kim

I'm gonna load some .44 Spec. for a friend of mine. He'll be shooting them in a 3 inch 629. Now here's the rub, I have some gas checked 250 grn bullets and I'll be using Titegroup or, most likely, 231, but all I can find is for 240 grn bullets. Anyone have suggestions?


Thanks


Molon Labe

Kim

JOHNNY WACKO

same here 240.

Machinist

It's a small difference in weight. Unless you are loading max loads I would not worry. In any case you are loading for use in a magnum revolver so you are more than safe. I would expect the freebore of the longer chamber to lower pressure much more that the 10 grains will raise it.

I'm no expert.

kim

Excellent points and kinda the direction I was thinking. I will start on the bottom and work up, like normal.

Thanks

Molon Labe

Kim

Machinist

If I was loading for a Charter Arms I would be very conservative but most published loads are very mild for a good gun.

sheepdog

...in the day, I loaded 5 gr. Unique under a 240 gr. SWC lead...still punishing in a Charter Bulldog, but prolly a pussycat in the 629...

Machinist

Both Unique and 231 are different today so old load data is suspect. I only use new data.

tx gun runner

The reason you can't find loading data 250 gr is the 44 spec is around 750 fps and gas checks are for bullets in the 1000 fps plus .... The magic load should be around 5.6 to 6.0 grs of 231 , which will push the bullet around 750 fps . I don't know if gas checks shot at a low speed will have the same problems of the 1/2 jackets shot at low speeds sticking in barrel . Personally I would remove the gas checks if you can with damaging the base of the bullets .

Machinist

Gunrunner,
Gas checks have much less drag than half jackets and with a 3" barrel it doesn't seem like the pressure would drop enough to leave them in the barrel, would it? I know you have much more knowledge of gas checks, I'm just asking what you think. In a 6" barrel I would be more concerned.

tx gun runner

I quit shooting the 1/2 jackets 40 years ago when the warning came out and I never shot gas checked bullets below 1000 fps so I can't tell you anything them . I use Hornady crimp on and have found my gas checks on the ground when walking up to check my target . I think the forcing cone could helps loosen them up , now that just a GUESS not a fact . 99.8% of my lead shooting is ungas checked bullets so I don't have much knowledge on gas checked bullets .

Machinist

I see. Thank you.

kim

Ya know, Ive been reloading for forty years and this proves that one can still learn. Gunrunner, I was hoping you chime in on this and, as usual, you have good information. I reckon I will order some cast .44 bullets and fix my friend up. Thank you gentlemen.


Molon Labe

Kim

tx gun runner

Try popping the gas checks off ...... I never reload for anyone , I get all the brass sized and primed , ready for them to put the powder and bullet in it and let them complete it using my press . You need a federal lic to load for someone else and if something happens you will lose in court automaticlly .

jimbo1096

I used GC lead bullets on 357mag only and never with any standard or low velocity loadings. If fact, I've run out of the ones I use to cast and doubt I'll use them anymore. In the .357 max they helped with keeping the leading down but they are a PITA to process when swaging the bullets.
SheepDawg I think your Unique load is a little low. I have used 7gr to 7.5 and find them to be well suited to the 44spl. with a 250gr LSWC bullet. 5gr is about as low as I would want to go using 231. JMHO so take it for what it's worth---

Terry_P

The link will give you a chapter from Taffin's book on 44's. (the whole book is there if you want to read it. I have it at home and it's a fun read) There are several listed for the 44 Special but his favorite is stll Skeeters favorite load of 7.5 gr of Unique which should come out of the pipe at 900-950fps probably a little less out of the 3" BBL and it should bark pretty good but still be fun.

http://www.sixguns.com/BookOfThe44/bot44c43.htm

Ornery

that is sound advice to not load for someone else.