I have been reloading for my 44 mag SRH and SBH for a few years w/jacketed and plated bullets. I am now getting into purchased hard cast bullets. My first load is with a Cast Performance 300gr that is for my first hog hunt in GA at the end of Oct. Before this I hunted only deer with a 240gr XTP. I am interested in working up an economical and accurate cast load for practice out to 50 yds but mostly 25 yds and under. I am shooting a 9 1/2" and 7 1/2" Rugers. For 240 gr practice loads up to this point I have used 10 gr of Unique powder. I am looking for recommendations for cast practice bullets. Thoughts?
For hunting I shoot a variety of cast from the .44. For accuracy I make them hard by water dropping WW metal. There is no need for expansion with the .44 and I can't count the deer I have taken with my SBH and SRH.
I like the RD 265 gr, the Lee 310 gr, the LBT 320 gr WLNGC and I made a 330 gr WLN.
The heavy bullets do not like to be shot too slow because of the twist rate. Neither do they want to be loaded too hot.
These are my loads for the RUGERS.
265 gr--22 gr of 296
310 and 320 gr--21.5 gr 296
and the 330 gr uses 21 gr of 296. ALL OF MY LOADS USE A FED 150 primer.
You can use a 240, 250 or the 265 cast for light practice loads. I do suggest using full hunting loads to practice though. Once sighted in nothing changes and it keeps you up with recoil and also keeps you from always moving the sights.
The 300 gr LBT should be nice and accurate with 21.5 gr of 296 too. The cast can shoot very small groups at 100 yards. My SBH can usually hold around 1-1/4" at 100 from a rest, the SRH has done better. Either way, a pop can at 100 is in real danger.
Don't buy cheap bulk bullets and stay away from bevel base stuff. A Keith style bullet can give you accuracy fits.
The way to really save money is to cast your own, you can get the cost to a primer and powder only.
All you need is a Lee pot, a Lyman ladle, a Lee mold and a Lee push through size die. You can make the lube cheap. You need to find free or cheap wheel weights.