Any 44 Russian shooters??

Qmark

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Hope Im not breaking the rules. Ran across this deal deal on 44 Russian ammo and its cheaper than buying new brass. I am in no way connected to the seller. Best I recall buying new 44 Russian brass a few years ago cost me over 35 bucks for 100 pieces. Several years ago I got burned buying once fired 44 Russian brass and it turned out to be trimmed mag and special.

A bit off subject. I ground the bottom of an old Herters 44 mag seating die in order to get cartridge in deep enough to get a decent crimp. With mild loaded home cast slugs. The bullet backed out without a slight crimp. I was shooting my father in laws old Colt revolver. I'm guessing but I believe I used 3.0 hrs of Bullseye but can't recall weight of slug as I have several 44 molds. My best guess it wasn't a 240 gr bullet. Chances are good the lead was pure or near pure.
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I'll come back and edit in a free shipping coupon.
 
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Sportsman's Guide, use 44 Russian Ultramx ammo, about 18 bux and change per 50rd box
Free shipping SH2788
 
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Almost all commercial ammo is smokeless, but still should be loaded to the same pressures and velocities as the originals. If you want the original feel of shooting these old revolvers, load your own with 3F and have fun.

Original loads used around a 246 grain LRN bullet that was .429" diameter. Any bullet from 240 to 250 grains would be fine. It is relatively easy to load BP, since all that is required it to fill the case 1/16" above where the bullet seats and you are ready to go. This method assures the reloader that the powder is lightly compacted and there is no excess air in the case. Almost all revolver ammunition is crimped to assure proper performance.

Any time you are starting with a new caliber, you should check your loads with a chronograph to assure the velocities are proper. I recall that a good acceptable velocity for 44 Russian was around 700 fps.

Until I sold almost all my hogleg S&Ws I shot lots of black powder 44 American and 44 Russian loads.
 

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Almost all commercial ammo is smokeless, but still should be loaded to the same pressures and velocities as the originals. If you want the original feel of shooting these old revolvers, load your own with 3F and have fun.

Original loads used around a 246 grain LRN bullet that was .429" diameter. Any bullet from 240 to 250 grains would be fine. It is relatively easy to load BP, since all that is required it to fill the case 1/16" above where the bullet seats and you are ready to go. This method assures the reloader that the powder is lightly compacted and there is no excess air in the case. Almost all revolver ammunition is crimped to assure proper performance.

Any time you are starting with a new caliber, you should check your loads with a chronograph to assure the velocities are proper. I recall that a good acceptable velocity for 44 Russian was around 700 fps.

Until I sold almost all my hogleg S&Ws I shot lots of black powder 44 American and 44 Russian loads.

Black powder is fun, although it might get you some dirty looks if you are on a range (especially indoors! :eek: ).

Best cleaning method I've found is running it through the dishwasher and then hosing it down with WD40, but that requires a full disassembly.

Still beats corrosion.
 
I've never owned any original or aftermarket .44 Russian brass, except for a few loaded cartridges I purchased to keep. But I never found a reason to want to pay the prices when .44 Special and .44 Magnum brass is identical, except for length. I've always used the latter trimmed to length and they work perfectly.
 
If you have a case trimmer, 44 Special brass is quickly cut down to size.

As for dishwasher, It probably works, but not necessary in my opinion. I have shot dozens of BP revolvers, flintlocks and percussion guns without going to that extreme. A good lubricated mechanism and a good exterior & bore cleaning with Dawn detergent and hot water followed by a spray down with Barricade will keep them just as they are.
 
Howdy

I have been loading and shooting 44 Russian with Black Powder for years.

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I use Starline brass. Currently $106 for 500 pieces. Midway has it for $23.99 for 100 pieces. I use the Big Lube Mav-Dutchman 200 grain bullet lubed with SPG and sized to .428.

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I load them with a standard RCBS 44 Magnum/44 Special die set. I had to grind back the bottom of the seating/crimp die in order for the shell plate to rise up high enough to get a good crimp.

I wouldn't dream of putting a gun into the dishwasher. Don't want to deposit lead on the inside of the dishwasher. I tear down all my revolvers I intend to shoot with Black Powder and remove all the original oil, then I relube with Ballistol. This prevents any BP fouling that has worked its way down into the gun from absorbing atmospheric water vapor. After shooting, I clean with a 1/1/1 mixture of Murphy's Oil Soap, Rubbing Alcohol, and drugstore Hydrogen Per Oxide. I don't tear down the gun, any fouling that made it down into the mechanism is rendered harmless by the Ballistol.

Been doing it for years.
 
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