I am looking for load data for 155gr. for 44spl/mag .429 dia. these bullets are half jacketed. I would like to fire these rounds from both a 29, and lever action rifle. Hope some of you folks can help out. These bullets go back to around the late 50s or 60s. If there any questions just let me know. Thanks.

You can always use heavier bullet data for lighter bullets. So 180gr data will work. Just be sure to not run them too slow, those half jackets can separate inside a bbl if going too slow.

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NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO

What he said, don't run 'em slow.

Thanks guys. New to the system and learning about reloading.
Since you do not go lite does 15% of the starting range for 180grain sound ok, and I'll be using 2400, unless you have some other powders in mind.

WE4

We44,
A 15% of starting load specified for 180 grain bullets does not make sense to me for a 155 grain bullet.
The load data I'm familiar with for lighter bullets shows heavier charges than the charges shown for comparable heavier bullets, so the starting load for a 180 grain half jacketed bullet may be too light for 155 grain bullets.
I believe that what was meant by the earlier response to your post was that using load data for heavier (i.e. 180 grain bullets) would be safe (with regard to the generated cylinder pressure) to use for lighter bullts, since lighter bullets (i.e. 155 grain bullets) would be expected to be shown with heavier charges.
George

What George said^^^.
The near and top end loads for a 180 would be safe with the 155.
You could even go up from there a little if the bullet can handle it.
Ken Waters used 23 grains of 2400 with a 180 for 1567 fps out of a 7.5" revolver and 1920 out of a 20" carbine.
I would start there.
BTW he also said it was accurate only in the revolver.
A quick look thru a couple of manuals show 2400 loads with a 180 JHP go up to a max load of 26 grains.
You can go at least that high safely with a 155.
There is a reason you don't see many half jacket bullets around any more.
They don't hold together well when they hit something especially at magnum velocities.
Their main advantage was they were easy to make and hence relatively cheap.

I have found some loads for a 165 RNFP lead bullet but they are all cowboy loads running about 1Kfps.
Searching online, someone may have data for that exact bullet.

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Nemo

If you are looking for light loads, you have the wrong powder. 1/2 jackets want to run at least 1000fps, easy to get with most medium burners like unique.
Lighter bullets need more powder to reach higher pressures. Slower powders run better above midrange, so reducing starting 180gr data is going to be dirty, leaving unturned powder.

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NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO

That is a very light for caliber bullet. It would also help to know if you plan on loading in 44 special brass or 44 mag brass?

Hard to give good data when that is not known?

Yes, you can use the next higher bullet weight data but you are not reducing it. Generally lighter bullets use more powder not less.

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Still Running Against the Wind

Especially since those bullets are so old. Jacket/lead bonding is light years ahead of what they used to have.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

Most bullets today's are still cold swaged, cup/core designs. The issue with half jackets, bore friction can pull them right off the core as the momentum pushes the core forward, Under low pressure. I don't think Speer even makes them anymore.

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NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO

I'm curious as to how many of these bullets you have. If you only have 100 or less, I'd personally dump them and work with something newer...better bonding, and heavier like a 200 to 240 grain. If you have a huge supply of them then that's another story but we are talking about a bullet that has questionable construction, and is very light for the cartridge you'll be loading them in.

There also is (an admittedly small) market to collectors as that is now a rare bullet.
I would buy a couple and pay postage just to add to my 44 bullet collection.
I DO have a lighter 44 bullet: The PMC cookie cutter 110 grain.
Never tried reloading it as the commercial ammo would not hit any side of a barn let alone the door.
I was lucky not to shoot my foot.

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Nemo

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That's the trouble with light bullets, they are also short, and when they are too short they can't seem to find their way to a target.

I probably wouldn't use a powder slower than Bullseye with a bullet that light, and then only for punching paper.

Use 'em up, just keep an eye out for jackets getting stuck in the bore.