C429-240-SWC (Keith, GC) top loads?

[JohndeFresno]

Hello, all.

I can't find any specific load data for this gas check round, apparently a favorite with the .44-40 crowd, as it would apply to a .44 Magnum loading.

The cast bullet is a C429-240-SWC (Keith, gas checked) sized to .452, approximate BHN 11.

I am hoping that I can get around 1,000 fps without leading. Given that "every firearm is different," I am hoping for some ballpark load ideas with which to work up a good load. My cylinder throats are all uniformly reamed to accommodate this .452 bullet, but I don't know how effective the gas check is in combination with the rather soft alloy.

Does anybody have a pet load? Can you get around 950-1,000 fps without leading?

[stubshaft]

How do you size a .429" boolit to .452"?

The nominal diameter for the 44-40 was/is .427"

[GARCIA]

Now that is a new take on sizeing!

Tom

[Larry Gibson]

Must really be reefing on the sizer handle!

johdefresno

Your post makes no sense at all, no offense intended. The title wants "top end loads" with "Keith GC" thrown in which means 1400 fps or so and then you say "950-1000 fps". Then you're talking a .44 cal bullet of .429 - .431 and you sized at .452 with cylinder throats the same .452???????

Larry Gibson

[JohndeFresno]

In the words of Steve Urkel - "Did I say that?"

Gents, thank you for being so light-hearted and kind with your answers! I have no idea why I talked about my .45 Colt when I was dealing with my .44 Mag six-shooters. I must have had some problems or lack of sleep that day. And for some reason I missed the notification that there were replies; thus this late re-post.

My question is for a .429 load in a .429 handgun - a Taurus 6" and my Ruger 10.5" SA silhouette six-shooter. I have the boolits as stated above, but despite my best efforts (including an extensive search on LoadData.com), I have found nothing for this particular round.

The Lee book (2nd Edition), of course, just lists "240 Lead bullet" loads without respect to a more precise load range.

So - disregarding the confusing entry about the .45, do you have any load parameters to share?

[MT Gianni]

You will find nothing for that particular boolit nor almost all of Lee's designs. Measure the length to crimp groove of the bullet and compare it to the Ray Thompson designed Ly 429244 gc. Use data for that or if the weight i similar carefully work up a load with LY 429421 data. Many people call a swc a Keith type bullet when a lot of designers employed the swc.

[JohndeFresno]

Excellent advice, Mr. Gianni! Thank you.