.445 Super Mag and 240gr Hornady XTP Load Work

I did some scope swapping on a few handguns in preparation for the new barrel in February. When the smoke cleared, my 2x Pentax Pistol Scope ended up on the .445 Super Mag barrel. Needing a zero, I decided to finally work up some 240gr XTP loads for this barrel as I'd been using the 325gr WFN-GC bullets in the past.

Looking at Hodgdon data, I made 4 loads to test.

31.5gr H110
32.0gr H110
32.5gr H110
33.0gr H110 (Book Max)

I also swapped out the wood furniture on the gun. The wood LOOKs much better.........but the synthetic is easier on the hands.

Here are the results.



It never fails to amaze me how, changing NOTHING but powder charge.........the groups can vary so widely. And the one it likes...........it likes.

The winner is:



240gr Hornady XTP
Starline Brass
Federal Large Pistol Magnum Primer
32.5gr H110
1.925" COAL
Full Turn (Heavy) Crimp
3-Shots / 25 yrds
.294"

I didn't get a velocity today as I was more interested in accuracy and I was running out of light. I'll get a velocity tomorrow and get her sighted in.

Speaking of running out of light............the load made for a rather illuminating experience.











Cooooooooooooooool.

Think I need to break out the good cameras and get some night time slow-sync flash pictures of this puppy!

Nice fireball, and a tight group to boot

Your shooting skills are on par with your photography skills. Both excellent.

Well, do a lot of either and you're bound to luck into some good ones on occasion.

:-)

Thanks.

Got to love that fireball!!

One of these days I'm going to try my hand at some nighttime photography. That 300 Win Mag barrel ought to make a good flash.

I bet it would.