP) and stuck a Barnes TSX in the case. Velocity was over 3,000 fps, but pressure was a very relaxed 48,500 psi. The journalist was a little put out (to put it mildly). We then wandered over to the lab and took a rough scan of the new bullets (rough down to 14 of a thousandth of an inch). It showed that the grooves were cosmetic (They were too shallow to relive the pressure.) and not overly uniform! The bullets were also fatter than any other monolithic hollowpoint in .30 caliber we have ever measured. They were just within CIP maximum, but nobody (in the know, anyway) makes bullets that fat! It showed both of us just how dramatically changing a single component can alter pressures and precisely why there are different loads for bullets of the same weight in a given cartridge. It also showed the journalist there is a lot more science to producing a good bullet than a CAD program, an idea and a CNC lathe. Dr. Don Heath, D.Sc., Technical Support, Norma Precision AB
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11
.300 WEATHERBY MAGNUM

BULLETS & BRASS
by Brian Pearce
load? Your comments will be appreciated. J.F., Meadville PA A: Weatherby lists the .300 Weatherby Magnum with a 165grain Barnes Triple-Shock XBullet at 3,330 fps when fired from a 26-inch barrel, which clocked 3,295 fps from my personal rifle. I am unaware of the what powder Weatherby is currently using in factory ammunition, but using 86.0 grains of Alliant Reloder 22 behind the slightly heavier 168-grain Triple-Shock X-Bullet will reach 3,300+ fps from a 26-inch barrel, even exceeding factory load velocities. That load was developed in Weatherby cases capped with Federal 215 Large Rifle Magnum primers.
: I am a new handloader with many questions, but today I am looking for data for a Weatherby Mark V .300 Magnum rifle. I have already purchased four boxes of 168-grain Barnes Triple-Shock X-Bullets and am ready to go. My goal is to duplicate Weatherby factory loads
Hodgdon Varget will produce accuracy and near top velocities in the .300 Savage with 150-grain bullets.
A: IMR-4895 is a good powder in the .300 Savage, but it will not achieve the highest velocities with 150-grain bullets. Should you choose to stick with that powder, start with 39.0 grains and work up to a maximum charge of 42.0 grains while watching for signs of excess pressure. Powders that are ideal for the .300 Savage are the same ones producing superb results in the .308 Winchester and in many instances the .223 Remington. The point being, because of those two cartridges extreme popular-
Alliant Reloder 22 will duplicate .300 Weatherby Magnum factory load velocities.
in both accuracy and velocity. I have researched the subject some but am getting conflicting information. And none of my reloading manuals contain data for that bullet. Can you suggest a
.300 SAVAGE
Q: More than 30 years ago, my father gave me a Savage Model 99 .300 Savage, which remains my favorite deer rifle. In my part of the country, a long shot is 150 yards with typical distances being between 50 to 75 yards. I sighted in that rifle with 180grain Winchester roundnose bullets and have never had to adjust the sights in the years since. I am planning a mule deer hunt in Montana and expect distances will be significantly farther so am switching to a lighter 150-grain bullet (either Hornady or Sierra spitzers) to increase velocity and flatten the trajectory. With 180grain bullets I always used IMR4895 powder. Can you suggest how much powder to use, or is there a better powder for the lighter bullets? T.L., Montgomery AL
Brian uses IMR-4350 in the .300 H&H Magnum, which duplicates or exceeds factory ammunition velocities and has proven accurate.
12
Handloader 263
ity worldwide, there have been many excellent powders developed for them. I would suggest trying 42.0 grains of Hodgdon Varget with either of the 150grain bullets you mention. This load is compressed and should be ignited with a large rifle primer. Velocity is over 2,700 fps from a 26-inch barrel, which should help extend the effective range of your old favorite deer rifle. Good luck on your mule deer hunt.
.300 H&H
Q: I read with interest your hunting Africa with a .300 H&H Magnum in hand. I saved that article for the purpose of duplicating your handloads in my Ruger No. 1 but have temporarily misplaced it. My old handloads (developed many years ago) are finally depleted, and Im starting over with 500 new Winchester cases. If I recall correctly, you used both 180- and 200-grain bullets. Can you suggest powder charges with the 180- and 200-grain Nosler Partition bullets? And which of those two do you prefer as the best general-purpose bullet for hunting western deer, pronghorn, elk or black bear? J.H., Boise ID A: Long before the huge wave of new powders that have become available the last couple of decades, I developed many loads with the best powders of the era for the old .300 H&H Magnum. IMR-4350 was a top choice, and I suspect it will still hold its own in terms of accuracy and in producing similar velocities as factory fodder. Using the 180grain Nosler bullet, 68.0 grains delivered 3,118 fps from the 26-inch barrel of a Winchester Model 70 pre-64 type, the same barrel length Ruger installed on its No. 1s. Switching to the 200-grain Partition, 66.0 grains gives an honest 2,900 fps. A Federal 215 Large Rifle Magnum primer is suggested. Both loads will easily group under one inch
for five shots, with three or four shots often touching. As to which bullet weight is best for western hunting, either will do the job very well, but the 180-grain version would likely get the nod as most versatile, while the 200-grain bullet is preferred for larger species such as bull elk, moose, etc.
.300 WSM
Q: I have a Browning A-Bolt rifle chambered in .300 WSM. Using my handloads it regularly blows primers and case extraction is difficult. The load I am using is published and includes a 180grain bullet with 66.0 grains of Hodgdon H-380 powder. The primers are CCI 250 Large Rifle
13
Magnum. A guy that works at the local sporting goods store tells me I dont have my dies adjusted correctly for the cartridges sharp shoulder. He suggested screwing the sizing die down until it just touches the shellholder, then back it off one full turn and set the lock ring. I have tried that, but sized cases are difficult to chamber and extraction remains hard. I would like your opinion as to why the problems. T.L., Salt Lake City UT A: Your load is clearly producing excessive pressures, and I
Alliant Reloder 19 is a top choice for handloading the .300 WSM with 180-grain bullets.
cannot find any credible sources that list a 66.0-grain charge of Hodgdon H-380 powder with a 180-grain bullet. Some manuals list up to 65.0 grains with a 150-grain bullet, but not 180 grainers, which will certainly generate greater pressures. Your powder charge should be reduced at least 5.0 to 7.0 grains, which should solve your sticky extraction and blown primer issues. Or you could switch to a slower-burning powder such as 70.5 grains of Alliant RL-19 (2,994 fps), 70.0 grains of Winchester WXR (3,000 fps) or 68.0 grains of IMR-4831 (2,960 fps), all used in conjunction with 180-grain Nosler Partitions. None of the above loads exceed SAAMI pressure limits of 65,000 psi, while yielding significantly greater velocity than your comparatively high-pressure loads. For reference, velocities were obtained from a Winchester Model 70 with a 24-inch barrel using Winchester cases and Winchester WLRM primers. The advice that you received on die adjustment is wrong, as the 35-degree .300 WSM shoulder does not require special or unusual die adjustment.
Handloader 263
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14
THE VERNACULAR OF BPCR SILHOUETTE

MIKES SHOOTIN SHACK
by Mike Venturino
2009 Photo by John Worthington
hen newcomers watch their first BPCR Silhouette match, they invariably get puzzled looks on their faces upon hearing shooters and spotters conversing or listening to the banter from shooter to shooter.
Here is one example: Spotter to shooter: Give me a half-right, because you only helicoptered that one. Shooter back to spotter, I dont care. No zeros! Here is another example: Shooter #1, Good score, but you got Mary Poppins. Shooter #2, Yes, I did, but you John Deered that chicken. As can be seen, the participants of this shooting discipline have developed their own vernacular, and it makes little sense to outsiders. Ill explain some of it starting with the terms that actually are based on reality. When a spotter tells a shooter to give him a half, one, two and so forth with a direction such as right or up, the spotter is simply giving sight corrections in minutes of angle (MOA) as read on the sight. Give me two right, means only to move the sight two one hundredths of an inch to the right. An MOA is roughly one inch at 100 yards. Therefore, if the shooters last shot impacted on a 300 meter distant pig silhouette about 6 inches left of center, thats the amount of movement the spotter would have the shooter dial in to center him better for the next shot. An aid to this is that the spotter uses a plotting board with an MOA grid overlaid on it.
2009 Photo by Ted Tompkins
Lay-down targets refers to those three in BPCR Silhouette fired at from prone position over crosssticks. They are shown here: pigs at 300 meters, turkeys at 385 meters and rams at 500 meters. Note the wind flags are blowing hard to the left, meaning this is not a Mary Poppins relay.
Next is No Zeros! That shouldnt be confused with go to zero. The first is an exclamation often said in relief when a shooter is having difficulty in hitting the offhand chickens at 200 meters. Missing them all means a zero will be placed on the scoreboard for all to see. When a shooter is having a bad day and finally hits a chicken, he is relieved he will be saved from having that embarrassing zero next to his name. On the other hand, go to zero is a direction the spotter gives a shooter when wind or mirage conditions have reversed. Since all experienced BPCR Silhouette shooters have their rifles and sights set to hit dead center under calm conditions, going to zero with the windage adjustment of the rear sight means sights are now centered. Then the spotter will usually follow that up with a give me two, three or whatever and to the right or left as the case may be. If that sort of sight correction is made and the shot following is a hit, it means the spotter is very, very good.
One-fourth of every BPCR Silhouette event is fired offhand, and thats when targets get John Deered. Note how the wind has Mikes hair and his spotter, Darrell Smithsons hair standing straight up.
Lay down loads and lay down targets are pretty simple. Three-quarters of a BPCR Silhouette match can be fired from prone position using wooden cross sticks for support. The targets then are pigs at 300 meters, turkeys at 385 meters and
Handloader 263
2009 Photo by Yvonne Venturino
rams at 500 meters. Most competitors use a different load for those targets than for the 200meter chickens, which are fired at, from a standing, offhand position. In fact some competitors will have a different load for each distance. The difference is that usually the offhand chicken load will be lighter in regards to bullet weight and/or powder charge so that recoil is milder. Hence the term lay down loads refers to those used for the targets fired at from prone, which are in turn lay down targets. Helicoptered as in You helicoptered that one. is also pretty simple. Because of their shape and lighter weight, chicken and turkey silhouettes sometimes spin when hit around the edge. If the bullet is heavy enough and the hit just right, the amount of spin can be dramatic, hence the simile to helicopter rotors. It is very difficult for a spotter to actually see a hit on a helicoptering target. Trust the rifle. Now that may seem like an odd phrase. What were saying here is that if a rifle of known accuracy suddenly has a shift in point of impact during a relay, then rest assured that something has changed. That something could be wind, mirage or even the rifles barrel heating. Whatever it is, trust the rifle means to adjust for the shift before shooting the next round. Just last weekend I was spotting for my shooting partner. His first, second and third shots on the 500-meter rams were dead center. Then his fourth shot hit low and right in the front leg. I couldnt see a change in conditions but advised him to trust the rifle. He didnt and his fifth shot was a miss right under the rams bellyline. Now we get to the really obscure terms. What does it mean when a shooter John Deeres a target? In the various silhouette games, if a bullet ricochets off the ground but still manages to
the secondary projectiles actually knocked it over. This gen erally happens with chicken targets, because they are fired at from standing offhand position. If a shooter gives the trigger a severe jerk, the bullet can hit so far low as to John Deere a chicken. Lastly, what on earth could it mean if a shooter got Mary Poppins? A movie by that name starring Julie Andrews had her floating about supported by an umbrella. Naturally she wouldnt be floating so gently if dealing with considerable winds. Some bright wit of a silhouette shooter figured that when the conditions were extremely gentle, that was Mary Poppins weather. Wind and mirage conditions can vary enormously in a match. It can work out that with some relays the wind dies down completely but then comes up on others. Hence those people shooting in worse winds accuse the others of getting Mary Poppins. The above are just some examples of the language developed in the BPCR Silhouette game so far. They mean little to the uninitiated, but experienced competitors understand.
Spotting boards such as these help the BPCR Silhouette spotter give corrections to his shooter. The grid is in minutes of angle for the specific targets and ranges this one being pigs at 300 meters.
knock over the proper target, it counts as a hit. It also counts as a hit if secondary fragments such as gravel or dirt knock over the target, as long as its the proper one in sequence. Machines made by the John Deere Company are usually designed to move dirt by one method or another. Therefore to John Deere a target means that your bullet plowed up so much ground in front of the intended target that
17
.275 H&H BELTED MAGNUM

CARTRIDGE BOARD
by Gil Sengel
t is amazing the amount of knowledge folks can have, how much they can know with absolute certainty, if they just dont let any facts get in the way. This is most obvious in the current political mess we have gotten ourselves into and from which our republic may not survive. Yet it also applies in a smaller way to cartridge history. For example, we often read that the 7mm Remington Magnum was the first 7mm belted hunting cartridge, developed after extensive experimenting by a few wellknown riflemen. Wrong. There isnt 4 worth of difference between that round and the 7mm Weatherby of 1944. So the 7mm Weatherby Magnum was really the first modern 7mm magnum? No. That title belongs to this months cartridge, the .275 H&H Belted Magnum, and then only because the .280 Ross wasnt quite a 7mm. Another fact we hear is that the great .375 H&H was the first use of a belted case. Wrong again. It wasnt even the second use of a belted case! First goes to an ob-
.275 H&H Belted Magnum

F I G H
E D C
A
E - Rim Diameter ----------------.532 F - Head Diameter --------------.513 G - Shoulder Diameter ---------.455 H - Neck Diameter --------------.319 I - Shoulder Angle ---------------29
Cartridge Dimensions
A - Overall Length -------------3.260 B - Case Length----------------2.500 C - Length to Neck------------2.220 D - Length to Shoulder-------2.097
scure number called the .400/375 H&H Belted Nitro Express. Its case derived from Henry Hollands British patent No. 27,912 of 20 Dec 1904. The rounds base and belt diameters were, however, slightly smaller than todays standard figures; essentially the same as the modern .240 Weatherby; the date was 1905. Now about that second belted case. You guessed it the .275 H&H in late 1910. There can be
no doubt about this date, as the first .275 Belted was recorded by H&H as a magazine rifle completed in October 1910 for the Crown Prince of Bhopal. Our story begins in 1906 with Sir Charles Ross. Ross was a rifle designer who had emigrated from Scotland to Canada. His intention was to produce a military rifle. Like many at the time, he was a firm believer in small bores and smokeless powder, even though both were plagued by numerous problems. Ross contracted Eley Bros, Ltd. to develop his idea of a proper cartridge. The first attempt was to neck the U.S. .30 Government 1903 (or 1906) case to .280 caliber. Highest velocity possible was in the 2,700-fps range using a bullet of about 140 grains. Ross wanted 3,000 fps or more, so Eley ballistition F.W. Jones then designed a larger case. The desired result was more or less achieved. While military usage was elusive, sporting rifles were moderately
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successful. The then incredible velocity simply demanded the rifle be hauled off to Africa and India and applied to all manner of four-legged creatures animals often far too large for the cartridge. Just like the later .22 Savage HiPower, .250-3000 and .220 Swift, the light, high-speed bullet sometimes killed like lightning and sometimes didnt. If placed by an experienced game shot who avoided bone and hit heart or lungs, shock caused by the rapidly expanding (or disintegrating) bullet was amazing. Strike bone or thick hide, especially at very close range, and someone was in trouble. There was no end of testimonials and tombstones to prove it. Nevertheless, a comparatively small diameter bullet at near 3,000 fps velocity was selling new hunting rifles. British riflemakers, however, had another
problem. Their early smokeless powder was quite temperature sensitive, not exactly what was wanted in Africa or India where temperatures were often high and animals large and dangerous. If pressure increased too much, a fired case would stick in the chamber. Even if the problem was cleared quickly, it still gave a big, mean animal an opportunity to get in a shot at the hunter. Claws, hooves, horns and teeth singly or in combination seldom miss. Holland & Holland, being a maker of premier double and magazine (bolt-action) hunting rifles, obviously desired to offer a rifle hunters wanted. Still, there was the temperature thing. H&H wisely decided to experiment with large cases having a good bit of body taper and a slop ing shoulder. The large case volume kept pressure down while the body taper helped extraction.
Velocity was held back a bit as well. The final design was a belted, rimless case of 2.5 inch length, which was a bit less than the Ross but whose base diameters were about equal. Case capacities were also essentially the same. This is probably the reason for the slightly increased belt and base dimensions of Hollands second belted case. Bullet diameter was something else. While the .280 Ross was a true .28 caliber .280-inch bore diameter, .287/.288-inch grooves H&H employed a .275 caliber. Of course, a .275-inch bore meant .284-inch grooves or simply a 7mm. Thus the new rounds title of .275 H&H Belted Magnum. Original loadings show a 140grain bullet at 2,650 fps, a 160grainer at 2,675 fps and a 175-grain slug recording 2,680 fps, all muzzle velocities. The
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similar speeds for varying bullet weights show someone understood the limitations of the game bullets available at the time. All slugs were available at various times as softpoints, solids and varieties of tipped and capped designs, probably some of the same used in the 7x57mm. Several different powders are listed early on, apparently in an effort to moderate the temperature/pressure situation. Eley Bros. loaded the first cartridge with headstamps showing Holland .275 Magnum ELEY. After the merger of British ammunition companies following World War I, the waters get very muddy. Specimens exist bearing the Kynoch name as well. There was also a rimmed version of the .275 produced for double rifles having both the Eley and Kynoch headstamps but containing only the cartridge identification of .275 Magnum; the Holland name was omitted. For some unknown reason, Western Cartridge Co. also began loading the .275 H&H and continued until at least 1938. Only one bullet weight was offered, a 175grain softpoint boat-tail achieving 2,680 fps at the muzzle of an unspecified length barrel. Samples of this load in my collection have rather blunt points with only a tiny bit of lead exposed. British bullets can be blunt or pointed and generally have more lead visible. An undated Holland & Holland catalog in my library shows the .275 and speaks of 3,000 fps muzzle velocities, but no bullet weight is given. A 1925 Nobel Industries, Ltd. (Kynoch) catalog lists 100-grain softpoints and copper-tipped bullets at 2,950 fps. This may have been the loading referred to by the H&H publication. Also shown are a 160-grain softpoint and copper-tipped slug listed at 2,800 fps. A flanged (rimmed) version of the .275 is shown with the same bullets but 100 fps lower velocities. Kynoch
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ammunition in some form existed until at least 1940. Despite all the ammunition variations, the .275 H&H was doomed from the day it was born. Powders, pressure concerns and the fact that just anyone couldnt afford a new Holland & Holland magazine rifle had little to do with it. The small diameter cupand-lead-core bullets just could not survive close-range impact with tough hide and thick bones of big game animals not at the velocity achieved by the .275, .280 Ross or like rounds. Folks were carrying a rifle capable of killing moderately large game at 350 to 400 yards but generally firing at creatures only 100 yards or less distant. The bullets broke up, didnt penetrate and animals sometimes got away. One also had to realize that carrying such an arm in places that held really big stuff could be
fatal unless someone was immediately available with a real rifle. Suddenly coming across a recalcitrant buffalo, rhino, lion, tiger or other such beast at a range of only a few yards, and the outcome favored the animal. It might eventually die, but not before dashing up to the shooter and introducing itself in a violent manner. Today, with the trick bullets now available, those 80-yard deer and elk shots (no mean stuff, please) just result in a lot of eatin meat being reduced to blood-shot worm food. Such bullets will penetrate enough to get in and finish the job, though perhaps not instantaneously. Strangely, the .275 H&H seems to have had somewhat of a following for long-range use among certain U.S. hunters. One gets bits and pieces of comments on the British 7mm or 7mm H&H or the magnum .275 and such in
American literature between the wars. This was when imported telescope sights were beginning to be favored by those who could afford them. Noted gun writer of the time Phil Sharpe even mentioned that Winchester had considered chambering the Model 70 for the .275 H&H after World War II. Perhaps this is what attracted Roy Weatherbys attention to the 7mm so early. Therefore, since the .275 H&H is just a slightly deformed 7mm Remington Magnum or 7mm Weatherby, if one has the opportunity to possess a fine Holland & Holland magazine rifle, dont turn it down. The same goes for an original Griffin & Howe or Hoffman Arms rifle. A set of loading dies, a bit of case forming, modern powder and bullets now give the cartridge the performance Holland & Holland had hoped for but could not obtain right on 100 years ago.
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DIE ADJUSTMENT TIPS

