So here I go. I finally took the plunge. Been reloading for about 5 years but not for .44. That will change very shortly. Dillon was very happy to sell me everything I need to get going with it. Why I've hesitated, I don't know. Trying to read what everyone says about their experiences with it; bullet, power, Mag or Spl and on and on. Always willing to take advice from all of you experts. I'll keep the group up to date with questions, etc.

This addiction doesn't seem to get better, only worse. I've got my Mod 15 that I snagged off GB due in Friday and I'm sure I'll have to make a decision as to whether to go to the range or get going with the .44 stuff. I do have a pound of H110 that I've never opened. Will that work? Ooops, almost forgot. Don't have any bullets yet. How about some suggestions for bullet/powder from you .44 guys.

The H110 will be fine. I also use plenty of 2400 and Unique. The absolute best part about loading your own 44 is the ability to go from mouse to bear loads. For bullets it all depends on what you like to shoot. I love to hear and see the steel plates when shooting jacketed bullets, but truth be told, good old cast lead will do the same thing for about 1/2 price. I might be called old fashioned but I really prefer to stick with good old 240gr bullets whether it be cast, coated cast, or JHP. Just makes it easy to keep track of. For regular old paper punching I use mostly coated unless I run across a screaming deal on un-coated. When you buy bullets, just step up and buy bulk. They don't go bad over time and you can and will eventually use them. Same deal with primers. Why buy 100 when you can get a better deal on 1000. Once you get rolling with the Dillon you will find that you will be shooting a bunch more.

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"Tastes just like chicken"

Reloading for 44 will quickly make it your favorite caliber. No other caliber is as flexible.

My best advice besides the usual suspects for supplies (Summers Ent for bullets, Starline Brass though used can sometimes be found for cheap in MAG) is to use a mid speed powder for it. That way with the same powder you can throttle back for some powder puff plinkers or stomp the pedal for close to max speed MAGNUMS.

Note that there is a pretty big gap between SPL and MAG - MAG will do everything SPL will do except fit in a S&W M24. But unless you far exceed book loads, SPL won't generate near the power that MAG will. I'm sure that you would be fine shooting superheated SPL loads in a M24, but if you have a magnum I'd suggest focusing on magnum shells. They cheaper and easier to find than SPLs anyway.

I like Universal for .44, though I think Herco seems to be a hair more tame, which is ok with me. As always, a full charge of Trail Boss is pure fun.

One thing to note is that reloading makes 44 MAG into a much more useful caliber for self defense (and anything else, really). I currently use Underwood 44 SPL Gold Dots in my CCW, but when I get back into the garage I plan to reload 180gr XTPs at around 10.5gr of Universal. Not close to max load (11.3), and controllable from a N frame, but still launches a 180gr bullet at ~1350fps, which is much hotter than a 44 SPL could manage (without far exceeding recommended loads, that is).

Finally, if you truly want the most esoteric load possible, look up 44 Russian, 44 RUS is to SPL what SPL is to MAG. You use 45 ACP loads with it. Those little shells eject very cleanly, and with modern powders you really don't sacrifice much when compared to SPL. Starline sells the brass.

BTW, H110 will work fine, but it is used for nuclear hot magnum loads. IMO you won't discover the awesomeness of 44 MAG until you load it to minimum (<1000fps) and work up. Then you realize how incredibly flexible it is.

Like the others have said already, reloading for 44 Mag will really show the versatility of the cartridge. You can load from mild to wild and also either save a bunch of money or be able to shoot twice as much. For cheaper rounds, I like the Missouri Bullet Company Hi Tek coated bullets (or Bayou Bullets coated offerings) and use HP38/231 for lower powered loads, Longshot, Unique or CFE-P for middle powered loads and Accurate #9/2400/H110/296/4227 for the hot stuff. And for jacketed bullets, Roze Distribution sells some Zero .431 diameter 200 and 240 grain JSP bullets that are reasonably priced at 13-14 cents a round in 1000 lot quantities. Those would be great for older model 29's that have a larger cylinder throat and I have had no problems with my 629-3 Classic with them either.

You will find that you will get many many recommendations for powder and bullets, as the 44 Mag isn't the least bit picky on powder or bullets.

I load 44mag for my Henry Big Boy I use a 240 grain plated or a hard cast. H110 works well as does AA#9, IMR 4227 is also a good choice. Start researching loads and powders. You can have 2 or 3 powders to load for different shooting roles or just one powder and 2 or 3 recipes to fit different shooting roles.

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Carpriver.

Would help if OP would post which model revolver and barrel length.

