Looking for a Lightweight, non-WC .44 caliber bullet

[35 Whelen]

I'm getting into CAS and would like a lighter-weight bullet to save on lead. NOE makes a pointy 142 gr., but they show it only in 2 cavity. Accurate moulds make a 165 gr. but it's a bit pricey. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
35W

[subsonic]

Go to mountainmolds.com or Accuratemolds.com and design your own.

Just copy a wadcutter and put a little nose on it.

[theperfessor]

The lightest .44 bullet I've tried is the Lee 200 gr RF. it works pretty well in .44 Special. Probably not light enough for you but the molds are reasonably priced. Also have a Saeco 200 TC in .44 that works as well but the mold was a little pricier.

[Shuz]

I have an early aluminum 4C NEI 178-429 that Walt Melander made. I haven't cast with it for over 20 years, so I'll make it available to a reasonable offer.

[ReloaderFred]

I use the Magma 185 gr. TCFP bullet for light loads in the .44. This bullet shape should feed fine through a lever action rifle, too.

Hope this helps.

Fred

[I'll Make Mine]

There's always round ball -- .440 is a standard muzzle loading size, and could be sized to give you a little "belt" for drive and crimp.

[palmettosunshine]

I second the vote for the 200 gr LEE. I cast mine with straight WW, air cool and tumble lube. I don't size, just load as cast. Great accuracy and light recoil from my 3" Charter Arms Bulldog over a small charge of Trail Boss. I tried the 160 FP from Hunters Supply and couldn't get acceptable accuracy.

[longbow]

I asked Tom to scale down his #45-165C to .44 so he made up the #43-165B for me. I am using it in an 1894 Marlin and really like it. Haven't tried it in a handgun.

It is a terrific mold and well worth the price in my view.

Also, I will second the 0.440" RB. I have done the same as I'll Make Mine and sized to 0.434" with good results in the Marlin... over light loads of Unique. It didn't seem to like anything over 10 grs. but I didn't play much.

Longbow

[35 Whelen]

I asked Tom to scale down his #45-165C to .44 so he made up the #43-165B for me. I am using it in an 1894 Marlin and really like it. Haven't tried it in a handgun.

It is a terrific mold and well worth the price in my view.

Also, I will second the 0.440" RB. I have done the same as I'll Make Mine and sized to 0.434" with good results in the Marlin... over light loads of Unique. It didn't seem to like anything over 10 grs. but I didn't play much.

Longbow


Excellent!!! Now......who's Tom?

35W

[PbHurler]

Tom at Accurate Molds

Look here:
http://www.accuratemolds.com/catalog.php?page=5

Tom's a super guy, and produces some damn fine molds IMO
BTW, the turn-around time (for me at least) was 1/4 of what is stated on his website!

[bobthenailer]

I use the Saeco #420 200gr TC bullet for 99% of my 44 mag shooting . it has worked well in at least 7 different 44 mags with BE or TG powder for loads from 800 to 1,000 fps with those powders and higher velocties with slower burning powders.

[subsonic]

Shhhh!! If you guys keep telling how great Tom's molds are and how quick he is and how cheap he is, we are going to have to wait longer for our molds! :-)

[35 Whelen]

Yep, I'd already spotted the 43-165C. My question is this: If Lee can make a .452" 160 gr. mould, shouldn't a .430", 150 or 155 gr. mould be possible?

35W

[Nobade]

Yep. Hornady .433" round balls. Coated with tumble lube and loaded light they work great in revolvers.

Remember boolits that light need shorter front sights to go along with them if you want to hit where you're aiming.

[longbow]

If you want lighter than 165 gr. try this:

http://noebulletmolds.com/orders/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=37&products_id=67

and sorry, I should have mentioned Accurate Molds. Not everyone knows who Tom is.

I have been thinking about one of these myself but pointy and tube magazines don't go together too well. It would be single load or maybe one in the chamber and one in the magazine.

Maybe I should get me a revolving carbine!

Longbow