44 Magnum, MP-Molds; 432-256 v/s 432-640

[Onty]

Gearing up for reloading again 44 Magnum. Now, the bullet. In term of accuracy for general shooting, especially on longer ranges like 100 yds/meters, what would be better choice, (MP-Molds) 432-256 (260 grains solid) or 432-640 (270 grains solid)?

267146 267147

I would like to load at about 1100 fps, max 1200 fps, and would appreciate suggestion for powder and weight.

Thanks!

[kungfustyle]

Ether will get you there. Both are good molds/boolits. It is hard to beat the Keith design, it has been a favorite in the 44 for more than 70 years. My avatar is my blackhawk with my Lyman 429422 with a 50 yard target. Those travel right at 1200 fps with either 2400 or H110. If you have both molds cast some up and load the starting load for each and take a trip to the range. The gun will tell you what it likes. If you are looking at purchasing the mold, Keith for pistols (mold on the left) the other(mold on the right) for a rifle.

[Mal Paso]

I have both but my 432-640 is a hollowpoint. I got 10 silhouette pigs with the deep cup. For solid I would go with the H&G 503 clone, the 432-256.

I run them both about 1300 fps from 4" barrels with 20g of 2400.

[Onty]

Thanks! Will use those loads in 44 Magnum stainless Ruger SBH 5.5" converted to Bisley, and Ruger SBH 7.5". As a matter of fact, quite possible I could have somewhere 432-256, 4 cavity brass, solid. If so, I will try 432-256 to see how it works. If I do not get accuracy I want, will purchase 432-640, most likely aluminum molds.

SBH/Bisley 5.5" is backup revolver while going on wild boars. SBH 7.5" do not have yet, trying to pry off a stainless one. I would like to have it for a fun, long range shooting. I do have Redhawk 7.5", just too heavy, prefer SA lately. I ques shift comes with the age ;).

[KVO]

I have both designs in HP PB form. Both are excellent designs though I found the 432-256 (#503 clone) slightly more accurate. Shooting out of a 6" 629 and a 7.5" Super Blackhawk Hunter. I would part with neither but if I could have only one 44 mold it would be the #503.

[KVO]

Benched SBHH with 4x LER scope. #503, 18.3gr Alliant 2400, 6 shots at 25yd. I can't do this every time on command but that bullet sure tries to make me look good.

267189

[onelight]

Benched SBHH with 4x LER scope. #503, 18.3gr Alliant 2400, 6 shots at 25yd. I can't do this every time on command but that bullet sure tries to make me look good.

267189
Nice group !

[Shuz]

Benched SBHH with 4x LER scope. #503, 18.3gr Alliant 2400, 6 shots at 25yd. I can't do this every time on command but that bullet sure tries to make me look good.

267189

Nice group! What does it measure?

[KVO]

267246
Shuz, about 0.725". Some of those are prime candidates for "Ye Olde Gun Writer's Tricke" of covering up the flyer with the gun for the photo. I tend to shoot two cylinders full at a minimum to verify the load. For sure there was some luck with the 7.5gr CFE load on the bottom left as I shot that with a 6" open sighted 629 and the fact is my eyes just aren't that good. I can promise more shots and the group woukd end up bigger and rounder. Note all were PC. The 432-640 is a good design, but the #503 just edges it out in the accuracy department for me. Obviously it would also be more likely to feed in a lever gun.