.44 Slugs

[SW CQB 45]

Howdy yall!!!!

been out of the reloading game for a minute due to workload.

I want to start purchasing some .44 components (mainly slugs) to load for my unfired Henry 44 16" lever gun and fingers crossed for Ruger to put out a .44 Special Blackhawk Bisley 4.62".

When I was buying .45 slugs some years ago, I was disappointed on quality of 2 or 3 manufactures as I would get a lot with missing lube or a short pour.

I have never loaded for a .44 rifle and not sure what slug would be ideal mainly for plinking but occasional heavier use. I have over 300 rounds of probably hot .44 mag (jacketed) that my dad loaded in the 90s that will supplement that need for a while.

Does coated slugs work well in .44 mag/special if I keep velocities at a nominal level?

if anyone has a few suggestions for decent quality slugs, I am all ears.

thanks in advance

[Nemo288]

For cast bullet use in rifles I recommend the gas checked ones like the WFNGC and it's brothers (Veral Smith's LBT designs).
Beartooth Bullets, Cast Performance, Oregon Trail (LaserCast - TrueShot), and Leadheads have all sold me good quality cast bullets that I shoot from Mach 1 to above Mach 2 in 44mag, 44supermag, and 444marlin.
Montana Bullet Works also make high quality LBT and other style bullets.
I would get them sized .431 or even .432 as .44 rifles, especially microgrooved ones, have somewhat larger bores.
Be careful if your rifle has a 1/38" twist as it will cease stabilizing heavier, longer bullets somewhere as you move up the line depending on the velocity.
I would stick with bullets 280 grains and lighter in the 44 magnum in a 1/38" twist.
1/20" twist you can shoot anything your shoulder and general constitution can handle.
My favorite cast bullet for the mag and supermag is the CastPerf. 260gr. WFNGC.
18-19 grains of 2400 in the case of the 44 magnum.
It should do well out of your Henry at 1500-1600 fps or so.
I go to the big 300gr. WFNGC in the 444 Marlin.

[boatbum101]

SAAMI spec for 44 mag rifle is larger than pistol .429 . I'd slug the bore & for best results a " pound cast " will show exact throat dimensions . Basically fattest diameter bullet that'll chamber . Common enough finding .432 bullets aint hard . Twist rate will also effect results slower 1 in 38 ( Marlin & others ) stick with shorter bullets , 1 in 20 ( new Henrys ? ) you can sling 300 plus Buffalo Killers . If looking for cheap load developement Zero has a 240 JSP that runs .431 , you can run them thru a push thru sizer ( NEI / Lee ) if you need .429 . Levergun RNFP , LFN will usually feed , SWC's not so much . Casters Matt's Bullets , Montana Bullet Works make good bullets with premium lube .

[mikld]

SAAMI specs for 44Magnum rifle barrels is .431" groove diameter, and for handguns it is .429". Don't know why the difference, but for using cast/PCed bullets slug your barrel to make sure (my Puma barrel slugged .4315")...

[Claymore33]

I sent you PM with name of bullet company in TEXAS

[Neal]

I tried to look up Leadheads recently and their website was gone. I assume
they are out of business unless I find otherwise. Ordered coated bullets
from Missouri Bullets and DG bullets. Have not shot any yet, but both look good.
The below pic is the Missouri .44 mag 300 Grain Hammer.

[Paul105]

The owner of Leadheads passed away sometime back.

I'll add Montana Bullet Works Montana Bullet Works - Custom Ladle Cast Bullets lots of choices

Also, Missouri Bullet, ACME, Bayou, Badman and others sell coated bullets that are less expensive and have worked well for me.

FWIW,

Paul