4521dln said:
Do I understand it correctly that the first step would be to slug the barrels of each of my revolvers? Also I am the family's designated reloader, my brother has a Smith & Wesson 629 44 mag. I would have to think it is very unlikely that all four would have the same bore diameter. I would not venture into loading lead bullets if it requires several differant bullet diameters. Iam I on the right track?
Hi,
Might be overthinking things a touch, depending on what you're trying to achieve...
If you want ammo that goes off, shoots reasonably well, and functions in all the guns, you can start off w/ the old "rule of thumb" that lead bullets should be sized 0.001" over what jacketed ones are, so you're jacketed .44s are probably .429", making .430" a starting point for lead.
Now, figure what kind of load you want: a really light one (perhaps .44 Spl level) might work w/ a faster powder, but a medium to slower powder will probably do you better w/ mid- to top-level .44 Mag loads. Personally, I don't load lead to top levels, but some folks do. That's up to you.
Load some, go shoot 'em, and watch carefully for what happens. Are they accurate enough? Do they shoot cleanly enough w/o any excessive leading? Do they function well in all the family's guns? If the answers are "yes" to all these, load some more and don't spend too much time and energy fretting the details.
OTOH, if they're all over the paper (or worse), lead like crazy, stick cases or otherwise don't function properly, THEN it's time to get out the magnifying glass as it were and examine the finer points. Slugging the barrels is one of them, especially if leading is a problem (for example, if you're using too fast a powder w/ an "undersized"--for the barrel--bullet, you might have a serious mess going on in that barrel.) Horrible accuracy can sometimes be from driving a bullet too hard (for example, loading copper PLATED bullets--quite soft, actually--w/ copper JACKETED data designed for the much harder bullet.) And on and on!
Sometimes you'll hit on something right out of the chute, other times there's a bit of a learning curve. For starters, if you haven't visited them already, the guys at http://www.castboolits.gunloads.com and http://www.lasc.us have tons of info that might help.
Best of luck--using lead bullets can be quite rewarding, sometimes frustrating, but worth learning about! Even more so when faced w/ the kinds of short supplies we're seeing right now...
Rick C
