i'm new to reloading and want to start reloading 44 russian for my s&w 1st model da 44 russian, i've looked around on the net and there's not much info on it. Anyone have any loads to try.

thanks

Speer Number 13 manual has .44 Russian data but it is all for smokeless powders. They were developed in a Cimarron SAA clone and are "for modern firearms only." They are all under 15,500 c.u.p.

The .44 D.A. Russians were based on the Number 3. I don't know if any smokeless powder would be safe in them.

I haven't used Trail Boss but their website gives some mild loads using their powder.

http://www.imrpowder.com/data/handgu...ss-feb2005.php

Loading for an original, I think the only recommendations you will hear are using black powder or one of the substitutes. I load and shoot quite a bit of 44 Russian for SASS, but so far it has been smokeless. I want to do black, but I just haven't gotten around to it.

I'm loading it to simulate the 44 Henry RF, so I use a 210gr RNFP boolit. For an original S&W, you want to use a 245-250gr RN lead boolit, so the sights are on.

Ordered a RCBS .44 Russian/Special seater/crimp die several years ago. I Load Hodgdon 777, APP, Goex BP, and several smokeless powders in the little cases and they open new doors for old revolvers.

I would worry a little about using Hodgdon 777 because it's on the hot side but the Trail Boss loads are very low pressure. I would think Trail Boss is the way to go.

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My first thought would have been a 240 gr. RNFP seated to the crimp groove, to lightly compress a case full of FFg or FFFg. You'll almost certainly get less than 26 gr. in there, so will be under orig. spec.

Larry