Tough choices to make a 44 feel Special...

[That'll Do]

Hello all–

I've been playing around with target/plinking loads for my 44 Special Blackhawk (Lipsey's) using the RCBS 44-250-K boolit.

I've had success with Red Dot, Bullseye, Unique and HS-6 (and pretty much all the powders I've tried–the 44 Special is easy to load for, in my opinion).

The point of my post is that I'm looking for a lighter boolit, and I've been looking at the Lyman 429215 (210gr SWC-GC), Saeco 446 (200gr FN) and the Lee 429-200-RF (200gr FN). I'm leaning toward the Lee or Saeco mold (similar shape, and I don't need the GC that 429215 has).

Does anyone have experience with any of the molds I listed in 44 Special? ANy suggestions? I suppose I could design my own boolit at Mountain Molds, if need be. My concern with the Lee mold is that it has a teenie-weenie crimp groove, practically non-existent.

[Caveape]

If you like the profile of the 429215, but don't want a GC, why don't you ream off the GC part of the mold to cast a plain base?

FWIW,

Caveape

[Glen]

Yup, lighter bullets work just fine in the .44 Special. For a few details, check out:

http://www.lasc.us/Fryxell44SpecialRevisited.htm

[9.3X62AL]

Thank you for sharing that article, Glen. I might have to press some of the SAECO #446s into service with the 44 Special in the near future. My Special is a S&W M-624 x 6.5", but that's no handicap. #429421 has taken 95% of its range time since I got the revolver, with Skeeter's Load predominating.

[That'll Do]

Thanks for the link to the article, Glen.
Time to go mold shopping!

Removing the gas check from the 429215 is also a good idea.

[Calamity Jake]

I use the Saeco 446 in my M24 Smith a RRH 44 mag and a Uberti 44-40 lever gun, it shoots great.

Samples if you want some.

[9.3X62AL]

SAECO #446 landed here originally for use in a wide-bodied (.429") 44-40 WCF carbine, and it has done very well in that role. Its castings fall free @ .431", so they are eminently qualified for use in the S&W 624 (.431") and the Redhawk (.430").

[Bucks Owin]

This bullet did this at 140 yards...http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a356/BucksOwin/ebay-1.jpghttp://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a356/BucksOwin/12db6a09-1.jpg

[Dframe]

I've been using light 44 bullets for many years. My favorite is a 200 grain RNFP with a fairly large meplat. I've also used an old lyman full wadcutter that comes out at about 180 grains. All shot exceptionally well, though the wadcutter is best kept to shorter ranges due to its velocity losing shape.