240 or 265 grain

old pipefitter · Apr 14, 2018

I'm looking at loading some reduced .44 mag loads or even to .44 special levels. I cant decide whether to use 240 grain swc or a 265 grain Keith style bullet. They will be shot from mostly 4 inch .44 mags. I haven't shot a lot of cast bullets thru these and wondering what you .44 fans like. thanks in advance of any recommendations

rockquarry · Apr 14, 2018

You'll have to try them both if you're serious about accuracy. You don't mention hardness or diameter. These factors can make a tremendous difference in how well a load shoots. Also consider, particularly with the heavy bullet, will there be enough rear sight adjustment to bring the bullet down to where you want it at whatever range you will be shooting? Often, these heavy bullets shoot too high for the amount of adjustment available.

bubbajoe45 · Apr 14, 2018

Agree with Rock Quarry. Depending on the velocity you want, you should be sure that the SWC bullet you select won't leave you with leading in the barrel (which is a PITA to clean out). I often use the Skeeter load in .44 Spl (7.5 grns Unique with 240-255 grn cast bullet). I find that Hornady's cast 240 SWC-HP is on the soft side (esp. if I push that up to 7.7 grns). There is lot of velocity 'overlap' between .44 Spl and .44 Mags. Here is an older thread that may help you:

Brinell level vs. velocity guidelines

I like Matt's Bullets - he carries three Keith-style bullets and knows his business well. I have found him a very helpful resource - tell him what you're loading and he will inform you of the Brinell hardness and give some velocity references towards avoiding leading.

Joe4d · Apr 14, 2018

get bulk coated cast bullets from Missouri bullets, Bayou bullets , BBI,,,
The newer coated bullets work great, Send out fast as you want.
I shoot coated MO 158 gr SWC in a 357 at 1350 fps, then wipe my barrel out with a patch.
But far as your question.. Id run 240's just kinda the standard for a 44

Warren Sear · Apr 14, 2018

There is a current trend toward heavier bullets in all calibers and for all shooting, but for reduced loads in a 44 caliber, I would be looking at a 200 grain (or there about) lead (non jacketed) semi-wad cutter bullet of one type or another. I would find a load that provides about 900 fps velocity. Unique would be a great powder for this application.

Amp · Apr 14, 2018

Loaded lots of 200 gr Hornady because my gun liked it. Plus I mostly target shot and emptied water bottles.

BC38 · Apr 14, 2018

Warren Sear said:
There is a current trend toward heavier bullets in all calibers and for all shooting, but for reduced loads in a 44 caliber, I would be looking at a 200 grain (or there about) lead (non jacketed) semi-wad cutter bullet of one type or another. I would find a load that provides about 900 fps velocity. Unique would be a great powder for this application.

Ditto this, though I like 200gr lead RNFP myself.

dhom · Apr 15, 2018

old pipefitter said:
I'm looking at loading some reduced .44 mag loads or even to .44 special levels. I cant decide whether to use 240 grain swc or a 265 grain Keith style bullet. They will be shot from mostly 4 inch .44 mags. I haven't shot a lot of cast bullets thru these and wondering what you .44 fans like. thanks in advance of any recommendations

If you want 44 Special velocity, I would go with swaged bullets from Speer or Hornady. [240 gr ]These are very soft. If you want velocities near 1000fps look for a BHN of 12.

daniel lawecki · Apr 15, 2018

I shot 250 grain cast with Titegroup and really can't count how many. But like the OP said above pick the right hardness and size and enjoy. Happy shooting

shocker · Apr 15, 2018

For my L frame 44 I have gone to lighter bullets. 200 gr FPRN from Penn Bullets. Premium alloy can be pushed to full 44 mag velocities, for 44 special loads the Target alloy is safer on steel targets. 6 gr of AA 2 gives a velocity of around 900 fps.

stykshooter · Apr 15, 2018

I shoot the Acme coated 240 grain SWC out of my 69 with a charge of Unique that gives me 950 fps. Insanely accurate out to 50 yards.

old pipefitter · Apr 15, 2018

thanks for the replies. now to find some bullets online

Protocall_Design · Apr 15, 2018

You didn't tell us what type of shooting and what distances you want to do. Is this for steel targets at 15 yd., paper at 50, bullseye, PPC, casual plinking, etc.

silentflyer · Apr 15, 2018

" I often use the Skeeter load in .44 Spl (7.5 grns Unique with 240-255 grn cast bullet)"

Hard to go wrong with a Skeeter load

RobertJ. · Apr 15, 2018

My "go to" target load for the .44 Mag has become Rimrock Bullet's 200 gr DEWC, with 6.4 gr. 800X. It's accurate in all my .44 Magnums.

Benchrest1 · Apr 16, 2018

+1 on the Skeeter load.

elpac3 · Apr 16, 2018

I have shot the Rim Rock 200 grain DEWC for targets and their 260 grain SWC for hotter loads. Run the 260 about 1000 fps using Unique. Nice shooting load in my M29, 4"

Have also use the Bayou bullets 215 SWC with 231 for target work running about 840 fps.

240 or 265 grain

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