reloading dies for 44 Colt ?

[CaptainCrossman]

I reloaded about 25 rounds of 44 Colt today, using Lee 44 Russian dies from Midway USA, and a 30-30 shell holder. It got the job done, but I'm wondering if there's a better way.

Online there's a page stating 44 Special/44 Magnum reloading dies will work if they will come down far enough to seat bullet in the shorter 44 Colt case.

Has anyone here reloaded using this method ?

dedicated 44 Colt dies are crazy expensive at Midway.

any help appreciated.

[mazo kid]

You must be reloading original cases? I have a repro Open Top Colt in 44 Colt and I just use shortened 44 Spl brass for mine, and a shortened 44 Spl seater die. I don't see your problem in using the 44 Russian dies/30-30 S/H, looks to me like that should work just as well as a dedicated die set.

[sviolett]

I also reload .44 colt BP. And that is what you have to do. Use the die's for the 44 Spec but the other shell holder. I have one just for the .44 Colt and one set for .44 Russion and one for .44 special and I never cross them.

[Grapeshot]

I reloaded about 25 rounds of 44 Colt today, using Lee 44 Russian dies from Midway USA, and a 30-30 shell holder. It got the job done, but I'm wondering if there's a better way.

Online there's a page stating 44 Special/44 Magnum reloading dies will work if they will come down far enough to seat bullet in the shorter 44 Colt case.

Has anyone here reloaded using this method ?

dedicated 44 Colt dies are crazy expensive at Midway.

any help appreciated.


When I was shooting the .44 Colt I purchased a set of RCBS .44 Coyboy Dies that allow you to reload .44 Russian, .44 Colt, .44 Special and the .44 Magnum. I used the .41 Magnum Shell holder and Starline Brass.

I was using the rounds in a M1875 Remington Repro and used a Lyman 240 Grain RN and Their .44 Cowboy 240 gr RNFP to duplicate the .44 Remington load. I also filled the case to the mouth and compressed the powder until I could seat tose big bullets.