FROM THE HIP
by Brian Pearce
assembly may contact the inside head area of the case, which might bend or cause damage to the assembly. Now tighten the locknut of the decapping assembly, which is found at the top of the die. The sizer die is now set, which will probably never need adjusting again, as long as it is used in conjunction with the same press and shellholder and the locking devices remain tight. The expander die is also easy to adjust. Some die manufacturers suggest screwing the die body down until it contacts the shellholder when the ram is raised to its highest point, but some press/die combinations do not allow enough adjustment for the expander to be properly adjusted. If this is the case, keep in mind that it is not necessary for the expander die to contact the shellholder, and it may need to
n the past few months, it has become clear that many struggle with adjusting dies, and in many instances, they are not beginners. For example I was recently on a handloading seminar, for lack of a better way to describe it, wherein at least one writer and a couple of employees of the sponsors struggled their way through what was a simple and easy die adjustment. In discussing processes and techniques, it becomes clear that many have not mastered die adjustment. Based on those observations, Ill share the methods I use for setting and adjusting three-die revolver and pistol reloading dies, which if followed correctly, will produce perfect cartridges the first try without damaging a case or bullet. The sizer die is probably least problematic. Insert the shellholder into the ram and raise it to
The decapping pin should extend below the die body around 316 inch, or just enough to reliably punch out spent primers. If it protrudes excessively, it may cause breakage or can bend the decapping assembly.
its highest point, or top of the press stroke, then screw the die into the press until it just barely touches the shellholder. If you are using carbide dies, insert a piece of paper between the shellholder and the bottom of the die. While holding the die body to keep it from turning, turn the lock ring, aka 78 x14 locknut, down until it firmly contacts the press, and then tighten the setscrew. Carbide is hard but also brittle, and contacting the hardened shellholder may cause it to break, therefore a sheet of paper helps establish a .002- to .003-inch gap. Most modern dies feature a decapping unit as part of the sizer die. This unit should be adjusted so that the decapping pin extends below the bottom of the die about 316 inch. The pin should extend just far enough to reliably punch out spent primers. If the pin extends too far below the die, it may break or the decapping
Sizer dies featuring a carbide ring should be adjusted so they dont contact the shellholder, or breakage can occur.
22
The case mouth should only be expanded around 116 inch, or just enough to allow the bullet to seat without catching on the sides of the case.
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be locked with as much as 14 inch or more space between it and the shellholder. Once the expander die is locked in place, the expander can be adjusted to properly flare the case mouth. This should be accomplished in steps, so to speak. With the expander adjusted high in the die body, high enough that it absolutely cannot expand the case mouth, place a sized case in the shellholder and raise the ram to its highest point, then screw the expander downward until it begins to enter the case mouth, which can be felt. Lower the ram and inspect the case, which is probably not expanded enough to accept the bullet. Adjust (or lower) the expander a small amount and again insert the same case, inspect and repeat in small steps until the case just begins expanding. The case mouth should only be expanded, or belled, just enough to allow the bullet to start seating without catching on the sides of the case, which is usually around 116 inch. If expansion is excessive, case life will be shortened due to splitting at the mouth, and it may be difficult for cases with the wide mouth to enter the seat/crimp die. Once it is properly adjusted, tighten the locknut on top of the die. That die is now set and will probably never need adjusting, but if it does, it will only require a slight change to the depth of the expander. The bullet seating and crimp die is the one that often gives the most trouble, but it is also very simple to adjust. Before beginning it is important to understand that the die body applies the crimp, while the seating plug controls the bullet seating depth. Begin by placing a case that has
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Once dies are correctly adjusted, the setscrew locks the lock ring.
previously been sized, neck expanded, primed and charged with powder into the shellholder, then raise the ram to its highest point. Screw the seat/crimp die into the press, stopping before the die body begins to contact the case. Lower the ram (or case) and insert a bullet into the case mouth. Unscrew the seating plug to its highest possible setting, then raise the ram to its highest point, with the cartridge present, until it is fully inserted into the die. Now screw the seating plug down until it touches the bullet, then lower the ram slightly and screw the seating plug down slightly, then raise the ram to begin seating the bullet. Examine the started cartridge to determine how far the bullet has begun to seat. Repeat the above in small steps until the bullet is seated to its proper depth. Make the adjustments slowly to prevent seating the bullet too deeply. Jacketed revolver bullets usually feature a cannelure, and the mouth of the case should be on the upper portion of it. Likewise most cast bullets for revolvers will feature a crimp groove, and the bullet should be seated so that the case mouth is on the upper portion of the groove. With the bullet seated to the
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the case and ruins it. correct depth or overall When loading jacketed cartridge length, unbullets, the flare does screw the seating plug. not need to be great, but With the above cartridge when loading swaged in the shellholder and lead or cast bullets, it the ram fully raised, turn must be adequate to the die body down until prevent the case mouth it begins to contact the from shaving lead from case mouth. Raise and the side of the bullet. To lower the press handle obtain consistent crimps, while screwing the die uniform case length is body down in very small critical. increments until the desired amount of crimp is Continual die adjustapplied. The die should ment is necessary, primaonly be turned slightly When setting the seat/crimp die, bullets should be rily with the seat/crimp for each try, as an overseated in small increments until the desired overall die, due to variations in crimp will cause the cartridge length is achieved. After that is accomcase length or the type of case to buckle below the plished, the crimp (far right) can be applied. bullet being loaded. Difcrimp, which can preferent bullet designs revent the cartridge from upper side of the crimp groove or chambering. Once the correct quire seating depth adjustments cannelure before the crimp is amount of crimp is obtained, and even how much crimp is applied. The case mouth is flared hold the die body to keep it from applied. Once the prin ciples of to prevent the bullet from catchturning and turn the lock ring die adjustment are learned, it ing on the edge of the case durdown against the press and takes only a few seconds to set ing the seating operation, which tighten the setscrew. the die and begin loading firstif it does, almost always buckles rate ammunition. With the die body set for the correct crimp, again raise the cartridge all the way into the die (the highest point), then screw the seating plug down until it firmly contacts the bullet and set the locknut on top of the die. The adjustments are complete, and you are ready to seat bullets and crimp in one step. The above adjustment method eliminates the need for dummy cartridges and, once it is mastered, can be accomplished much quicker than even a speed-reader can skim these paragraphs. Trust me, this is far more difficult to put into words than it is to do. It is beneficial for some cartridges to seat bullets and apply the crimp as separate steps. In these instances simply seat the bullet to the correct depth but without a crimp, then apply the crimp as a separate step using the above die adjustment methods.
MISCELLANEOUS TIPS
Cases tend to shorten upon crimping. The point being, the case mouth should be on the
December-January 2010 www.handloadermagazine.com 25
TRIGGER TIME
PISTOL POINTERS
by Charles E. Petty
he first time I ever heard anyone use the term trigger time was in a class I was taking from Ken Hackathorn back in the 1980s. When I was a bullseye shooter, we called it practice; when I visited the Olympic Training Center, they called it training. But the more I think about it, trigger time is the best of all. All shooting skills are perishable, and you maintain them only by regular use, but the ever increasing cost of ammunition or components can put a real crimp in anyones shooting style. Because of this were seeing more and more use of the lowly .22 rimfire for things other than highvolume blasting. Using average mass merchant prices, you can shoot the .22 for a nickel or less a round. The only way anything centerfire can compete is if you cast your own bullets and get free lead.
The Tactical Solutions .22 conversion unit is on a Taurus 1911 frame.

work on the muscle memory elements of presentation and first shot accuracy. Good training policy should seek to duplicate real world situations, which almost always involve drawing from a holster, and the slight difference in weight is not an issue. 1930s, but it is only recently that we have seen conversions for other duty type pistols such as the Beretta (Taurus), Glock and Hi-Power from Jonathan Arthur Ceiner (www.22lrconversions. com). I have used his 1911 units several times with success and have heard favorable reports on the others but have no personal experience. Advantage Arms (www.advantagearms.com) also has the same units of its own manufacture. I have happily shot one of CZs units for the CZ-75. SIG Sauer has taken a slightly different tack. You can buy rimfire versions of its popular P220, P226, P228 and P229 as complete guns and later add a conversion to the appropriate centerfire caliber. The frames are identical, so tactical accessories will fit, but the rimfires use an alloy slide. Or if you already have a centerfire version, .22 conversion kits are available. Recently Ive been able
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As a devoted fan of the 1911, I The real question that comes to mind is whether or not you happen to know that .22 convercan use, or substitute, a rimfire sion units or dedicated pistols as a training tool for a duty or have been available since the late de fensive pistol. The answer to that is obviously yes . . . and no. The minimal recoil and muzzle blast of the rimfire can be highly beneficial in learning to control the trigger and avoid flinching. A student who has trouble with those two can profit enormously from a rimfires ease of shooting and then be gently transitioned back to the service cartridge. Individuals who already have those skills can polish them and The SIG P226R can handle all rail-mounted accessories.
to shoot a new P226R and found it to be completely reliable and very accurate.
the initial pre-load condition and still have enough left to strip a cartridge and finish closing the slide. I know enough Within the law enforceabout springs and mass/ ment community, there balance relationships to has been a dramatic be the first to admit that shift toward polymerthis sort of work is far frame pistols for duty above my skill level, but I use. The various Glocks, do not believe it to be an Springfield XDs and S&W insurmountable problem. M&Ps present some difBoth Ceiner and Advanferent problems to solve because of the mechanThe rimfire version is the spitting image of the 9mm tage Arms already offer conversions for the variics of striker fired pisP226 but is just a bit lighter due to the alloy slide. ous Glocks, but at this tols. They involve mass and springs. With conversions it time none are available for the pulse where the slide has barely is very common to use an alloy XD or M&P. Little birds tell me moved, so the hammer does not slide to work nicely with the rethat will change in due time. markedly impede slide velocity. duced recoil of the .22, and thats When its done it sure should be a The hammer is not an issue fine because a relatively lightbetter mousetrap, and all the with strikers, so the slide weight recoil spring will serve to maker has to do is sit back and whether aluminum or steel can protect the slide from battering wait for the world to beat a path travel back with relative ease. on the way back and still have to his door. The hang-up is on the closing enough oomph to close the slide Im sure that, by now, some of stroke where the recoil spring and chamber a round. Convenyou are thinking that a .22 is not must provide enough energy to tional hammers are usually a substitute for full-load training. be sure that the striker achieves cocked by the very first recoil im-
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Youre right, but that doesnt mean it cant be beneficial. The two fatal errors in shooting are jerking the trigger and flinching. Both of those become errors in sight alignment. When I was a young shooter in the USAF, my coach would say, I can tell you how to shoot 2,600 in 25 words or less: Align the sights with the target and cause the gun to go off without disturbing that alignment. For those of you unfamiliar with bullseye pistol, a score of 2,600 out of a possible 2,700 points for a complete match is the holy grail, shootings equivalent to the 4-minute mile. Sadly, new shooters cannot tell that they are making those errors because the recoil of the gun
masks them. Ive had more than a few students argue with me when I tell them theyre committing one or both of those sins. But targets dont lie and the hole in the target is judge and jury. For a right-handed shooter, jerking the trigger will produce a shot that lands in the lower left quadrant of the target. Flinching also called anticipating recoil or heeling will find the round in the upper right. For lefthanded shooters those are simply reversed. It is surely true that large-caliber, heavy-recoil cartridges are more likely to result in shooter errors, but those are just normal human reflexes. All of us possess the startle reflex that causes us to jump on hearing a loud noise or to pull away from something painful. Guns can qualify for both. And until we can train ourselves to control those, we are doomed to mediocrity in the shooting world. The good news is that reflex responses are proportional to the stimulus, so even though a .22 can still elicit those reactions, they wont be as severe as they are with a .44 Magnum. To me that makes the .22 an ideal training platform. Over the years Ive worked with any number of people who are shooting a handgun for the first time. With the exception of law enforcement recruits, all have started with a .22 and if I were king, the cops-to-be would too. Back in the day when revolvers ruled, there was a .22 equivalent for every service revolver, and between conversion units and dedicated pistols, were getting close with automatics. If the exact gun you want is not available, the chances are you can find something close. For duty or CCW training, the most important thing is that first shot, so be sure to use something that is similar. However, the important thing to remember is that .22s are not only economical they are also great training aids.
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HODGDON H-335
PROPELLANT PROFILES
by R.H. VanDenburg, Jr.
odgdons spherical reloading powder H-335 has been available to handloaders since approximately 1963. It was originally developed by the Olin Corporation for the military as a propellant for the 5.56 NATO cartridge. Its earliest reloading commentary suggested it was particularly well suited for use in the .222 Remington and the .308 Winchester. The late Bob Hagel reviewed H335 in Handloader No. 94, November-December 1981. As that is closing in on 30 years ago, and with the extraordinary array of canister powders available to us today, it is perhaps time to revisit this fine, old powder. The powder is the same: spherical, double-based, meaning it is comprised of both nitrocellulose and nitroglycerin, of fine granules with an exceptional metering capability. It would be rated as a fast-burning rifle powder. Somewhat slower burning than IMR-3031, it compares favorably with the various 4895s. Although Hodgdon purchases H-335 from the former Olin facility in St. Marks, Florida, there is no comparable Winchester propellant. W-748 is close but somewhat slower burning in most applications. Today, H-335 is popular in a wide variety of cartridges but is most at home in small-capacity cases or in larger-capacity cases with a high expansion ratio. Consequently, it can be completely satisfactory in cartridges as diverse as the .222 Remington, the .30-30 Winchester and the .45-70.
many of us would naturally conclude that magnum strength primers are automatically called for. This is because such powders are known for being more difficult to ignite as they tend to be more heavily coated as a means of controlling burning speed than are extruded powders. The most recent Speer Reloading Manual, No. 14 agrees with this reasoning as it calls for magnum primers almost exclusively when using H335. The exceptions seem to be with the .22 PPC and 6mm PPC cartridges where Speer calls for its CCI BR4 primers and the 6.8 Remington SPC where the standard large rifle primer is employed. In handgun cartridges Speer uses standard primers with H-335 in the 7mm TCU and 7mm BR. Notably, most other reloading manuals do not make such distinctions for H-335, using standard strength, or possibly magnum, primers for all the powders listed for a given cartridge, extruded or spherical.
Authors Selected Loads Hodgdons H-335

