Anyone load light loads using a 44 mag case? I am talking about plinking loads. I thought about using the maximum recommended load for 44 spl in the 44 mag case. It would make for easy plinking but without the ring you get when using 44 spl in a 44 mag chamber. I guess the same would apply to the .357 case with .38 spl load.
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44 spl in 44 mag case
- Thread starter DennisD
- Start date
Ditto. Pretty much all my Dad loaded for the .44 was Special loads in the Mag case. Did the same thing with .38 as well, though mostly he had .38 SPL cases.
If you shoot lead bullets, you may look at seating them deep enough to get the Special case volume. I found some notes in Dad's reloading records calculating that he could seat the cast .38 SWC bullets he was using to the shoulder, still crimp them fine, and get the proper .38 SPL case volume for those loads. I don't bother with that - in both .44 and .357, the lighter loads do just fine.
I do find that my Rossi .357 lever rifle does not like light loads or .38 SPL. It really likes a "medium-hot" Magnum load, so that's what I use now. For the .44, though, I still like a lighter load.
If you shoot lead bullets, you may look at seating them deep enough to get the Special case volume. I found some notes in Dad's reloading records calculating that he could seat the cast .38 SWC bullets he was using to the shoulder, still crimp them fine, and get the proper .38 SPL case volume for those loads. I don't bother with that - in both .44 and .357, the lighter loads do just fine.
I do find that my Rossi .357 lever rifle does not like light loads or .38 SPL. It really likes a "medium-hot" Magnum load, so that's what I use now. For the .44, though, I still like a lighter load.
kingudaroad
New member
I use Unique powder in my 44mag plinking loads as they can be safely reduced for less recoil. There are other powders that will work also.Maybe Blue Dot though I haven't tried any yet.
Be careful reducing slower burning powders like H110 or Win 296. Too small of a load with these powders can result in unsafe pressures.
Be careful reducing slower burning powders like H110 or Win 296. Too small of a load with these powders can result in unsafe pressures.
AlaskaMike
New member
I love 7.5 to 8 grains of 231 under a 250 grain Keith. Makes a little more than 800 fps out of a 4" barrel and are wonderfully accurate.
MIke
MIke
"...same would apply to the..." Yep. Shot bullseye for eons using .357 cases loaded to .38 target velocities.
"...thought about using the maximum recommended load for..." Work up the load like you do for anything else. There's no reason to assume a max or near max load will give you the best accuracy.
"...thought about using the maximum recommended load for..." Work up the load like you do for anything else. There's no reason to assume a max or near max load will give you the best accuracy.
slotracer577
New member
I have been doing light loads of blue dot, 12g vs max of 15g with a 240g bullet. Not a special load, which is 9g max, but less recoil than comercial loads. I have almost 300 rounds of once fired 44 mag, so I figured I should use it.
John
John
Edward429451
Moderator
8.0 gr of Unique under a 245/250 gr lswc and a standard primer will do what you ask also. Might be slightly warm compared to 44 special loads but is a great load. I get ~953 fps from my 7.5" RH with this load
<based on groove location>
You mean based on short brass don't you? I don't think I've ever seated a LSWC to book length. It always falls out under.
<based on groove location>
You mean based on short brass don't you? I don't think I've ever seated a LSWC to book length. It always falls out under.
Thanks for the recipes.
I like to use Acurate Arms #5. Any one have any thoughts or sugessted loads for 240 grain copper plated (not FMJ but electroplated as in Rainier)?
My manual has the recipe for .44 mag with that combo but not for .44 special. The closest would be 245 grain lead with #5.
I like to use Acurate Arms #5. Any one have any thoughts or sugessted loads for 240 grain copper plated (not FMJ but electroplated as in Rainier)?
My manual has the recipe for .44 mag with that combo but not for .44 special. The closest would be 245 grain lead with #5.
crowbeaner
New member
My plinking load for my old M29 was 8.0 of Red Dot in a magnum case and an RCBS 245 SWC sized to .430. It shot 1 ragged hole groups; a little smoky for indoor ranges though.