FNG with a few questions

[KenSel]

I'm getting ready to order all the stuff I need to start reloading and I have a few questions.  I'm going to start reloading for my 40 S&W and my 44 Mag and then move on to my rifles as I progress.  I'm wondering what bullet I should use for my 44 Mag?  I've shot some Federal/American Eagle factory loads with 240 JSP bullets and they shoot extremely well in my gun.  Does anyone know if these bullets are .429 or .430 in diameter or the manufacturer of these bullets?  I'v shot some Magtech factory ammo loaded with 240gr semi jacketed SP bullets and they are fairly accurate but they leave wicked copper streaks in my barrel.  So I'm wondering if I should get .429 or .430 bullets and I'm also wondering if I should buy cast bullets or jacketed bullets?  I'll be using these loads for target use only and I figure that cleaning lead out of a barrel is easier than cleaning out the copper streaks.  I would appreciate any help you can give me.

Thanks,
Ken

[Graybeard]

For deer hunting my preferred bullets are the Hornady 240XTP HP and the Nosler 240 JHP. I really like their performance on deer and they are both about equally accurate in my guns. The Sierra 240 JHP is also very accurate but I've yet to use them on game. They have a huge hollow point and I'm sure will expand and perform well.

I'm yet to own or shoot a .44 magnum of any brand that didn't do well with those bullets over a max or near max charge of W296/H110 powder.

I have little experience with commercially produced cast bullets and none with any of the major brands you can order so can't help you much with those. I have LOTS of experience with those I personally cast so if you decide to jump into that I can recommend some good moulds for you to buy.

[KenSel]

Is it common for jacketed bullets to leave heavy copper streaks in the barrel?  Is it fairly easy to clean and remove the copper from the barrel or is it a tough job?  I just brought my gun home today after waiting 10 days so I'm going to clean it later and see.  I was able to check it out and shoot it during the day when the range was open and that's when I noticed the streaks from the Magtechs.  I'm just assuming that lead fouling would be easier to clean from the bore than copper but I may be wrong.   I'm looking for a good practice load to use for bowling pins, paper, and steel right now and later I'm gonna work on some hunting loads.

[Graybeard]

Can't say that I've ever seen enough copper build up in any of the many .44 mags I've owned to make me think it needed to be removed but then I've also never owned one that leaded up to amount to anything either. I only clean mine when they get to looking so dirty I feel bad about it and when I do I generally will clean the barrel as well but we're talking many hundreds of rounds minimum between cleanings.