bullet (grains) charge (grains) velocity (fps)
.223 Remington 7.62x39 .30-30 .30-06 .303 British 8mm Mauser .45-70
Before we get into a review of some of the cartridges for which H-335 is suited, we need to consider the matter of primers. Because H-335 is a spherical powder,
30
50 55 123 150 150 150 150 300
26.0 25.0 34.0 32.0 51.0 42.0 50.5 56.0
3,289 3,165 2,302 2,225 2,886 2,717 2,982 2,078
Be Alert Publisher cannot accept responsibility for errors in published load data
Because I tend to favor the Speer approach and employ magnum strength primers when loading spherical powders, I used them throughout these tests. I did, however, decide to try a comparative test with a cartridge admittedly not best suited for the powder the .3006. I loaded Federal cases with both Federal 210 and 215 primers, 51.0 grains H-335 and Hornady 150-grain jacketed bullets. According to Hodgdon data with its 24-inch barrel, I should have gotten about 2,950 fps. With my 22-inch tube, I recorded 2,858 fps with an extreme spread of 8 fps for five shots with the standard primers. Distance from the muzzle to the midpoint of the start-stop screens was about 12 feet. The magnum primers clocked 2,896 fps with an extreme spread of 37 fps. Both loads shot into about 112 inches at 100 yards pretty typical for that rifle with that bullet. The temperature was about 70 degrees Fahrenheit. I dare say the results would have been different if it had been 20 degrees or lower. Still, Ill stick with the
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ACCURATE 2015
I
ntroduced in 1990, the powder we now know as Accurate 2015 was initially called 2015BR. Developed by and imported from IMI in Israel, the powder impressed a lot of people early on. As so often happens, the original source dried up, and the American importer, Accurate Arms of McEwen, Tennessee, turned to the Czech Republic. The BR suffix was dropped, and the powder became known as XMR-2015. In 2004, the smokeless powder division of Accurate Arms was purchased by Western Powders of Miles City, Montana. At, or about, this time the labeling changed again, dropping the prefix, and the powder became simply Ac curate 2015. A final change occurred in 2009 when Western Powders began to obtain all of its extruded Accurate powders from the General Dynamics facility in Ontario, Canada. This is the same facility that manufactures the IMR line of smokeless powders and Westerns new black powder substitute, Blackhorn. All the following tests were conducted with this latest iteration of 2015. the .222 and .223 Remingtonsized cartridges and such high expansion ratio examples as the .45-70 and .458 Winchester. It compares most closely with IMR4198, Reloder 7 and Vihtavuori N133, all of which make it a bit faster burning than IMR-3031. A comparison of suitable cartridges varies little from one compiled for H335, generally with 2015 better suited for lighter bullet weights. As we check the list of suitable cartridges for 2015, a couple of newer ones catch our eye: the .204 Ruger and .20 Tactical. Accurate 2015 doesnt necessarily produce the highest velocity in either, but its close and its clean-burning nature produces very accurate loads. In the .222 Remington with 40grain bullets, the Nosler Reloading Guide, No. 6 found 2015 to be the most accurate powder tested. With 40- and 50-grain bullets in the .223 Remington, I
found 2015 to be an excellent powder, producing high velocity and small groups. The Lyman Reloading Handbook, No. 49 rated 2015 potentially most accurate with 36-, 50- and 60-grain bullets. With several weights it also produced top velocity. Although sometimes bettered by other powders, 2015 still performs at a very high level in the .22 and 6mm PPC and BR cartridges. It does the same in the PPC parent 7.62x39 with 123-grain bullets. When loading the .30-30 with varmint or plinking bullets for off-season practice, 2015 and 110-grain bullets match up very well. Even the .303 British with 123- to 125-grain bullets perks up when fed 2015. At the big-bore end of the spectrum, 2015 will do anything we want done in such cartridges as the .444 Marlin, .450 Marlin, .4570 and .458 Winchester. Lyman rated 2015 best twice in the .4570: with the 330-grain cast Gould bullet at midrange pressures and with a 535-grain cast bullet at Ruger No. 1 pressure levels. All in all, a very useful powder. with all bullet weights. Likewise with the .222 Remington, which is where we came in. I began my tests with the .223 Remington,
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The powder, however, throughout all this has remained remarkably consistent. It is an extruded, single-base powder with a nominal diameter of .031 inch and a length of .039 inch. Its bulk density is listed at .880 g/cc, making it one of the first of the short cut generation of powders. Noted for its consistent metering and clean-burning nature, it early on attracted the attention of the benchrest and varmint shooting clans, among others. Its burning rate makes it a rather fast-burning rifle powder particularly suited for such cartridges as the .22 and 6mm PPC and BR rounds, magnum primers for most uses with H-335. Hodgdon begins its H-335 data
32
Authors Selected Loads Accurate 2015

bullet charge (grains) (grains) velocity (fps)
.223 Remington
40 50 .30-30 Winchester 110 7.62x39 Russian 123 .303 British 123 .45-70 300 330 400
27.0 24.0 32.0 28.5 43.5 52.5 50.0 38.0
3,645 3,188 2,479 2,439 2,901 2,107 1,860 1,396
Be Alert Publisher cannot accept responsibility for errors in published load data.
with the .17 Remington where it performs satisfactorily if not spectacularly. In the .204 Ruger, however, H-335 is spectacular
for which the powder was originally developed. A perusal of the loading manuals will disclose that some of our newer powders can outperform H-335 in terms of pure velocity, depending on bullet weight. The latest Nosler Reloading Guide, No. 6 found H-335 to be the most accurate powder tested with 55-grain bullets. In my tests the powder was very accurate with both 50- and 55-grain bullets. H-335 is very good in the two PPC cartridges, the .22 and 6mm, and also shines in their parent case, the 7.62x39, where it produced top velocity of Hodgdon powders when paired with 125grain bullets and almost as well with 150s. The Lyman Reloading Handbook, No. 49 found H-335 to be the most accurate powder with 123- and 130-grain bullets in this cartridge. I got excellent results in the .3030 with 150-grain bullets, achiev-
ing over 2,200 fps and fine groups from a 20-inch barrel. This would make a nice deer load with the right bullet. Lyman recorded its top velocity with 150-grain bullets in this cartridge. Another place where H-335 more than holds its own is in the .303 British, especially with bullets of 150 grains or so. In the 8mm Mauser, my results with H-335 exceeded Hodgdon velocity projections, again with 150-grain bullets. Accuracy was good but not exceptional. The .35 Remington, .356 Winchester and .358 Winchester are also suitable homes for H-335 with most bullet weights. My biggest surprise with H-335 came with the .45-70 and the 300grain Hornady hollowpoint. Hodgdon data, when keeping pressures under 28,000 psi, showed a respectable 2,143 fps using 63.5 grains of powder from a 24-inch barrel. Trying to dupli-
cate the old Winchester high velocity load of 1,880 fps from my 26-inch barreled Marlin, 56.0 grains left me 200 fps high at 2,078. The Speer manual suggested it would take about 60.0 grains in a 22-inch barrel to reach my goal. Fifty-four grains got me very close in my gun, but spreads began to open. The 56.0-grain load shot well, however, and would make a fine hunting load. In summing up H-335, it is a fine powder with quite a wide range of usefulness from the new .20caliber .204 Ruger and .20 Tactical to the old .45-70. Those who choose to go back and read Hagels earlier comments should not attempt to use the Hagel-generated maximum loads. Modern pressure testing equipment will almost always dictate a somewhat lower maximum charge. As usual, the most recently published, laboratory-tested data is our best source.
33
John Haviland
ou dont hear much about the .220 Swift these days. The .22-250 has stolen its long-range thunder, commercially, anyway; and everyone is shooting the .223. A bunch of new powders, however, make the Swift just as good or better than it ever was as King of the Varmint Cartridges.
Recent powders from Accurate, Alliant, Hodgdon, IMR, Norma, Ramshot and Vihtavuori provide a new array of options for loading the Swift. Ive been shooting these powders in a Winchester Model 70 Varmint Swift made in 1961. While Im still a big fan of the .22-250, these powders made the Swift sing an accurate and speedy song so much so, that Im wondering why I didnt buy a Swift a long time ago. A few of these powders produced low extreme spreads of velocity in my Swift. Normas 203-B turned in velocity ranges of 41 fps with 40-grain bullets and 29 fps with 50-grain bullets. Vihtavuori N150 went as low as 9 fps with 40-grain bullets and 18 fps with 53-grain bullets. With 55-grain bullets, Reloder 17 and Big Game produced spreads between 36 and 41 fps. Often, heavier bullets in a cartridge produce the lowest velocity spreads. That may be because heavier bullets require slowerburning powders that fill more of the case, and the heavier bullets are longer and protrude down into
Speed and Accuracy
New Pow
the case farther. One or the other, or both, of these situations keep the powder in a uniform position so it burns more consistently. That was certainly the case with the relatively heavy Sierra 63-grain Semi-Point bullet. The Swifts barrel remained fouled after nearly 100 rounds when the Sierra bullets were fired. Extreme velocity spread was 74 fps for Accurate 2700, 20 fps with Hybrid 100V, 8 fps for Reloder 19 and 12 fps for H-1000. The average group size of the Sierra bullets was .81 inch for the four groups. The Swift has always been known as an accurate cartridge. My Model 70 Varmint shot a few loads in .5 inch and tighter at 100 yards. The Sierra 50-grain BlitzKing grouped as tightly as .33 inch with Accurate 2700. The Sierra 53-grain Bench Rest hollowpoint shot consistently well with four different powders, with groups between .77 and .94 inch. I sighted in the Swift with Remington 55-grain Power Lokt hollowpoints and 44.0 grains of Hunter last spring in preparation for a day of sending ground squirrels to that clover patch in the sky. The last three bullets I fired landed in .178 inch at 100 yards. This proves good bullets group well when fired through a good barrel.
Calling in the wide open of the West often requires a cartridge like the .220 Swift to make a long-range shot when coyotes hang up and refuse to come any closer.
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ders in the .220 Swift

Certainly the shape of the Swifts case has nothing to do with its precision. In fact, the Swift case is the antithesis of what is considered a correctly shaped case for the best accuracy. Its rim sticks out like a sore thumb and that cant be beneficial for a precise fit in the chamber. Its long tapering case body and sloping shoulder also fall short of providing an exact cartridge fit. But, still the Swift shoots well. Swift cases did stretch quite a bit in the Model 70
The .220 Swift is hard to beat for long-range coyote and red fox hunting.
New Powders .220 Swift

when fired with maximum loads. The Winchester cases that had been fired a couple of times were sized enough to set the shoulder back .002 inch. The cases were trimmed to 2.195 inches and then fired. Three of the fired cases had lengths of 2.204, 2.205 and 2.206 inches. Thats quite a bit of stretch. In fact, those measurements are right at the maximum case length for the Swift. I measured the cases in the various stages of sizing to determine if the cases grew in length more during sizing and at what stage of sizing. One at a time, I ran each case into an RCBS sizing die, and then partially pulled out the case enough to loosen it from the die. I unscrewed the expander ball stem, and with the expanded ball still in the case, removed the case from the die and measured the case lengths. Then I threaded the stem back into the die and pulled the expander ball out of the case mouths. The lengths of all three cases in various stages of loaded,
in the
Several of the new powders produced low extreme spreads of velocity and groups under .5 inch.
fired and completely resized varied as shown in Table I. The Swift cases did stretch quite a bit on firing, and then some more when the cases were run into the sizing die. Even though the inside of the necks were lubricated, pulling the expander ball back out of the cases took a bit of elbow grease on the press handle. But this force did not lengthen the cases. In fact, expanding the necks decreased case length ever so slightly. So we can lay to rest the old myth that pulling a case neck over an expander ball increases case length. There have also been reports for years on end about the Swifts high pressure causing brass to flow forward and increase the thickness of case necks. I inserted a bullet into all the fired cases used to shoot the loads listed in the load table. The bullet easily slipped into the case necks, indicating no brass had extruded forward on firing to thicken the
These Winchester 48-grain Super Speed pointed softpoints were Winchesters original load for the .220 Swift. They had an average speed of 4,000 fps from the 26-inch barrel of a Model 70 Varmint.
These bullets were fired in a Winchester Model 70 Varmint .220 Swift. From the left, they include: Nosler 40-grain Ballistic Tip, Sierra 40-grain BlitzKing, Sierra 50-grain BlitzKing, Sierra 53-grain Bench Rest hollowpoint, Combined Technology 55-grain Ballistic Silvertip, Remington 55-grain Power Lokt hollowpoint and Sierra 63-grain Semi-Point.
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Handloader 263
Above left, with top loads the .220 Swift cases did stretch quite a bit. They also stretched some more when run into a sizing die. However, Swift cases did not lengthen when they were pulled back out of the sizing die and over the expander ball. Right, a couple of cases out of 100 split on the neck after they were fired five times.
necks. I also measured the thickness of the necks of a few cases that have been fired several times, and the measurements remained the same. However, two of the Swift cases out of 100 have splits on the necks after being reloaded five times. That has never happened to me with the thousands of .22-250 Remington cases Ive reloaded over the years. The .22-250 cases usually last about 12 firings, and then a few out of a batch will crack in front of the head.
CARTRIDGE COMPARISONS
New and old handloading articles suggest problems with the Swift will disappear if powder charges are backed off a couple of grains, but that turns the Swift into a .22-250 Remington. Top speed .22-250 loads, fired from 24-inch barrels, come up about 100 fps short of the Swift. The Cartridge Comparison table lists some top velocities with various bullet weights from the Swift and several other high-speed, .22caliber cartridges. As the table
These hot .22-caliber cartridges will all burn out a barrel if long strings of shots are fired through them. From the left: .223 Winchester Super Short Magnum, .220 Swift, .22-250 Remington and .225 Winchester.
The average group size of the Sierra bullets was .81 inch.
shows, the .223 Winchester Super Short Magnum, in turn, beats the Swift by 100+ fps, and the .22250, with its 4-inch shorter barrel, beats the .225 Winchester by about 100 fps. This comparison proves the more powder burned and the higher the pressures, the faster a bullet leaves the muzzle. If these four cartridges are fired

at a prairie dog town 500 times a day over a long weekend, their barrels would function only as tomato stakes. The solution is to
in the
Would the Swift be received on better terms today as a new cartridge than back in the 1930s?
keep the rate of fire at a slow and reasonable rate so the barrel on a Swift and these other cartridges will last years on end. Thats why my old Model 70 Varmint Swift will make only brief appearances on the prairie and the hay field. The Swift was introduced in 1935 in the Winchester Model 54
This Winchester Model 70 Varmint was used to shoot the .220 Swift loads listed in the table. The scope is a Leupold VX-L 3.5-10x 50mm. Articles about the Swift from 30 and more years ago suggested using a scope of 10x to allow precise bullet placement at long range. Today, 10x scopes are often seen on .22 rimfire rifles.
bolt action. It was said the heavy amount of powder the Swift burned and the high velocity of its bullets quickly ironed out the Model 54s mild steel rifling lands as flat as a road-kill jackrabbit on a paved highway in the heat of an August afternoon. The Swift was also said to produce squirrely pressures with maximum loads. Those criticisms and condemnations have pestered the Swift ever since, even in rifles built with much more wear-resistant barrel steel. Would the Swift be received on better terms today as a new cartridge than back in the 1930s? No, it would parallel the short and unhappy life of the .223 Winchester Super Short Magnum. Even before Swift rifles were on sporting goods shelves, the Internet would be ablaze with tales of torched barrels after firing as few as 300 rounds and a cartridge whose accuracy fell off to dismal after firing as few as 20 rounds.
Table I
Case Measurements
fired length (inches) length run into die (inches) length pulled over expanded ball (inches)
trimmed length (inches)
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Minimal brass sizing for flawless chambering and maximum case life. Concentricities of .0005" or better from top to bottom. Head space adjustment within the die via hardened and ground tool steel retainer rings. Standard die body will accept die inserts for any caliber from 6mm to 30-06. Now introducing the Magnum die body that will accept larger cartridges up to 416 Rigby. 2 part die insert construction - one for the body, one for the neck and shoulder. Every die is custom made based on your fire formed brass. Wildcat Development and hydraulic forming services available.
2.195 2.195 2.195
2.204 2.205 2.206
2.215 2.212 2.211
2.213 2.212 2.210
Of course, the Swifts rimmed case would bring up slurs of cartridge feeding problems. Before hunters even had a chance to shoot a Swift, the cartridge would wear a black eye as a crippler of deer. On a prairie dog shoot-em-up a few years ago, I shot a Swift in a Remington Model 700 electronic ignition EtronX, and my partner banged away with a .22-250 in the same model rifle. We both shot Remington EtronX loads with Hornady 50-grain V-MAX boattails. The stated velocity of the V-MAX bullet was 3,725 fps from the .22-250 and 3,780 fps from the Swift. Before we started shooting, we decided to compare notes on any differences we saw between the Swift and .22-250 cartridges. However, over two days of shooting, we never observed any distinction between the two. Recoil was identical, the barrels heated
Handloader 263
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NEWFOUNDLAND, CANADA
38

up at equal rates, and the barrel bores seemed to foul the same when we cleaned them. We shot at prairie dogs from 100 to somewhat over 400 yards. We hit prairie dogs quite regularly. We also missed high and low, and, when the wind blew, off to the side. We decided by the end of the shoot there was little sense
Table II
bullet (grains)
in the
Loads for the .220 Swift

powder charge (grains) velocity (fps) group (inches)
40 Nosler Ballistic Tip
40 Sierra BlitzKing
IMR-4007 SSC N203-B Varget VV-N140 VV-N150 RL-15 Varget
45.0 39.5 39.0 40.5 42.0 40.0 40.0
48 Winchester Super Speed pointed softpoint 50 Sierra BlitzKing
4,191 3,764 3,979 4,109 4,235 4,088 4,020 4,000 4,035 3,603 3,740 3,906 3,599 3,778 3,575 3,665 3,706 3,709 3,714 3,730 3,553 3,707 3,724 3,528 3,337 3,507 3,205 3,334
1.05 .90 .95 .80 .71 1.39 .53 1.86 .33 1.32 1.21 .69 .92 .90 .94 .77 .75 1.55 1.15 1.41 1.49 .95 1.80 1.19 .83 .40 .68 1.34
53 Sierra Bench Rest hollowpoint
About 20 years ago,the Swift made somewhat of a comeback.

