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Reloading 450 BM, cartridge seems too long

R

Rkadera

Alpha
I got into reloading maybe a year ago, and have mostly just don’t 30 cal stuff for a couple of my rifles, haven’t really varied outside of that. A couple months ago, I picked up a 450 bushmaster, and am just getting around to loading a few hundred rounds for it. The only .452 bullets that I can get within 100 miles of my place is Hornady xtp 250 grains. I loaded those to COL 2.225” as my book says, and they just look like there isn’t enough bullet sitting in the case. Anyone have any reasons or suggestions for, or maybe if it’s just fine to run it as that? Thank you in advance
 

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i don't have any bullet details (oal, bearing surface), but according to hornady trim length is @ 1.690". you should have a caliper, so check what the appx length of the bearing surface is or at least to the bullets cannelure (middle of it). so get the total length of the bullet, subtract from the middle of the cannelure and add the trim length. i'm asking as i don't reload for that cartridge. remember the rules of reloading..........start low and make sure you're using the correct powder per manual..........i know there's more than that, but just start there for now. using the ftx bullets in the 45-70 the trim length is shorter than others, but this isn't the case. if in doubt call hornady as they are willing to help. i had an issue with berger on 1 of their bullets as the loaded length seamed wrong...........it was..........they just didn't update their manual, but were aware of it. sierra also had some very off seating depths with their 26cal 107smk's in the 6.5prc.........way to long as only about .100" is all the bearing surface could seat...........that changes pressures.
 
Yeah, I don’t have a factory case with me, I’m on the road for a week and just like to do a little reloading with my hand press in my free time, and I’ve got a box of Hornady black at home. Don’t want to spend 50$ on a box to find out lol. I’ll do some more studying and maybe give Hornady a call to find out. Will post an update if I’ve got one
 
1. Yes , OAL of 2.25 - 2.26 is correct .

2. That bullet is intended for .45 Colt , and the cannelure is positioned for that application .

3. This is the Hornaday bullet intended for the .450 BM .

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4.
Retired Bum said:
Just seat the bullet to the crimp ring, and it'll be fine.
Click to expand...

There's your $64 question . Will it feed at either cannalure crimped length , or an inbetween depth ?

Probably , but you would need to test in your gun .

5. What is intended purpose of this ammo ? Just something to go Bang , or did you wish Bullet Performence ?

That bullet is rated by Hornaday for 800 to 1600 fps ( and they're optimistic at either extreme ) . Typical .450BM velocity for 250 gr is 2,000 to 2,200 fps .

I get it about what's on local shelf , but proper .450BM bullets are niche enough , you'll expect to order them , from the usual suspect component suppliers .

Of .452 " Revolver Bullets " , the 300 gr XTP MAG , item# 45235 would be sorta closest for .450 BM .
 
Of the two very similar ctgs , the .450BM won the popularity contest over the .458 SOCOM .

But the .450 uses .452 , and the .458 uses .458 .
I.e. conventional .45-70 jacketed projectiles vs unique .450 specific pointy , heavy .452 .
 
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