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.
![](http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c106/lovinmycaitlynn/Shooting/.445%20SM%20240gr%20XTP%20Load%201_zpssshrgmyq.jpg)
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:
![](http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c106/lovinmycaitlynn/Shooting/.445%20SM%20240gr%20XTP%20Load%202_zpst25pb7pb.jpg)
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.
![](http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c106/lovinmycaitlynn/Shooting/.445%20SM%20240gr%20XTP%20Flames%201_zpsijtgtmik.png)
![](http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c106/lovinmycaitlynn/Shooting/.445%20SM%20240gr%20XTP%20Flames%202_zpsl2s6jmxi.png)
![](http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c106/lovinmycaitlynn/Shooting/.445%20SM%20240gr%20XTP%20Flames%203_zps0zyonuxl.png)
![](http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c106/lovinmycaitlynn/Shooting/.445%20SM%20240gr%20XTP%20Flames%204_zps7rkp2n0a.png)
![](http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c106/lovinmycaitlynn/Shooting/.445%20SM%20240gr%20XTP%20Flames%205_zpsreoej8z0.png)
Cooooooooooooooool.
Think I need to break out the good cameras and get some night time slow-sync flash pictures of this puppy!