180gr hardcast lead loads

[hot chili powder]

Anyone reload 44 mag with 180 gr hardcast lead bullets, data hard to find. Will be using them in my Ruger Vaquero with 3 3/4" barrel.....have lots of TiteGroup & Unique on hand for lighter to mid-power loads. Help me out guys!!

 

[Charlie98]

Depends on what kind of velocity you want to get. Easiest place to start would be with .44SPC data and work up from there. If you want .44MAG velocities, you could probably start with 200grn cast data, and work up.

 

[OKElkHunter]

I agree with Charlie_98. Use 44sp data to start. You don't want to push that 180 much faster than max 44sp velocities, otherwise you risk lead fouling your barrel.
I've shot 7.2 grains of HP38 with 180gr RimRock cowboy cast with very good results. Try http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/pistol and use 185gr for your bullet weight. I have some test loads of vhitavuori 3N37 and some with Western Blackhorn 209 that I need to test.
You can try a search for cowboy load data, since 180gr in the 44 are usually used for cowboy competition loads.


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[243winxb]

Loading Data Links.

Old Alliant data has 180gr Jacket listed here. castpics.net

Then there is Steve's pages. http://stevespages.com/page8a.htm

I would use Unique and work up.

The slower powders like 296, 110, 4227 are not the best with light bullets. IMO.

 

[jamaica]

That is a pretty light bullet for 44. Try 7 grains of Unique.

 

[Pathfinder45]

You might find that 180 grain bullets shoot quite low in your Vaquero. I also shoot a Vaquero. Because of the fixed sights, elevation adjustments are made by filing the front sight. Puting metal back on is difficult. Therefore, it's best to dedicate the gun to one bullet weight. If you were me, you would melt and recast those bullets to a heavier weight.