240gr SWC Oregon Trail in a 44 mag

[Jeffery8mm]

I am looking for info on this combination that you folks have used.  I have a 5 1/2" in Virginian Dragoon that I want to use this bullet in, and in my NEF 44.  I have unique powder.  I am looking for real world exeriences with this combo.  Any and all help will be appreciated.
Jeff

[foxcaller]

One of my favorite loads using this bullet over 11.2 grs Unique. Goes 1350fps in my 7.5" Redhawk. Accuracy is very good and zero leading. So far I have only taken rabbits with it but I am going to use it on an upcoming javelina hunt and I am expecting good results. Seems like it should work well on medium game but only time will tell.

[MS Hitman]

That combination will do just fine on medium game.  I've taken deer with 240 grain cast SWC from a .44 mag with good result.

[Jeffery8mm]

Thanks guys!!  I had originaly tried this bullet with only 8grs of unique and found a little leading in the bore.  I talked to Oregon Trail and was told that the Laser Cast bullets did not preform well at "pipsqueak" pressures because it ould not fully obturate in the bore to fill it up completely.  I am goiin to go with the 11 gr ld and see what hapens.

Thanks
Jeff

[Graybeard]

I've not loaded that bullet but did get some free samples from them of what I assume to be the one you're using. If so it's a bevel base bullet which I hate. They tend to lead up worse than flat base or gas check bullets in my experience as the hot gases can begin to slip around the base of the bullet at least a little bit at the bevel.

Another point which is why they told you it needs a sharp kick in the butt from higher pressures is that it is excessively hard. Bullets that hard need to be pushed at full magnum pressure levels to properly obturate.

If you get the impression I'm not high on their bullets you'd be correct.

BTW my favorite cast bullet load for lower velocity with 240-250 grain cast bullets is 17.0 grains of H2400. It's the load my best friend and I used to use extensively in our competition days using the Lyman 429244GC bullet cast from linotype.

[The Old Redneck]

 Graybeard, I'm not selling bullets, and understand your statement about bevel base bullets. Years ago I cast most of the handgun bullets I shot, because I don't have the time I buy them now. One of my favorite cast bullets now is their 360 grain .45 caliber wide flat nose gas check bullets. It shoots great in both 45 Colt and 454. Try them if you ever get any samples. Their same style bullet in 44 caliber is just as good. A lot of people would rather buy jacketed bullets than pay that much for cast. I hope jackets never take the place of cast in the market place. At least not before I get to the place I have time to cast again. Thanks for a great forum, The Ol Redneck

[Graybeard]

Yup most gaschecked bullets seem to shoot really great and so do flat base bullets generally speaking but man have I had poor accuracy from bevel base and especially commercially cast ones.

[Jeffery8mm]

It IS the beveled base.  I just assumed that was to help with ease of loading.  Never thought about it being a bad thing until now.  I am going to try a "hotter"load, within thier specs of course, and see what happens.
By the way, If foxcaller is getting 1350fps with this bullet and 11.2 grs of unique out of a 7.5" barrel, what should this combo be running out of a 22" Handi?? And would it be a safe dual purpose load?

Jeff

[cowboyup453]

I have been shooting these with a near max load of H110. They shoot great out of my gun.

[mikedb]

They are just about all I use.  I recently shot three round group at 25 yds out of my SRH with a red dot that had all three holes touching.  Off of a rest of course.  I wish i could do that offhand.

[Larry Gibson]

Yup most gaschecked bullets seem to shoot really great and so do flat base bullets generally speaking but man have I had poor accuracy from bevel base and especially commercially cast ones.

Concur 100+% with Graybeard.

Larry Gibson