.28-30 Stevens Smokless Load

[slumlord44]

Need load on the light end for Stevens 44. 150 grain cast bullet, Rocky Mountain brass. Informal target shooting and possibly small game.

[RPRNY]

A grand old woodchuck killer, and Maj Ned Roberts favorite. I would want to try Trail Boss. Load to bullet base - no compression - weigh, back off 10% for your start load. No compression with TB as it can pressure spike.

For published smokeless loads:

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?108359-28-30-120

[justashooter]

"Cartridges of the World" lists a 135 gr. lead bullet over 17 grs. of IMR4198 for a muzzle velocity of 1,500 fps.
Under the same bullet, 28 grs. of FG black powder will give it 1,410 fps.
The proper bullet is Lyman 285222 or 285228. You may be able to find an old mould on an internet auction site.
Do not use jacketed bullets in the old rifles, as they will wear the bore.
12.5 of IMR 4227 is also a commonly used load.

[slumlord44]

I don't cast my own bullets. 150 was all I could find commercially so far at any kind of reasonable price. The original factory bullet was 120 grain and I have found loading data for 135-140 grain bullets. Still looking for a source for lighter bullets. Have 150 grain coming from Western Bullets. Thanks for the heads up on jacketed bullets. I am aware of the potential problems with jacketed bullets in the old guns. I also need to stay on the conservative side with the 44 action. My 44 1/2's are a lot stouter than the 44.