I am brand new to the forum and relatively new to bullet casting.
I have done lots of balls for black powder and have done lead for 30 years for decoy weights. I go to Alaska every summer/fall for rainbow trout and encounter many bears. Often 10+ daily at <30 yards. I camp in a tent on gravel bars, bluffs etc. Doing everything I can to reduce any odors or attractions to myself. Freeze dried food, bear cans, cooking out of camp.
I have carried a S&W 44 mountain gun for the last 10+ years, but last year purchased and carried a Ruger Redhawk in 45 Colt. I carry my bear spray strongside and the pistol crossdraw. I do't want to have to spray a bear and haven't had to yet, want to shoot the pistol at one FAR less. With that said I know that I need and want to do a lot more practice with the heavy loads and so I come to casting.
I'd been looking at the 300 gr Lee mold, but think I'm a lot better to ask first and not just stumble into this. I'm not a big internet guy but came onto you all doing a google search. I obviously would benefit from advice from you who are far more experienced than I am. I purchased 500 new Starline brass a bit ago, and have many pounds of both HS-6 and WSF, and other powders. I've not ever loaded H-110 or 296 which I have seen come up over my limited research. I am not opposed to purchasing powders that will optimize the heavy loads. I have loaded plenty of the 44 mag and some 45 Colt, with commercial cast bullets up to 250 gr in the 45 Colt but purchased "bear" loads.
Can any of you make recommendations of just how to start working on a load that I can do lots of practicing with and gain some real confidence that I've got a viable worst case load in? Gun weight is not a concern to me, I mostly float and nots of long walking.
I'd be very interested in loads, crimping, wheel weights use, lead hardness and any other advice to optimize this. The 45 Colt really seems much tamer to me than the 44 Mag, and from my limited research the 45 Colt platform is a great option for me to pursue. I am not looking to start any discussion of S&W vs Ruger, 44 mag vs 45 Colt. I have the Redhawk and want to use this only. I can't afford to purchase preloaded and do the amount of practicing/shooting that I want to do. Should I buy commercial cast bullets and not mess with casting my own?
I didn't want to walk on anyone elses posts with my long winded beginner questions. Thanks in advance for any and all advice.