Encore 44 Mag

[rt2bowhunter]

I have a 10"barrel. I have been trying to shoot 255gr cast performance bullets.
Using CCI Mag primers and h110. I called CP and got load data. Here's whats going on. My last load of 23gr 23.5 is max. The first 3 shots were great then next were way off like 3" off one right and one left. I have not tried max because my barrel is getting very leaded i think. I'm getting a lot of lead when i clean. Now bare in mind this is the first time i have shot or loaded cast.
If this helps after i shot the load above. I shot a 5 shot group with jacked bullets they were all great no flyers.
Thanks for any help

[canyon-ghost]

You might be pushing the lead too fast. Try cleaning with mineral spirits and brushes. Everybody ought to own nylon for everyday and bronze for the tough stuff.

Check your twist rate, as opposed to other makes, say Smith & Wesson. In my TCs, I like to work for accuracy, not velocity. You can fire a lead bullet on a lot less powder because it's more flexible and seals better. Gas Checks will help you out too. When you boost lead too fast, the plain base wants to lead worse, a gas checked bullet puts the force farther forward onto the middle driving bands.

Good Luck,
Ron

[LUCKYDAWG13]

my Encore and Contender both shoot good no leading with a 250gr G/C cast boolits using CCI mag primers and H110 and 2400 for my Encore i size to .431 my Contender likes .430 i use carnuba red
lube made by white label lube

what are you boolits sized too

[canyon-ghost]

Same here, 2400 and Carnuba Red.

[Blammer]

what does your barrel slug and what size are your cast boolits?

[chboats]

Are you buying your boolits or are you casting your own? If you are buying them, the are probably sized at .429. Most 44s like .430-.432 boolits. As canyon-ghost said go for accuracy first. Back off your load and work up.

Carl

[rt2bowhunter]

The box says .430 that's the way i shot them.I'm pretty sure there lubed may need more i don't know.I started at 20gr and worked up. CP said to start at 22gr. To be honest 20gr worked best.But from what i have read loading H110 to light is dangers. So i bailed on the 20gr load. But if you think its safe. I have cleaned the barrel with a brush and butch's.
I have been loading for 20+ years. But have never slugged anything. How is the best way to do it.

[Larry Gibson]

Revolver loads are many times pushing cast bullets too fast for best accuracy in Contenders.

Yours is to heavy a load for that PB'd cast in a 10" Contender, been there done that with mine. Your load is probably pushing 1550+ fps which a bit much for the PB'd bullet, especially if it has any sort of bevel on the base. You need to switch to another powder like 2400 and start at 16 gr and work up to a velocity of 1350 - 1450 fps where accuracy should still be very good. Keith's load of 22 gr 2400 will also be pushing 1550 fps out of your Contender and accuracy probably won't be good either with that load.

Or just go with 9 gr of Unique for a very pleasant 1150 fps or so and probably very good accuracy. Some Contenders do better with 8.5 gr at a little less velocity though.

If you want to push maximum magnum cast bullet loads in the Contender then a GC'd cast bullet is best and will perform as well as jacketed.

Larry Gibson

[rt2bowhunter]

That 9gr's or so of Unique sounds nice. I have read a lot of people use the 2400 and like it.
I was wanting to hog hunt with it next week. I might run out and get some 2400 or Unique.
Thanks Guys

[Rico1950]

rt, measure those .430" boolits. I've bought CP boolits before I cast everything and they usually were .431", even though the box read .430".

[rt2bowhunter]

Yep there .431