260gr .44 Special Loads

T

TheLastGoodFight

New member
Good afternoon,

I'm experimenting on some loads for my 3rd gen Colt SAA in .44spec. Like many of these old guns, my chambers are too big and I have to shoot a .433 bullet. Long story short, I've got a few samples some custom casters have been kind enough to provide.

.225gr Keith SWC
LBT .260 WTN
LBT .260 Keith SWC
Lee .260 Keith SWC

None of my manuals go up to a .260gr bullet. I'd like to load with Unique, but I have 2400 if necessary. I'm still getting my feet wet and not eager to blow anything up. Any suggestions?
 
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CAUTION: The following post includes loading data beyond or not covered by currently published maximums for this cartridge. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The Firing Line, nor the staff of TFL assume any liability for any damage or injury resulting from use of this information.

Below is an Alliant book listed load using Unique for a 250gr cast bullet. The charge weight is maximum so it has to be reduced by 10% to get to a start load, per Alliant.

Being your loading a 10gr heavier bullet, I would drop the charge down at least another 1/2 to 1 grain from that to get a starting load for the 260gr bullet.

Alliant Data

44 S&W Special 250 gr cast (Keith) Case - Remington; Min OAL 1.58; BBL - 5.5"; Primer - CCI 300; Powder - Unique Max- 6.9grs; 921FPS

The key thing to remember is that the heavier bullet will be further in the case than the lighter one will. This will in some cases raise pressures with some powders faster than others.

Unique is a good powder to work with however and is usually pretty forgiving pressure wise. When dropping the load down like mentioned it should work out fine as a starting load.

I would also suggest that you drop the max load the same amount to correspond with the added length. In other words, instead of a 6.9gr max, you might use 5.5-5.8grs as a max.

The Lyman Cast Bullet Manual lists a 255gr SWC with Unique as follows, OAL, 1.550" Start Load - 5.7grs; Max.- 6.6grs

Honestly if start low and work up slow and choose accuracy over velocity and your usually miles ahead.

Hope that helps.
 
The 255 grain load will do nicely for a 260, but don't use it for a 225. 220 grain data will do though.
Wouldn't get too, um, over powering with a worn revolver.
There are a few cast 267 grain(7 grains won't matter) loads on Handloads.com. Uses Vihtavuori powders though.
A bunch of 260 grain data here. I think it's jacketed data though. No mention one way or the other. http://stevespages.com/429p_4_260.html
 
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