Need help with .44 special and LWC's.

[Hammerhead]

New guy here, I hope this is the right spot.
I should be getting my S&W 624 back from S&W this coming week. Bought it on Gunbroker, and it had some issues including being subject to recall for bad cylinder steel.

Anyhow, I have a 240 grain SWC load ready, but I need help with a WC load. I have a batch of .430" 185 grain DEWC's from Penn, but can't find any data other than AA data for 190 WC's at Handloads.com.
I would like to use powders on hand as I'm laid off for the summer.
I have Clays, Universal, HP-38. I could swing a pound of powder if there's a powder that really stands out here.

I don't want to try to extrapolate data from 185 LRN or SWC data.

I'm looking at 3.5 grains of Clays as a starter, and working up to 750 fps or so. I have access to a chrono for a few more weeks.

Any and all advice would be appreciated, as I'm new to the .44 Special and have limited experience with cast bullets.

Thanks, John.

[Ben]

John :

I realize that you've said that you don't want to try to extrapolate data from 185 LRN or SWC data, but the pressures in this load are going to be pretty mild. I think it would work fine.

The difference in pressures using LRNFP and your W/C using a powder charge like 3.5 grs. of Clays in a cartridge like the 44 Spec should not create any kinds of problems for you.

Watch the outside of your cases , it they are sooted and blackened, it will be an indication that instead of your pressures being too high , that they are too low because the charge isn't generating enough pressure to blow the case walls out tight against the cylinder walls to make a good seal, allowing gases to flow backwards around the cartridge brass.

Ben


Here is 44 Special data from Hodgdon

185gr. Cast LRNFP Hodgdon Clays 3.5 grs. 810 fps

[Hammerhead]

I should specify that these will be deep seated full wadcutter loads.
OAL will be a short 1.250"

[Ben]

Deep seating can and will change pressures.
If you are deep seating, just to be on the safe side, drop the charge to 3.0 grs. of Clays and start there.

Ben

[Rocky Raab]

This was shot from a Ruger flattop at 25 yards recently. It uses a commercially-cast bevel-base 215 SWC but it gives you an idea what Clays can do in the 44 Special...

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c170/RockyRaab/IMG_3200.jpg

[Hammerhead]

Fantastic, thanks guys.
I'll start with 3.0 Clays and work up to a clean load, I would imagine that will happen before I reach 800 fps.
Those bullets are as wide as they are long, I'm sure they'll shoot well at low speeds.

[kelbro]

The HP38 will work well too.

[bobthenailer]

I have the Saeco #944 200 gr wc in the 44 special loaded to crimp grove & taper crimped
hp-38 / 231 start load 5.5 grs
BE or Tight group start load 5.0 gr