The same day that I got my first 44, a S&W 29, I bought a Lee Loader, primers, some cast bullets, and a pound of Unique.
I had to buy a couple boxes of W-W ammo, as no empty brass was available. (There was no internet back then, and mail order was not an option.)
To this day, that was the only time I ever bought factory loaded 44 ammo.
Yeah, you'll probably enjoy the 44 magnum as a handloader!

Best Regards,
Jim

I would advise to don't try to down load that H-110 very much from published data . You can get a bullet stuck in the barrel from an incomplete burn . It really likes max loads best . You might find the recoil a bit not to your liking .
Unique is an old favorite for great mid range loads . Elmer Keiths mid range load was 8.5 grs w/a 245 gr swc . That is the load that he used and shot the most . It is enjoyable to shoot , very accurate and offers plenty of power . For less recoil , I have enjoyed shooting a 225 gr swc also . I have never heard of the older 29's having large cylinder throats . If leading the barrel becomes a problem , plated bullets might be the answer for you . I have owned several ( still have 3 ) and shot the 44 magnum for a good number of years . Good Luck , have fun . Regards, Paul

Regardless of the cartridge, I've always found H110 / 296 to be the equal of #2400 in terms of accuracy even if #2400 may lag behind slightly with regard to velocity. #2400 is also somewhat more versatile than H110 / 296. The big disadvantage to the latter is the significant muzzle blast and flash in comparison with #2400.

You might purchase at least a Lyman manual if you don't already have one. It may not have .44 Special data using H110 / 296, but is should have plenty of .44 Special and Magnum loads using other powders. There should be other reputable sources with H110 / 296 data. Use up your pound of H110 because it will work, but consider other powders that may be more useful.

Knew I could count on you guys for some good info and I really thank each of you. I think I will enjoy experimenting with different powders and bullets. Glad I at least took the plunge into a new caliber. At least, new to me. No use in that 629 just sitting in the safe. Keep the suggestions coming.

I only shoot 44 mag ammo, no 44 special.

The starting loads with fast powder and 210 to 225 grain bullets will be similar to brisk 38 special.

Mid-range loads with medium powders and 240 to 260 grain bullets are comparable to mid-range 357 magnum loads.

Using heavy charges of slow burning magnum pistol powder and 250 to 300 grain bullets are at power levels best described as "WOW ! ! when you squeeze the trigger.

Lyman Reloading manual has a diverse selection of jacketed and cast bullets with appropriate powders. Load levels range from very mild to painful. When loading cast, plated, or powder coated bullets "Close" is safe for bullet weight. Load data for a 240 grain bullet is safe with a 210 to 225 grain bullet. Likewise 250 to 260 grain bullet data is safe for 235 to 255 grain bullets.

Jacketed bullet data should be used with same weight bullets. Jacketed bullet manufacturers publish data for their bullets. You will need more than one type of powder for loading. Mid-range loadss are easy on you, your hand, and your revolver.

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S&WHF 366

For plinking enjoyment I love 5gr of Clays or Bullseye under a 200gr plated, or coated RNFP. You'll want to fill a .30Cal ammo can with that recipe.

For full power I've always used 110/296. I have some 2400, but I havent gotten around to it yet.

For bullets, 180-200 grains if you want to make a super-light plinking load for yourself or to let others shoot. 240s can be loaded down, but still create a bit of a push. If you don't mind, 240s all the way. Shell out a couple extra bucks and get coated to avoid blackpowder-level clouds of lube-smoke.

For powders, I recommend one of the ones that burn. No, really, it's that simple. I make plinkers out of whatever fast-ish powder I feel like getting rid of. I like 2400 for full-power over H110/WW296 and such, and I've got a pound of Power Pistol I'm aching to play around with. Unique falls in the middle, and is useful if you don't want to goof around with multiple powders, but I don't find it as good as more specialized options.

Sorry, I have a 629-4 with 6" barrel.

Keep 'em coming guys!

Nice! Full house 44 mag loads will sting a bit but anything SAAMI compliant won't hurt the gun.

44 caliber is addictive. I load 44 Winchester Center Fire (aka 44-40), Magnum, Special and Russian all for revolver. I loaded 44 Winchester and Magnum for rifle. You will just be amazed at all the things you can shoot through (car doors come to mind first) with a magnum handgun that a 44 special rifle won't penetrate. The light show of muzzle flash at dusk is always a crowd pleaser!

I have currently a 29 Classic 8 3/8", a 629 2 3/8", and a Contender Super 14.