buying a new Swift because the immense popularity of the .22250 meant many more rifle and ammunition choices. Winchester dropped the Swift in
55 Combined Technology Ballistic Silvertip
55 Remington Power Lokt hollowpoint
63 Sierra Semi-Point
AA-2700 Big Game N203-B RL-15 Big Game Hunter VV-N150 RL-15 Hunter Hybrid 100V RL-17 RL-19 Big Game Hunter IMR-4007 SSC Varget AA-2700 Hybrid 100V RL-19 H-1000
44.5 39.5 38.5 39.0 39.0 44.2 37.0 37.5 44.3 42.0 42.0 45.5 39.5 44.0 42.0 36.0 39.5 40.0 40.0 44.5
The NEW
BALD EAGLE
Rimfire Cartridge Gage
The Gage That Works!
Notes: All loads used Winchester Large Rifle primers and Winchester cases. Loads were fired at 100 yards through a 26-inch barreled Winchester Model 70 Varmint with a Leupold VX-L 3.5-10x 50mm, set on 10x.
$8500
Table III
cartridge
Cartridge Comparison
powder charge (grains) velocity (fps)
This is a gage to measure consistency of rim thickness on .22 rimfire ammunition (a .22 rimfire rifles headspace is determined by case rim thickness). The more consistent the rim thickness, the more consistent the ignition of the primer and the powder charge in the case. In other words, the firing pin will fall the same distance every time if the same rim thickness is used on every case being fired for a particular group. By sorting the shells into various groups by rim thickness, a reduction in group size of up to 25% can be realized in some IF NOT MOST rimfire rifles. This information about group reduction comes from the .22 rimfire benchrest participants who compete in the extremely difficult BR-50 matches. All of the top shooters sort their shells into groups by checking rims and weighing the unfired cartridges.
40-Grain Bullet: .223 Winchester Super Short Magnum .220 Swift .22-250 Remington .225 Winchester 50-Grain Bullet: .223 Winchester Super Short Magnum .220 Swift .22-250 Remington .225 Winchester 55-Grain Bullet: .223 Winchester Super Short Magnum .220 Swift .22-250 Remington .225 Winchester H-4350 IMR-4007 SSC AA-2700 H-4895 47.5 42.0 41.0 32.0 3,902 3,724 3,620 3,674 H-4895 AA-2700 Benchmark H-4895 42.9 44.5 36.0 33.0 4,117 4,035 3,939 3,800 H-4895 VV-N150 RL-15 TAC 43.0 42.0 39.5 35.0 4,378 4,235 4,203 4,139
BALD EAGLE
Precision Machine Company
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(NRA Benefactor Member - IBS Life Member)
Notes: The .223 Winchester Super Short Magnum loads were fired in a Cooper Firearms Model 22 with a 24-inch barrel, the .220 Swift from a Model 70 with a 26-inch barrel, the .22-250s through a Nosler Model 48 Varmint with a 24-inch barrel and the .225 Winchesters through a Ballard Rifle & Cartridge Company Model 1885 Single Shot with a 28-inch barrel.
40
Handloader 263
This series of groups was fired with a Winchester Model 70 .220 Swift at 100 yards. They include: (1) Sierra 63-grain Semi-Point and Hybrid 100V, (2) Combined Technology 55-grain Ballistic Silvertip and Hunter, (3) Sierra 50-grain BlitzKing and Accurate 2700, (4) Sierra 40-grain BlitzKing and Varget.
chester, which was sort of an abbreviated Swift, was an immediate dud. About 20 years ago, the Swift made somewhat of a comeback. Ruger and Savage chambered rifles for the Swift but dropped the cartridge a few years ago. Cooper Firearms will still make you a Swift in its Model 22 single shot. But Remington is the only major manufacturer still chambering the Swift, and thats in a single rifle, the Model 700 Varmint. Still, there are lots of Swifts out there. I finally got mine in the Winchester Varmint and with these new powders, I plan on shooting the King of the Varmint Cartridges for a long time.
1963 when it revamped its Model 70. The replacement .225 Win-
41
Cast Bullet Myth T

Mike Venturino
Photos by Yvonne Venturino
here are so many myths surrounding handloading and shooting home cast bullets that I sometimes wonder if there is a misinformation campaign in operation. Probably not; most likely they are just items that have been printed in a mag azine article along the way and then repeated so often they gain credence as cast bullet truths. They are not.
HEALTH HAZARDS
Heres one for starters: Awhile back I got a letter from a reader asking where he could buy bullets such as I feature in articles. He said he didnt want to take up casting due to the well-known health hazards associated with the practice. Huh? Lead is certainly toxic; many things are if they are eaten. Lead is only harmful if ingested into the body. Lead does not give off death rays. A pile of lead can sit in the corner of a garage or shop for years and remain completely harmless. Ingesting lead into the body can happen by getting the lead pot too hot and then casting with ones face right over it, thus inhaling the fumes. More likely lead is ingested into the body from handling it and then doing something such as biting ones fingernails, rubbing ones eyes or smoking. Casting should not be done in an enclosed area, but it need not be done in the outdoors either. A good setup is for the lead furnace to be under a window with an exhaust fan in operation to pull out the fumes. The furnace thermostat should be set at a temperature to match the optimum melting point for the alloy being used and not excessively high. Then all that is
42 www.handloadermagazine.com Handloader 263
Nothing but the Truth
necessary is to perform basic hygiene after handling lead, as in washing hands with soap and hot water. The above has been my method for over four decades without suffering any ill effects. In my opinion the worst potential dangers to bullet casters are burns from molten alloy. There is no doubt that if someone handles molten lead alloy often enough, he/she will get burned. The idea then is to keep the damage incurred to a minimum. Such injuries can range from tiny blisters on hands or arms to severe eye damage if proper precautions are not taken and Im not just paying lip service to basic safety procedures to keep liability lawyers at bay. This is a serious matter. Proper apparel is one precaution. I cast bullets in a short-sleeved shirt once. Only once! I cast bullets in Bermuda shorts once. Only once! One time I cast bullets in loose fitting moccasins with no socks. It takes only one time for a bullet fresh from a very hot mould rolling off the bench and landing inside your loose fitting shoe to break you of casting in such. An official of Lyman Products Corp. recently told me that OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) mandates that their employees wear full face shields when casting on the job. They can be purchased at Home Depot-type stores for a few bucks. Thats not a bad idea at all. And lastly, avoid getting anything in the lead furnace that does not belong there. Once I tossed in some Linotype pieces that still had some sort of printers chemical on them. A friend found me out
Busting
When casting his BPCR Silhouette competition bullets that must be very accurate, Mike fluxes only at the beginning of a run of bullets. Here a piece of bullet lubricant has been added to the pot, causing it to smoke heavily. Below, Mikes setup for casting includes an exhaust fan to remove fumes, a face mask, a long-sleeved shirt and gloves to prevent burns.
43
Myth Busting
on the porch on my hands and knees, gasping for breath. My throat was raw for days afterwards. The same goes for moisture, primers, gunpowder and even loaded rounds, none of which Ive introduced to a pot but know of others who have.
Mike fired over 100 jacketed bullets from the U.S. Model 1903 .30-06 with a 3x Leatherwood scope (top) and over 200 jacketed bullets from the German K98k with Numrich ZF41 1.5x scope. Then he shot his favorite cast loads without cleaning the barrels.
separating. It does not. Once alloyed, metals are forever alloyed. Fluxing brings impurities to the surface. For casting many types of bullets, fluxing often does no actual harm, but Ive learned in 20 years of trying to cast bullets for precision shooting that fluxing often indeed does harm. When pouring a run of bullets for BPCR Silhouette, if a break is made to flux, the bullets cast immediately after will vary considerably in weight. My personal criterion for BPCR Silhouette bullets is a range of 0.3 grain. Fluxing changes both the temperature of the alloy and the cadence of the pouring. Therefore bullets poured immediately afterwards do not fall into that weight range. My method is to flux heavily at the beginning of a session and then cast 15 bullets rather quickly without even looking at them. They are rejects. Then I start keeping all bullets with perfect appearing bases until I have 115.
Avoid getting anything in the lead furnace that does not belong there.
Then the lead pot is shut down, and the bullets are taken from the shop to the house where theyre inspected and weighed. Any with visible defects are rejected, and any that weigh outside my 0.6-grain limits are set aside too. Its a very rare casting session that doesnt net me 100
FLUX OFTEN
Another myth often repeated is flux heavily and flux often. Thats something I bought into at an early age and shamefully repeated in articles over the years. It is said that fluxing keeps the various metals in the alloy from
This is Mikes second try with the German K98k with cast bullets after firing over 200 rounds through it with jacketed bullets. There was no cleaning between using jacketed and cast bullets.
44
This group was fired from the U.S. Model 1903 .30-06 with 3x scope using cast bullets after it had fired over 100 rounds of jacketed bullets. There was no cleaning between jacketed and cast bullets.
This was the first cast bullet group Mike fired with the German K98k after firing over 200 rounds of jacketed bullets. The flyer was shot number 5 to the right, so Mike fired a second five-shot group as shown in the far left photo.
Handloader 263
or more perfect (by my standards) bullets. What about the stuff on top of the lead furnace that gathers if its not fluxed often? Its dross or slag. Skim it off with a spoon, discard it and forget it.
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REMOVE ALL JACKETED BULLET FOULING

This one is repeated endlessly: All jacketed bullet fouling must be removed from a barrel before shooting cast bullets, or the results will be dismal. Thats more nonsense I bought into earlier. Its just not so. For several years now, Ive been shooting a variety of World War II military rifles
Mike says it may be true that a flaw that will be of no consequence in a big bullet will ruin a small bullet, but the answer is just dont cast bullets with flaws. These big and small bullets have no visible flaws.
that have had jacketed bullet fouling in their barrels for decades. You can clean them with a copper solvent until your elbow wears out, and the patches will still come out greenish. Those barrels will shoot cast bullets as accurately as jacketed, and sometimes better. As a test recently I did the following: A Springfield Model 1903 fitted with a 3x Leatherwood scope was fired with over 100 jacketed
Myth Busting
Left, Mike won the Arizona 2008 State Championship for Scoped BPCR Silhouette using bullets that were sized. Above, Mike has experienced just as much precision from sized bullets as from unsized bullets. At left is one of his favorite .45-caliber cast rifle bullets. It is a 560-grain Creedmoor style from a custom Brooks mould. At right is his favorite .40caliber cast bullet. It is a 425-grain turkey killer style bullet also from a custom Brooks mould.
bullet loads. With no cleaning a five-shot, 100-yard group was then fired with my favorite .30-06 cast bullet handload: Lyman mould 311299 casting a 195-grain Linotype bullet over 25 grains of Western Powders 5744. The group measured 1.50 inches. Next I fired over 200 rounds of jacketed bullet loads from a German K98k fitted with a Numrich 1.5x replica ZF41 scope. Again with no cleaning, a five-shot, 100-yard group was fired with my favorite 8mm Mauser cast handload: Redding/SAECO 81, which casts a 180-grain Linotype bullet, over 27 grains of Western Powders 5744. The first four shots went into 1.50 inches, but the last one was a flyer to the right making the group 2.25 inches. So I cheated and fired another five shots. Those did go into 1.25 inches. The point here isnt that you should let your barrels get fouled to the point of ruination. Its that if they are clean enough to shoot decently with jacketed bullets, they should shoot decently with cast. Thats not the same thing as saying they will shoot any old cast bullet load well. It must be a good load.
Left, Mike and Clint Smith with the bison cow Mike shot in Nebraska using an original Sharps Model 1874 .44-77 with bullets from RCBS mould 44-370-FN. The bullets were cast of soft 1-40 (tin-to-lead) alloy.
46
Handloader 263
Myth Busting
A SMALL DEFECT OKAY IN A BIG BULLET WILL RUIN A SMALLER ONE
Well, of course, it will. That myth is true as far as it goes. The key, however, is just dont cast bullets with defects. And if you did cast a defective bullet inadvertently, then dont load it. If you did load it inadvertently, then dont shoot it for any worthwhile purpose. Use it for a fouling shot or whatever. In my opinion a defect of any sort isnt okay in my bullets, big or small. Thats in regard to rifle bullets used for precision shooting, as with BPCR Silhouette. I dont worry about defects in handgun bullets, because theyll be fired at short range. They can look terrible and
Besides fitting a cast bullets size, shape and weight to the shooting purpose, it is also necessary to cast it from an alloy suited to the purpose. At left, the bullets are sitting on a bar of 1-20 (tin-to-lead) alloy used for all BPCR Silhouette bullets and light to moderate velocity revolver bullets. Right, bullets, sitting on a bar of Linotype, are fired from Mikes military rifle collection and his autoloading pistols.
still shoot nicely at 25 yards, especially if used in speed shooting. Ive cast bullets as small as .22 caliber of straight Linotype for .22 centerfire rifles with results that surprised even me. Groups down toward minute of angle at 100 yards came from finely accurate varmint rifles. But, the bullets were good and handloaded properly. Entire articles can and have been written about casting good bullets and handloading them properly. Those procedures cant be covered here, but theres plenty of such information in back issues of this magazine.
NO SIZING OF CAST BULLETS IS BEST

Thats more nonsense that gets repeated over and over. No sizing is best if the bullet is perfectly round, and if it fits the rifles barrel perfectly. Schuetzen riflemen of old had their bullet moulds
Right, this is a regulation metallic silhouette turkey as shown on the range at the NRA Whittington Center near Raton, New Mexico. Below, to hit those tiny silhouettes requires fine cast bullet accuracy. Here Mike is shooting at the turkey silhouettes (third row back) at 385 meters under the number 12.
Mike fired this 12-shot group at 25 yards with .44-40 bullets of 1-20 (tin-to-lead) temper from Yvonnes U.S. Fire Arms single action.
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Handloader 263
carefully cut by the same gunsmith who put the rifle together. Such a combination logically should not need bullet sizing. The myth that no sizing is best also stems from the fact that lube/sizing dies used to cut bullets instead of swaging them. Such cut bullets wouldnt shoot worth a hoot. I know, for in 1967, as a young fellow, an old-timer at my gun club pawned one off on
Above, Mikes most recent BPCR Silhouette rifle is a Lone Star Rifle Company rolling block .45-70. Right, Mike will not compete in BPCR Silhouette with a rifle if it will not shoot cast-bullet, blackpowder handloads into groups like this at 300 yards.
lead) alloy, those bullets fall at .459 inch. They are sized to .458 inch. Loaded over 64 grains of Swiss 1 12 Fg and fired in my Shiloh Model 1874 .45-70 fitted with a 6x Montana Vintage Arms telescope, I won at the 2008 Arizona State Scoped BPCR Silhouette Championship. Actually it was Steve Brooks who got me to thinking about cast bullet sizing. He once told me that for our BPCR Silhouette
Dont load cast bullets with defects.

me. I couldnt hit a wash tub at 25 yards with my first .30-06 cast bullet handloads. After I bought a new lube/sizing die, then bullets from the same mould and rifle shot nicely. To be honest I also repeated this particular myth for many years. In fact my favorite .40-65 BPCR Silhouette handload still uses bullets that are unsized. They are poured in a Steve Brooks custom mould (his 425-grain turkey-killer style). They fall from the mould at .409 inch, and I run them through a .410 sizing die that merely applies lube without actually touching the bullet. With that bullet over 57.0 grains of Swiss 112 Fg black powder in my Lone Star Rolling Block, I won the 2000 Montana State BPCR Silhouette Championship. My favorite .45-70 BPCR Silhouette handload uses bullets from another Steve Brooks custom mould. Its bullets have a Creedmoor-style nose and weigh 560 grains. He calls this design the popcorn bullet because he sells so many of that particular shape. From my mould with 1-20 (tin-toDecember-January 2010
game with targets out to 500 meters, he would rather shoot a perfectly round bullet than one even minutely out of round. Therefore he sizes all bullets. Since he has won the national championship for our sport twice and numerous state and regional championships, arguing the point with him would be silly.
49
Myth Busting
CAST BULLETS ARE NO GOOD FOR HUNTING
Cast bullets are just fine for hunting, if some common sense is used. Smallbore cast bullets poured of extra hard alloy are going to act just like full-metaljacketed (FMJ) bullets in going through game, which is no good. The key is to just match the bullet to the purpose. For instance, with those .22-centerfire Linotype bullets mentioned above, the only animals I ever shot with them were ground squirrels. They work as good for that as a regular .22 Long Rifle bullet but not as good as hollowpoint .22 rimfires.
On the other end, Ive shot oneton bison bulls with cast bullets with great success. The difference is Ive used big calibers from .44 to .50 to be specific. It also helps to use a flatnose (FN) bullet such as the one from RCBS mould 44-370-FN used on the last bison cow I brought home. That one was shot with an original Sharps Model 1874 .4477. The bullet was cast of very
With the low pressures of black powder, hard bullets do not obturate.
soft 1-40 (tin-to-lead) alloy, and it definitely showed signs of expanding, although it punched completely through that beast diagonally. Most of us who have long read the pages of this magazine are familiar with the fact that in hand-
guns the semiwadcutter (SWC) and FN cast bullet shapes work excellently even without expansion. They dont even have to be fired from big magnum boomers. A .41- to .45-caliber SWC or FN bullet at 1,000 fps should sail through most any deer at normal handgun ranges and put it down if hit properly. Ive shot numerous whitetail deer, mule deer, elk, bison and uncounted var mints with cast bullets without experiencing any problems. In fact Ive personally experienced more bullet failures on game with jacketed types from both rifles and handguns.
THE HARDER THE CAST BULLET THE BETTER

