Book min-max loads for 220gr hard cast

[Kenk]

Hodgdon is saying 7 - 8.2gr's of Longshot for a 200gr FMJ, but nothing about the heavier WFN cast bullet, Thoughts...


BULLET WEIGHT
200 GR. HDY FMJ
Manufacturer
Hodgdon
Powder
Longshot
Bullet Diameter
.400"
C.O.L.
1.260"
Starting Load

Grains
7.0
Velocity (ft/s)
1,034
Pressure
23,900 PSI
Maximum Load

Grains
8.2
Velocity (ft/s)
1,172

[sqlbullet]

Morning sqlbullet,
You had mentioned starting at 6gr of Longshot when using the 220 hard cast WFN. Any thoughts on what a max, or near max load would be, not that I would even come close to that?, plus I am unable to check my FPS at this point
Thanks

Ken

The underwood load was pulled down and measured at 8.4 grains of longshot for 1237 fps measured average:

http://10mm-firearms.com/factory-10mm-ammo-pull-downs/underwood-220gr-cast-wfn-1230-fps-pull-down/

As you point out, this is over the book max for a 200 grain FMJ.

In general, I would expect a cast WFN to be a bit shorter than a FMJ in the same bullet weight.  But we have an additional 10% of mass here to deal with as well.

You can't really safely work up an off book load without a chronograph, so if you want to go down this path, set aside $100 and get a Chrony.  My personal stopping point as mentioned above would be 1150 fps with Longshot or 800X, unless I saw other pressure signs earlier.

Another data point (though again...chrono!) is to compare the Hodgdon 180 grain data to the 200 grain data.  180 max load is 9.5 grains and the 200 grain max is 8.2 grains.  Bullet construction is different between this (JHP vs FMJ), a variable I wish wasn't present, but it.  180->200 grain is 11% more mass, and 8.2->9.5 grains is 15% more powder.  Applying the same 15% drop puts a max charge at 6.9 grains.  Conveniently this is a similar min-max spread as a percentage of weight as we see in other Longshot loads, about 16%.

So, around 7.0 grains is a reasonable thought on max, though Underwood swears his loads are lab tested and in spec, and he loaded 8.4

[The_Shadow]

So, around 7.0 grains is a reasonable thought on max, though Underwood swears his loads are lab tested and in spec, and he loaded 8.4

On the several occasions I e-mailed UW, their response had been that their loads were with in SAAMI specs...  But understand that they are loading virgin brass which will likely do better overall. 

We as handloaders have to understand that we are our own quality control as we assemble our own stuff.  When working to the maximum loads, it is for that reason I hand weigh each and every charge of powder, verify the measurements.

[Kenk]

Thanks man, greatly appreciate your efforts on this one. Also, what Chrony would you recommend in the 100.00 range mentioned?

Ken

[sqlbullet]

This is the one I have:

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/531741/shooting-chrony-f1-chronograph

Although, any of the $80-$110 chronographs at Midway USA seem like they would work fine for this task.

Were I ordering today from Midway, I would probably get this one for $10 less money:

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/113204/competition-electronics-prochrono-pal-chronograph

Your gonna shoot it at some point anyway (I did, but mine still works!)

The_Shadow has a pretty cool armored ironing board setup for his.

[The_Shadow]

Yes and still managed to hit the rear sensor with a 380ACP  tiny gun not much grip

[Kenk]

Lol, sure I'll hit it in time as well, Thanks guys!

[ii open]

I have had success blasting a 220gr plated projectile over 1200fps(1260 avg)but it was scary as poop though, and the cases were not reusable(excessive case expanding). Sucks I didn't record my load data

[ss30378]

I've worked with 220s in the 10mm and 40 and in my testing longshot and 800x would be my choice for best results.  Barrel length and chamber dimensions as well as case support will dictate how fast you can safely push them.  But the thing with 220s is they don't have to be pushed very fast to really penetrate.  1100-1200fps should cover most needs.

Power pistol works well for moderately warm 220 loads but I started getting  pressure signs before I got to what 800x or longshot could produce.  1200fps is fairly easy to obtain in a 5" or longer barrel, while I've personally gone over 1400fps in a 6.6" barrel with a large compensator with 800x.  Not recommended  but I was seeing what was possible.

[BillinOregon]

Sheesh. A 220 at anything close to 1400 is carrying some serious mail. 

[The_Shadow]

ss30378, I was just reading over your 357Sig post over at Glock Talk earlier...Yea the solid cast bullets do punch hard and deep.

The compensator probably helps with the slide velocity and recoil in those higher end loadings you're pushing...

[ss30378]

Shadow,

The sig has impressed me from when I started loading it.  Loading long makes it even more impressive. 

But yes the comp makes a big difference when things get warm.  The 220s get slide velocity up fast and even velocity bumps as small as 30fps can be felt.  1250fps is about as fast as I'll run 220s without the comp.  Once I get to 1300 with no comp even the heavy long slide with 24lb spring is smacking the frame pretty hard.  The comp brought even the 1400fps loads down to the point where cases were flying more than a few feet.  But 1400fps is the point where primer pockets are destroyed  and I was well beyond nuclear levels (I do not recommend trying to push the 10mm that hard).  As stated it was merely a test to see what was possible.

The sweet spot for my gun is 1200-1300fps with the comp and 220s.  That was the best combo for performance accuracy and case life and soft shooting.