Jacketed vs Lead in 44 HE 2nd Model?

[tom32]

I suspect I know the answer to this but would seek input to help guide me. I recently picked up a 44 HE 2nd Model that I am planning on reloading for.
Near as I can tell, it was made in 1917. I was wondering about the effects that jacketed bullets may have on the bore. I have a large quantity of 200 gr jhps that I would like to use if possible.
I would normally think that I should stick with lead but then I look at the large number of 1917 45 ACP guns that are launching 230 fmj's and it seems counterintuitive to me.
As far as lead, I was thinking of something a 200 gr RNFP in the BH 12 range at 800 fps or so to start with.
Any insight would be appreciated.

[tinkerunique]

Both will work. I have one of the "old ones' too and am careful with it. Lead will have a bit slower velocity as jacketed fits tighter and has higher barrel pressure for the SAME powder charge. I reload too and my 'target loads' feel like a .38. My hunting and home-defense loads feel like 'an angry old .44'. Historically speaking, the .44 Spl is a rifle cartridge.

[alwslate]

Older S&W manuals included with a new revolver carried the warning
that jacketed bullets would wear the bore much faster than lead would.

[Maximumbob54]

Isn't the rifling in the old 1917's different for the .45 ACP hardball ammo? I've been told this was the case same as 1911 barrels. I would still just shoot lead in that old girl.

BS flag on the jacketed fitting better. No way no how will that ever be true when lead obturates to the bore sealing the gas behind it. I would use an alloy close to pure lead with only tin added for fill out in the cavity and you could slug the bore to be sure but I would size them at .430" and I bet they run just fine with a softer lube like beeswax and alox would give.

[44 special Dave]

I would keep velocities down with lead rounds. 246-250 grain at 750-800

As for jacketed rounds, maybe lighter on the weight. Up to 200 MAYBE 225gr. But not pushing the velocity to high.

Why wear something down or out if you don't have to. My home defense rounds are 200 grain semi wadcutter medium velocity. So you idea of 200 grain at 800 or so sounds about right.

Oh, historically the 44 spl is a rifle round? It derived directly from the 44 russian which I didn't think was a rifle round.

Now the 44-40, that's another matter.

Dave

[tom32]

Thanks All,
Good advice all around, especially the point of not wearing something out when you don't have to. I plan on shooting my 44 HE but it is in high enough condition to be a collector at the same time. I feel I am responsible to keep this 95 year old beauty in as good of condition as when I got it.

[longranger]

I have several old Colts and a few not so old S&W's .First and foremost I am a lead shooter and use jacketed bullets for not much.They are expensive and do not shoot better than lead.Lead is kind to barrels if kept at reasonable velocities.I tend to collect the older pre-war revolvers and have more satisfaction with very mild cast lead loads to punch holes in paper.My best groups have always been with lead regardless of cartridge.

[358156hp]

I too would only shoot it with lead bullets, loaded to the original velocities of its era.