anyone done Cast 44 mag loads?

[44shootist]

Want to try some mild loads in my 44 mag, got some trail boss powder and cast 200 grs. .429 RNFP cast bullets Hodgdon site says load 6.1-7.7 grs.
Would like to hear from those that have loaded these and how well they work? before I load to many up.

 

[flatgate]

I dunno about the components you are discussing, however ALL I SHOOT are 280 and 300 grain cast bullets out of my .44 mags. 1,000 to 1,300 fps.

Every firearm is somewhat different. I'd certainly suggest that you follow the Hodgdon recommended loads; start low and work up.

:D

flatgate

 

[Chuckbuster]

follow the HODGDON data and I think you will find a load that is fun and mild. You did not mention what boolit weight you have but I am in that range with #429421.

"Magnum" primers are not needed.

Kevin

 

[sixshot]

For a lot of 44 maggie's a .429" diameter slug is a little on the small side, I usually size mine .431" but shoot some first & see. You can also drop one through each cylinder & check for fit, you want them to push through with just a little pressure.
When sizing your own don't be surprised if you get a little bit of "spring back", that is a .431" sizer die & they might pop out .4315", especially if using a Lyman sizer die.

Dick

 

[44shootist]

Thanks guys but not casting my own bullets, these is store bought just trying a light load for practice without so much kick.
I also use the new Winchester primers good for standard load or mag.
Done a lot of reloading just not any Cowboy loads and goin to see what they are like.

 

[DeletedMember275]

Thanks guys but not casting my own bullets, these is store bought just trying a light load for practice without so much kick.
I also use the new Winchester primers good for standard load or mag.
Done a lot of reloading just not any Cowboy loads and goin to see what they are like.

Expect these store-bought bullets to lead your bore, possibly badly. Most commercial cast bullets are too hard for mild loads; yes, too hard. They deliberately mix their alloys to be harder than woodpecker lips so their bullets aren't damaged during shipping.

In order to get these bullets to 'slug up' (obturate) to seal the bore, they need to be loaded to higher pressures than what you're talking about. You may get lucky - and I hope you are - and not have to spend some time scrubbing the lead out of your bore. I'll be surprised, though.

 

[clintsfolly]

Also most store bought cast have a very hard lube that is less then Great . if you get a bottle of lee alox and relube may help reduce leading.Clint

 

[44shootist]

The bullets are laser-cast brand made by Oregon Trails bullets they claim no leading due to silver content in lead.
Still going to shoot a jacketed round that loaded hot through ever so often to make sure my bore stays clean.

 

[mikld]

Keep your barrel clean from the beginning; shoot bullets that fit your gun. http://www.lasc.us/Brennan_2-1_MeasuringGunDimensions.htm Look here for how to measure your barrel and cylinders. Use bullets the same size or no more than .0005" smaller than your cylinder throats and .002" larger than groove diameter. I have read that shooting jacketed bullets doesn't remove leading, just irons it out, but I haven't shot a jacketed bullet in any of my .44s (5 of them) in mebbe 10 years, and leading isn't a problem...

 

[mhblaw]

Among others, I have been shooting Oregon Trail bullets in 32, 35, 40, 41, 44 and 45 calibers, in my Colt, Ruger and USFA guns. No leading, and I mean zero, in any barrels. Most loads are in the 900fps range.
Good luck!

 

[44shootist]

mhblaw,

Thanks I needed to hear from someone that knows these bullet, I was told they were good, just needed someone to say so that has used them.
They cost a little more than most but if I get no leading it's worth it.
I have 100 loaded up can't wait for the chance to go shoot them.

 

[hutchman]

I too have used these bullets in 45 Colt and 44 mag. The only way they shot lead free in my guns was with heavy loads of 296. Anything less and the lead dripped out of the cylinder.......

I avoid Laser Cast now.......however each gun is different and your experience may be better. You will never know until you try. My advice would be to load 6 test loads of each powder and charge that you want to try and give 'em a go. Just be prepared to clean the barrel after each cylinder full if you gun does not like them.

 

[WESHOOT2]

These days, when I want a lead bullet, I buy Penn.


For certain more esoteric needs I also might look to Beartooth, Cast Performance, or Meister.
Real short list.....

 

[44shootist]

Went and shot some of these rounds today, no leading in my barrel and a very soft mild round recoil was like a 357 out of this 44 mag. and easy to shoot one handed.
This is a fine round and shoots well, however the IMR Trail Boss powder seams to burn a bit dirty and after about 60 rounds it was hard to keep on paper from barrel fowling, should have taken a cleaning rod with me, also noticed my brass was dirtyer than normal.
For normal rounds I use Win, 296 and it burns very clean.
But I like this cowboy round, and will try more.

 

[Rick Courtright]

Hi,

Have never loaded any "store bought" lead bullets for my .44 Mag.

I do cast a lot w/ straight wheelweights, using a Lee gas check style mold. They come out pretty close to the advertised 240 gr, get sized to .430", gas checked and lubed w/ Lee Liquid Alox.

They're quite clean w/ anything from a mild load of Unique to a full charge of 296... and are pretty accurate w/ most loads I've tried.

Rick C