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Author Topic: 44 Rem Mag load  (Read 793 times)

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Offline Possum

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44 Rem Mag load
« on: November 15, 2004, 05:06:17 PM »
I am new to cast bullet loading.  What can I do with 240gr lead production bullets and the following powders.  I have in stock AA#5, Bullseye, and Blue Dot.  I am not using gas checks and all the reloading data I see is around 1200fps and higher.  Can I shoot these without a leading problem if I stay at the lower end of the spectrum?  

I know enough about cast bullets to know there are different lead hardnesses and the answer "depends".  Just looking for some general advice.  Thanks for the responses in advance.
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Offline captainkirk

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cast
« Reply #1 on: November 16, 2004, 02:14:03 AM »
5.5 grains of bullseye in 44 mag cases will get you there.  If you use 44 special cases, reduce to around 4.5 grains.  A nice 44 "special level" load - probably around 800 fps.  My old buddy called them "candy" loads...

Enjoy, these should not lead as long as they fit right and are not too hard to obturate in the forcing cone...

captainkirk
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Offline Graybeard

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44 Rem Mag load
« Reply #2 on: November 16, 2004, 04:57:39 AM »
While I do love Bullseye powder it is really a terribly poor choice in large cases. Sooner or later you're chances of a double load are high. Generally a double load is adequate to make that gun that once was in one piece become several very unusable pieces. Unless you are a VERY experienced reloader with some really good safety practices in place you'd be well advised to use only powders that a double load will either over flow the case or at least fill it so full it will be very obvious.

Of the powders mentioned Blue Dot is the safest and most suited. If you want light loads buy some Unique or 2400.
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Offline captainkirk

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« Reply #3 on: November 16, 2004, 03:36:20 PM »
Graybeard is 100% right about the bullseye.  I only mentioned it because it was the only powder you have that I had shot before.  Personally, I like unique better.  7 grains for a nice light load, 9-10 grains for a warmer load.  Bullseye in a double charge will turn your cylinder (and maybe your hand or worse ) into junk.  Kudos to Graybeard for this caution.

captainkirk    :D
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Offline warf73

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44 Rem Mag load
« Reply #4 on: November 16, 2004, 09:28:14 PM »
I have a nice plinker load for a 240gr SWC that I use.

4.5gr. Red dot with CCI mag primer.
I'm getting just under 700fps out of my 4 5/8" EAA pistol.
Loads of fun to shoot and groups are great at 25 yards.

Its a great pop can, milk jug killer :grin:

If for some reason you double charge it you should still be safe.
Max load is 8.8gr.

Warf
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Offline Possum

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« Reply #5 on: November 22, 2004, 03:08:57 PM »
I shot 10 & 11gr of #5 yesterday and it seemed to work great.  I just don't have the velocity of the load because I don't have a chronograph yet (hoping to solve that during Christmas).  The book publishes 12gr at around 1200+ levels.  I figured the 10gr would get me down to the 1050+fps range.  Is that too fast for a 240gr lead bullet?  Accuracy was fair.  Thanks for all the input.
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Offline Nobade

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44 Rem Mag load
« Reply #6 on: November 22, 2004, 05:09:27 PM »
No, that's not too fast. But only fair accuracy? Looks like you've got some investigative work to do, like how big are the bullets in relation to your cylinder throats and is that bigger than the bore, etc. What revolver are you shooting these out of?
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Offline Possum

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44 Rem Mag load
« Reply #7 on: November 23, 2004, 02:00:59 AM »
I was rushed at the range.  With a 5 year old, a three year old, and two 10 month old twins I rarely get a full session at the range.  I should have said accuracy was acceptable.  The cast bullets are .429 and were grouping at around 3" at 40yds.  I guess when I compared it to the jacketed bullets (.430) I assumed accuracy was fair.  I got 3" with open sights at 100yds with the jacketed.  Of course it was a stouter load.  

I saw enough out of the lead to be impressed.  I am now wondering if I went to the .430 lead if it wouldn't tighten up a bit.  I am still at the experimenting stage with this load.  These are being shot out of a 8.5" Contender.  It is a 10" barrel with the internal choke.  I think that translates into around 8.5" of usable rifling.  

I kind of love that barrel now.  Shooting 3" at 100yds with open sights is what I call "very acceptable"!  Just wanted to shoot some lead to cut the cost of my enjoyment.  Anyone shoot pyrodex handgun pellets in the 44?
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