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Posted: 3/1/2012 7:49:46 AM EDT
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I've been reloading .223 for a while and although there is always something new to learn, I'm starting to feel fairly confident. I've never reloaded any pistol ammunition, though and I'd like to get started with 10mm. I bought a die set and I've got some brass ready. I'm about to buy some components but I'd like your input first. After reading (and re-reading and re-re-reading) through this thread on Glocktalk I think I've determined that 155 or 165 gr GDHPs seem to hold up well at 10mm velocities while expanding and penetrating properly for a human target. Based on the results of the lighter bullets at higher velocities, it also seems reasonable that an all copper bullet like the TAC-XP in 155-165 gr ought to work well too. The primary problem with 10mm seems to be finding a bullet that holds together when driven at 10mm velocity as most of the bullets seem designed for .40 S&W. The guy in the thread above did a lot of work toward that end. So my intention is to load 155 gr GDHP or TAC-XP over 800-X and work up a pretty hot load. The pistol will be a polymer frame Witness and I'll make use of a friend's chrono whenever possible.
So here come the questions: Can I put a light crimp on 10mm and if so is it advisable? What signs should I be looking for to avoid dangerous pressure? What other component recommendations do you have? What should I be asking that I don't know to ask? Thanks in advance, guys. |
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Quoted:
I've been reloading .223 for a while and although there is always something new to learn, I'm starting to feel fairly confident. I've never reloaded any pistol ammunition, though and I'd like to get started with 10mm. I bought a die set and I've got some brass ready. I'm about to buy some components but I'd like your input first. After reading (and re-reading and re-re-reading) through this thread on Glocktalk I think I've determined that 155 or 165 gr GDHPs seem to hold up well at 10mm velocities while expanding and penetrating properly for a human target. Based on the results of the lighter bullets at higher velocities, it also seems reasonable that an all copper bullet like the TAC-XP in 155-165 gr ought to work well too. The primary problem with 10mm seems to be finding a bullet that holds together when driven at 10mm velocity as most of the bullets seem designed for .40 S&W. The guy in the thread above did a lot of work toward that end. So my intention is to load 155 gr GDHP or TAC-XP over 800-X and work up a pretty hot load. The pistol will be a polymer frame Witness and I'll make use of a friend's chrono whenever possible. A '"pretty hot" load in a poly Witness is gonna hurt. I know- I have one and tried it. It ain't worth it. Standard velocity 10mm Auto loads will work in people just fine, at least according to the results I got when I shot 3 hogs with mine (porcine flesh closely replicates human). So here come the questions: Can I put a light crimp on 10mm and if so is it advisable? A light TAPER crimp is always advisable. Be careful with the crimp pressure as you increase the powder charge; you can very easily exceed max pressure long before you reach max charge weight. What signs should I be looking for to avoid dangerous pressure? Without using a micrometer, hard extraction and blown primers immediately come to mind. What other component recommendations do you have? I use Starline brass, CCI Large pistol primers (NON-magnum) and 155 Hornady XTP's when I can find them, Barnes 155 XPB's, or 180 grain Ranier's. For powders I use IMR-800X and Ramshot Silhouette What should I be asking that I don't know to ask? Thanks in advance, guys. |
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Thanks much. What I mean by "hot" is actual 10mm type velocities as opposed to hot .40 S&W/FBI lite type loads. I'm not looking to break any records, I just want to shoot real 10mm ammo. I shot some Buffalo Bore 180gr and I wouldn't say that hurt. Like I said, I'll work up and if I see pressure signs or get a load that hurts, I'll back off.
On the micrometer, what measurements should I be looking for? |
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I got on out to the range yesterday and got to do some testing. You're not kidding about the 800X measuring poorly. I adjusted my powder measure to get about right and threw each charge into the pan and weighed each to be sure. Had to throw a lot back into the hopper. I posted a thread in GD because the info includes handloading data and data from commercial loads for both handgun and rifle. It was enough general stuff I figured it didn't really belong here.
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