Cast bullets and the .38-44

[David LaPell]

So far for my .38-44 Smith & Wesson Outdoorsman, until I can find something better is Lyman's #358429 in Winchester +P brass and 12.5 grains of 2400. Never use this load in anything but a N-frame Smith .38 revolver or .357 Revolver (works well in Ruger .357 Blackkawk) It also works well in any .357 Smith N frame as the #358429 is too long for N-frame cylinders in .357 brass.

[bhn22]

Use the "search" feature. There's a lot of 38-44 data on this site. I'm serious, these are some really extensive threads on this.

[Catshooter]

David!

Welcome to the madness! This is a great site.

Years ago I had a mmmmm, 640 (?) S&W that the factory had engraved "Approved for +P+" inside the topstrap. It was a .38 spl

So I loaded up some of Elmers old load for the .38-44, the 358429 (about 173 grains) on top of 13.5 grains of 2400. Worked great, though at 1200 fps the recoil was a bit stout. Two inch barrel.

I have also used a Lee Factory Crimp die to seat and crimp the 429 on the the front driving band, making the OAL just long enough to fit a Smith 27 using .357 brass.

Good luck.


Cat

[Bret4207]

Hey Dave, welcome. Got any kin in Northen NY? I grew up with a lot of LaPells.

[357Mag]

Dave -
Howdy !

Ever try 7.0gr IMR4756 & regular SP primer, under a Lyman SWC of 158 -172gr ?

I believe this is one load Skeeter favored.


Regards,
357Mag

[Char-Gar]

I load either a 150 grain (SAECO/Cramer N0.12) SWC or Lyman 358156 HP over 7.5/AA5. This gives 1,150 fps out of my 4" Smith and Wesson Heavy Duty. The pressures is about 24.5K CUP. Too much for a K frame, but easy on a big N frame.

With either bullet, it is an accurate load.

[9.3X62AL]

Jeez-o, Catshooter......13.5 grains of 2400 under Lyman #358156 in a 357 case equals the velocity in the 158 JHP/357 factory loads my agency authorizes--about 1200-1225 FPS from my 4" 686.

[Catshooter]

Al,

Yep. I said it kicked a bit, I wasn't even lying that time. :)


Cat