Loading help

[bradhe]

I have a new to me model 83 in 454 Casull (and I think that it was unfired when I got it).  Serial number 7xxx.  I am having an interesting loading problem.  Load is Hornady brass, hornady 240 GR XTP/MAG, Federal 205 primer and 35.5 gr H110.  Problem is that i am getting gas blow back completely around the case to the back to the point where it has already started to mark the breechface from flamecutting after only 10 rounds.  What is wrong with this recipe?

Thanks

[STJ]

Ive used a similar load and never had that problem.  Hornady Brass, 240gr XTP mag bullet, Fed 205 primer but with 37gr of H110, Gets around 1800fps out of a 7.5"bbl

...Although I find 2400 works better for the lighter 240gr bullets.

[stimpylu32]

bradhe

I hate to say it but I don't think its your load , everything that I can find shows your right were you should be with it .

First things I would do is to have a smith look over the cylinder and try a couple factory rounds in the pistol to see if you have the same thing happen with them , sounds like maybe the chambers are cut too deep or the throats are open and not letting the cases seal against the cylinder walls almost like it was set up for large over-sized cast bullets .

stimpy

[Lloyd Smale]

ill give you two suggestions. You may not agree but im going to say it anyway. First why are you even loading that load. Are you shooting prairie dogs!!! Get your self some 300s and you will probably cure the problem and have a MUCH better hunting bullet. What can happen with very light bullets and large quantitys of very slow burning powder is the bullet will be pushed out into the barrel before the powder has any chance to really start buring and you are basicaly pushing unburned powder through your cylinder gap where its burning there and in your barrel. Some powder will allways burn in your barrel but a good portion should be burned in the case. The other suggestion i have for you is if you insist on using that stupid bullet try a heavier crimp on it to hold the bullet back a little better. Possible a faster burning powder like stimplyu suggested would help also. Also if your not allready using them cci 350 primers are about the only ones i bother with in a 454. There sustantialy hotter then any others and get large quantitys of powder lit off better then any other.

[odoh]

Think Lloyd pretty much stated it. Like to add the same has been experienced w/mine also. I knew the reason when it happened ~ as had alot of older 296 and light bullets I wanted to use up and recognizing my conservative tendencies ~ I tend to sneak up on loads. Not to mention it stains the brass also. Really doubt it is experiencing 'flame cutting' of the breechface tho ~

For charges of hard to ignite powder a good crimp, magnum primers is good. Notice some comm'l loaders use asphalt sealant bullet-to-case which helps. Also, monitor the loading/charge volume. In my pussyfooting around load developement, I had an undetected squib load and carry a bullet negative in my right cheek today because of it. The gun held as no doubt the second wasn't so robust either ~ not to mention its a sturdy revolver ~ ones body parts aren't.

Be safe ~

[454PB]

I agree with Lloyd, except he surely meant CCI 450 primers, CCI 350 are large pistol magnum primers.

I went through a similar problem many years ago when I bought my F.A. 454. I was using AAC#9 powder and 250 gr. Hornady XTP bullets. Nearly every round was a hangfire, caused by a too light bullet and too slow powder.

More recently, I had a 250 grain cast bullet stick in the barrel of my Ruger SRH .454 using a relatively light charge of WC820 (similar to AAC#9, only military surplus).

If you're going to use light bullets, use a faster burning powder.

[Steve P]

Another thought here. (I won't jump on the load as they have done a pretty good job of that already.)  I will talk on the brass tho.   Are you full length sizing your brass?  Long straight wall brass will get what is referred to by a lot of the elder loaders as a "coke bottle effect".  I have seen and measured this in my .357s, 44s, 45s, 30 carbine, etc.  Cases come out of the sizing die looking kinda like ) (.  This is exagerated of course. 

In my FAs, I expect my new brass to have a little bit of blow by as they expand to fit the cylinder.  After the initial firing, they only get sized to the depth I seat the bullet.  Never any more.  On brand new brass, I do a debur on the case mouth, make sure they are round, and will see if they fit in the cylinder.  If they do, they will not get sized at all.  Used brass is always full length sized (this is general reloading info - my FAs have never seen used brass). 

Check for the "coke bottle effect" which will let the gasses by.  It is especially noticable if you can see where the base of your seated bullet is in the case due to the bulge it makes in the narrow.

Good luck with your loads.  Some good info posted above.

Steve 

[Lloyd Smale]

thanks for the correction. I must have been eating to many pain pills when i wrote it

I agree with Lloyd, except he surely meant CCI 450 primers, CCI 350 are large pistol magnum primers.

I went through a similar problem many years ago when I bought my F.A. 454. I was using AAC#9 powder and 250 gr. Hornady XTP bullets. Nearly every round was a hangfire, caused by a too light bullet and too slow powder.

More recently, I had a 250 grain cast bullet stick in the barrel of my Ruger SRH .454 using a relatively light charge of WC820 (similar to AAC#9, only military surplus).

If you're going to use light bullets, use a faster burning powder.