A .44 WC (not SWC) question:

[Hovnnes]

I'd like to find an accurate target load for .44 wadcutters (not SWC) starting with the bullets. This will be in .44 Spl and .44 Mag brass.
Has anyone here used Penn 185 gr DBBWCs? Or used the 200 gr WC Saeco mould? What was your impression? Any suggestions on powders?

 

[rufgr]

I have not loaded either of the bullets you mention but I do cast and load Lyman 429348 which is a 180 gr. WC. I use 4 grains of Bullseye in 44 Spl. and this load is very accurate in my pre 24. This is a very light load that gives almost no recoil.

 

[handgunner356]

I tried both 180 and 240 LWCs' in my 44 special, ended up going back to a 215gr LSWC. I was able to load the SWC lighter than the true WC's which would key hole unless pushed faster.

 

[HKSmith]

I've used lots of the Penn Bullets 185 grain .44 wadcutters in .44 Special. I use 5.4 grains of W231/HP-38 or ZIP with the bullet seated flush with the case mouth - excellent groups at 50 feet indoors. I've never used this bullet in .44 Magnum, but it should give similar results if you up the powder charge a bit.

Lyman 429348 is also a great old-time looking wadcutter. I don't think Lyman makes this mould anymore, but I've gotten the bullets from Western Bullets in Montana.

 

[Dale53]

I have a group buy six cavity mould (Cast Boolits forum) that runs 200 grs and it shoots well with 4.0-5.0 grs of Red Dot. 5.0 grs chronographs at 878 fps (I haven't yet chronographed 4.0 grs). These loads in .44 Special cases.

It shoots well and recoil is little. I have often used a good wadcutter in .32, .38/.357, and .44 Special for edible small game (mostly cottontail and snowshoe rabbits along with an occasional Grouse). You do NOT have to shoot them twice with the .44 >)).

Dale53

 

[RidgwayCO]

I'm currently working up loads for the Penn Bullet 185gr WC bullet in .44 Special. I'm hoping for an accurate and comfortable practice round out of a S&W 396 Mountain Lite, S&W 696-1, and S&W 691 custom.

Using a COL of 1.245" (I crimp in the small crimp groove with the sprue facing out, as recommended by Bob Palermo), I've found that 5.3gr of VihtaVuori N320, 4.9gr of Accurate #2, or 6.2gr of VihtaVuori N340 gives about 850 fps and satisfying accuracy. I'll also be working up a load using Unique in the near future, just because I know SOME people like using this old warrior...

STANDARD DISCLAIMER: These loads were safe in my gun, but may not be in yours. Never trust any load data from the internet including (especially) mine. Start low and work up slowly, looking for signs of excessive pressure. You are responsible for your own health and safety.

 

[Pdrhorn]

Tame load for the S&W 396 Mountain Lite .44 Spl

Yo, RidgwayCO...I, too, had that same goal. About six years ago I found that 4.3 grains of Trail Boss under those 185 gr. DBBWC Penn Bullets did the trick in my Mountain Lite for range practice. What a beast that thing can be with factory 200 grain ammo. Back when I first was working up the load I tried 4.4 and 4.5 grains of TB, too...and depending on the season and temperatures they can be a little more accurate and produce better groups. The 4.3 grains load works the best most of the time in my gun, however. I now also use the Trail Boss in my .357 mag loads for my Ruger SP-101's, though I still have some Unique around that I should finish off one of these days.

Cheers,
Pdrhorn

 

[ColColt]

My WC's(on the left) are not as light as mentioned but, the one I have from Lyman, the old 429352 mold, at 245 gr gives pretty decent results with 10 gr of Unique or 8 gr of Universal.

 

[Reloader]

Lee makes a 208 gr. WC mould. Have used for 25 years successfully. I use appropriate loads of Titegroup and Unique.

 

[Paul5388]

Here's the Lee version of .44 WC, about 215 gr IIRC and tumble lubed.

 

[RidgwayCO]

Thanks, Pdrhorn! I hadn't thought of trying Trail Boss with these bullets, but it makes a lot of sense. I'll start with your 4.3gr suggestion and work from there.

 

[oldRoger]

I too have stared using the Penn 185gr in my M24, while I certainly wish someone made a HBWC for the .44, the Penn bullets are working out well in the early stages.
I started at 5.0 grs of Bullseye with good results. It was clean and quite accurate. I am out of bullets since I only requested a sample.
My intention is to work the load up a bit to see how it goes. Unfortunately I am unable to chronograph where I shoot.

 

[BruceHMX]

Could someone post a pic of a loaded round? I'd like to see what the crimp looks like. Many thanks.