Getting ready to load my first 44s what do you think?

[wheelgun28]

I am a little short on data for this load, I've done lots of reading on line.

The gun is a 29-2.

The Bullets are home cast Lyman 429215 lead bullets. They are 215 Grain with a added gas check, have some with no check also. Sized to .430 lubed with Jakes NRA formula alox.

The goal is to have nice shooting slightly better than 44spl rounds.

I have read loads of Unique (I have it) from 7.5 to 12 grains. I was going to load up some 8 and 10 Grain to see.

What do you guys think.

I also have Bullseye, 231, SR7625 powders on hand.

i have loaded lots of 38spls and 40 s&w and rifle rounds. This is my first go round with the 44s.

Load them tonight shoot them tomorrow

TIA
Tom

 

[Dale53]

I suggest when you ask for information, you positively give the case you will be using (in your case it appears it'll be .44 magnum but it is NOT clear). That can make a huge difference.

Using .44 Magnum cases, Lyman shows 10.0 grs of Unique with the 429215 bullet gives 930 fps at 21,000 lbs pressure and max is 13.2 grs of Unique gives 1221 fps at 36,000 lbs pressure.

The 10.0 gr load should be quite effective but pleasant to shoot. It will make a superior defense load.

Dale53

 

[scattershot]

My cast bullet loads with Unique have been lighter, but one of my favorites is the Hornady XTP 240 JHP with 12.0 grains. Right at 1200 FPS on the chrony, and a good shooting load.

 

[wheelgun28]

Ahh, I knew I would forget to put in one of the important bits of info. Sorry about that...

Yes they are 44 mag brass.

Thanks
Tom

 

[max]

7.0 of Unique is my favorite plinker.

 

[DGNY]

First .44s - 429215

Great choice of bullet. In .44 Mag cases, I always had good luck with standard primers, a firm but not ultra-crimp and around 8-9 gr Unique. Start low and work up to accuracy. I certainly would not exceed 9.5 gr with that bullet, to achieve your stated goal of slightly beyond .44 Special. But, the other suggestions are good and YMMV.

Best of luck!

Dyson

 

[wheelgun28]

Thanks for the replies. I did load up a few 8 and 10 G rounds. Shot them this AM. I was quite please with the results. Had to shoot indoor, no chrono, but recoil/manageability wise I was pleased. I think the 10g was a bit strong and the 8 a bit week. I will load up a few 8.5 to 9.5 and give them a try. Perhaps I can get to the other range where I can chrono them and see whats going on.

off to cast some more

Tom

 

[tony357]

That was a good target load for the 29.

 

[Snapping Twig]

In a magnum case and using a 250g SWC Lyman 429421, I like 7g W231.

I have that 215g mould too, but I don't use it much.

I'd give 7 ~ 8 grains of 231 a try under that 215g GCSWC, should give you what your're looking for.