Author Topic: Bullets to use in a 744? (Read 665 times)

paul47 · « **on:** April 09, 2006, 06:03:14 PM »

I have found that the throats are so short and tight that when I load bullets in cartridges that fit in a S&W 629, they won't fit in my 744. The cartridge never seats fully.

I'd like to hear what people like to use for heavy lead bullets in a 744, preferably WFN-style but I'll be interested in anything. Also what diameter, .429 or .430?

I appreciate any help with this.

Paul5388 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 10, 2006, 09:53:38 AM »

Paul,

I load Magtech 240 gr jacketed bullets and homemade 240 gr cast (.429") and don't have anymore problem than factory loads. That's with 2 different 744s and I've used ported barrels on both.

paul47 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 10, 2006, 10:15:00 AM »

I'm looking for something more in the 300gr range (and up), something you'd use for big game. Many of these bullets tend to be full diameter a fair distance ahead of the crimping groove, which is what causes the difficulty.

What I'd really like to see is a cross between a SWC and a WFN design - in other words, a WFN but slightly reduced (maybe "bore-riding") diameter in front of the crimp groove.

Paul5388 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 10, 2006, 10:32:06 AM »

I kinda thought that was what a Keith type bullet was. Elmer considered the 250 gr to be an ideal weight in .44 Mag, loaded with 22 gr 2400. He claimed (which I believe) to have shot all the way through a deer at 600+ yards, so penetration shouldn't be a problem with that bullet. Here's the article, if you want to read about a 600 yard shot.
http://home.att.net/%7Esmokewagon/EK.html

paul47 · « **Reply #4 on:** April 10, 2006, 09:03:10 PM »

Yeah, sort of, but it is reduced in diameter more than need be. And with a real Keith bullet, there is still a substantial driving band in front of the crimp groove, if I'm not mistaken. But if you can find me a 300gr Keith bullet with a very short front driving band, then I will jump on it.

I am looking for a bear defense load, so 240gr is probably not quite heavy enough. Anyway, one of the charms of the 744 is that the recoil is not bad, so might as well take advantage of that and use a heavier bullet.

Paul5388 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 11, 2006, 04:49:49 AM »

This gas checked 260 gr Keith/Thompson is available at Beartooth Bullets for $16.50/100.

They also offer some of the heavier bullets.
http://www.beartoothbullets.com/bulletselect/index.htm

I haven't used any of their .44 bullets, but I use their .357 bullets in hunting loads.