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Hello,

I've just started reloading for my .44 magnum Taurus LBR and for a 200gr lead RNFP with Hodgdon HP-38, I was curious why the propellant weight was different for a different style bullet of the same weight. I appreciate the BC will be significantly different, but I didn't expect this. Does anyone know why?



http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/pistol

One is jacketed and the other is cast.

The velocities and pressures are different reflecting the difference in charges.

As to why Hodgdon's data base selected those two loads you will need to ask them.

That's the bit I don't understand, why is the maximum pressure nearly double and the charge weight 38% higher for the jacketed hollow point? I expected the maximum pressure and charge weight to be the same for both.

dromia wrote:One is jacketed and the other is cast.

The velocities and pressures are different reflecting the difference in charges.

As to why Hodgdon's data base selected those two loads you will need to ask them.

I would guess that pushing lead that quick would maybe strip it?

As I said you will need to ask Hodgdons about that as we can only speculate.

Perhaps they see lead (wrongly) for the lower velocities and cap at that. Cast boolits can easily be driven at the jacketed velocities cited.

Jacketed does need a higher start pressure than cast so they are more limited in their application as they cannot easily be driven at the lower velocities that cast can do.

Or perhaps they are applying some other considerations like SD parameters as to what constitutes acceptable loads in their minds.

You must remember all this data is selected for every bullet in every gun, that is why multiple sources are need to give you a better feel for the calibre a bullet as what each source provides is their take on their data in their equipment. You need a good aggregate across that to get a good feel for what your starting point should be.

OK thanks, I didn't fully understand your previous reply. I'll have a chat with them.

I take your point about sourcing as many opinions as possible, but my Speers and Hornady manuals didn't cite the HP-38 powder I already had.

Hodgdon might have taken into account that lead loads are either classed as reduced loads (ie plinking) or suited for gallery ranges where a muzzle velocity cap might be in place. Only hodgdon can answer that. I shoot published lead loads for 357mag with no problems indoors and out to about 300yrds with a marlin.

I've fired an e-mail to them, so it will be interesting to hear what they say (assuming they reply). I don't doubt it will work, it was just a bit puzzling.