Exploring a new to me caliber.

[deac45]

Wanting to begin reloading for my only 44. An S&W 69. Would like to run a 240gr LSWC at about 900 fps. Stout enough to do some work but pleasant enough to enjoy some casual shooting with. I know this can be done in either the special or magnum case so I'm wondering which is the better route to go. I'm leaning towards the magnum case to avoid the crud ring from firing specials in a magnum chamber. What other aspects should I consider?


Deac45

 

[Cholo]

I don't shoot the lesser round in any of my magnum handguns whether .44, .357, or .32. I do load them down, though. 8-10 grs of Unique with a 240 gr. SWC will fit the bill just fine in a .44 mag.

 

[gunzo]

If I didn't have a 44 special gun, I wouldn't bother with the cases. Being a reloader allows you to do about anything you need in the magnum case, while avoiding the pesky carbon ring in the chambers. 900 fps with a 240 doesn't present any problems IMO, provided a suitable powder is used.

I shot my 69 this week, what a neat platform. Thinking about the gun & the load you mention, the only other aspects to consider would be to load plenty of them. They will be enjoyable!

 

[Jimbo357mag]

I don't shoot the lesser round in any of my magnum handguns whether .44, .357, or .32. I do load them down, though. 8-10 grs of Unique with a 240 gr. SWC will fit the bill just fine in a .44 mag.

+1 You can also use some other powders like Universal and HP-38/W321 for those kind of velocities.

 

[mikld]

The 44 Magnum is my favorite, most reloaded round. I have reloaded everything from a 123 gr. balls to 310 gr. "ingots", cast, jacketed and PCed. For starters I'd suggest a 240 gr. jacketed bullet with a starting load of the "mid burn range" powders for the Magnum; Unique, Universal, Blue Dot, etc. Leave the "full magnum" powders aside for now as you can easily reach your 900 fps goal with starting (safe and easy) loads of medium powders. There's always time to practice "Magnumitis" once you get the hang of the big 44.

Using 44 Special rounds in Magnum chambers is no big deal, just clean your gun when you get home and you won't have any trouble with the dreaded carbon ring. My very first shooting with my 629 was with factory Specials (what a let down!) and there was no ring in my cylinders to speak of. I have since reloaded mild to wild using loads right out on my manual's 44 Special section in 44 Magnum brass up to max. loads with magnum data with WC820, W296, and AA9 under 240-310 gr cast bullets (ouch!). My favorite bullet, which works quite well in my 5, 44 Magnums is Ranch Dog's cast RNFP. Accurate in my 3 revolvers and 10" Contender, and feeds well in my Puma

 

[Wigwam]

Blackhawk I to have a 69. It's my Always ( always on me ). I shoot a lot of 800 X with jacketed or 240 Laser cast at 44 special velocity. It's a very nice piece for my use. I don't care about shooting heavy loads anymore. Gave my Redhawk to my oldest boy. The 69 trigger is damn close to as good as my youngest boy's Anaconda. Buy a 44 mag or well built 45 Colt and load whatever suits you.

 

[mr surveyor]

I've found that 6.5 - 7.0 gr of Trail Boss pushing a cast 240 gr SWC, magnum brass, gives good case fill, and great for the .44 mag plinkers.

jd

 

[Mus408]

I like the 9.0 gr. of Unique with a 240 gr. bullet such as the Xtreme plated version.
Have clocked numbers in the 860-890 range out of my 3 inch barreled 629.
I also shoot them in my Super Blackhawk but haven't recorded any speeds through that yet.

 

[paul105]

I use magnum cases and deep seat the bullets to .44 special depth (front drive band below case mouth and crimp lightly or heavily depending upon the load).

I use HP38 (Win 231) because it's what I have. Any of the commercially available 240gr cast SWC bevel base bullets will work -- you might want to start with some of the "coated" ones (less smoke and potentially less/no leading). Have done the same using other powders with equally satisfactory results. You can use any .44 special data using this technique.

After some testing, I've settled on 6.5gr of HP38 which chrono's 880 fps from my 4 1/4" M69. Others have had good luck with 5.5gr of HP38(W231) which chronos 739 fps from my M69.

Here's a picture of the target from my load development work.

I'm a big fan of the M69 -- got my first one in Q1 2014 and more recently added the 2 3/4" version. Have shot them a bunch and wouldn't be without one. Was out shooting the 4 1/4" this afternoon.

FWIW,

Paul

 

[Thumbcocker]

6.0 to 6.5 of Red Dot is very pleasant and has been accurate in several different guns for me. Should get you around .45 colt factory ballistics.

 

[The Norseman]

Always think safety. Do the Research before starting
to Reload.

My current, go to, plinking 44 Magnum reload is;
240gr Lead Semi Wad Cutter Laser Cast bullet,
RNFP round nose flat point works also.
5.6grs Alliant Red Dot, CCI LP #300 primer
Brass is 44 Magnum Winchester, Remington, Federal, Starline.
Crimp is what I call medium roll crimp.
FPS approximately 825.
Bullets tumbled lube with Ben's Liquid Lube,
for Lead free barrel performance.
Primers no where near flat.

Good luck in your Endeavor.

 

[Rodfac]

In Special brass, Skelton's old load, (7.5 gr of Unique backing any good 240 gr LSWC), will give 950 fps in my S&W M69. Another good one is 6.5 gr of Win 231 or HP38 for the same velocity. Both will do < 2" at 25 yds with a good hold. If you're using Magnum brass, bump them up by 0.5 grain for the same velocity. Accuracy is essentially the same. These are my loads, worked up & safe in my guns. If interested, you should work up to them after consulting a GOOD loading manual and considering the pressure implications.