I got around 500 44cal bullet that are sized .427, my question is I don't have my 44-40 any more, now have a 44 special, should I load the 44special with them, or just melt them down,recast them and size them to .429. Thanks in advance
44 special
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Fishinfool
Member
I would load a dozen or so over a decent charge of Unique, and see how accurate they are, and if they lead the bore. You may find they "bump up" enough to give you a good gas seal and accuracy. If not, then re-casting to .429 / .430 would certainly work.
I know my USFA SAA in 44 spl. is bored .429, but shoots accurately with its spare 44/40 cylinder using the box or of two factory .427 diameter 44/40 cowboy loads I have tried.
Larry
I know my USFA SAA in 44 spl. is bored .429, but shoots accurately with its spare 44/40 cylinder using the box or of two factory .427 diameter 44/40 cowboy loads I have tried.
Larry
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Just be sure the bullet is a good fit in the case (ample pull), or it will start to move under the impetus of only the primer, and will clear the case before it gets to develop full working pressure. Result = erratic performance, unburnt powder, bore leading. In my experience, .427 bullets need to be driven fast to work consistently in .44 Spl., and even then are not usually very accurate. YMMV
Larry
Larry
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Someone else may need 500 cast .427's, you can melt them down anytime. Ivan
Better melt 'em. When you are shooting, you don't want to have doubts about your ammunition.
Unless your 44 Special is an extremely tight one those undersize bullets are probably going to give you grief with unnecessary leading. I do not use .429" in any of my older S&W 44 Specials and 44 Magnums. All of my loads for my '60s and '70s guns will lead badly with .429" and .430" cast bullets so I adjust the size up for them. The smaller diameters mentioned will work OK in my newer S&Ws, but I wouldn't think .427" would.
Unless your 44 Special is an extremely tight one those undersize bullets are probably going to give you grief with unnecessary leading. I do not use .429" in any of my older S&W 44 Specials and 44 Magnums. All of my loads for my '60s and '70s guns will lead badly with .429" and .430" cast bullets so I adjust the size up for them. The smaller diameters mentioned will work OK in my newer S&Ws, but I wouldn't think .427" would.
ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Since you have the means to do so, my suggestion is waste no time trying to shoot those undersized bullets and just melt them down and recast in the proper size. You will probably have to anyway so why not just melt them down without the aggravation?
Calaveras Slim
US Veteran
Before you melt them, try and sell them and buy more.
