RCBS 44-200-fn

[Bazoo]

I purchased a used RCBS 44-200-FN off the forum here a while back. I finally got it cleaned up and tested. It casts .428 bullets. I was hoping for more like .430+.

So my question, did RCBS offer this one in more than one diameter? It’s listed in my RCBS manual in 44 special data.

Second question. Is that too much to of a difference to lap? I’d really like to get .431

I’ve lapped a few, but not that much. Mostly just to clean them up or fix a sticky cavity.

Should I sell it or keep it?

[ABJ]

I have given up on Lyman and RCBS molds with my 2-4-94 alloy, so I would sell it and call Tom at Accurate and order what you want the size you want it.
Don't get me wrong the RCBS molds makes great boolits and I love casting with them but they have all thrown smaller boolits with the softer alloys a lot of us are using these days.
Tony

[AnthonyB]

I looked at that design once but found it was specced at .428. I love that bullet in 45 for the ACP and would order one if you get Tom to make it!
Tony

[Mr Peabody]

I had that mold too. It dropped like you say yours does. You might pc the diameter to what you want, if you don't want to do that sell it.

[Maven]

Bazoo, Is it possible that the mould was intended for the .44-40?

[Walks]

Yep,
That mold is for the .44-40, it has a book diameter of .428 mine drops at .429 with 50/50 - COWW/#2. PC makes it .430, 2 coats make it .431dia.
If You really need a bigger diameter, then sell it off. And buy something that will drop bigger.
Or work with a harder alloy and double PC.

[Bazoo]

I appreciate the replies. I’m thinking it over. Moneys tight at the moment, and I have the mould in hand and all needed to lap it. I might give it a go.

My other RCBS mounds all drop a good size. The 44s drop at .431+

I wonder why RCBS lists the 44-200-fn in the 44spl data? Seems odd.

I’d considered powder coat, but I’m not into it yet. I really don’t have a spot for it right now. I was planning on setting up and doing it outside sometime in the nicer months.

[Outpost75]

Are you shooting this in a revolver or rifle? Have you measured cylinder throats, chamber neck diameter and barrel groove diameter? Are you sure that you really need a .428 bullet? I get best results in my 1905 Colt SA, 1920 Colt New Service, original 1892 Winchester, Spanish El Tigre as well as my modern Pietta and Uberti .44-40s shooting .430 bullets in ALL of them, using 1 to 30 tin-lead from Roto Metals with 6.5 grains of Bullseye. I shoot the same bullet with 7.5 grains of Bullseye as a "medium velocity" load in my .44 Magnum snub with Accurate 43-206H.

[Bazoo]

I’m going to shoot it out of a flattop Blackhawk initially. My cylinder throats are something in the order of .431+ I purchased it not knowing it was small, as it’s listed for 44 special in my RCBS manual.

[Savvy Jack]

I’m going to shoot it out of a flattop Blackhawk initially. My cylinder throats are something in the order of .431+ I purchased it not knowing it was small, as it’s listed for 44 special in my RCBS manual.

Check the bore too. There is nothing like a .430 chamber with a .427 cylinder throat and a .430 bore

[Bazoo]

My bore is .4295 best I recall.

[lotech]

I've sent several moulds to Eric Ohlen and he opened them up. That's been a few years ago but maybe he still offers this service.

[Bazoo]

Hmm, I’ll keep that in mind.