44 mag 245gr copper plated
- Thread starter anthonyjl
- Start date
NoSecondBest
New member
What brand of bullet is it? Something like Berry's ? If so, it's copper washed and should be loaded using cast bullet data, not jacketed data. If it's a jacketed bullet, use data for the 240g and reduce the starting load by 10% and work up looking for pressure signs. Don't ask for help without providing specific info or you're going to get good, bad, and terrible advice .....which you get enough of on the internet anyway. Other than that, welcome to the site.
Welcome to TFL anthonyjl.
We would like a little more info. As NoSecondBest already inquired, specifically what bullet are we talking about? What's the load purpose? Range shooting? Hunting?, etc. How long have you been loading?
Starting with 240 grain data, minus 10% is probably a good starting point. W296 is not hardly temperamental at all. So pressure spikes aren't likely. Getting it to run clean and consistent on the low end is usually the challenge with W296. The stuff runs right only one way: pumped up good and firm.
I'm also curious what gun will be shooting these; and its barrel length?
We would like a little more info. As NoSecondBest already inquired, specifically what bullet are we talking about? What's the load purpose? Range shooting? Hunting?, etc. How long have you been loading?
Starting with 240 grain data, minus 10% is probably a good starting point. W296 is not hardly temperamental at all. So pressure spikes aren't likely. Getting it to run clean and consistent on the low end is usually the challenge with W296. The stuff runs right only one way: pumped up good and firm.
I'm also curious what gun will be shooting these; and its barrel length?
Sorry about the lack of info gents. I will be shooting a S&W 629-4 with a 6" barrel. They are Frontier Bullets which are supposed to be pretty good for being plated. I am mainly a plinker and that is what these will be used for. Smoking paper and the occasional water jug or expired canned goods haha.
Good to know. Thanks.
Now I'm curious why W296? It's a great propellant. No arguing that. But it's suited primarily - it not, only - for full-throttle jacketed ammo. It doesn't like to turn down to plinking levels.
I'm wondering if you've considered Alliant 2400? It's just a little faster than 296; but it is a lot more versatile. More specifically, you can turn it down a little and it still runs consistent. And magnum primers are not required.
I have 629's in 5" and 8-3/8" bbls; and both guns really like 2400.
NoSecondBest
New member
My thoughts exactly. Much better choice for that caliber and bullet.
Which would not usually include W296/H110. I use A2400 because it has data for both 44 Special and 44 Magnum and lead bullets. I work the range between the two, and it always goes bang! without punishing me or the gun. I can use W296/H110 with semi-jacketed soft points or gas checked lead.
When I tried plated bullets (9mm 44 and 45) I used cast lead data. Worked quite well. After about 1,000 I figgered they had no great advantage for me (my cast lead bullets are accurate, nearly leading free and if I want higher velocity I'll just go with jacketed.).
I usually suggest to newer reloaders to find a load in their reloading manual(s), bullet, powders and primers, before they buy any components. Many fewer headaches, waiting for answers, and unused components that way...
I usually suggest to newer reloaders to find a load in their reloading manual(s), bullet, powders and primers, before they buy any components. Many fewer headaches, waiting for answers, and unused components that way...
I selected the powder because it was reported to be very efficient for several 44 mag and 357 mag loads. Only problem was I didnt know what the store had in stock for bullet selection. I should have just readjusted on the fly but didnt. Good news is I only bought 50 projectiles so ill order some better suited stuff online maybe and keep the powder.