Harder cast bullets are sometimes better. Softer cast bullets are sometimes better. And sometimes, moderately hard bullets are better. Again the bullet needs to be fitted to its specific pur-
50
Handloader 263
pose. For example, in shooting my above-mentioned World War II military rifles and in shooting any autoloading pistol, I use only Linotype. Experience has shown that the hard Linotype bullets with a nominal Brinell hardness number (BHN) of 22 travel up rough feed ramps and into chambers more positively than softer bullets. Conversely, if I put bullets poured of Linotype alloy through my BPCR target rifles, the result will be severe barrel leading. The difference is bullet obturation. With the low pressures of the black-powder propellant, hard bullets do not obturate to seal the bore. The result is gas cutting around the bullets base with those alloy particles plating the bore, which is darn hard to remove. For BPCRs, most of us avid shooters are using blends of pure lead to pure tin in proportions from 20 to one to 30 to one. Those alloys have nominal BHNs of 10 and 8.5, respectively. Upon ignition of the powder, the softer bullets bases swell, seal the bore and prevent that gas cutting. This doesnt just happen with BPCRs either. The same holds true for low-pressure handgun cast bullets. Anyone who has fired hard Linotype alloy bullets out of a revolver at about 700 fps probably has seen a surprising amount of lead fouling left in the barrels forcing cone. I have. Then shoot a 1-20 alloy bullet through the same revolver at the same speed and look. Theres a minimum of lead fouling, if any at all. However, if that soft bullet is next fired in the same revolver at 1,200 fps, there will likely be streaks of lead fouling in the barrels grooves. Thats friction leading, and its no good either, so at this point its proper to stiffen the alloy a bit. Lymans much publicized No. 2 alloy with a nominal BHN of 15 is a good moderately hard alloy.
(Continued on page 80)
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Charles E. Petty
wonder what took so long. Someone big is finally going to compete with Smith & Wesson in the arena of small, pocket revolvers. Since its introduction in 1950, the S&W J-frame in its many iterations and models has thrived in a virtually private pond. Though I cant prove it, Id bet the number of J-frames sold probably outnumbers all the other S&W models combined with the possible exception of the Model 10. There are imported versions, but for awhile Colt was the only serious competition. Colt had sold snubbies since the 1930s, and its Agent and Detective Special models were very successful; however, in the mid-1980s, Colt walked away and gave S&W the market.
Now I admit to traveling in a circle largely populated by gun guys, but I dont know a soul in the group who doesnt own a J-frame. I carry one on a daily basis. When I was a cop, they were and still are carried as backup guns by the uniform guys and standard issue for plainclothes work, although the switch to autos has changed that. Today there is an enormous demand for the smallest-lightest gun you can carry, and with the growing number of states that allow good citizens concealed carry, the J-frame continues to prosper. There had been some vague rumors that Ruger was going to enter the small revolver market, and sure enough, at the SHOT Show last January, the
LCR (Light, Compact Revolver) was unveiled. What we didnt know was that development had been underway for about two years and that prototypes were test fired with many thousands of rounds of 158-grain +P ammunition. It was a hot topic all over the show floor. The fact that part of the frame was made of polymer was big news, but the word I heard most often was ugly. Generations of us have grown up with
Ruger
the J-frame, so anything that departs from those lines is foreign (non-traditional); but if you can put aside a different appearance, the LCR is absolutely innovative and interesting. The S&W loyalty is not lost on Ruger either, and Im sure it is just pure coincidence that it fits J-frame holsters and the speedloaders work too. What the folks at Ruger have done is blend
proven technologies of aluminum, stainless steel and polymer to produce a 13.5-ounce, doubleaction only revolver capable of handling .38 Special ammunition up to +P levels. As is the case with all super-light revolvers, comfort of carry rather than shooting is its goal in life. One of the criticisms I heard at the SHOT Show concerned the shape of the cylinder and the unusual design of the flutes. Id be the first to say they look different, but they are not, as some suggested,
Little Guns, Big Business
LCR
The cylinder appears different but is more than adequate for +P ammunition.
a weakness. The cylinder walls are just as thick as other similar guns, and the area that receives the maximum pressure is the back half of the cylinder. Folks who know a lot more about this stuff than I do have told me that the maximum pressure in the .38 Special and most handgun cartridges occurs before the bullet leaves the case and sometimes before it even moves at all. Readers always want to know accuracy test results, and I like to oblige, but there is a good reason these things are called belly guns, and minute of belt buckle is more than adequate accuracy. Testing a gun like this at 25 yards is probably a waste of your time and mine and, with a lightweight revolver, is a greater test of my skill in trigger control than the inherent accuracy of the gun. Unless were talking about superslick PPC revolvers, really accurate double-action shooting is a rare skill. As with any 13.5-ounce gun, the shooters ability to manage recoil
The line between the polymer and alloy segments of the frame is clearly visible. The screw above the cylinder latch is one of two that join the sections.
marily due to differences in bullet weight. Today, however, non +P ammunition isnt always easy to find, but this is where we ought to start. Two justly popular loads are Winchesters venerable 110-grain Silvertip and the much newer Federal Personal Defense with a 110-grain Hydra-Shok bullet. Both of these work well in snubbies, although the light bullet can lead to shifts in point of impact with the fixed sights. We can still find the original 158grain lead roundnose or semiwadcutter (SWC), and Ill let you in on a little secret: The famous 148-grain HBWC (hollowbase wadcutter) is a joy to shoot and makes neat, sharp holes in flesh as well as paper. Moving up to +P loadings, we can choose bullet weights from 110 to 158 grains with 125 the most common, although Win-
is the major accuracy factor. Just because the LCR is approved for use with +P ammunition doesnt mean that is what you have to use. I firmly believe the choice of ammunition should be governed by the owners ability to shoot accurately with any given load. We also need to apply common
A blend of proven technologies.

sense here, because the first consideration of any gunfight should be the ability to put holes in your adversary. Bigger is better, but mild .38 loads are just as lethal as hot ones if the bullet is properly placed. And that is done more easily if you dont have this is gonna hurt lurking in your subconscious mind. Recoil of +P loads can range from moderate to obnoxious pri-
A variety of ammunition was used in the tests.
Ruger LCR
Table I
Ruger LCR Ammunition Test Results

bullet (grains) velocity (fps)
brand
Black Hills Cowboy Winchester Silvertip Winchester Match Winchester Federal Personal Defense Remington Golden Saber +P Winchester Personal Protection +P Speer Gold Dot +P
158 LFP 110 148 HBWC 158 SWC 110 Hydra-Shok 125 130 SXT 135
647 739 643 751 860 852 843 828
Left, the barrel liner is shrouded by the alloy frame.

chester has a 130-grain SXT and Speer a 135-grain Gold Dot that are worthy of consideration. As you would expect, recoil increases proportionately with bullet weight, and few of the +Ps score high on the fun factor scale. I decided to test the LCR, and myself, with an assortment of handloads and factory ammunition. The handloads were a mild cowboy load of 3.0 grains of Titegroup with a 125-grain LRN, then the same charge with a 158-grain LSWC that has long been my standard plinking load, and finally I worked my way up through the factory loads shown in the table ending with a sizable quantity of 148-grain wadcutters. Just out of curiosity, I shot the same ammunition, side by side, in an S&W Model 342 that weighs about an ounce less but is probably the most directly comparable competitor. To me there wasnt much difference in felt recoil, although the Ruger seemed to be slightly less than the 342. My experience with polymer-framed auto pistols suggests the polymer moderates recoil a bit, and that
55
Ruger LCR
Table II
bullet (grains) powder charge (grains)
The grip is removed to show the locking mechanism.
Loads for the Ruger LCR

velocity (fps)
125 LRN 158 SWC
Titegroup Titegroup
3.0 3.0
529 584
must be the case with the LCR as well. The LCR really breaks some new ground in Ruger design and is the first Ruger double-action revolver Ive ever shot that did not get richly deserved criticism for the trigger pull. The polymer portion of the gun is called the fire-control housing and contains all the trigger elements. When I
handled a couple of different examples at the SHOT Show, I thought the trigger was pretty good, but the production gun I have is even nicer. It consistently takes 10 pounds to fire but without any of the inconsistencies or stacking often seen in revolvers with coil mainsprings. And to warm the heart of this old PPC shooter, I was able to quickly
index or stage the cylinder to the locked position leaving only a bit more pressure needed to fire the shot.
The LCR breaks some new ground.

Construction consists of the polymer fire-control section, a dark silver-gray stainless steel cylinder and crane, an alloy frame and barrel shroud and a stainless steel barrel liner. The frame is machined from aircraft grade aluminum and hard anodized with a highly corrosion resistant coating. The aluminum portion also includes the barrel shroud, so there is no visible dividing line between frame and barrel. The front sight is held in with a roll pin, so well probably soon see replacements in the form of fiber optic or tritium night sights. Im sure most of you are familiar with the outroar that followed S&Ws addition of a trigger locking mechanism in its revolvers, so one of the first things I did with the LCR was look for a keyhole. I didnt see one, and it wasnt until I belatedly read the instruction manual that I learned the Ruger did, indeed, have a lock. But it is cleverly concealed under the grip, which must be removed to engage it. Instead of formal accuracy testing which is, at least for little guns like this, a waste of time
Handloader 263
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Ruger LCR
and ammunition, I chose to revert to an old cop training regimen of two-shot drills at ranges of 3 to 15 yards. Using my 158grain handload that is roughly equivalent to the original .38 load, it was no trouble to keep shots within the 10 ring of a B-27 target. When I moved up to the 135-grain +P Gold Dot, I had to shoot a bit slower and had a couple of rounds wander out into the 9 ring. But the best accuracy test of all was shooting at a 14inch steel gong at 70 yards. Again with the 158-grain handload and
Handloads printed just above the points of aim on the center of the A zone at 7 and 15 yards.
of aim. I dont know if there is a formal definition of good accuracy for little guns, but the LCR has it. Ammunition selection for little guns like this is almost always going to be a controversial subject, and it all boils down to a matter of opinion rather than any objective way to measure effectiveness. Some believe enough velocity will solve any problem, but I am not among them. Instead my first concern is to make properly placed holes from which bodily fluids can leak, and then I want as much bullet weight as I can get without punishing recoil. In this case the
standard pressure 158-grain SWC works for me. My sense from listening to others talk about it at the SHOT Show was that people werent taking the little gun very seriously, but a chat with Rugers Ken Jorgensen tells a different story. Orders are very, very strong, he said. I am just as tradition-oriented as the next guy, but I like to think that, at least, I have an open mind. No, the LCR doesnt look familiar, but the trigger is great, and I can hit what I want when I want. Doesnt that describe a good carry revolver?
A lock is cleverly concealed under the grip.

shooting slowly, I was able to ring it 8 out of 10 tries regularly and, much to my surprise, found that the fixed sights were right on with a center hold at that range. At typical combat ranges with the same load, point of impact was slightly above the point
This shot demonstrates the effect of full recoil with a +P load.
Specifications: Ruger LCR

Mechanism type: double-action only revolver Material: frame: Series 7000 aircraft aluminum; fire control group: long strand, glass-filled polymer; barrel and cylinder: stainless steel Caliber: .38 Special +P Barrel length: 1.875 inches Weight: 13.5 ounces Capacity: 5 rounds Trigger: 10-pound DAO Sights: fixed Grips: Hogue Tamer Price: $525; Crimson Trace model: $792 Manufacturer: Ruger Firearms 411 Sunapee St. Newport NH 03773 www.ruger.com
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Handloader 263
3
Brian Pearce
THE .45 COLT
Sixgun Cartridges
This all started when my father announced that we would be going as a family to the Worlds Fair (Expo 1974) held in Spokane, Washington. This announcement was startling, as my father was about hard work, rarely taking a vacation. And a cattle ranch in the summer requires long hours irrigating; cutting, baling and stacking hay; doctoring cattle; fixing fence; and keeping equipment maintained. There were only 4 of us 11 children left at home, and my brother would be off to college that fall and then to other parts of the world. We were close and knew that we would see little of each other in the years ahead. I had no interest in attending the Worlds Fair with crowds, long lines, poor food and booths that had nothing to do with guns or hunting! I cornered my brother, saying, Lets stay home and take a pack trip up Indian Creek. Well take our best horses, fishing poles and sixguns with plenty of ammo. Well scout for a big buck and elk. We took the plan to our father, who in effect said, Sure, stay home if you want, but there are a few small things I would like you to do before you take off on horses. His list was long and included putting up the rest of the hay, building a half-mile of six-strand barbedwire fence, splitting firewood and a few other small items. There was a weeks worth of work on his list, but we tied into it and had it completed in about two and a half long days, taking little time to sleep. We saddled our cow ponies, along with a Decker pack saddle, filled the canvas side packs with only
fter several months of hard work, combined with the hot evening sun, I found rest under the shade of sweet smelling locust trees. Even while sleeping I was aware of my surroundings the nearby horses with their occasional snorts and stomping of feet, the musical tones of Indian Creek as it rolled crystal clear water just a few yards away and the campfire occasionally popping. When the aroma of sizzling trout filled the air, it was time for a growing teenage boy to wake up. I sat up, rubbed my eyes and glanced toward the fire, as my older brother announced that supper was nearly ready. It had been a long time since breakfast, and he didnt have to call me twice!
.45 Colt, .44 Special, .44 Magnum
This custom Colt SAA pattern revolver is a duplicate of the Elmer Keith No. 5 .44 Special. It has accounted for deer and mountain lion.
verge of starvation without the trout. Clearly this was a survival situation! My brother was wearing a 6-inch barreled Smith & Wesson Model 28, while I had a new-to-me preWorld War II Colt Single Action Army .45 Colt fitted with a 512-inch barrel and custom sights. Both were loaded with cast bullets. The trout were something around 3 feet down, and we aimed just behind their heads, allowed for the angle and cut loose. The bullets had no trouble reaching them. The remaining fish scattered, going into shallower water,
the essentials, including sleeping bags, basic cooking utensils, salt and seasonings, a little beef jerky, sixguns and ammunition, then spent the rest of the day riding toward the back of our ranch. We made camp at a special place where there was a large grove of trees, and Indian Creek made a bend leaving a natural pool that was full of trout. The grass was green and ideal for our weary horses. After unsaddling and hobbling the horses and making camp, we caught a few grasshoppers and began fishing. The water was clear, so we hid behind the bushes and boulders to prevent the fish from seeing us, but they wouldnt bite. We dug worms, and they gave the same results. We had brought some food but would soon be on the
Sixgun Cartridges
but it only took a minute until we had all the fish we needed. While my brother built a fire, I cleaned fish, then decided to take the desperately needed nap. This was in the period prior to the widespread use of hearing protection, and I quickly appreciated the lower muzzle report of the .45, rather than the highpitched, ear-ringing tones of the .357 Magnum. Over the next few days, we rode into new territory, camped, tried fishing with regular fishing poles and shot our sixguns at rocks, rockchucks, coyotes and other targets. We also practiced hitting tossed aerial targets with a Ruger Single-Six and a Smith & Wesson K-22 Mas-
Brian considers the Colt Single Action Army .45 Colt a top choice for a working gun.
Over the next few months, I practiced daily with the old Colt until I became confident enough to take a deer that fall; a doe at 60 yards was my first big game animal taken with a handgun. The 255-grain Keith bullet (Lyman mould 454424) pushed with 9.0 grains of Hercules (now Alliant) Unique gave a muzzle velocity of around 950 fps, which passed through both lungs and exited. She ran about 30 or 40 yards, leaving a blood trail on both sides then piled up dead. In spite of its rather leisurely velocity, the old .45 Colt was proving itself, just as it has for many generations, as a legitimate big game cartridge. Over the years that cartridge has been used to take a number of mule deer, black bear, elk, coyotes and pests. Its large caliber seems to deliver unusual shock to an animals nervous system, not to mention a large hole for an easy-to-follow blood trail. Today, I continue to use the .45
I have never wondered what the Worlds Fair held.

terpiece that had been stuffed in our packs. I have never wondered what the Worlds Fair held, but I doubt it could have even come close to matching the adventures, experience and fun memories we found on our pack trip.
The Smith & Wesson N-frame .45 Colt fitted with a 4-inch barrel is a favorite. Top to bottom include Models 625-6, 25-9 and 25-5, all featuring throats of .451 to .452 inch for good accuracy.
Two of Brians favorite .45 Colt loads employ cast bullets, the 255-grain Lyman 454190 (left) and 280-grain RCBS 45-270-SAA.
62
Handloader 263
These two custom Ruger Blackhawk .44 Specials are among Brians favorite.
Colt in a brace of Colt Single Action revolvers for hunting and everyday wear, and for the last 10 years, Ive been deeply impressed with the quality and improved strength of the U.S. Fire Arms SAA pattern sixguns. The Colt cartridge also finds favor when chambered in a Smith & Wesson Model 25-5 or Model 625-6 Mountain Gun, each fitted with a 4-inch barrel and featuring .451/.452-
Brian considers the Colt Single Action Army (top) and Smith & Wesson Model 1950 Target .44 Specials as top working sixguns.
psi and feature a 255-grain bullet at around 860 fps. And in spite of its mild velocities, it is effective on game with its large caliber and deep, arrow-straight penetration. Ive used it successfully on black bear and other game. To duplicate it, try Lyman mould 454190, which drops bullets weighing around 255 grains, pushed with 6.0 grains of Alliant Red Dot. Overall cartridge length should be 1.580 inches with a roll crimp being placed over the ogive. Keith-style bullets are preferred for hunting big game, and while the original Lyman version (454424) is good, I now prefer RCBS mould 45-270-SAA, which
inch throats. (Note that some S&W Model 25s featured oversized .458-inch throats that generally robbed accuracy.) Just last year an iron-sighted Smith & Wesson Model 25 was used to take an Idaho buck in open country a challenge by any measure. The .45 Colt is a joy to shoot, especially with the relatively low pressure factory loads that typically generate less than 14,000
Below left, Alliant Power Pistol delivers excellent results in the .44 Special. Right, the primary cast bullet that Brian uses to handload the .44 Special is the Lyman 429421, a 250-grain Keith.
The .45 Colt is a joy to shoot.

produces a bullet between 280 and 285 grains, depending on the alloy. The extra bullet weight is appreciated in terms of deep penetration on big game, while the flatnose and full-caliber front driving band cut a reliable wound channel and deliver shock. Naturally, accuracy is good. For postwar Smith & Wesson N-frame and USFA SAA revolvers, try 9.5 grains of Hodgdon Longshot powder for 940 to 975 fps from most guns with 4- to 512-inch barrels.
www.handloadermagazine.com 63
Above, Brian considers the .44 Magnum unusually versatile. This Smith & Wesson Model 29-2 with a 4inch barrel has accounted for many head of big game, including elk. Right, the Smith & Wesson Model 629 .44 Magnum is top choice for hunting deer.
It has become popular to employ 300- to 340-grain bullets at velocities around 1,300 fps in heavy-framed .45 Colt revolvers, such as the Ruger Blackhawk, Redhawk and others. This practice is absolutely safe and one I have promoted and still endorse. In a Ruger Blackhawk, it accounted for an elk with a single shot, and I would not hesitate to use it on grizzly or other dangerous game. Frankly, it is like an entirely different cartridge, with greater recoil and a less than pleasurable muzzle report. If I lived in the Alaskan wilderness around the great bears, perhaps such loads would be a favorite, but at this point it is more horsepower and requires a heavier gun than is preferred for an everyday hip carry.
THE .44 SPECIAL

