PDA

View Full Version : .44 advice for first time loader



The Governor
01-01-2018, 10:27 PM
I want to load some .44 RM for my first time.

I have Lee 240 grain cast boolits pan lubed, once fired brass and CCI LPP.

Powder choices are Power Pistol, CFE, Titegroup, Trail Boss and Bulls Eye

I'm looking for an easy shooting accurate load for my 5 inch Model 29 with what I have on hand if possible.

Thanks for any ideas and Happy New Year to all.

Outpost75
01-02-2018, 12:37 AM
I load 7 grains of Bullseye in .44 Magnum and also in .45 Colt with up to a 260-grain bullet in either and find it a useful, powerful enough, general purpose load. About 1000 fps revolver and 1150 fps rifle.

Shuz
01-02-2018, 10:53 AM
For an accurate low re-coiling load, try 7g of Trail Boss. Velocity will be between 750 and 850fps.

Wayne Smith
01-02-2018, 12:03 PM
If you don't have a loading manual get the 50th issue of Lyman reloading manual. It has more information on cast boolits than any other.

mdi
01-02-2018, 12:49 PM
My favorite cartridge is the 44 Magnum and I've reloaded it with everything from 123 gr balls over 2.5 gr. Bullseye to 300 gr LFN over 2400. For the powders you list I'd prolly try CFE (my Lyman 49th doesn't list Power Pistol for any weight bullet). Trail Boss is OK for a soft shooter and Bullseye is also good for lighter loads. Try some Unique or Universal for mid range loads and look up 44 Special load data for some nice easy shooting (I have loaded 44 Special data in Magnum brass many times)...

The Governor
01-02-2018, 04:56 PM
Oh, I have loading manuals, I'm just asking as to the powders I have on hand and
if my CCI 300 LPP are good to go.

I did see a load manual that had non-magnum LPP but none will tell you which is your better powder.

paul edward
01-02-2018, 05:16 PM
I have had good results using 6 and 7 grains of Bullseye with a cast 250 (Lyman 429336) and Lee 429-214 SWC. Power Pistol is a bit like Unique in it's burn rate. I load 8 grains PP with the 214 grain cast bullet. These loads are accurate and recoil is modest in my SBH.

Almost any 44 Special loads will work.

Texas by God
01-02-2018, 05:57 PM
I agree with Outpost and paul edward on the Bullseye load.
I've never used a magnum primer in the .44 mag even with romping stomping loads. Elmer didn't either. No, I'm not comparing myself to him.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

Moleman-
01-02-2018, 06:50 PM
44 mag is the reason I started reloading. Wasn't comfortable using a powder that would allow a double charge so I started out with bluedot, 2400 and H110/W296 in it.

vzerone
01-02-2018, 07:15 PM
Today Bullseye is often an over looked powder. Shame as it's a very good one. It goes a long way too as you don't use much of it.

Grmps
01-02-2018, 07:27 PM
http://castpics.net/dpl/index.php/reloaders-reference/cast-bullet-data-lookup

Thumbcocker
01-02-2018, 09:05 PM
9.0 of power pistol will get you 1000 fps and has given good accuracy in several guns for me. 6.5 to of Bullseye should be similar.

azrednek
01-02-2018, 10:02 PM
I load 7 grains of Bullseye in .44 Magnum and also in .45 Colt with up to a 260-grain bullet in either and find it a useful, powerful enough, general purpose load. About 1000 fps revolver and 1150 fps rifle.

Maybe it was me. Can't recall the charge, I used data from a 70's Hercules manual I loaded 44 mag using Bullseye. The shot to shot accuracy I got was dismal at best. Later using Herco and finally 2400. My accuracy improved considerably. I was shooting a S&W 29-2 and a Ruger Blackhawk. Like I said, maybe it was me just having an off day. Can never say I had a bad day though if I spent it at the range.

Walter Laich
01-03-2018, 05:46 PM
I've used both Bullseye and Red Dot (I know, you don't have this)

both give great low recoil loads and are easy on my old wrists.

they do tend to be dirty loads, though

dbosman
01-03-2018, 09:39 PM
For .44 special pressure loads, Titegroup.

The Governor
01-04-2018, 06:46 AM
Good stuff so far. Thanks a lot for the advice.
I didn't get loading yet because the lube stayed tacky in the cold.
Will shoot for Saturday. ��

rintinglen
01-04-2018, 02:29 PM
+1 on the 9.0 grain Power Pistol load. That charge under a 429-421 SWC has proven to be accurate and comfortable in my M-29-2 and Redhawk revolvers.

44Blam
01-04-2018, 04:12 PM
44 Magnum is what got me into reloading too.
Of course, I got into reloading thinking I would SAVE money...I just end up shooting a lot more.

I really like 6.5-7 grain of trailboss. There is very little recoil from that load.
For stouter loads I like 2400 and w296. I go back and forth on which I like.
I have some Unique that I keep meaning to load up a few rounds and see what I think of it...

derek45
01-04-2018, 05:46 PM
10grs UNIQUE works well with a 240 swc

when powders got hard to find, I worked up a CFE-p load that works well also...sorry I don't remember the load

6.5 win231/hp38 is another good mild one

The Governor
01-04-2018, 09:03 PM
The first pound of powder I ever bought was Bullseye, almost 40 years ago.
I loaded .38 specials and .45 ACP on a RCBS Rock set up.

I guess I'll try CFEp, Bullseye and Titegroup and shoot some Saturday.
That Trail Boss is interesting to me, too.
I'll post back after some range time.

Walks
01-04-2018, 09:45 PM
I have been loading a light COWBOY ACTION load for my Shooting Partner for 15+yrs. It's not in the any currant manual. It comes from a HODGDON COWBOY ACTION DATA booklet from 2003. I load 5.5grs TiteGroup under a 240gr RNFP. In a .44Mag case. HODGDON lists a range of 4.7grs-starting load to 6.2grs-max load. it shoots light and clean.

For a Heavy Target Load I like a 250gr Keith bullet over 9.5grs Unique. I know you didn't list that powder but it's a pleasure to shoot and gives enough recoil so it doesn't feel like a .44spl.

firebyprolong
01-04-2018, 10:44 PM
I have used the Keith practice load of 5 gr of bullseye under a Lyman 429421 or a lee 200rf for years. It handles 90% of my needs. If I need more power I go up to the hot special/ light mag loads with unique, cfe pistol or 2400. I don't chase velocity. A 240 gr swc at 1200 fps will kill anything I need to kill in my part of the world.

The Governor
01-06-2018, 08:39 PM
6.2 gr. of Bulls Eye was a winner today. AT 25 feet I shot an easy 30 round palm sized group.

Got home and found no leading at all and a barrel that was amazingly clean.
Had sooty cylinders, though.

Then, i loaded up a few more to try against CFEp next.

Thanks for all the help everyone.