.44 Special Bullet Diameter?

[Dalton]

Hello,

I have a Ruger .44 Special Flattop. I have slugged the bore and cylinder throats. The bore is showing .429 and the throats about .432.

I am using calipers to measure because I don't have a micrometer and I don't know a gunsmith.

I am wanting to try some 250 grain Keith bullets and wanted some opinions on what diameter I should try.

I was leaning toward Mt. Baldy and Montana Bullet Works. I'm not planning on real hot loads so I don't think I want a really hard bullet. Just kinda lost on what diameter to try.

P.S. I know most common is .430 but do any of you think there would be a down side to going with a .431?

Thank you.
Dalton

 

[clintsfolly]

No and if you can get .432 go for it Clint

 

[DeletedMember275]

No and if you can get .432 go for it Clint

Agreed; if you can find .432" cast bullets, try them. That will insure two things: 1) that you get a good gas seal in the bore, and, 2) that your bullets get started into the forcing cone straight. The first will all but eliminate leading from gas cutting; the second will aid in accuracy.

 

[Paul B]

You can add my approval for .432" bullets for your gun.
Paul B.

 

[Dale53]

Dalton;
I would caution you to first check to see if you can chamber a cartridge (in ALL chambers) at .432". You mention that the throats are "about" .432". Some revolvers will not chamber a .432" bullet. You don't want to order out a thousand bullets and find that you can't use them.

You SHOULD use the largest bullet you can use. The ideal is to try a bullet in a just fired case and use the largest you can seat with your fingers after removing any residual crimp in the case.

If you have some .430" bullets, give them a try and see how they shoot and if they lead. If they are not too hard they may just bump up and work fine. My Ruger .44 Lipsey Special Flattop slugs .431+" (with a micrometer) and works perfectly with .430" bullets (well under an inch at 25 yards) with absolutely NO leading. My standard bullet alloy for handguns is WW+2% tin.

Dale53

 

[mikld]

I too suggest .432" for your .44. Beartooth bullets has several .44 cal bullets available in .429" - .432". http://www.beartoothbullets.com/. Good product and good folks to deal with.

 

[Dalton]

Thanks for the replies guys. Dale53 I'm a little late reading your post. I already ordered some. Only 200 though. I don't have any ammo to try at all. I am starting from scratch.

Mikld, That's who I ended up ordering them through.

But I have to say I would order from Mt. Baldy and Montana Bullet Co. too. These folks took time to answer calls and or e-mails. That means alot.

Also I have bought bullets from Missouri Bullet. Very good service.

It's good to have all these choices from good companies.

I went with some 250 grn. Keiths and some 280 grn. WFN.
Both plain base at .432. I hope they work.

Came home last night to a nice box of .44 Special brass from Starline sitting on my front porch. Even knowing what's in the box, it's still like Christmas.

Thanks again guys.

Dalton

 

[Paul B]

"I went with some 250 grn. Keiths and some 280 grn. WFN.
Both plain base at .432. I hope they work."

The 250's should work just fine. The heavier bullets just may shoot a bit higher than you gun's sights can adjust for. I've never shot 280 gr. bullets but I do cast 300 gr. bullets for th .44 and they run right at 6" high at 25 yards. I'm thinking those 280s might run close to 3" high at 25 yards with you rear sight as low as you can get it. The only fix it a higher front sight. I wanted the 300s because there have been quite a few Black bear sightings wheere I sometimes like to hike. I don't necessarily want to shoot one but I figure being prepared is the best option. :wink:
Paul B.

 

[Steve Myers]

My Lipsey 44 Spc slugged .431 both throats and bbl. I cast and size to .432. Having good luck with that.