.44 Magnum and Isotope lead. Am I GTG?

[383]

I have a used 7.5" RedHawk currently in layaway that I want to reload for when it's free. I'm mainly interested in mid-range plinking/practice loads to start with, but eventually some low end magnum loads for whitetails this fall.

I'm thinking about buying a classic Keith SWC mould from NOE unless someone can recommend something better. I currently have a large supply of Isotope lead that as I understand it is apx 10.5 BHN and is either 1/3/96 or 2.5/2.5/90.

Is this composition going to be sufficient for what I want to do? I plan on slugging the bore and chambers and using one of the copper fouling bore cleaners as part of my preparation.

Powders I have on hand are AA#2, Solo 1000, 800-X, Trail Boss, W-231 and Bullseye.

Input/advice appreciated.

[popper]

Should be 1/3/96 and it works for everything I shoot. Heat treat if you need it harder or don't want to wait for ageing.

[runfiverun]

should be either 1/3 or the 2.5/2.5.
either way your GTG for what you want to do.
I push ww's and some soft mixed in up into the 19.5grs of 2400 territory with no issues.
if you have issues at the mid-range you'll need to look at the gun.

[quilbilly]

I scored some isotope lead last winter at a scrap yard and love it. I mix it with a little birdshot (hard chilled) to make it 65/35 then add a little tin. It makes wonderful boolits just hard enough for rifles and shoots well in handguns. Haven't seen any at the scrap yards since but I keep looking. The snap yard charged a premium for it (80 cents/lb instead of 50 cents/lb) because it was so clean.

[dragon813gt]

You will be fine w/ it as is. I used it for everything when I had if. Worked fine in rifles in excess of 2000+FPS, no heat treat.

[Wayne Smith]

Check and make sure the boolit mold is a flat base. You do not need a gas check for what you are planning to do.

[Cherokee]

GTG, no gas check needed, 231 will get you some good loads but will need something else for higher end use; I like 2400 and AA9

[Digital Dan]

Took me a sec.....the GTG? Thought you meant "Going to Glow".

[runfiverun]

about 7grs of that 231 is a pretty good load.
10 grs of 800-x is a nice load too.

[rintinglen]

You should be rock solid and indeed, I think you are on a path to swift success.
In fact, the best path to learn casting is to choose a large-caliber, big-boolit design that doesn't have a bunch of grooves and learn on that. Your isotope metal should work perfectly as is, but a smidgeon of tin may help it flow a little better, though I have not found it to be required. Of the powders you have on hand, i think WW-231 is the most appropriate. 7.0-8.5 grains, some where in there you'll find a sweet spot that will make your eyes light up.

[383]

Thanks all for the input, much appreciated!

I have some WWB 240gn JSP's that I'll use to try the Ruger out with. It will be my first time behind the .44 Magnum. If all else fails, my local Wally World always seems to have these in stock and I could use them this fall.

However, both to save on costs and for the personal satisfaction, I want to cast my own.

[white eagle]

Isotope lead is fantastic to work with
and the 44 magnum well that is a classic as well
I look at Isotope lead as clean ww with all of the
goodness ww has to offer

[WFO2]

I asked the very same question of a seasoned member here and was told the same good to go .Just need some time off and cooler days .