The .44 Special has never achieved the widespread popularity it deserves. Many handloaders and in-the-know sixgunners have recognized its value, but the average handgunner certainly never has understood what an outstanding cartridge it is. Frankly, I am not talented enough with complimentary words to do it justice so can only report on my own opinion, observation and experiences. When the .44 Magnum
Sixgun Cartridges
Left, Hodgdon H-110, Alliant 2400 and Power Pistol give excellent performance in the .44 Magnum with a variety of bullet weights. Below, the .44 Magnum is unusually versatile, depending on the bullet and load chosen. Examples of such include (left to right): Speer 240-grain Gold Dot HP, 246-grain Lyman 429383, 250-grain Keith/Lyman 429421, 255-grain Thompson gas check Lyman 429244 and 310-grain gas check RCBS 44-300-SWC.
64
Handloader 263
For those wanting to load the .45 Colt to 30,000 CUP in strong revolvers, such as Ruger Redhawks and Blackhawks, modern solid head .45 Colt cases (right) are equally as strong as the .44 Magnum (left).
appeared in 1955, it seemed to get all the attention, and the Special was almost lost. It was decades before such notables as Skeeter Skelton praised its virtues, finally convincing Colt and Smith & Wesson to again offer limited runs of new guns, a practice that continues to this day. The Special is at its best when pushing various 246- to 255-grain cast bullets 800 to 1,200 fps (only in guns of suitable strength for the latter velocities/pressures). It can also push 310-grain cast bullets around 1,050 fps, which penetrate unusually well. Unlike others have claimed, I have not found the .44 Special to be more accurate than other revolver cartridges of similar design, but in an accurate gun, it is easy to assemble loads that shoot very well. It may not offer as much velocity as its magnum offspring, but a 250-grain cast bullet at those velocities will take big game reliably. Using Lyman mould 429421, pushed to between 900 and 1,200 fps in Colt Single Actions and Smith & Wesson 1950 Target revolvers, it will zip through deer with ease, penetrate a black bear from spine to chest, completely penetrate a bull elk at over 100 yards and will ruin a mountain lions lunch from chest
The .44 Special has traditionally been factory loaded with a 246-grain roundnose bullet at around 755 fps. Brian finds the cartridge more effective if stoked with SWC-style bullets and pushed between 900 and 1,200 fps.
to the root of its tail. It also makes a good accounting in jackrabbit country or when a cranky rattlesnake needs its tail cut off just behind the ears. In addition to utilizing powder efficiently and having a shorter case that ejects from revolvers with ease, another appealing aspect of the .44 Special has to do
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Sixgun Cartridges
with the lighter, handier guns it has been offered in. For instance, the Colt Single Action Army remains an ideal weight and size for an everyday working gun and is lighter than .44 Magnum single actions. Likewise the Ruger Blackhawk .357 Magnum (19551972) when converted to this cartridge, as well as the recent New Model Blackhawk .44 Special (as offered by Lipseys), are handy working sixguns. And the Smith & Wesson 1950 Targets, as well as previous N-frame revolvers, are lighter and handier than the Model 29, naturally with the exception of the recent S&W Mountain Guns and the Model 329PDs. Some may wonder why so much
Above left, Brians .45 Colt handload containing Lyman 255-grain cast bullet from mould 454190 pushed with 6.0 grains of Alliant Red Dot duplicates the ballistics of traditional factory loads. Right, the Smith & Wesson Model 629-4 .44 Magnum delivers good accuracy with a variety of handloads.
discussion over a few ounces of weight or the size of a gun. Rather than taking a favorite sixgun to the range once a month in a gun case, just wear it on your hip for 12 to 18 hours while working, hunting, riding a horse or kicking around the hills. It soon becomes apparent that guns the size of a Colt Single Action or Smith & Wesson N-frame with 4 34- and 4-inch barrels, respectively, typically weighing around 37 to 38 ounces, are close to the ideal size and weight for wearing in a well-designed holster. Yet
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Handloader 263
Left, Brian used a custom Ruger .44 Special to down this Idaho mule deer, using cast bullets. Right, Brian considers the .44 Special an excellent working gun. While out cutting firewood, Brian encountered this rattlesnake. Below, in spite of its modest velocities, the .45 Colt is a proven performer on big game. This Idaho mule deer was taken with a Smith & Wesson Model 625 Mountain Gun.
they are heavy enough to manage recoil, steady and shoot accurately while offering enough big-bore power for most tasks ranging from hunting to defense. I have tried many .44 Special handloads over the years but continually settle on the 250grain Keith cast bullet (Lyman mould 429421) as a general-purpose bullet. For a light load, 7.5 grains of Alliant Power Pistol deliver over 900 fps from a 4-inch Smith & Wesson. For a bit flatter trajectory, while staying within SAAMI pressure limits of 15,500 psi, 8.2 grains of the same powder produce 1,000 fps from a 512-inch Colt SAA and is the load used most for general purposes. For long-range work, but only suitable for post-World War II Colt SAA and Smith & Wesson N-frame revolvers, 17.0 grains of Alliant 2400 produce around 1,200 fps in most guns. All the above loads are capped with CCI 300 or Federal 150 primers. primers. Expansion is reliable at distances exceeding 100 yards, even with the minimal resis-
remains a personal favorite. It has demonstrated its ability to take any game animal on earth, including elephant, lion, Cape buffalo, Alaskan brown bear and all members of the deer family. The real key is to use the correct bullet for the task at hand. On target ranges, such as the demanding silhouette (IHMSA) competition, it has delivered perfect scores and tight groups at 200 meters. I have taken a number of whitetail deer with cast and jacketed bullets, with both proving their value. Particularly good results have been obtained with the Speer 240-grain Gold Dot hollowpoint (GDHP) and the Hornady XTP of the same weight pushed around 1,400 fps using either 21.5 grains of Alliant 2400 with CCI 300 primers or 24.5 grains of Hodgdon H-110 with CCI 350
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THE .44 MAGNUM

It has been 35 years since I first obtained a .44 Magnum, and I was impressed with its accuracy, power and versatility. Due to new guns and improved bullets, it is even more impressive today and
Sixgun Cartridges
tance (necessary for expansion) associated with broadside double-lung shots. Both bullets exit reliably and open a substantial wound channel, which allows easy following of the blood trail
when the animal enters thick brush. Velocity produced by the .44 Magnum, exceeding that of the .44 Special by 200 to 250 fps, offers a certain advantage when shots exceed 100 yards in two ways. First, trajectories are flatter, which aids in making longer shots. I recall hunting whitetail deer in Alabama wherein I drew the largest meadows, and shots
could be out as far as 200 yards when the deer came in to feed. Of the two-dozen handgun hunters in camp, I was the only one using an iron-sighted sixgun, with others using scope-sighted revolvers or single-shot handguns chambered for bottleneck rifle cartridges, and there were concerns that I might be too handicapped with the open sights and .44 Magnum cartridge. From a steady shooting position, however, deer were reliably hit in the lungs at 150 measured yards. At the shot, most would turn and run into the timber some 20 to 40 yards distance, then pile up stone dead. None required a second shot and none were lost. Second, the added .44 Magnum velocity promotes reliable expansion at these longer distances. Generally speaking, when deer hunting out of state, it is a .44 Magnum revolver that accompanies me. The .44 Magnum changes personalities when stoked with tough, nonexpanding solid bullets, such as the 270-grain Belt Mountain Punch Solid, or cast bullets ranging in weight from 250 to 340 grains. With the proper bullet, I have reports of such loads driving through Cape buffalo, Alaskan brown bears and other heavy game that require a cartridge capable of delivering deep penetration. I have shot 250-grain Keith bullets through black bear and elk from a Smith & Wesson Model 29 with a 4-inch barrel, not to mention countless diseased livestock. Again, with the right bullet I would not hesitate to tackle moose, grizzly or even Cape buffalo. My standard .44 Magnum load for Smith & Wesson and Ruger Blackhawks with the Lyman mould 429421 is 8.8 grains of Alliant Power Pistol for 950 fps from a 4-inch barrel. For a heavy load, 21.0 grains of Alliant 2400 produce around 1,350 to 1,400 fps from revolvers with 6- to 712inch barrels. Both of these loads should only be used in conjunction with a large pistol primer,
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Handloader 263
such as the CCI 300 or Federal 150. Moving up to the 310-grain bullets, either the Mt. Baldy Keith design (PO Box 835, Cody WY 82414) or the RCBS mould 44300-SWC over 21.0 grains of Hodgdon H-110 capped with a CCI 350 primer will yield 1,225 to 1,275 fps in most revolvers. The 270-grain Belt Mountain Punch solid bullet can be pushed to 1,300 fps or more using 22.5 grains of Hodgdon H-110 with a CCI 350 primer. For a light, small game load, try the 245-grain cast roundnose bullet from Lyman mould 429383 pushed by 6.0 grains of Alliant Red Dot for around 850 fps. The above loads, along with the previously mentioned loads for the 240-grain Speer GDHP and Hornady XTP bullets, will handle most situations where the .44 Magnum will be employed. Over the last 35 years, many favorite .44 Magnum revolvers have been put to work. For instance there are two Smith & Wesson Model 29s with 4-inch tubes that have been shot so much that I have had to completely rebuild them by setting back the barrels, recutting the forcing cones and installing new bolts, yokes, firing pins, cylinder stops, center pins, etc. They are now in semi-retirement, having been largely replaced by a pair of Model 629-4 Mountain Guns with tighter throats, unusual accuracy and improved endurance lock works. When traveling out of state to hunt deer, a Model 629 with a 6inch barrel that will stay inside 112 inches at 50 yards with correct loads usually accompanies me. If the airline loses it, its easily replaced. I am especially fond of Ruger Blackhawks, aka Flattops, with 4 58-, 6 12- and 7 12-inch barrels as general-purpose field guns. Their Colt SA-like grip frame helps them point naturally, and the lighter weight, compared to Super Blackhawk and Bisley models, makes them more practiDecember-January 2010
cal for belt carry. In recent years I have become fond of Smith & Wessons Model 329PD that weighs 26 12 ounces and is a favorite when hunting the Alaskan wilderness, where everything that you need to live for weeks is in your pack and ounces become important. Yet it is capable of driving bullets through a large bears head or downing a moose.
There are some very good revolver cartridges that did not make my three favorites list, but they are certainly worthy, and in a couple of cases, I feel almost guilty for leaving them out. Nonetheless, mine were chosen based on real world experience shooting, hunting and carrying them as general-purpose sixguns.
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69
.22 R em
Stan Trzoniec
y association with Thompson/Center goes back a long time. As a writer and hunter, I was always impressed by the fact you could purchase one receiver, and by just switching barrels, you could end up with a gun that could shoot standard or magnum cartridges. Also from the T/C Custom Shop, you could find a never-ending supply of present-day and near-obsolete cartridges. With my passion for .22caliber wildcats, this not only extended my shooting time in the field, but also offered a new dimension to the hobby of handloading.
The Thompson/Center organization is a small business American dream come true. It all began in 1945 when Ken Thompson decided to start a company fathered by his convictions and a strong desire to own his own business. Starting in his garage, he put together a game plan and emerged with a business called the K.W. Thompson Tool Company. His claim to fame was making moulds and tooling for the investment casting industry. With the firearms business starting to grow stronger each year, the shop expanded, and by 1962 his gross sales approached about $180,000 annually. In 1963 he moved to New Hampshire, and in 1964 the plant was expanded to 10,500 square feet. In 1965 a brilliant firearms designer, Warren Center, joined the firm, and with his design of the famous single-shot pistol, the rest is history with the first Contender going out the door in 1967.
Above, not often done in a long barrel, the .22 Jet is a pleasure to use for small game and varmints. Facing page, from the left side, you can see the mounting screws for the scope mounts. The rings and base are from T/C.
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Handloader 263
ingto n Jet
T/C rescues defunct handgun cartridge in rifles.
.22 R em ingto n Jet

Since the Contender has been reviewed many times by this and other magazines, I wont go into the heavy details outlining the gun but will just skim over the more important parts, as Ive modified the gun for my own use through items from its custom shop. The current T/C web page offers about 120 different chamberings, from the small rimfires to the larger African cartridges. Standard and wildcats are offered for those who may want to use off-the-shelf ammunition or roll their own. To me the list is never ending and offers a chance to explore cartridges like the .17 Ackley Bee, .219 Zipper and .223 Ackley Improved without the heavy burden and expense of a big-ticket, custom-made rifle. This time around, we are dealing with the .22 Remington Jet, a cartridge that seemed destined for handgun use. When I discovered the Jet on the list, I called the custom shop to get the project going. Since I like the lighter frame of the Contender, versus the Encore, for summertime chuck hunting, I picked the tapered 24-inch barrel. Highly polished and detailed, this would be the perfect mate for a new .22caliber reloading project while fitting in with other wildcats, including the .22 Mashburn Bee
Rugged construction and a powerful ejector leave the Contender open for a lifetime of use.
and the .22 K-Hornet. With a positive ejector at the chamber end, it carefully lifts the spent cartridge case so you can pluck it out of the barrel and reload it again without the hassle of it flying off into the pucker brush. able stock to shoot with. Everything is right about this stock, right down to the length of pull and the finger grooves on the pistol grip; and for offhand shooting it comes up as if it were made especially for you. There is an extended, rollover cheekpiece, and the forearm that came with this stock is flat and long perfect for those opportune rests you come across in the field when small game is spotted. My Contender is the previous model, but the newer and improved G2 Contender sports the same receiver outline as the Encore, is easier to open, allows more room between the trigger guard and the stock and incorporates a newly designed automatic
The .22 Remington Jet was developed by Remington and Smith & Wesson in 1961.
At the same time, I ordered a thumbhole stock like I have used a few times for other projects. While the folks at T/C still make a thumbhole stock, they do not make the same one I currently have. I say that only because I have never had a more comfort-
Right, the hammer on the Contender is made to fire both rimfire and centerfire barrels. Note the dual firing pins just forward of the hammer. Far right, the trigger guard is wide and roomy enough for all-season use, and the trigger was adjusted to break at 212 pounds.
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Handloader 263
Above, for varmint hunting, this long forearm is perfect in the field. Flat on the bottom, it lends itself to a wide variety of field rests. Right, the long cheekpiece accommodates a variety of field situations.
hammer block safety with an interlock. In any event, regardless if you pick up the early or newer Contender, barrel switching is the same. To finish off the gun for bench and field use, I mounted a Thompson/Center 3-9x scope with its proprietary ring and onepiece base set. The .22 Remington Jet was developed by Remington and Smith & Wesson in 1961 to be used in the Model 53. Although it was popular at the time, enthusiasm waned after a short time, as shooters were having trouble with their new handguns. Apparently the tapered case of the Jet was backing out of the cylinder causing lockup problems, not to mention the frustration of having a new gun and being unable to shoot it correctly with factory ammunition. Today, it seems, the cartridge and gun have been retired with only a mention here and there around the collectors roundtable, but not at my house. In working with this cartridge, there are a few things to be put in order concerning bore diameter. While loading manuals quote the bore on the .22 Jet as .223 inch from the S&W Model 53 pistol barrel, a call to the T/C Custom Shop confirmed they are using the same traditional diameter of .223 inch (not .224 inch), which seems to be right in line with all the reference material I can dig up. On that note, the order for bullets went out to Hornady, Sierra and Speer for Hornet-type 40- and 45-grain, .223-inch bullets. Next, the issue of brass comes up, and you can deal with this a number of ways. First, if you can find factory-loaded ammunition (good luck!), you can fire off the rounds to have brass fireformed to your chamber. Calling around to various collectors is an iffy situation, expensive at best, so we move on to the next alternative. I called the folks at Huntington Die Specialties (866-RELOADS),
Here are all the tools youll need to process .357 magnum cases into .22 Remington Jet.
To prepare for shooting, all components such as powder, bullets, cases and primers are readily available to load the .22 Remington Jet.
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.22 R em ingto n Jet
Above left, the Redding #1 form die narrows the neck down for the next step. Center, the #2 form die takes the .357 magnum case neck down to .298 inch in preparation for the file and form die. Right, with the file and form die, an extended shellholder is required. This case is ready to be checked for length and chamfered.
and they had 60 cases in stock, which were promptly sent. Even though 60 cases is a good start, I wanted more in my stash. The last solution is to make your own brass using a special die and form set. This was taken care of by Redding Reloading Equipment (1089 Starr Road, Cortland NY 13045) in short order, and to save you the grief of looking through endless pages of catalogs for custom die sets, Table I lists what youll need to turn out first quality .22 Remington Jet handloads. The next thing on your list is at least four boxes of brand new (not once-fired) .357 magnum brass from Remington or Winchester. Brass or nickel plated is okay; I found the forming process seemed to go easier with the traTable I
.22 Remington Jet Die and Form Sets from Redding

custom form #1 die custom form #2 die custom form and trim die custom full-length die set extended shellholder shellholder, .22 Remington Jet
90304 94304 83304 80304 11512 11012
ditional brass cases from start to finish. Stock up on small pistol magnum primers, my preference is CCI 550s, considering the size of the case and its capacity. Powders are next, but I will get to that in a minute.
Left to right, starting with a new .357 magnum case, this shows the various stages in forming it to .22 Jet.
.302 .338 .375 .416
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Last, when you get the Redding dies, take note of the information listed on the sheet regarding case forming the .22 Remington Jet from .357 Magnum cases. Here they discuss the possibility of increasing neck thickness when forming these cases to the .22 Jet. Read it through and check a sample case as it comes out of the last or full-sizing die. I used Remington brass and measuring the first case, the 10th and every 10th of the run, I found no problems as compared to a fired factory case, so everything was in order to go ahead. From the onset, trying to form .22 Remington Jet cases from .357 magnum brass without the annealing step is a lost cause in both time and materials. The cases will not take the sharp angles needed to produce this brass, and split or crushed necks will cause a 100 percent fatality rate. Annealing is easy, quick and consists of nothing more than placing a case in about .25 inch of water, heating the neck area almost to the point of redness, then pushing them over in the water to quench and cool them. I use an old bread pan and a Micro or hobby torch that runs on Ronson butane fuel.
an inside diameter of .230 inch. In order to push the case up and into this last die for trimming, you will need to install the extended shellholder as shown in the photographs. When filed down, the case should emerge with an overall length of around 1.290 inches. For shooting, however, the overall case length is 1.288 inches; I like to trim them back to 1.278
inches. After that, the deburring tool is used to chamfer the inside and outside of the neck. To finish the case, run it through the fulllength sizing die. After that, check the inside diameter of the case mouth; on my die set it came out as .221 inch, perfect for the .223 bullets. The .22 Remington Jet holds 18.9 grains of water, which puts it in the same range as the .218
I choose to go with H-110 and W-296.

