New to 44 mag world and need advice on ammo

[Goblin]

I'll repeat the advice of any 240 factory load, and point out that my experience with Magtech is that it's a little less hot than most others like W-W. However, try the Remington 180 JHP when you can find it. It has a pleasing muzzle flash to help you enjoy the money you've spent.

You mentioned that you don't reload, but didn't say why. I enjoy loading almost as much as shooting. It's a bad time to start, with components being scarce, but 44 Mag is a cartridge that allows you maximum return for your reloading investment. Not only the money you'll save, but also in the flexibility to adjust the power levels with far more variability than other cartridges.

 

[gwpercle]

You might want to start thinking about reloading .

A Lee Hand Press Kit and a set of Lee Dies will allow you to reload ammo sitting at your desk or table . The Hand Press kit contains a primer seating tool and with the dies there is a shell holder and powder scoop . No hammering is required . I reload all my handgun and 30-30 rifle with the Lee Hand Press ... My reloading bench mounted presses are in a unheated / uncooled out building and my house has nice cool A/C .
The little hand press and reloading stuff live in a gym/ range bag and easy to put in closet when I'm done .
Think about it ... reloading is still legal .
Become the master of your ammunition supply ...feels good !
Gary

 

[1911haulic]

You mentioned that you don't reload, but didn't say why.

I don't get to shoot that much and have never invested in the reloading equipment.

Thanks to y'all, I'm considering getting started.

 

[ajgunner]

Even at current component costs you will still save a bunch loading your own. Not too mention the ability to tailor your loads to what you like.

New Brass---.25
Coated lead 240gr SWC bullets---.15
Powders---.06
Primers---.10
Total around .57 per round or $29 per box
Keep in mind that every time you use the brass, the price goes down.

I started loading 44 mag shortly after I bought my first 44 revolver back in the early 80's. Really at the time it was the only way I could afford to shoot any volume.

My current costs to reload 44 mag:
Brass---free since I have multiple loading on each piece
Coated lead 240gr SWC---.12 since I buy them in bulk
Powder---.03 since my powders were mostly bought back in the days of $12-$15 per pound
Primers---.02 same deal---primers were cheap in the 80's and 90's and since they don't seem to rot or go bad, I stocked up

Total for what I load today---about .17 per round or $8.50 per box

 

[CScott]

Best way for 44 Maggie is to reload.
This cartridge does an exquisite job across wide weight and power bands. To limit yourself to what's on the shelf for it really squanders it's Swiss army knife like potential

This is so true. Now is a great time to get into handloading, especially for 44 Spec/Magnum. For the price of a few boxes of factory ammo that is hardly even available today, you can get a good basic handloading setup that will serve you well. Components are also in short supply now but if you are unable to find everything you need to get started, just ask on this forum and I'm sure help will be forthcoming. I recently gave a friend of mine enough small pistol primers he needed to get going and I would do it again. You will learn more about shooting and what makes a gun "tick" than ever before. You will never regret it.
Scott

 

[venomballistics]

This is so true. Now is a great time to get into handloading, especially for 44 Spec/Magnum. For the price of a few boxes of factory ammo that is hardly even available today, you can get a good basic handloading setup that will serve you well. Components are also in short supply now but if you are unable to find everything you need to get started, just ask on this forum and I'm sure help will be forthcoming. I recently gave a friend of mine enough small pistol primers he needed to get going and I would do it again. You will learn more about shooting and what makes a gun "tick" than ever before. You will never regret it.
Scott

For so much more than just operating cost in this case.
You go out and buy a 44 magnum with this pre misconception based in a dirty harry flick. Its not until you reload that the light comes on and you begin to understand some of what Elmer Keith was talking about.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

The above suggestion to check ammoseek.com is a good one. You can find ammo in stock and order it knowing the price per round. They also show bulk ammo that's available. Good luck finding what you want.

 

[AlHunt]

You might want to start thinking about reloading .
...

Become the master of your ammunition supply ...

I know non-reloaders get tired of us reloaders chiming in on these threads, but that right there sums it up:
The master of your ammo supply.

Sage wisdom.