.44 Russian load

[mmaher94087]

I have an antique, S&W, NM#3, top break, in .44 Russian that I'd like to shoot a mild load in using a 200gn lead bullet swaged to .429, using W 231. I don't want anything remotely hot.

Does anyone have a pet load? I have the Lyman 49th and can load to their minimum but I hope there might be something better as Lyman does not recommend this load for any top break revolver. I'm not adverse to Trailboss, Pyrodex, etc., or black powder but I DO prefer smokeless. Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

The Hodgdon web site lists 200gr RNFP with 4.2 to 5.0 of HP-38 (same as WW-231)

I used 4.4 and a 200 grain RNFP in my reproduction No.3 44 Russians, and it shot great.

Ivan