Once you get a rhythm going, most folks will be surprised how fast the process goes, and you will have a pile of cases ready to go in short order. After they are fully dry, set up the Redding form #1 die, lube the cases and start pushing them up and into this die. This first die will reduce the neck from .375 (new case) down to .336 inch on the first pass. Run the whole batch through this die before moving on. Next, move on to form #2 die and run all the cases through it. Here the neck will be reduced to .298 inch in preparation for the next file and trim die, which reduces the neck to .255 inch with
.22 R em ingto n overall length of the bullet and the bullet used, the program came up with using 2400, LilGun, Jet H-110, W-296 and a few others I
Bee. Since there are no references made on using the .22 Jet in a rifle, I turned to Wayne Blackwells (9826 Sagedale Dr.,
Table II
40-grain bullet: powder charge (grains)
did not have in stock. Considering past experiences, I choose to go with H-110 and W296 for velocity readings and the
say, 14.6 grains of H-110, velocities would be in the neighborhood of 3,147 fps and 48,161 CUP. Considering the smaller case volume of the Jet, I decided to stay with H-110 and W-296 for at least the first go around. With the cases ready, priming,
.22 Remington Jet Loading Data

Hornady Jet velocity (fps) group (inches) velocity (fps) Sierra softpoint group (inches) Speer softpoint velocity group (fps) (inches)
H-110 W-296
14.0 14.5 14.0 14.9 averages:
3,037 3,278 3,176 3,259 3,187
1.00 1.50 .875 1.75 1.28
3,117 3,284 3,099 3,288 3,197

Sierra softpoint velocity (fps)
1.75 1.25 1.25 1.25 1.37

group (inches)
3,132 3,301 2,999 3,248 3,170

Speer spitzer velocity (fps)
1.75 1.00 1.25 .75 1.18

group (inches)
45-grain bullet: powder
charge (grains)
Hornady Hornet velocity group (fps) (inches)
H-110 W-296
13.8 14.6 13.8 14.6 averages:
2,996 3,106 2,962 3,139 3,050
.75 1.25 1.25 .875 1.03
2,959 3,136 2,919 3,114 3,032
.625 .625 .750 .500 .625
2,931 3,137 2,949 3,102 3,029 2,864
1.75 1.50 1.50 1.00 1.43 1.00
40 Remington softpoint factory load
Notes: All three-shot groups were fired at 100 yards. Velocities were clocked on an Oehler Model 35P Chronotach. The temperature was 75 degrees Fahrenheit when the 40-grain bullet groups were shot and 70 F. when firing the 45-grain bullet groups. Remington cases and CCI 550 primers were used throughout.
Houston TX 77089) Load from a Disk program. Putting in all the parameters, such as barrel length,
ease of powder flow through the measure. Looking up 2400 with the 45-grain bullet, for example, I was limited to only 14.0 grains of propellant, which gave 3,009 fps. Moving up to 14.9 grains with 2400 gave 3,202 fps but with pressure readings in excess of 50,500 CUP. Compared to using,
loading and bullet seating were uneventful. I seated the 40-grain bullets to an overall loaded length of 1.550 inches and the 45grain bullets at 1.650 inches. Since this is a single-shot rifle, you have the option to crimp if you like, but just to keep everything on an even keel, I applied a light crimp on all rounds. Counting the factory loading, I fired 25 groups in two different days with a temperature spread of only five degrees. Testing went smoothly, and the results were very encouraging, considering this round was made specifically for a handgun. To my surprise, some of the 100-yard, three-shot groups went into .5 inch. When it came to the results of the 40-grain bullets, group size was pretty much spread between H-110 and W-296. If I had to pick the pet of the day, it would be the
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Handloader 263
friends said it couldnt be done. The case is too small, the bullets are too light, and there isnt enough powder to get decent velocities. And besides, he went on, Its only a pistol cartridge. Thats a quote, but now that hes seen the results, he might have to eat some of his words.
Above, this .75-inch group with the lighter, 40-grain bullet is a fine example with the Speer softpoint. Below, the 45-grain Sierra softpoint became the leader in all classes with this .5-inch group at 100 yards the perfect load for varmint hunting.
I dont care what he thinks, because Ill be the one flying high
on the North 40 with the .22 Remington Jet. Just keep in mind, this is a small-caliber cartridge using lighter-than-normal bullets, so limit your distances depending upon the game. With velocities out of the Contender matching that of the more popular (read available) .22-centerfire rounds, I was indeed impressed and look forward to taking this rifle into the fields shortly.
Speer softpoint with 14.9 grains of W-296 for almost 3,250 fps. Using the heavier bullet would be my choice for midsummer woodchucks at closer range than say the .223 or .22-250 Remington, and by closer, Im talking roughly 100 yards. Pick of the day is the Sierra softpoint with 14.6 grains of W-296 for 3,114 fps. Looking at drop tables, this is a good load to zero at 100 yards; bullet drop at 200 is only 3.6 inches. Placing the crosshairs just below neck level will deliver the bullet on any part of the body. As a footnote, the Sierra softpoint was the top performer in all categories and all powders with the heavier bullet with an average of .625 (58) inch. When I first started this project, one of my varmint shooting
RAMPRO AMMOCHECK UNIVERSAL RELOADER GAUGE

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and attached to the upright in the appropriate holes depending on the measurement being taken. One of the most frequent measurements many of us will want to check is the variation in case neck thickness. A Case Measuring Fixture was designed for this purpose. It is red, anodized aluminum of 14-inch stock. It attaches to the upright with cap screws and washers. A case neck pilot mounts to the fixture at the left end. Pilots are currently available for most calibers from .17 to .45. At the right end is the base pilot assembly. An insidepander plug. This is to make certain the case neck is a good fit on the pilot and to push any irregularities to the outside of the neck so they can be recorded. The Case Measuring Fixture can be adjusted so that measurements can be taken on the case other than at the neck. This can be quite enlightening, and severely distorted cases might best be discarded or saved for practice or fouling shots. It is im portant when using the Case Measuring Fixture that case rims center themselves in the base pilot for measurements to be accurate. This means no nicks or other irregularities on the rim that might cause the case to be offset in any way. To measure bullet runout, mount the Concentricity Fixture to the upright. It is gold in color and also 14-inch aluminum stock. It consists of a base and two roller bearing assemblies called bearing mounts. The right bearing mount has a stop against which the cartridge head will rest. The forward, or left, bearing mount is adjusted so the case neck is supported by the bearing. The mounts are adjusted so that when the cartridge is rotated on the bearings, the indicator is resting on the bullet ogive. It is difficult to be certain, but it appears the fixture can be adjusted to measure runout on just about any rifle case except the very small (wildcat cartridges based on pistol cases such as the .32 ACP or .25 ACP, for example) or the very large (the .50 BMG and such). Most revolver cartridges can also be accommodated. If we wish to measure overall cartridge length or simply case
Handloader 263
ost of us as handloaders over time assemble a variety of tools for measuring our efforts at the bench to make our ammunition as fine and consistent as we can. Since most of our efforts involve the cartridge case, so do the tools. Rampro Corporation of Sheridan, Colorado, is a small company involved in custom CNC machining for inventor assistance, prototypes or other product development. Rampro President Robert E. Doty is an engineer with an interest in handloading, and he has developed a handloading aid that incorporates many of our measuring requirements into a single tool. The Rampro AmmoCheck Universal Reloader Gauge is a very well thought out design, very well made and capable of the precision measuring of such things as: bullet concentricity; case neck thickness; case length, before and after trimming; cartridge overall length; case dis tortion or out-of-roundness; diameter of round surfaces, such as bullets; and rim thickness of rimfire cartridges. The AmmoCheck Universal Reloader Gauge begins with a base or foundation. It is L shaped and two piece with a steel base or horizontal surface about 5 12 inches wide by 3 inches deep and an aluminum, vertical section, or upright, 5 12 inches wide by 5 inches high. Both are of 14-inch stock. The base has two threaded holes and the upright 18 nonthreaded holes to accept the fixtures used in making the various measurements. Measurements are made using a digital indicator that is secured with its own holder
78
tapered Delrin cap screws into a spring-loaded shaft and will accept most case heads. The maximum case rim diameter accepted by the cap included with the tool appears to be about .530 inch. Provisions for accepting larger case rims is under development. The base pilot assembly moves in a slot cut in the upright and accepts case lengths from about 1.6 to about 3.5 inches. In use, the digital indicator is installed as is the neck pilot and the base pilot assembly adjusted so a case can rotate freely. The indicator must be zeroed on the neck pilot, and all cases to be checked must be first full-length sized with a die having an ex-
length, begin by installing the Cartridge Locator on the base. The fixture is made of Delrin and is installed with nylon thumb screws. A V notch serves to ensure alignment. The digital indicator is mounted on the upright in the holes most appropriate to what is being measured. The standard rounded indicator tip must be replaced with the flat tip (included) and the indicator rezeroed. This is accomplished with the aid of calibration standards. Two are enclosed with the Universal Reloader Gauge: a one inch and a 2 inch. Both standards have a length tolerance of .0002 inch. (These standards present an excellent opportunity to check the accuracy of other tools, as well. I was comforted to find my own micrometer and caliper were still well within .001 inch despite much use and being of modest original cost.) With the flat indicator tip in place other measurements such as bullet length and diameter can be made quite accurately. The final fixture included with the Universal Reloader Gauge is designed to allow the user to measure the rim thickness of standard rimfire cartridges. These include those based on .22 Long Rifle dimensions, such as the BB cap, CB cap, Short, Long and Long Rifle cartridges, as well as those .17-caliber rimfire cartridges that use the same case. Cartridges made on the magnum rimfire case would require another fixture, not currently available. This fixture, or holder, also is made of Delrin and mounts on the upright under the indicator. The rounded indicator tip is used, and the indicator is zeroed on the holder. The case being measured is then inserted in the holder and carefully slid under the tip. Rotating the cartridge then provides the rim thickness and any variation. After working with the AmmoCheck Universal Reloader Gauge for awhile, I contacted Mr. Doty and arranged a meeting in which we discussed the tool at some
length. When I asked why he chose a digital indicator rather than a dial type, his answer was thought-provoking. Its more accurate, he said, plus it has an interface that allows it to be connected to a computer. Doty went on to say he is working on the software now and with it we will be able to record our measurements as they are being taken for future massaging and analysis. The possibilities here are endless, and much of the rather laborious data gathering I often do on new lots of cases by hand could be expedited significantly. We also discussed the possi bility of other reloading tools from Rampro. Ive come to expect the company is one we will be hearing a lot more of in the future. For a closeup look at the AmmoCheck Universal Reloader Gauge and its operations, visit Rampros website: www.ram proco.com. As a final note, I have other,
separate tools designed to take the same measurements as the Universal Reloader Gauge. None do the job any more accurately or with greater ease when a large number of cases are to be checked. And, certainly, none has the electronic interface potential of this impressive new tool.
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Cast Bullet Myth Busting

(Continued from page 51)
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At this point a sharp-eyed reader is probably wondering then why I chose 1-40 (tin-tolead) alloy for that last bison hunt. Its because many original Sharps Model 1874 .44-77s were cut with barrels measuring .451
inch across the grooves, but their chambers accept loaded rounds with bullets only as large as .446 inch. Why that was done is a mystery, but such was common in the 1870s. To make such a rifle shoot well, the trick is to use a soft bullet and let the powders ignition swell it to fit the barrel. Amazingly that works well not benchrest well but certainly hunting well.
CAST BULLETS ARE NOT ACCURATE

Well, thats just nonsense, except when taken in its truest sense, such as when fired from ultra-specialized benchrest rifles, or if ultra-high velocities are part of the equation, as will be covered next. Then jacketed bullets are needed to realize the most precision. But in a real world scenario, cast bullets can usually be made to equal jacketed bullet accuracy. Again I turn to my experiences with my military rifle collection. Most of them digest cast bullets just as well as jacketed. For instance, until doing the little test mentioned above, I had never fired a single cast bullet through the German K98k. That load had been worked up for an iron-sighted K98k, so I wasnt surprised when it also did well in the second 8mm Mauser rifle. On the same day, I also fired my very first cast bullets in a MosinNagant Model 91/30 7.62x54mm Russian sniper rifle. In it I use .311-inch jacketed bullets, so the first cast loads carried .313inch Linotype alloy bullets from Lyman mould number 314299. They were loaded over 23.0 and 25.0 grains of Western Powders 5744. The groups ran around 2.0 to 2.5 inches, which are slightly larger than what that rifle routinely does with jacketed bullets. I think a little tinkering can improve those cast bullet groups. Time will tell. (Incidentally, the jacketed bullet fouling had not been cleaned out of that rifle before shooting cast bullets.)
Our BPCR Silhouette game is geared toward precision shooting with cast bullets. At the very worst, a rifle must deliver two MOA size groups in order to be competitive. Consider that for a moment. We are talking about shooting those groups with peep sights and using black powder as the propellant with all its fouling tendencies. Personally my criterion for BPCR Silhouette rifles is 1.5-MOA groups for 5 or 10 shots at 200 or 300 yards. If the rifle wont shoot with that much precision, I wont compete with it.
easily doable to drive cast bullets in the 2,000- to 2,200-fps range. Ive done so with rounds as small as .222 Remington and as large as .30-40 Krag with no special fuss or bother. In handguns, even magnum revolvers, cast bullets can be used at the same speeds as jacketed bullets, again with no special fuss or bother. Personally in magnum handguns, I get best results with gas check bullets after about 1,200 fps, but the differences cant be realized short of strict machine rest testing. Our BPCR bullets usually leave the muzzle at about 1,100 to 1,250 fps. That sounds awfully slow to modern riflemen, but launch one of those huge 550-grain cast bullets at 1,100 fps and watch it smack a 50-pound ram silhouette down at 500 meters. Its still packing plenty of punch. If the quarry is game instead of steel, those big, slow-moving lead bullets are nearly impossible to recover, even from a huge bison. They generally just plow right on through, so what would be the point in driving them to 2,000 fps? It would just make a bigger crater in the ground on the other side of the animal. Some would say that the trajectory would then be flattened. True again, but the sights on BPCRs are the limiting factor. Past 100 yards they start to cover up a considerable amount of whatever is being aimed at. Except when a scoped BPCR is used, I limit myself to about 150 yards with such a rifle. Extra velocity then gains me nothing but more recoil. Ive been a cast bullet shooter from day one in regards to my handloading career. I still like making my own bullets, and it seems like every project in which Ive delved has taught me something new. Not the least of which is to not just repeat what Ive read about pouring, loading and shooting cast bullets. Its better to just report what actually happens with them.
www.handloadermagazine.com 81
Dedicated experimenters have driven cast bullets to 3,000 fps or more, but whats the point?
Does a rifle have to be tricked out to shoot cast bullets at that level? No way! Most any ordinary Shiloh Rifle Manufacturing, C. Sharps Arms, Lone Star Rifle Company or Italian-import Pedersoli single-shot BPCRs will do so with cast bullet/black-powder handloads. Of course, the bullets must be good and the handloading done properly. As for handguns, in my experience in reloading cast bullets in pistol cartridges as small as the .30 Luger and revolvers as large as the .454 Casull, Ive not seen jacketed bullets offer an accuracy advantage. The cast bullets just need to be prepared for the specifics of the handgun in question and handloaded properly.
CAST BULLETS CANNOT BE DRIVEN AS FAST AS JACKETED

No myth here: Thats absolute truth. But whats the point? Why would anyone want to drive a cast bullet in, say, a .30-378 Weatherby as fast as it can shoot jacketed bullets. Actually some dedicated experimenters have driven cast bullets to 3,000 fps or more, but again whats the point? Theyre not useful for anything in the real world. From rifles its
SIERRA MATCHKING PALMA BULLET

INSIDE PRODUCT NEWS
by Clair Rees
ierra has added a new bullet to its MatchKing lineup. The .30-caliber, 155-grain hollowpoint boat-tail Palma is an entirely new bullet intended to fill the exacting demands of Palma and other long-range shooters. Compared to Sierras existing Palma bullet (No. 2155, which will continue to be available), the new No. 2156 Palma bullet has a longer, more streamlined ninecaliber ogive, slightly longer OAL and a pointed meplat, which is a first for Sierra. Long-range Palma matches date back to 1876. Shooting is done prone, typically with custommade 12- to 14-pound bolt rifles
fitted with iron sights (no scopes allowed). The course of fire includes 15 shots at 800, 900 and 1,000 yards. Twenty minutes are allowed for each course. A 44inch-diameter black circle surrounding a 20-inch 10-ring is the target. Competitors have typically shot .308 Winchester cartridges loaded with Sierras 155-grain MatchKings, although other bullets and calibers are also used. The new Palma bullets are available in boxes of 100 with a suggested retail of $38.89 per box. Boxes of 500 bullets (stock No. 2156C) list at $180.46 per box, while moly-coated bullets in boxes
of 500 (stock No. 2156M) have an MSRP of $203.81 per box. For more information, contact Sierra Bullets, Dept. HL, 1400 West Henry Street, Sedalia MO 65301; phone 1-888-223-3006; or visit www.sierrabullets.com online.
Bushnells High Definition Flashlight

