Hello everyone.

I have searched for hours for a load that sends a 240gr, jacketed (copper coated?) bullet at 875 to 900 fps. I am using a 4" S&W M624, with Berry Bullets (240gr FP).

If anyone has a clean burning load, could you let me know? Thanks.

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Now, some of you might ask:
"Why not just shoot LSWC and use the infinite amount of data available everywhere?" Well, the indoor range doesn't allow lead bullets.

"Why do you ask for a clean burning load?" I know, I know, I clean my guns after I shoot anyway. Here's the scoop, I get the feeling that the indoor range really doesn't like the idea of handloads, but they let some of us gray-haired guys go ahead with it. Because of that, I don't want to create a smoke cloud after every shot that advertises the fact that I am shooting handloads. I already have IMR4756 and Accurate#5 on my shelf, but I am not against buying another powder. The IMR4756 propels a 200gr GDHP at 900 and is very clean. (From LEE loading data)

When I had my model 29, I would use Winchester 452AA ands 473AA for most of my plinking loads. I sold my M29 around 1988 or so, and the notebook with that data is long gone, too. Not that it matters because the 452AA and 473AA powders are also gone. That was some clean burning stuff. Anyway, I recently picked up this M624 and I am trying to get a load with a smidge more energy than a modern 45ACP defense factory load. I should be able to do that without even coming close to hurting this modern gem.

I use 4 grains of Clays with my 44 spc 240gr LSWC loads. Copper plated can use lead data.

I've loaded 240gr JHP's for the .44 Special. 14gr of 2400 packs a punch out of my 24-3. IIRC it's around 900fps.

Have been shooting a lot of .44 special in the last two years.
Currently using Berry's copper plated 240 FP bullets and 5.2 grains Win 231 (HP-38).
Recipe originally grabbed from Handloader magazine.
Produces a nice target load for indoor range.

As soon as you said lead loads can be used with copper coated bullets, it was time for a Berry bullet disection. With the bullet in the vise and a single cut file, the cross section showed that the copper layer is, indeed, pretty thin. Much thinner than on a hunting bullet.

It is great to know that the recipies for lead can be used for copper coated bullets. I even found a load for powders that are already on my shelf.

Thanks much for the information!

If I ever use up some of this powder, I might buy a pound of 2400. Data for 2400 and Unique is plentiful.

Sclays,
I have used 231 in the past. Found it to be a clean burning powder with my 38sp loads. Don't have any at the moment, but the recipie is now in my notebook.
Thanks

Go to the Hodgdon load data site.
There are a fair number of 44 Special loads that will do what you want.
IMHO the smoke is almost always the product of cast bullet lube.
I can load the exact same load with a plated or jacketed bullet with a so called smoky powder
like Unique and presto! no more smoke than any other commercial ammo.
I commonly use 6 grains of Universal/Unique with a 200 or a 240.

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Nemo

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Nice shooting Nemo. Those 200 gr Gold Dots seem to do very well for me also.

Thanks for the info. By the time this thread is over, I may be a Unique/2400 convert.

Try Hodgdon's CFE Pistol. It's a lot easier to find than Unique or 2400.

CFE Pistol has replaced Unique for all my reloads.

To OP, The Berry's bullet is not a jacketed bullet. It is a lead bullet that has been copper struck. As you noted in your post the copper is very thin, just a few thousandths thick. These bullets work best using the middle of lead data to the lower end of jacketed data for the weight bullet you have. The absence of lube eliminates most of the smoke. IMO you can do all the 44spc/44mag was intended to do with Unique and 2400.

To acknowledge a sterotype, .44spl is popular with *seasoned* shooters , and much of its legand , and classic load data was developed when Unique and 2400 were the primary pistol powders. And they worked very well. And the traditinalists often feel little need to mess with they already know well and get good results.

With jacketed bullets, I never noticed much smoke from Unique loads. Speer #13 shows about 830 fps with a max Unique load with a 240 gr jacketed and a 5.5 inch barrel.

240g bullet over 6.5g W231 is a nice load.

Just a little follow up...
Lee loading data shows a "do not exceed" of 7.4gr of IMR SR4756 behind a 240gr lead bullet. Velocity is shown as 921 fps.

I used 7.2gr of SR4756 behind the 240gr Berry bullet. My estimated velocity is 895fps, give or take a few.

Absolutely no signs of high pressure. The accuracy was good. Very little unburnt powder. "Pleasant", painless recoil. And no smoke cloud!

My next loading session will be the same except 7.4gr of powder.

I want to thank all who responded. Your recipie suggestions are in my new notebook.

My next project is to compare Trail Boss with Tin Star N32C in 44 special with Rainier 240 PFP bullets.
Then I will move onto their practically identical hollow points.
I have them mostly loaded but need to get the magnetospeed to mount on the 6.5" 624.
Might be several days before I get to shoot as I am fairly busy with my 2 jobs right now.
Retirement is only as easy as you let it be

BTW Rainier says to use jacketed loading data with their plated bullets and start at the half-way point.
One has to assume this means they are fairly "sticky" bullets.
I use a mild taper crimp on them.
Rainier load data

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Nemo

I got some 240gr Nosler JHP to try with W296 in a S&W 24-3 4"

296 isn't the best choice for the 24.

Might want to try 2400 instead, better yet, Unique or 231.

I have a 24-3 44 special. Both it and I love the Berry's 240gr fp coated loaded with 4.8 grains of Bullseye. Last time out burned through 150 rounds. My daughter who had never shot a handgun before handled it very well, all on the paper
Clean up was 2-3 strokes with a brush and Hoppes plus a few pads.

My favorite 240 Jkt bullet load for the 44 Spl is 7.5 grains of the NEWER clean burning Unique. In my 5" Lipseys GP100 this load develops 950 fps. This load is not obnoxious and quite accurate. It is my all around carry load for hiking here in Montana.