Need loads for 44 Special

[Art in Colorado]

Starting to work up some loads for the 44 Special to be used in my Ruger Bisley Flat Top. I will be loading a 200 Gr Laser Cast. Looking for around 900 fps using both Tite Group and Unique. I really need to get some new reloading manuals. Any info would be appreciated'

Art

[Outpost75]

I recently had Larry Gibson pressure-test a load for me, for a full-charge load with Bullseye powder and Accurate 43-206H

255400

Depending upon barrel length and cylinder gap 6 grains of Alliant Bullseye is very close to what you want, within reasonable safe pressures and is a very accurate and satisfactory load. Hopefully Larry can chime in with the specific test data. With TiteGroup I would start at 5 grains and work up to approach 6 grains for similar results.

[Boogieman]

Hodgdons online data shows 4,5gr,start to 5.4 gr, of Titegroup with a 200gr, cast bullet

[stubshaft]

Skeeters load of 7.5 Unique gives me 905 fps and good accuracy out of my Lipsey.255433

[monge]

unique start at 7gr mine likes 7.9 with lee 214gr

[Thumbcocker]

Love those grips.

[Larry Gibson]

I recently had Larry Gibson pressure-test a load for me, for a full-charge load with Bullseye powder and Accurate 43-206H

255400

Depending upon barrel length and cylinder gap 6 grains of Alliant Bullseye is very close to what you want, within reasonable safe pressures and is a very accurate and satisfactory load. Hopefully Larry can chime in with the specific test data. With TiteGroup I would start at 5 grains and work up to approach 6 grains for similar results.

As outpost 75 says the 6 gr Bullseye load under the 43-206H or under the Lee 429-200-RF has proven to be an excellent load in the 44 SPL. The pressure (pressure measured via an Oehler M43 and Contender test barrel) will run right at 14,000 psi +/-. The velocity range will be close to what you want in your revolver and accuracy should prove excellent. TiteGroup is close to Bullseye in burn rate and the 5 - 6 range Outpost75 mentions is what I would try also.

While Unique will get the 200 gr bullet out of the barrel at the low velocity you want the pressure will be very low and it will not obturate the cases to seal the chambers. Resulting in not the best accuracy and a dirty burn. Just not enough bullet mass with the 200 gr bullets. As stubshaft mentions it is an excellent choice for use with 240 - 255 gr "Keith" type cast bullets.

Lastly; if the 200 gr hardcast commercial Laser Cast bullets give you leading simple TL them with a light coat of LLA, let dry thoroughly and then load them. I have shot thousands of Laser Cast bullets in various cartridges including their 200 gr 44 bullets with negligible or no leading when the bullets have been lubed with LLA.

[Art in Colorado]

As outpost 75 says the 6 gr Bullseye load under the 43-206H or under the Lee 429-200-RF has proven to be an excellent load in the 44 SPL. The pressure (pressure measured via an Oehler M43 and Contender test barrel) will run right at 14,000 psi +/-. The velocity range will be close to what you want in your revolver and accuracy should prove excellent. TiteGroup is close to Bullseye in burn rate and the 5 - 6 range Outpost75 mentions is what I would try also.

While Unique will get the 200 gr bullet out of the barrel at the low velocity you want the pressure will be very low and it will not obturate the cases to seal the chambers. Resulting in not the best accuracy and a dirty burn. Just not enough bullet mass with the 200 gr bullets. As stubshaft mentions it is an excellent choice for use with 240 - 255 gr "Keith" type cast bullets.

Lastly; if the 200 gr hardcast commercial Laser Cast bullets give you leading simple TL them with a light coat of LLA, let dry thoroughly and then load them. I have shot thousands of Laser Cast bullets in various cartridges including their 200 gr 44 bullets with negligible or no leading when the bullets have been lubed with LLA.

Going to show my ignorance Larry. What is LLA? Also, thank you for the info.

Art

[Outpost75]

Going to show my ignorance Larry. What is LLA? Also, thank you for the info.

Art

I'm not Larry, but Lee Liquid Alox.

[rintinglen]

+1pn the Lee Liquid alox advice. I was having grief with leading from store bought hard-cast boolits leading, but a light coating of LLA or 45/45/10 liquid made leading history for me. I would use Red Dot or promo, with the same 5.0-6.0 grain range as suggested for the Bullseye, and Titegroup loads above. Be prepared for excellent accuracy if you choose any of them.

[jrayborn]

I do the same exact thing with Laser Cast bullets and LLA. Works beautifully.

[lotech]

I've used 6 gr. Bullseye with the 200 grain SAECO flat nose. Good load and reasonably accurate, but I've found 7.5 grs. Herco to be slightly more accurate though muzzle velocity is a little less.