Tweet
Want to load these 148gr button cutters with some BE. I am confused on recommended loads. Some people swear by 2.8gr and my Lyman calls for 3.1 - 3.5....
-
Looking 4" Python 686/ Redhawks, Les Baer.... East Bay NorCal -
Last edited by area51; 10-29-2012, 9:41 PM.Looking 4" Python 686/ Redhawks, Les Baer.... East Bay NorCalComment
-
Likely not wrong, just someone else testing it. In addition, as time has gone on and test equipment has gotten better I think some have discovered the older loads maybe were a little closer to the edge than they once thought. Also, lawyers likely play a role.
The +P data goes to 3.9gr, so if you have a modern gun you have plenty of room to spare.
When asked what qualities he most valued in his generals, Napoleon said, "give me lucky ones."Comment
-
By "button cutters", do you mean wadcutters? Are they blunt or are they hollow-based? It makes a difference. 3.9 grains in a HBWC might be a tad excessive.Comment
-
Wadcutter loads are not full power loads, they don't like to be pushed hard. Its best to limit velocity to 700-800 fps. My 140 WC load is 3.1 gr BE, it works well with both my wheel guns. YMMVIf you want change you have to put in your 2 cents, you can't just sit on the sidelines and whine.Comment
-
Yeah, if those are HBWC, you may need to keep it on the low side as word has it that if they are pushed too hard, the skirt can separate from the bullet head and lodge in the barrel.
I personally have never seen or heard of it happening except on the web, but it does at the very least make sense.
If they are LBBWC, then not so much and can be pushed a little harder, although you may lose some accuracy.
My personal paper punching load is 2.7gr BE with a Bear Creek 148gr LHBWC. Very accurate and mild. This works in my wheel gun and semi-auto.Comment
-
Classic load is 2.7 gr BE behind DEWC. It's been proven as a target load for about 50 years.......
There are some people that it's just not worth engaging.
It's a muzzle BRAKE, not a muzzle break. Or is your muzzle tired?Comment
-
I've been loading 2.7 gr of BE, for my .38 Specials, for over fifty years with one of my Star loaders...
BillAll of our firearms are for Homeland DefenseComment
-
That was the most common setup. I worked there........The only plastic part is the powder tube - the old ones had metal tubes. Went to plastic for visibility. Isn't adjustable primer seating depth wonderful? One guy that loaded for local pd's (practice ammo) had to replace his primer punch and the punch bushing along with the rocker arm pin - at 1.5 million rounds.
There are some people that it's just not worth engaging.
It's a muzzle BRAKE, not a muzzle break. Or is your muzzle tired?Comment
-
I have nine Star Universal Progressive's as of now. I keep buying them, rehabilitating them and selling them.That was the most common setup. I worked there........The only plastic part is the powder tube - the old ones had metal tubes. Went to plastic for visibility. Isn't adjustable primer seating depth wonderful? One guy that loaded for local pd's (practice ammo) had to replace his primer punch and the punch bushing along with the rocker arm pin - at 1.5 million rounds.
After you remove the rust, there usually isn't anything to do to them except to replace damaged parts caused by owners abuse. And that is usually the powder magazine that has been broken. In fact I have two powder magazines that need repairing now... Owner abuse, he tipped the machines over...!
Adjustable primer seating is a very good feature.
The ones I have been involved with never seem to wear...!
They are still the Rolls-Royce of progressive reloaders.
BillAll of our firearms are for Homeland DefenseComment
There are currently 10921 users online. 127 members and 10794 guests.
Most users ever online was 239,041 at 10:39 PM on 02-14-2026.
Comment