I ventured into "Beyond Sanity" loads with the Contender back in the Mid 80's. I proved that there is a reason for the maximum printed data. No I haven't blown up a revolver. But the recoil puts wear and tear on your body. I'm not saying that damaged my body, but my already damaged body did stay damaged a lot longer from massive recoil that pulled my back and shoulders. I never blew up any revolvers, but when I was done with several Super Blackhawks, they sounded like tambourines when you shook them!

Just recommending to be reasonable!

Ivan

I've put a bazillion 240 grain cast LSWC's pushed by 6 grains of W231 through my 6" 629-1. Accurate, just a joy to punch holes in paper with but still enough energy to knock the steel paddles of the dueling tree around, etc.

Thinking about getting some 200gr Oregon Trail RNFP. What do you think would be a good load using Win231 with that bullet?

I don't know. Lyman Pistol and Revolver 3rd Edition has 200 gr. (Linotype) pointed at 9.1 grains to 12.6 and show the 12.6 of 231 as the most accurate load for it.

Hodgons 2013 book shows cast LRNFP with 231 starting at 5.8 grains to 7,4 grains.

Lee Modern Reloading 2nd Edition has 200 gn lead with 231 starting at 5.8 up to 7.4. It doesn't indicate if cast or swagged.

For midrange, really diesnt get a lot better than 240-250gr lswc over 8gr of unique. Full power, same bullet over 2400 just flat works.

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NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO

110, Blue Dot and 2400 here. My only thought would be to cast your own bullets. The trick will be finding affordable lead. Then ammo gets really, really cheap.

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Just Say No - To Social Media

I use 10 gr for a 200 gr RNFP, go above that and it gets pretty snappy in a 2.75" 69. In an N frame? Use the Hodgdon data for the jacketed bullet and those would be a comfortable to shoot low end to moderate magnum load.

Lead bullets are the way to go in any magnum imo. Cast & coat your own, shoot the 44mag for pennies a round.

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NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO

There are many makers of projectiles, but I like Rim Rock Bullets. Their 200 gr. DEWC, along with 8oox, is great for paper punching.

Combinations, combinations and more. I suppose it all just boils down to experimentation. As long as you don't blow yourself up. Exciting. My Oregon Trail bullets have shipped. My Dillon conversion kit has shipped and I've got some powder and brass and primers. Bring it on. Very exciting to me. Thanks for everybody's input.

I got my first 44 Magnum in '88 and soon developed a bad case of "Magnumitis". I reloaded near max and max loads and shot my 44s a lot. I did shoot my S&W 629 loose and had to send it back to the factory for repair. I now shoot sane loads. The 44 Magnum is my most favorite cartridge and I have reloaded it with everything from a 123 gr. ball over a dusting of Bullseye to 300 gr lead T-Rex killers ofer heavy WC820 loads. I now have 5, 44 Magnums and haven't purchased a box of factory ammo in 20 years.

Unless you've shot a bunch of factory 44 Magnums I would suggest you start with a milder powder like Unique, Blue Dot or 2400 ("mild
H110/W296 loads" is an oxymoron). H110/W296 is widely used but it is a Magnum Powder not to be used with reduced loads...

Thanks for you input. I've not been into handloading but about 5 yrs. Wish I'd started earlier but I wish a lot of things. I'll be 72 next month if the Lord lets me live. I always thought I'd like to get into it and with the exception of a few problems I've enjoyed it.

I've been loading 9mm, .38/.357 and .45ACP and there's that 629 over there in the safe that's not even going to the range. Something not right about that. So, that's where I am and very excited about venturing off into the .44 Mag land. It should be exciting.

The lightest bullets I've ever loaded for the 44 were the 240s. With the 6 grains of 213 they are a dream. I've loaded some heavier keith style but I don't recall the load. The lightest I've ever shot were the factory WW silver tips at 210 but that was so long ago I don't recall what they were like.

I'd think 6 grains of 231 with your 200gn cast bullets would also be a dream to shoot.

44 is a lot of fun for a reloader. My M69 has never met a factory round.

For just shooting I run whatever projectiles are on hand over 10gr of Unique. For hunting loads I run 2400 loads that are under book max.

I use the books, 3 brands, as starting opinions and work up to what works best. I don’t shoot many magnums in 44 and find it to be almost my favorite caliber.

You can't experiment too much if you have an interest in accuracy. My favorite .44 Special bullet is a 200 grain flat nose plain base cast from a SAECO mould that I had opened up to cast .432" diameter. I've tried a variety of powders including Bullseye, Titegroup, 231, Unique, HS-6, and 800X. Best accuracy has been with Herco, a powder that doesn't enjoy great popularity these days. It's slightly slower than Unique. It seems that very few who have been handloading less than twenty years or so are familiar with it.

