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February 17, 2010
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I have read somewhere on this forum the 1-16 twist won't stabilize heavy bullets well. I cast 310gr Semi FP/GC bullets for a Ruger SRH. I have acheived an average velocity of 1410fps with 19.0gr of 2400 in Starline brass ignited by a WLP. This is not some off the wall experiment. I have very reliable data for +P 44Mag loads in the SRH only. Even though this is an extremely strong handgun I don't feed it a steady diet of these loads. My question is, the SRH has a twist of 1-20 and stabilizes this bullet very well so why would my 744VH8 not have as good or better results w/1-16? 
May 17, 2010
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I am pretty sure I have posted on this...but... and in great consternation.. I could only relate information from tables with absolutely no explanation for why the table reported what it did. I will say that the table was very specific as to all three variables: caliber, weight, and velocity. From the table I saw, assumptions could not be made between any of three, especially calibers.
From the table I saw for a .38 caliber while the 158gr at sub 900fps called for a1:12, the 125gr at 1400 fps called for 1:16 to 1:18. This seems to indicate that velocity plays a large role. This would mean that your load of going 1400fps would preclude a 1:12 twist.
Soap Box, Ballot Box, Ammo Box
in that order.
4 Monson Model 15's
1 Palmer FB 15
1 Rossi 357 Model 92 (lever)
1 CZ 75B
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January 24, 2009
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So if I read this right, a heavier bullet would probably stabilize with a 1-16 twist?
February 11, 2010
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Your question is about the 44 mag. which was first designed at a
1:38 twist with 240grn like a zillion years ago, the faster twist of
modern day 1:20 or 1:16 dose stabilize heavier 300 or 320 bullets.
But nothing is set in stone which twist will work best with your load.
I have a .357 with a 1:16.5 twist that shoots 180grn Buffalo bores like tacks,
on the charts that would not be the best twist rate but I never told that
to the gun. Rifle velocities, twist rates and bullet weights can be
temperamental, but with handguns not so critical.
-Blacktop
February 17, 2010
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I can now dispell any rumors that the 1-16" twist will not stabilize heavy bullets. I have been casting the Lee 310RNFPGC and experimenting with numerous primer/powder/lube combinations. I measured the chambers and found they were amazingly consistant @ .4306"-.4307". Excellent measurements to go with my .4295 bore. I cast this bullet from WW with a small amount of tin added to increase the fluidity of the alloy. I use Hornady gas checks and size to .4315". My lube choice is the old NRA formula consisting of 50/50 mix of beeswax/alox. A pretty stiff charge of W296 runs them thru the Pac 2 chrony @ an avge. 1360fps. Groups @ 100yds avg. in the 3" range which is acceptable hunting accuracy for me. I have no leading issues and a simple wipeout with a few strokes of a bronze brush followed by a couple dry patches leaves the barrel nice and shiny. This may sound a little overkill for my primary whitetail gun, but this bullet absolutely crushes bone. I have begun shoulder shooting deer with this combo and getting complete penetration, they don't run when they can't stand. This project turned out better than I had hoped for. Lead will not wear out your barrel and the recoil is much less than full power jacketed bullet loads due to the desreased friction of lead projectiles. I love casting and I love my DW.
February 11, 2010
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Buddy, thats great news. Question, are you sure you have a 1:16
barrel ? We just discussed this a few back and I believe the fact
was the DW 44 barrels came out with 1:18 and 1:20.
I can't find the topic right now but I thought for sure thats
what was the final finding.
-Blacktop
December 12, 2009
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I know my 444 Contender has a 1:20 and my 444 Marlin has 1:22 never had a problem. Now my first 444 had a 1:38 and was microgroove and had real problems with bullets over 265gr, but after Marlin switched to the Ballard Rifling and a 1:22, problem was solved.
February 17, 2010
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You can look in the barrel and plain as the nose on your face the rifling makes 1/2 of a revolution. Exactly 1/2, it's so obvious a caveman can see it. Now I know I am a product of WV public education and I've heard it all. But it seems to me that 1/2 revolution in 8" would work out to be 1 revolution in 16". Please correct me if my calculation is wrong. At any rate, it has worked out well for me. I plan to try some long range shooting with it soon. I just hope it oulasts me, my Smiths, Rugers, and Colts are being shot alot less these days.
May 17, 2010
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Excellent thread... thats some pretty skills you got Buddy. Now just figure me a load for 180gr .357 and we will stick a fork in it.
Soap Box, Ballot Box, Ammo Box
in that order.
4 Monson Model 15's
1 Palmer FB 15
1 Rossi 357 Model 92 (lever)
1 CZ 75B
February 17, 2010
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Give me a little more info on the bullet you are trying to use and I'd be glad to try and help. If you are trying cast it gets a little involved with revolvers. You need to get a measurement on your chambers and slug the bore to get a measurement. I've been casting for 40yrs and have had good success with most guns I've worked with, others have drove me batty trying to figure out a combo that performs. Do your homework and you too can shoot cast bullets well. My most troublesome project was a RBH in 45 Colt that had a constriction ahead of the throat where the barrel screwed into the frame. After some serious handlapping in the affected area it now shoots very well and cleanup is simple. There is no reason you should have problems with accuracy or leading once you figure out your dimensions and cast/lube accordingly. My cast bullet guns all have shiney barrels and clean easily.
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