Half Boggled Range Trip

**kyratshooter** · 11-04-2014, 05:23 PM

Had to come home from the range early due to a "learning experience".

It seems that a crimp applied to and adequate for a .357 magnum cartridge is not adequate for a .44 magnum.

After the second shot from the first cylinder I found the revolver locked up due to recoil shifting the 240 gn lead slugs foreword and blocking cylinder rotation.

I had been warned of this problem but did not take the advice as strongly as I should have.

Back to the press for a good sound crimping of the case mouth and the problem is now solved.

However, in my irritation over such a simple problem raising its head I poured fire from the little Keltec p11 until it was warm to the touch and finally worked all the bugs and burrs out of its system. It has taken a good 250 rounds to polish it out but it is finally perking 100% with no failures to feed or other malfunctions for some time.

Strangely, the P11 kicks harder than the .44!

**Wildthang** · 11-04-2014, 05:40 PM

I have a little CZ 380 semi auto that had hardly been fired when I bought it. It was used but had no wear marks anywhere on the slide or barrel. It could not have been fired over 2 or 3 magazines full of ammo. So I took it out a few months ago and fired it. It seems it didn't want to return to battery at least once every full magazine. I am assuming it is like your Keltec, it just needs to be shot in!

**kyratshooter** · 11-04-2014, 05:51 PM

Probably so WT.

The ammo shortage has had me hesitant to do the "break in" on several pistols I have acquired over the past two years. You just take it for granted that certain models will need break in, even if you bought the top of the line.

I reload for everything but I still have been hesitant to use up my stash of primers and powder to do a break in that I know will take 250 rounds.

Pistol powder is not expensive, it is irreplaceable!

What has pleasantly surprised me is that several of the semi-auto pistols I have had my hands on have needed ZERO break in. They shot 100% right out of the box after cleaning and lube was done.

**hunter63** · 11-04-2014, 06:05 PM

Funny how our thinking has changed ....even though certain ammo seems to be in good supply...today...we still hesitate cranking off a couple of hundred round....like in the past.

How are you measuring the amount of crimp?.....I usually just watch or feel for the brass to move slightly ....and crimp most everything.

Did have couple of .357 led wad cutters kinda shake loose slightly...in nickel plated brass.

**kyratshooter** · 11-04-2014, 09:53 PM

I have always just used a slight roll crimp and that was what I did with the .44.

After returning home today I turned the die in a full crank and put a good rounded edge into the crimp groove. You could feel the brass grab the lead.

I have been using a single stage press but I will now set up a turret for the Lee turret press. I find it easier to set up a separate disk for each caliber and normally the only thing I ever have to change is the seating stem depth when I change bullets.

I will not be reloading much .44 until things change in the supply chain. .44 ammo is twice the price of anything else and here at the start of hunting season it is stripped from the shelves. Even empty brass is selling for $0.50 a pop. Throw away .44 brass is not happening around here either.

Not a real problem though, this was a "bucket list" purchase. I bought it because I have never owned one. I will slick over the action, shoot it enough to get used to it, polish it up and make a safe queen out of it.

Unless I some day take part in an open carry support drive or some such. Nothing says "look at me" like a nickel plated single action .44 magnum.

**hunter63** · 11-04-2014, 10:51 PM

Originally Posted by kyratshooter

................
Unless I some day take part in an open carry support drive or some such. Nothing says "look at me" like a nickel plated single action .44 magnum.

LOL...You are correct.......or the guy that bought the shinny one that been in the case at the toy store for over 5-6 years.....along with the .Freedom Arms 454 casull....DAR....(Bigazzedrevolver)