Sure going to give it a try.

I cast my own,so I don't ever shoot jacketed bullets.
For light target loads,a 185gr wc on top of 5 to 6 gr of either Bullseye or 700X or Red Dot will pile them up in the same hole at 25 yds with almost boring accuracy.
Any 210 to 225gr topping 8.5 to 11 gr of Unique will be almost as accurate but with a little more persuasive sound and recoil;the heaviest charge here has even been reported to be good deer medicine.
A 240 to 265 gr fueled by a good charge of H110(W296)will take care of most magnum maniac torque looking individual and should take care of anything that walks on 4 legs in Alaska given the cast bullet is moderatly hard.1300 to 1350fps is the velocity to look for here.
2400 will drag a bit behind in top load persuasion compared to H110 but is more flexible should you want a little reduced charge between what you can have with H110 and Unique.
Have fun and be safe.

A load that I enjoyed in the past was 8.0 grs of Ramshot Zip using a 240 gr cast swc . I have since found that WSF is my powder of choice for most of all the calibers I reload including the 44 , either magnum or special . 9.5 grs in a 44 magnum , 7.5 grs in a 44 special using any 240 - 260 gr cast bullet . Have fun finding what works for you , Regards, Paul

Thanks for your post. I've heard some people say they don't fool with .44spl much just prefer to lighten up on the .44Mag loads. Do you have a preference? Which do you load the most?

How much velocity can you get out of your rifle with coated bullets without gas checks, without leading, with a 240 grain cast bullet?

6.5gr win231/HP38 / 240swc mild
7.5 a bit warmer.

10gr unique / 240swc warm

24gr H110/w296 240JHP hot.

use a firm roll crimp

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NRA Life
USPSA/IPSC

derek45auto,

Very nice range! Are the blue powder coated bullets store bought or are you casting and coating those yourself? How fast can you push those without issue in that SBH? I wonder if they would clog the gas ports of my Ruger carbine?? Good for hot loads in a microgroove Marlin?

Somehow I fell out of circulation and missed the powder coated and other coated bullets. Even my old Lyman 450 lube sizer is dust covered. Heck, I can't find decent lead anymore so I just buy bullets, boolits, whatever. I've heard that the plated bullets can shed the plating when pushed too fast.

I have stopped loading for my 44's 3",4",ruger- 51/2",71/2", since a friend who is a (Class 6 re-loader ) I believe that is correct desription, He is a professional re-loader. He Started loading 44 240 XTP's for me, I called and asked where the chip or laser is. I explained that @ 60 + my eyes do not work like they used to, but I put 6 of his rounds into a big hole @ 25 yards off the bench, I figured I got lucky, till I adjusted the sights and did it again, I adjusted the sights for final tweak and it did it again. I told him they must be " magic" bullets since I do not shoot 1 big hole with full house hunting loads. I tried some of his " practice loads" 240 gr hard cast SWC and they must have the same laser guidance system. My "match " 44 loads ( mouse farts) gave great groups but hunting loads never that good. So now I send him the brass, he sends 1000 XTP's. Did not mean to Hi-Jack the thread, enjoy the 44 and it options in loads. Be Safe,

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I BACK OUR BLUE

As mentioned, set the H110 aside until you experiment using some moderate speed powders (Unique, Power Pistol, LongShot & Blue Dot) in your 44 Mag cases. Make life simple & easy, ditch the 44 Special case idea too, unless you have a 44 Special only revolver.

.

Now that's an understatement! You can load 2400 down till it's about to get stuck in the barrel because it's going too slow.

Download H110/W296 & you'll get erratic ignition & eventually a squib, with a bullet stuck in the forcing cone, just waiting for you to fire the next round. Save the H110 for full loads, later.

.

If you have .429" throats & you're not comfortable shooting the .431" Zero's in them, I run them thru a .429" Lee Push-Thru Sizer. It's quick & it'll knock them down to .430". Great bullets for the price.

.



.

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Waiting for the break of day

The blue ones I casted and powder coated myself.
I have pushed mine, and commercial from Bayou, SNS, Missouri bullet, to +1400fps without leading.

My wax lube days are behind me, powder coating is easier, less smoke and mess, no leading.

