Source For Montana Bullet Works Load Data

Help Support Ruger Forum:

Hole Shooter

Single-Sixer
Joined
Jan 6, 2007
Messages
234
Location
Mississippi
Anybody know of a good load data source manual for Montana Bullet Works Bullets and/or other commercially cast bullets? I have only loaded jacketed bullets but I am really itching to load some commercially hard cast in 44 mag. All recommendations are really appreciated!
hs
 

44shootist

Single-Sixer
Joined
Feb 18, 2011
Messages
365
Location
The Moldly State
I just use the data from my Speer manual for cast seams to work fine, also my Lyman manual has cast loads, or I get data from Hodgdon powders web site.
Your not going to find data for the exact bullet your using like you can using a Speer manual with a Speer bullet.
But if you use the lead bullet data for the same weight and close as you can find for type it works fine.
For 44 mag lead, I like to use IMR trail boss powder, data is at IMR powder web site. (same site as Hodgdon.)
 

Cheesewhiz

Hunter
Joined
Feb 8, 2008
Messages
2,114
Location
Chicago, IL
I don't load .44 Mag but I do load cast bullets. I would call them about it. I've called S&S Casting about their bullets and recommended loads several times and they were right on the money.

Like 44Shootist, my Lyman book is very helpful as a reference and I also use the Hodgdon site.
 

rkrcpa

Single-Sixer
Joined
Aug 18, 2009
Messages
353
Location
SE Pennsylvania
Montana Bullet Works lists the mold used for each bullet listed making it easy to determine the proper load data.

For instance, I use his RCBS 82080 .44 cal SWC. I know this to be the same as a Lyman 429421 and use the data from the Lyman manual. In .41 cal I use his H&G 258 which is the same as a Lyman 410459.

If you're going to shoot lead you really need the Lyman manual, maybe the cast bullet handbook or both.
 

mhblaw

Blackhawk
Joined
Jan 15, 2009
Messages
944
Location
North Dakota
Oregon Trail publishes a loading manual that covers their cast bullets from 32 caliber to 45 caliber, both handgun and rifle. Well done in my opinion.
 

Hole Shooter

Single-Sixer
Joined
Jan 6, 2007
Messages
234
Location
Mississippi
Many thanks to all for the replies. I have been doing some reading on loading lead since my post and the more I read the more I realize how much more I need to read!! There appears to be many more variables involved in loading lead vs loading jacketed bullets. Thanks again for your input. I really appreciate all the replies.
hs
 

mikld

Blackhawk
Joined
Apr 22, 2009
Messages
947
Location
Oregon
Lyman's Cast Bullet Handbook covers most designs of lead bullets. Also it's important to use bullets correctly sized for your gun. I shoot bullets the same diameter as the cylinder throats in my Ruger, Dan Wesson and S&W revolvers. Ruger cylinder throats are .431" so I size the bullets to be used in it to .431". Best accuracy and no leading...
 
Top