N330 Load data

[Chuck59]

When I bought my new red press, Hornaday just kindly sent me 500 180 gr. 44 XTP bullets.
Looking up the load data from my Vihtavuori app on the fone, they say
N320 Start 10.6 grains
N340 Start 13 grains
Naturally, I have N330. Can I safely split the difference?

 

[ATLDave]

There's no direct linear relationship, so, no, not as such. It's likely that the start load would be between those two, but you'd certainly have no idea where the safe max would be.

I think N330 is either discontinued or at least no longer imported. Data for it may be getting harder to find. But here's an older Vhit' load data sheet that seems to have N330 data for .44 special 180's. http://pdf.textfiles.com/manuals/FIREARMS/vihtavouri.pdf Nothing for .44 mag, though... it may not perform very well in that application.

 

[Walkalong]

Can I safely split the difference?

No.

From the 2002 PDF linked to: (Oldest one I have as well.)

.44 Spl
180HP-XTP Hornady 1.469 OAL
N320 6.8 935 7.5 1033
N330 7.7 1010 8.6 1109

.44 Mag:
180HP-XTP Hornady 1.602 OAL
N320 10.2 1300 11.7 1424
N340 12.5 1401 14.0 1539

Well...looking at that PDF.

You know you can go to 8.6 Grs N330 at the shorter .44 Spl OAL.
You know you can go to 11.7 at the .44 Mag OAL.

If at 11.7 you are not at 1424 FPS you think you know you have a little bit more wiggle room.
You would think you could get to 1450 FPS safely.

BUT!

I find Vihtavuori's velocities to be somewhat optimistic. Anything over 11.7 and you are on your own.

 

[Chuck59]

Thanks Walkalong. If I understand correctly, you are saying because N320 is a faster powder, I could go safely to it's max loading, and work up slowly if I choose to?

 

[nambu1]

The second edition of the VihtaVuori manual lists 7.9 - 8.8 grs as the charge for 180 gr. bullets in the 44 Spl. nothing listed for the 44 Mag.

 

[Walkalong]

Thanks Walkalong. If I understand correctly, you are saying because N320 is a faster powder, I could go safely to it's max loading, and work up slowly if I choose to?

Yes. Be careful. N330 in .44 Mag is good for midrange loads, but don't try to push it.

 

[Chuck59]

Yes. Be careful. N330 in .44 Mag is good for midrange loads, but don't try to push it.

Thanks. I bought the N330 mainly for 9mm, but when I received the Hornady 180s I thought they'd be fine for mid range 44 mag and 44 spl. I have 2400 for heavy magnum loads.

 

[Walkalong]

N320, N330, N340 are are fairly position sensitive in big cases.

I bought the N330 mainly for 9mm,

It is really good for midrange/midrange plus 9MM.