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NRA Life
USPSA/IPSC

[QUOTE=vipermd;140127226]I have stopped loading for my 44's 3",4",ruger- 51/2",71/2", since a friend who is a (Class 6 re-loader ) I believe that is correct desription, He is a professional re-loader. He Started loading 44 240 XTP's for me, I called and asked where the chip or laser is. I explained that @ 60 + my eyes do not work like they used to, but I put 6 of his rounds into a big hole @ 25 yards off the bench, I figured I got lucky, till I adjusted the sights and did it again, I adjusted the sights for final tweak and it did it again. I told him they must be " magic" bullets since I do not shoot 1 big hole with full house hunting loads. I tried some of his " practice loads" 240 gr hard cast SWC and they must have the same laser guidance system. My "match " 44 loads ( mouse farts) gave great groups but hunting loads never that good. So now I send him the brass, he sends 1000 XTP's. Did not mean to Hi-Jack the thread, enjoy the 44 and it options in loads. Be Safe,[/QUOTE


I need to meet this guy.]

dwpmusic , I shoot specials in my 44 magnum guns . Some talk about the crud ring the shorter cartridge leaves , yet we shoot 38spl in 357 magnum handguns and don't give it a thought . I have to say that I really do enjoy shooting 44 specials and for the crud ring ? I always finish the day shooting a few 44 magnum rounds to help clean it . Afterwards , either Kroil or Marvel Mystery Oil and a good bore brush leaves my cylinder shiny clean . For some reason I shoot 44 spl's better than down loading 44 magnums . It's probably just me but that's how it works out . That 44 special load I posted above is my favorite for that caliber . Following that is 6.0 grs of 700X , same bullet . Regards, Paul

Why complicate things with two different case lengths requiring die adjustments unless you have a 44 special gun to load for too? Unless you just happen to have a pile of 44 special brass, which I doubt. Besides, when loading for my 66 or 686 I use only magnum brass because I have enough of it, even for light loads. Although I get that 38 brass is a lot more plentiful, in which case shoot what you got. Plus, after a long session of shooting lead from special cases you can get a ring built up that will make the magnum rounds tight. Shoot what you got but don't create issues you don't already have.

So, y'all (you guys/youse guys) find those cheap Zero brand semi-jacketed bullets to be of good quality? Ever shoot any game with them? They look good and they are pretty cheap.

And the powder coated blue ones, are they Glock barrel compatible? I have a model 40 I need some inexpensive ammo for, that I can load full house on so I can get used to shooting hot loads with it.

oink,

They seem ok to me. Shot them both sized to .430 and as provided at .431. Here are a couple of pics shot from two different 2 3/4" M69s at 25 yds rested. Open sights and 72 yr old eyes.



Shot from bench rest at 25 yds w/ 2 3/4" M69 (#2) - as received from Zero at .431"



Here's a pic of my 2 3/4" with 240gr/24.0g 296 - my gun different shooter. Muzzle flash noticible when isolated by camera, not so much when on the trigger.




Never shot anything with the 240gr Zero (except a water bottle), so no comment on that.

Nice

Mine makes rings of fire also.

180gr XTP max load H110







slow-motion

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NRA Life
USPSA/IPSC

Mine makes rings too. This is with Accurate 11FS (Flash Suppressed) 23.0gr under 240gr JSP IIRC.



Picture taken with video on iPhone SE (not the best camera), advanced frame by frame until flash seen then copied. Some videos don't show any flash at all. I think the camera isn't capable of actually capturing all muzzle flashes, or all of the indiv muz flash sometimes. Would love to see how it would look with hi speed camera.

When you are shooting the gun under normal light conditions is the muzzle flash that noticeable? I know it is there, but don't really notice it unless I'm looking for it -- seems to be gone by the time I see the front sight start to rise under recoil.

As mentioned before, love your range

Sorry for the hijack.

Paul

OK, thanks, I'll order a bunch. Any thoughts on their other flavors like 45 ACP, 10mm, .357 or 9mm?

Went to the Sheriff's range today. I was going to give my 69 a workout with the 240 cast LSWC's pushed by 10gn of 231 I cranked out. I thought it was old guys day (open range day). I guess not as they were closed and no one was there. It seems I need the new schedule.

I might join the local shooting club as I see they improved their range. They gave me a tour. They took over the old Sheriff's range that was next door to theirs, at the county dump of course. The new Sheriff's range is just a little further away from the landfill itself but still at the dump.

I envy you guys with those beautiful ranges to use. Paul's Montana range looks very nice too but that one derek has sure is fine. I suppose I could get another mound in my back yard and start pissing off the neighbors again. I used up my old mound as driveway fill.

I did test my old Chrony again today, with 22LR. It seemed to mostly work this time giving me about 1040 with cheap Remington Thunderbolts out of a 5" MKIV. I'm going to have to start on a new test tree. I'm rambling again.