Need Advice - Bullet Reviews

[radtuck]

I bought 500 240 gr. SWC bullets from cbbullets, and I was looking for opinions on the quality. Anyone else tried these that can give me an honest opinion? They claim to be in the 16 range for BH, and are advertised at .430 diameter. Also, I've read a lot about the Elmer Kieth loads, but don't know whether to get Unique or 2400. I was leaning toward Unique in the 8-9 gr. range, but have read numerous posts from people using 2400. Pros and cons to each???
Thanks.
John

 

[dhom]

I bought 500 240 gr. SWC bullets from cbbullets, and I was looking for opinions on the quality. Anyone else tried these that can give me an honest opinion? They claim to be in the 16 range for BH, and are advertised at .430 diameter. Also, I've read a lot about the Elmer Kieth loads, but don't know whether to get Unique or 2400. I was leaning toward Unique in the 8-9 gr. range, but have read numerous posts from people using 2400. Pros and cons to each???
Thanks.
John

What gun are you using? I use Missouri bullets 240 gr and they shoot great with 10gr Unique in a 44 mag Ruger Bisley.

 

[Titegroups]

If your using them for light target loads unique will work fine if you want to drive them hard then 2400, sounds like they are too soft for full charges and you'll end up with leading. Unique and 2400 are two different powders.

 

[buck45]

Softer bullets need less velocity to keep from leading the barrel. I suggest keeping them under about 1100 fps. I also prefer a fuller powder charge esp with big bores so I'd tend toward the 2400. The down side with light loads and slow powder is you may get unburned powder granules scattered about the gun. If you prefer to run your guns "wet" then it can cause several issues, none of them good. Maybe borrow some powder from a buddy and load both to see which you like?

As for the bullet quality, it's tough to get a "bad" bullet nowadays. Too much bad press on forums like this for anybody serious enough to cast professionally to make poor product. Most bullet "problems" can be sourced to a unique issue with the gun such as older models sometimes have a larger bore etc. Buy a bunch and shoot snot out of them. It's one of the pleasures of rolling your own.

 

[tappedandtagged]

What gun are you using? I use Missouri bullets 240 gr and they shoot great with 10gr Unique in a 44 mag Ruger Bisley.

Thats my go-to target load in my 3" S&W 629. For magnum velocity I have been using 18.5 + grains of AA #9 (still playing with it).

These are the 240 SWC from Missouri Bullet Company. With their 18 brinell bullets, I haven't had any leading with either powder.

ETA: I just looked at CB Bullets website. Seems they are the same hardness as my MO bullets. I also called MO bullets and found they are also working with Magma molds. So, same basic bullet. Lube may be different. I say for target shoot all day 44 loads, go with 10 grains of Unique. If you want more of a magnum, shoot half a box, get some 2400 or AA #9.

 

[radtuck]

Sorry for the delayed reply...I will be using a 629-3 with 6.5" barrel. I'm not looking for hefty loads, just some good knock around loads that won't tear my gun (or hands) up. The SWC bullets are pretty inexpensive, so that's why I opted for lead. I'm thinking about starting with 8 grains of Unique...I don't need barn burning speed, so I figured the light end would be good to try first.

 

[Cerberus62]

7.O - 8.0grs.Unique under a 240-250 SWC makes a great "all day" load.

22.0grs of 2400 was Elmers load, and you can load as low as 17grs and still shoot pretty clean.

BTW, a 245gr Keith SWC over 7.0 Unique dropped a running 125 pound hog at 30 yds from my 4" 629. I hit him in the right ham and the bullet exited in front of the left shoulder, dropped in his tracks and DRT.

Don't discount the killing power of these lighter loads with heavy solid bullets.

 

[radtuck]

Thanks...I appreciate the advice. Looking forward to shooting some bullets soon!!!

 

[tappedandtagged]

I go with 10 grains of Uniqueas well for my target loads. For full magnum, I chose 18.5 grains of AA #9. The unique is running around 1,000 fps in my 3" 629. The AA runs around 1,250 from the same gun. I did load a few up near max with the AA and got to pushing high 1300's, but the near min load of 18.5 thumps just fine.

 

[mikld]

You ask about bullet quality after you bought 500? More important than BHN is bullet fit, regardless of manufacturer. Slug the cylinder throats of your gun. Size cast bullets (or purchase) the same diameter as the cylinder throats (my .44 Ruger has .430" cylinder throats so I shoot .430" lead bullets). The bullet needs to seal the chamber/barrel to limit/eliminate leading. There's a bit more to this, but this will get you started shooting non leading, accurate, lead bullets.

I have several favorite loads for my .44s; 9.5 Unique for a 250 gr SWC. 15.5 gr. Bluedot for a 250 gr RNFP, depending on gun...