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Old 03-14-2011, 11:59 AM
Hovnnes Hovnnes is offline
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Default 44 WC molds

I'd like to expand my repertoire of cast 44s to include wadcutters. These will be for "gentle" target loads in both Special and Magnum cases. The moulds I'd be most likely to run into are the 200 grain Saeco 944 and the 180 grain Lyman 429348 and so I was wondering between these two moulds, which should get "the nod" as to being the most accurate in S&W revolvers?

The Saeco is available new while the Lyman may take some searching.

I've read that the Saeco will tumble past 25 yards(?)

I'd be grateful for any opinions.
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Old 03-14-2011, 12:28 PM
McShooty McShooty is offline
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I bought some 180-gr DEWC that did not do well in my 624, but I am not sure if they were from the Lyman mold. I would surely think the SAECOs could be stabilized with the proper powder charge and hardness.
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Old 03-14-2011, 12:36 PM
Dale53 Dale53 is offline
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I have a Group Buy 200 gr dbl ended W/C for my .44 Specials. I have not shot either the Lyman or the Saeco W/C. However, from extensive experience with .38 W/C's plus my experience with my .44 wadcutter I would seriously doubt that either the Lyman or Saeco will "tumble past 25 yards". It is true that W/C bullets become unstable sometime after 50 yards (mostly somewhere around 60-75 yards) but every one I have used has given me stellar accuracy at 25 and 50 yards (with a good gun, good bullets, and proper loads, of course).

W/C's have the advantage of taking up "excess" case space when shooting light loads and giving full value on the target. Semi Wad cutters, as exemplified by the various Keith bullets, cut clean holes in paper and game, and give accuracy WAY-Y-Y out there (several hundred yards) but are generally heavier than most W/C bullets and give a bit more recoil.

Frankly, I use my W/C bullets to show me at a glance I have light loads in those cases. Our indoor range has velocity limitations due to a "soft" backstop and I do NOT want to shoot heavy loads inside possibly damaging our back stop. The W/C loads give instant identification for me to insure I don't shoot prohibited loads indoors in error.

Regarding the two choices (Lyman or Saeco) I would pick up the first one that showed itself at a decent price and never look back. I think either will work just fine for you. On the other hand, the various custom mold makers might just run a W/C for you within a couple of weeks that would exceed your expectations.

Accurate molds have been getting rave reviews on the Cast Boolit Forum:

Accurate Molds: Custom Bullet Molds

Delivery time is two weeks. His brass moulds are near works of art.

The cast boolit forum always has a number of group buys going on (of various bullet styles) but that requires a wait time. On the other hand, my NOE and Mihec molds group buys are as good as they get in this lifetime...

Dale53
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