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Reloading .44 Special

Scrumbag

Hi folks,

I recently discovered that my .44 mag 1892 clone really quite likes the 240gr Magtech / CB "Cowboy" .44 Specials. I think it would be a fun range plinking load and seems to feed fine. (I'm no SAA shooter but I ran some 5 shot strings through the gun fast as I could and couldn't get it to misfeed)

Does anyone have any recommendations on what would be a good way to replicate this load? (Looks like a RNFP profile to me)

I've saved the brass but noticed it has a ring on it. Can I reload this brass and if so do I need to do anything to fix the ring?

Best wishes,

Scrummy

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Scrumbag, You can reload brass like your picture. I shoot 44 special, but only in pistols. For a rifle I recommend jacketed bullets to take advantage of the extra velocity possibly available in a rifle. Never got into Cowboy Action type shooting, but would bet it is a pretty light load. I like Unique for cast bullet loads in this size case.
 
Hi Jackson, I'm actually looking for a specifically soft shooting, inexpensive load. I have some stout loads for the rifle using H110 and you are certainly aware when those go off ;)

Scrummy
 
Try 7.5 grains of Unique with a 245-250 grain cast Keith style bullet loaded in the .44 Spcl case. That ring you cited, looks to be nothing but the cannelure , nothing to be concerned about. This load is supposed to produce 22-25,000 psi. More than a SAMMI approved standard .44 Spcl load, but far less than a .44 Magnum.
 
Like Twicepop, I use Unique at 7.0 and 240 grain cast bullets. Have a Colt New Frontier in 44 Special that always shot extremely high for me, with this load, so I made the switch to 200 grain jacketed bullets and found my joy. The mentioned shoots well in my 44 magnum.
 
That ring is the crimp ring the factory used. Nothing too worry about, size the brass in your FL die and reload/use it. Many of the above mentioned loads will work just fine for your plinking enjoyment.
Or start with some start load or light loads, taken from a manual and have fun. Trail Boss is a really good powder for light/cowboy loads and goes a long way per lb.
 
Many years ago I loaded for the 44 Special and 44 Mag. For very light but accurate loads I used 3 grains of Bullseye. For heavier loads I used Unique and for Max 44 Mag loads I used 2400.
 
My brother cannot take 44 mag recoil in a revolver.
I found 240 gr AA#9 date for both 44 mag and 44 sp.
I interpolated and found a load he could shoot.
 
Thanks folks. I shall probably buy another couple of boxes of the Magtech to get the brass as it seems ok and shoots nicely then I shall try and develop some loads.

I have Unique so will start there.

Scrummy
 

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Scrumbag said:
Thanks folks. I shall probably buy another couple of boxes of the Magtech to get the brass as it seems ok and shoots nicely then I shall try and develop some loads.

I have Unique so will start there.

Scrummy
Click to expand...
If you've got primers, powder, and bullets, I'd suggest you just buy brass. I also bought Magtech 44mag because I couldn't find any Starline brass, then I found some at Diamond K Brass for $33/100 and is currently in stock.
 
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