Looking for some advice. Wanting to create a load for a 629 and purchased 240 gr Meister LRNFP. I see quite a bit of data for LSWC but not much for RNFP. Any advice would be appreciated. Currently have Clays, 2400, and HP38. Thanks.

17g of 2400 should do nicely to start.

You can use the SWC data for your RNFP bullets. Just seat them to the crimp groove and apply a roll crimp. The only possible difference in pressure could be from slight differences in seating depth. Otherwise, bullet shape has no effect on pressure. In a big cartridge like the .44 Magnum, small differences in seating depth will not be significant.

18-22 gr of 2400 for hard cast-Lyman 46 (I'd be cautious about that top end)
Take a close look at those bullets as compared to the lswc you have data for.
If they extend into the case the same distance and have similar bearing surface,you should be ok starting at the bottom

8.0 grs of HP-38 with your bullet is a real nice load . You can shoot it all day yet it delivers a good punch if needed to stop " varmits , large or small " . You can load up 2400 powder loads , but you will be using a lot more powder for maybe a couple of hundred more feet velocity , if that much . That 8.0 gr load is a good " everyday " carry load using the powders that you have. I think you will like it . Regards, Paul

BTW: YOu do NOT want to load 22 grs of 2400 powder under your bullet . Your bullet has a longer shank ( less case capacity) than Elmer Keiths bullet . The pressure will be a heck of a lot over SAAMI stds. That load is ONLY good for useage with his bullet HG 503 or Lyman 429421 . With your bullet I would not exceed 20 grs of 2400 powder .

Just a hint for future reloading; find a load (bullet, powder, primer) in your reloading manual(s) before you buy any components. Many fewer headaches, questions, and waiting for info...

HKSmith is correct...

Thanks for the feedback guys, very much appreciated.

A link to hodgdon's cowboy action reload data that has hp-38 & clays listed for a 200gr lrnfp.

http://castpics.net/LoadData/Freebie...owboy%2003.pdf

When testing 3 different 200gr bullets in the 44mag:
6.0gr to 6.5gr of clays/200gr lead bullet/44mag cases

All 3 bullets shot +/- 1" 6-shot groups @ 25yds. Typical groups with clays/200gr lead bullets/44mag cases @ 25yds.

SWC and rfn bullet have aprox the same shank lenght(bearing surface).Using same load shouldn't be a problem but please start low.
As an example,I know 22.0 gr of 2400 has been given as handled down by the Guru of handloading for the .44 but in one of my 3 44s,it is WAY too hot.Please work up to it.Reloading is supposed to be fun.Let's keep it that way.

Commercial cast swc's and rnfp , yes about the same shank length . Compare those to the real " Keith " bullet , then you will see the difference in shank length . I have shot EK's 22 gr load using his bullet (HG 503 ) and yes , it is a powerful round . After about 6-8 rounds though , it became very comfortable to shoot using my 29-10 , 4" barrel with just magna grips. For over 90% of my " full " magnum loads I use IMR-4227 . I give up a little in velocity but find recoil more of a " push " instead of a quick snap and it's easier on the gun . Have fun , Regards, Paul

FWIW; and a hint I share with all new reloaders; I pay no attention to any forum expert, range rat, gun counter clerk, pet loads website, or gun shop guru as far as load data is concerned. For well over 30 years I have used published reloading manuals (and in the last few years I'll occasionally look at powder manufacturer's websites), and I have never had a Kaboom and I had one squib in 1970. I begin a work up with listed starting loads and I have been quite successful and safe...

Call me "old school" or a "dinosaur", but I have 17 guns that I reload for that are all in one piece, no damage, and I have all 10 fingers...

Thank you and I understand fully. My question was more around LSWC and LRNFP load equivalency since most published date in my books for lead is referencing LSWC.