OOOOOPSIE. Shooters come and see.

[Epidemic]

I have been reloading my own 44 magnum ammo for about a year. I decided to try a new recipe.

I used 12 gr of winchester 231 powder and a 180 gr bullet.

My manual says it is not the max charge. But all other literature seems to point at this being beyond max charge. Lymans reloaders guide is reputable so I decided to take them at their word cautiously.

I went out to the garage and set up a bullet trap made of a 14 inch pine log about 12 inches in diameter.

I placed a single cartriage in the chamber cocked and donned my glasses and ear protection not in that order. then I draped a piece of cloth over the gun to impede any shrapnel if the gun should have a catastrophic failure. I finally squeezed off a round.

The blast blew my pant leg back and I felt the rush of warm air.

The gun was still in tact as expected.

The un expected part came when I moved the log and there was a half inch deep hole in my pored concrete floor. and no trace of my bullet.

For the hardcore shooter here is the status of my case.
I think all looks good. But I am still learning.
Primer view

http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/vahlek/vw...c=ph%26.view=t

case side view

http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/vahlek/vw....jpg%26.src=ph

[Epidemic]

Bang

[Graham]

Serious load there, perhaps a bit too much

I only shoot target so I want the lowest load that will get the bullet to the target. Even so its fun to stoke em up now and then.

G

Epidemic, what you think of sharp knives?
Spring loaded.
6 inch blade.
Sharp.

[Epidemic]

I like abusive loads for target. Conquering my anticipation and really big booms.

I like to keep them at maximum 100% non damaging loads.

I do not want to wear the gun but I want that signature 44 whallup

[SPEEDO]

Primers not flattened, Looks good to me! If it ejected easily it should be OK.

Have you tried WW 296 Ball Powder? That stuff will get your attention, Especially the flame that comes out of the muzzle....

[Epidemic]

What are you talking about.

They do not go boooooom or kapowwww. Unless you pop a balloon.

I take it you have a poor opinion of knives.
Even sharp ones.
Spring loaded.

[Epidemic]

Everyone talks about the 296 powder.

I have gotten to like the 231 because I can get about 700 rounds out of pound of powder. with the alliant 2400 I can only get about 300 rounds.

The 296 is a slower burning powder? I guess that is why you get the flame.


Speedo
As far as ejection it did not need to even be pushed out of my ruger super black hawk. That is pretty unusual. I usually need a little push. The brass was not cleaned afterwords so there was no sooting at all.