I thought Id seen everything flashlights had to offer super high-intensity beams, flashing strobes and blinding brightness in a tiny package. However, the HD (High Definition) Torch from Bushnell offers something new in flashlight technology. Conventional flashlights throw circular beams of light that may produce uneven and irregular patterns. The new HD Torch projects a perfectly square beam of light. At first I thought this was simply another gimmick to attract customers, but I soon found the new flashlight offered some real advantages. The projected light produces consistent brightness from the center all the way to the edge of the pattern. When I shine the light on walls, I can see no dim areas or doughnuts of light. The illumination is surprisingly even.
aircraft-grade aluminum, with O-ring seals for waterproofing. Its LED lamp produces 165 lumens of light. It will operate continuously for 1.5 hours and two, 3volt lithium batteries power it. There are two operating modes: high beam and a flashing safetystrobe to signal an emergency. The HD Torch also has a Find Me feature, a glowing B on-off button on the rear cap that doubles as a battery life indicator by changing from green to red when the batteries need replacing. The flashlight comes with two batteries and a lanyard. Its 914 inches long and weighs 9 12 ounces. MSRP: $79.99. See the new HD Torch at your Bushnell dealer nationwide. For more information, contact Bushnell Outdoor Technology, Dept. HL, 9200 Cody, Overland Park KS 66214; phone toll-free: 1-800423-3537; or visit the website: www.bushnell.com.
XS Sight Systems CSAT Combat Sight
The HD Torch doesnt seem to create the shadows typically produced by traditional flashlights. Objects stand out from the background, offering better clarity and definition. Bushnell claims this is a great tool for searching for lost objects, because the square beam lets you search by quadrant or zone for more precision and efficiency. The HD Torch can light up a wall without being moved from side to side. The HD Torch is machined from
Heres an ultra-compact, rugged duty sight for AR-15 and M4-style rifles. Deceptively simple in appearance, the new XS CSAT Combat Sight offers two instantly available aiming options for targets that are only feet away or at extended range. When engaging up-close targets with typical AR-15 or M4 iron sights, holding high has been the standard procedure. The height of the sights above the barrel causes bullets to impact as much as 2.5 inches below point of aim at close quarters. The XS CSAT Combat Sight features a square notch above the aperture. Sighting through the notch allows you to hold dead-on when the target is only feet away, while the aperture permits accurate shooting at extended ranges. This eliminates guesswork or the need to stop, remove your hands from the rifle and adjust the sights when switching between close and long-range shooting. MSRP: $35. The CSAT Combat Sight was designed by Master Sergeant (Retired) Paul Howe. Howe is the lead instructor for Combat Shooting and Tactics (CSAT), the Senior Manager with Triple Canopy Law Enforcement Training. Howe spent 10 years with U.S. Military Special Operations as an assault team leader, sniper and senior instructor. For more information, call 1-888744-4880; or visit the XS Sights website: www.xssights.com.
84
Handloader 263
GUN DIGEST 2009

BOOK REVIEWS

The 2009 edition is the same size as the 2008 book. Physically, all editions have been a nominal 8 12 x11 inches. Page count for 2009 has remained at 568. The use of the pages has shifted a bit this time, however. The book begins, as it has for years, with the announcement of the winner of the John T. Amber Award. Given annually to the author of the Gun Digest article deemed best by a jury of reviewers, the 2009 award once again goes to Jim Foral for his exceptional piece, Walter Hudson Krag Specialist that appeared in the 2008 edition. Foral also won in 2006 for his 2005 piece Lever vs. Bolt. No one does a better job of researching and presenting American shootings past than he. The prize for the award of $1,000 is augmented, beginning this year, with a handsome brass plaque on a wood base. The feature section much to my pleasure has grown, with the number of articles now 20, up from 14. For many of us, the feature section is the book, and the growth is welcome news indeed. There are too many articles to recount all of them, but a few of the highlights include an interesting piece by Harvey T. Pennington on the .300 Savage and a likewise interesting article by Mike Thomas on the efficacy of sorting rimfire ammunition. You might be surprised by his findings. Robert Keen has a very enjoyable piece on the Origins of the .220 Swift, and David R. Pierce complements Penningtons piece with The Overlooked Savage Model 99. Tom Turpin has a pair: his annual The Art of Engraved & Custom Guns and, this year, an article on the vener-
ne of the highlights of my own annual calendar is the arrival of the Gun Digest. The 2009 issue Gun Digest 2009 is the venerable books 63rd edition. Although the format has evolved over time, from the first edition in 1944, the book has been a marriage of feature articles and catalog. Ownership has changed over the years but seems to have settled down of late with the publisher as Gun Digest Books, an imprint of F+W Publications. Publication offices remain at Krause Publications (owned by F+W) in Iola, Wisconsin.
able 9.3x62. There are also Toby Bridges on the Sharps rifle, Terry Wieland on the Nitro Express and Wayne van Zwoll on the .30-30. Jim Foral presents us with another look back in time with A.H. Hardy Local Boy Makes Good, and Norm Flayderman has a fascinating article, About Dueling and Dueling Pistols. The Testfire section has five short reviews, up from last years four, with looks at SIG Sauers P250, Remingtons R-15 VTR, Rugers Charger, Weatherbys MK XXII and Rugers SR9. The One Good Gun section includes another look at the Savage Model 99, and Steve Gash fondly remembers his old Ruger Single-Six. Reports from the Field has shrunk a bit from 104 pages last year to 86 this time around. Gone, too, is the separate review of single-shot rifles. The rest remain, covering handguns, rifles and shotguns, as well as muzzleloading, optics, handloading and guns
Handloader 263
86
of Europe. Ammunition, Ballistics & Components and Ammunition Ballistic Charts & Prices are included as well. Now the catalog section. For those whose attention is not solely absorbed by the features, this is the most interesting part of the book. If its a gun, including muzzleloaders and air guns, and available here in the U.S., its listed here. Also included are accessories from reloading presses to sights to chokes and brakes. A Reference section winds things up. Included here are a Website Directory, lists of pertinent periodicals, an arms library from Ray Riling Arms Books Co. and a Directory of the Arms Trade. This latter is a listing by product and a Manufacturers Directory, alphabetically by name, telephone number and, sometimes, fax and e-mail address. It is the most complete listing of arms and related products found anywhere. For the last several editions, the Gun Digest has been, other than the catalog section, in full color. The photography and the printing have been extraordinary, particularly in the recurring Tom Turpin piece on engraved and custom arms. Its all here again, except there has been a change in the paper used, and the oftenspectacular photography is simply not shown in its best light. There are economic justifications for such decisions, no doubt, but the result is less pleasing, and thats sad. Finally, Editor Ken Ramage, who has been at the helm for the last nine editions, has retired as of the publication of Gun Digest 2009. A tip o the hat, Ken, for an excellent job, often under lessthan-ideal conditions. You will be missed. For your copy of Gun Digest 2009, contact Gun Digest Books at 1-800-258-0929 or your local book seller.
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In Range
(Continued from page 90)
true. Functionally, however, it is quite a different story. Any of these cartridges will comfortably deliver velocities between 2,150 and 2,250 fps with a 500-grain bullet. That is a devastating and reliable load for any animal on earth, under almost any conditions. If the situation warrants something bigger, then the logical move is to a .500 Nitro Express or .505 Gibbs. That is why some old-time elephant hunters carried a .577 NE to back up their .450. Unfortunately, handloading folklore trumpets the goal of 2,400+ fps with the Lott and Ackley. Such velocity can be squeezed out of any one of them, but doing so requires a number of compromises. For one thing, you will probably have to compress powder and sometimes quite drastically. This puts us right back where we were originally with the .458 Win chester. Whats worse, in handloading, such compression can lead to all kinds of ills, especially bulged case necks and bullets migrating under recoil. In a cartridge like the Ackley, with its near-parallel walls, maximum pressures can also cause case-sticking and ejection problems. So such attempts to obtain absolutely maximum ballistic performance can seriously compromise function and reliability and in a dangerous game rifle, reliability is everything. This is the area where P.O. Ackley, with his insistence on maximum performance and improving cartridges by blowing them out, created more problems than he solved. The .450 Ackley is not an easy cartridge to fit into a standard (.375 H&H) length action, and with its straight sides it is very difficult to make feed effortlessly and reliably. When you stand back and look at the .450 Ackley (and one of my favorite rifles is a .450 Ackley on an FN
most parallel case walls. This makes it somewhat longer than the Lott, as well as more angular in overall shape. Ackley was just one of several wildcatters who took the .375 H&H case and necked it up to .458. Others included the .450 Watts, which fell somewhere in between the Lott and Ackley designs. Nominal case length for the Watts and Ackley is 2.85 inches, for the Lott, 2.80 inches. On the surface, none of these efforts at a larger .458 seems to offer any real advantage over the others, and ballistically thats
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Handloader 263
Supreme action), one has to say, Nice try, Mr. Ackley, but . . . With his cartridge, Jack Lott, an experienced hunter of dangerous game under adverse conditions, avoided all these problems. The .458 Lott is a little shorter, making it easier to fit into a standard action. It has tapered walls, which gives easier feeding and largely precludes any problems with case-sticking from high pressures. Because it has a straight case, any bulging, crumpling or malformation in bullet seating is instantly discernible. One principle applies equally to all of these cartridges, and that is the advantages of keeping velocity down. Thats right: down. In fact, within reason, I never consider actual velocity to be much of a consideration in handloading these cartridges. I measure performance more by the feel of the recoil. Ive found that each cartridge and rifle has a discomfort curve,
Action Bullets, Inc. ............................................88 Alliant Techsystems, Inc....................................77 Bald Eagle Precision Machine Co. .....................40 Ballistic Products, Inc........................................87 Bandera Gunleather ...........................................20 Barnes Bullets .....................................................5 Beckham Product Design LLC ...........................79 Bellm TCs, Inc. ...................................................9 Belt Mtn. Enterprises, Inc. .................................28 Berger Bullets....................................................81 Berrys Mfg..........................................................2 BOG Gear, LLC/Hicks Production ......................83 Brown Company, E. Arthur................................80 Bruno Shooters Supply .......................................7 Bullet Metals / Bill Ferguson ..............................28 Burris Company.................................................21 Clearwater Custom Bullets ..................................8 Colorado Shooters Supply................................79 Conetrol Scope Mounts.................................9, 87 Cooper Arms .....................................................23 Corbin Mfg. & Supply..................................14, 24 Dayton Traister Trigger Co. ...............................11 Dillon Precision Products, Inc. ..........................37 Douglas Barrels, Inc. .........................................87 Enterprise Services, LLC ...................................87 Gemmells Machine Works................................87 Get A Grip Gunbooks.........................................10 Gracey Case Trimmer ........................................28 Gradient Lens Corporation ......................9, 11, 13 Graf & Sons, Inc................................................29 Green, Arthur (metals for casting).....................87 GSI International, Inc.........................................45 Gunstop Reloading Supplies, Inc. .....................51 Harbor Freight Tools..........................................85
which, plotted on a graph, would look like a boomerang. As velocity climbs, recoil climbs with it gradually at first and then suddenly taking a sharp turn upward. For both my Ackley and the two Lotts I shoot regularly, this occurs around the 2,220- to 2,240-fps mark. Above that, recoil becomes far more jarring and unpleasant. In the Ackley, years ago, some ill-advised loads caused the floorplate to fly open, the bolt lugs to set back and the wire reticle of a Swarovski scope to break loose. This rather expensive lesson taught me to keep loads down, not just for my own comfort, but for the good of the rifle. Now, I generally settle on any load that delivers good accuracy between 2,150 and 2,250 fps. I have no extraction or ejection problems, no migrating bullets, no floorplates flying open. The brass lasts forever with no loose primer pockets or split necks.
Heritage Packaging............................................67 High Plains Reboring & Barrels, LLC.................51 Hornady Manufacturing Co................................47 Huntington Die Specialties ..........................76, 87 IOSSO Products ................................................24 James Calhoon Mfg...........................................11 Johnson Design Specialties...............................51 King Shooters Supply, Inc. ................................10 Leadheads Bullets .............................................45 Lee Precision, Inc. .............................................33 Little Crow Gunworks, LLC................................65 Lock, Stock & Barrel Shooting Supply, Inc........10 Lyman Products Corporation ................25, 41, 82 Magma Engineering Company...........................91 MBI Promotions, Inc. ........................................10 Meacham Tool & Hardware, Inc. .......................11 Midsouth Shooters Supply Co...........................59 MLV Enterprises ................................................88 Montana Bullet Works .......................................24 Mounta Baldy Bullets.........................................88 MPI Stocks........................................................87 MTM Molded Products Company......................49 Multi-Scale Charge Ltd ......................................14 Neco-Accuracy Products ...................................69 New York Mint...................................................57 North Fork Bullets..............................................84 Nosler Bullets ..............................................27, 39 Oregon Trail Bullet Company.............................55 Pacic Tool & Gauge, Inc. .................................20 Parsons Scope Service .....................................11 Puff-Lon ............................................................20 Quality Cartridge................................................20 Quinetics Corporation........................................51 Rapine Bullet Mould Co. ....................................12
The rifles purr their way through a range session and head happily back to the kennel for a dose of Hoppes No. 9. The recoil is certainly noticeable any 500-grain bullet at 2,200 fps will get your attention but it is neither excessively punishing nor damaging. Attaining this balance is especially important in a dangerous game rifle, for reasons of reliability alone. With todays trend to mono-metal bullets like the Barnes X, which are longer for weight than traditional lead-andcopper bullets, the problems listed above are magnified because they encroach more on powder capacity. Some authorities recommend going to a shorter, lighter bullet (such as a 450 grainer) in the big .450s. Instead, I would stick with the 500-grain bullets and settle for slightly lower velocity. Everyone will be happy except the Cape buffalo.
RB Outtters........................................................9 RCBS c/o Federal Cartridge Company ...............92 Redding Reloading Equipment ..........................68 Rigel Products...................................................88 Rim Rock Bullets ...............................................14 Savage Arms, Inc. .............................................19 Sharp Shoot R Precision Products ....................17 Sheep River Hunting Camps..............................88 Shooters Choice ...............................................69 Shooting Chrony, Inc.........................................56 Shotgun Sports .................................................80 Sierra Bullets .....................................................75 Sinclair International, Inc...................................15 Sonoran Desert Institute....................................28 SouWester Outtting ........................................38 SPG Lubricants ...........................................20, 76 Starline ..............................................................50 Stukeys Sturdy Shooting Benches....................51 Target Shooting, Inc..........................................45 Thumbcocker Specialties.....................................9 Timney Mfg., Inc. ..............................................86 Tru-Square Metal Products ...............................69 UniqueTek, Inc. .................................................10 Vais Arms, Inc. ..................................................65 W. Square Enterprises.......................................24 Warner Tool Company, Inc................................38 Western Powders ..............................................66 Williams Firearms Co. .........................................8 Wineland Walnut ...............................................80 Wolf Performance Ammunition .........................18 Wolfe Publishing Company ...........................3, 31 XCalibers Reloading Supplies............................88 Zero Bullet Company, Inc. .................................79
AD INDEX
89
IS BIGGER BETTER?
IN RANGE
by Terry Wieland
Where their names come together is in the realm of the .458. Lotts enduring legacy is the .458 Lott, while one of Ackleys most successful creations was the .450 Ackley. They are ballistically identical, but functional opposites, and therein lies a lesson for anyone today who wants to handload for a dangerous-game rifle. The story of Jack Lott and the Cape buffalo is fairly well known. In essence, while Lott was spending months on end in Africa during the era of colonial wars and insurrections, he took on a Cape buffalo while armed with a .458 Winchester. The bullet failed to do the job, and the buffalo did a job on Lott before it expired. Lott limped back to the states, understandably bitter about the .458 Winchesters performance, and embarked on a series of tests. In one, a bullet from a .458 factory round hit the dirt well in front of the 100-yard target, unable to muster the energy even to reach the backstop. The problem was, simply, that the .458 Winchester case was too
he annals of handloading are replete with tales of difficult characters, but you would have to go a long way to find two more difficult or more disparate than Jack Lott and P.O. Ackley. Denizens of the Los Angeles gun-magazine world dreaded the sound of Lott coming loudly down the hall, to sprawl for a morning in their offices, thumbing through back issues and muttering expletives. When Lotts name is mentioned today, they roll their eyes. His memory is that of a self-styled mystery man who wore a beret long before it was fashionable, and ended it all with a .357. P.O. Ackley, on the other hand, was a decent guy, but a singleminded individual who wildcatted cartridges the way others bake cookies, who ventured into various rifle projects, and wrote books and magazine articles promoting his own creations. Jack Lott created only one cartridge bearing his name; P.O. Ackley created dozens.
The evolving .458, from left: .458 Winchester, .458 Lott and .450 Ackley. The Lotts additional length solves all velocity and powder-compression problems.
delivered its promised velocity, and Lott set out to correct that. He did so by the simple expedient of lengthening the case .3 inch and, in 1971, the .458 Lott was born. It delivered .450 NE ballistics with no stress and no problems of any kind. P.O. Ackleys .450 preceded the .458 Lott by a dozen years. Introduced shortly after the .458 Winchester itself, the .450 Ackley was touted as delivering the maximum velocity possible from the basic .375 H&H case, which was necked up to .458 and then blown out to give it a shoulder and al(Continued on page 88)
Jack Lott with a custom Mauser chambered for the .458 Lott cartridge.
short. In an attempt to replicate .450 Nitro Express ballistics (500grain bullet at 2,150 fps), the Winchester engineers stuffed in too much powder and compressed it unmercifully; in the tropical heat, the compressed powder tended to solidify and create ignition problems. Even at its best, however, the .458 Winchester never
90
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C B M B !: Pearce's Favorite Sixgun Cartridges!

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Ruger LCR: Little Guns, Big Business!

Pearces Favorite Sixgun Cartridges!

CAST BULLET MYTH BUSTING!

New Powders in the

Rifle Magazine Presents - HANDLOADER $5.99

Wolfe Publishing Company

Die Adjustment Tips

Cast Bullet Myth Busting

.300 Weatherby Magnum

The Vernacular of BPCR Silhouette

.275 H&H Belted Magnum

New Powders in the .220 Swift

Background Photo: 2009 Royal Tine Images

Page 52 Page 42 Page 34

.22 Remington Jet

Rampro AmmoCheck Universal Reloader Gauge

Issue No. 263

AMMUNIT ON REL NG JOUR AL AMMUNITION RELOADING JOURNAL

Sierra MatchKing Palma Bullet

Gun Digest 2009

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Background Photo: 2009 Royal Tine Images

Reloading manuals are not just suggestions.

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2009 Photo by Yvonne Venturino

.275 H&H BELTED MAGNUM

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Authors Selected Loads Hodgdons H-335

50 55 123 150 150 150 150 300

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3,289 3,165 2,302 2,225 2,886 2,717 2,982 2,078

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Authors Selected Loads Accurate 2015

27.0 24.0 32.0 28.5 43.5 52.5 50.0 38.0

3,645 3,188 2,479 2,439 2,901 2,107 1,860 1,396

Speed and Accuracy

ders in the .220 Swift