Lite load, Great taste or less filling?
- Thread starter Smacktard
- Start date
Lite 44
I'd start by loading 44 Specials for my 44 Magnum. The reason is the smaller case provides a smaller case volume and more efficiency for light loads. Loading manuals will give you loads for 200 grain bullets on up with velocities in the 800 fps range which are like a pop gun in all but the lightest revolvers.
I'd start by loading 44 Specials for my 44 Magnum. The reason is the smaller case provides a smaller case volume and more efficiency for light loads. Loading manuals will give you loads for 200 grain bullets on up with velocities in the 800 fps range which are like a pop gun in all but the lightest revolvers.
To a level of recoil about like a 148 gr WC in .38 Special. Here is a link to the Alliant online manual for Cowboy loads which are quite light for .44 mag.
http://recipes.alliantpowder.com/rg...cr=Mag.&bulletdescr=205 gr National RNFP lead
If one searches I think there are some 180 gr WC .44 cal and 190 gr SWC bullets out there. The lighter weight bullets all other things being equal will recoil less.
http://recipes.alliantpowder.com/rg...cr=Mag.&bulletdescr=205 gr National RNFP lead
If one searches I think there are some 180 gr WC .44 cal and 190 gr SWC bullets out there. The lighter weight bullets all other things being equal will recoil less.
kingudaroad
New member
My practice load is 11.5 gr of unique under a speer 210 gr gold dot hp. very very fun. I can shoot them all day.I see no need to load 44 special if you reload.I used to practice with 44 special when I bought factory ammo, but a light bullet with a low velocity powder is just as pussycat as a special IMO. Loading data for above load is not in the speer manual but can be found at the speer website.
Harley Quinn
Moderator
Lite loads go 44 spl case
I think someone said it but I will repeat it. Some times it is better when you go low loading to do it in the smaller case. In this case go with the 44 spl. case. No reason to go with mag primers etc.. Might be cheaper. Hope so.
If in doubt check out the other post and go from there. The good thing is you are asking and doing something responsible and not taking any chances.
You get a gold star.
I hope you have a good reloading manuel and use it.
Don't throw your loads, first work up a load 5 at a time and then you can go from there. Do good paper work, put them in baggies, write on the baggie.
Harley
I think someone said it but I will repeat it. Some times it is better when you go low loading to do it in the smaller case. In this case go with the 44 spl. case. No reason to go with mag primers etc.. Might be cheaper. Hope so.
If in doubt check out the other post and go from there. The good thing is you are asking and doing something responsible and not taking any chances.
You get a gold star.
I hope you have a good reloading manuel and use it.Don't throw your loads, first work up a load 5 at a time and then you can go from there. Do good paper work, put them in baggies, write on the baggie.
Harley
Thank you very much!
Wow, you guys have given me a lot of good information, exactly what I needed in fact. I was considering buying a revolver, but which one? It finally occurred to me that there was a lot of good used .44 magnums for sale, but I didn't like the idea of taking so much punishment from a pistol. Then I realized if I could load a 44 very lightly it would probably be a joy to shoot. And still leave me with the option of using a hot load for self-defense, the best of both worlds. You have given me the confidence to give it a try. Thank you very much, Smacktard.
Wow, you guys have given me a lot of good information, exactly what I needed in fact. I was considering buying a revolver, but which one? It finally occurred to me that there was a lot of good used .44 magnums for sale, but I didn't like the idea of taking so much punishment from a pistol. Then I realized if I could load a 44 very lightly it would probably be a joy to shoot. And still leave me with the option of using a hot load for self-defense, the best of both worlds. You have given me the confidence to give it a try. Thank you very much, Smacktard.
357shooter
New member
I reload my 44. cases with a 240 grain lead bullet with 8gr. of hodgden universal.It still is a light enough load to shoot all day but still gives you the feeling of shooting the mighty 44.I have loaded with lighter bullets,and some cowboy loads but I still like a little bit of zip to my handloads.
Pappy John
New member
Ditto on 357shooter's load. Just breaks the 900 fps line in my 4" Mountain Gun. Very comfortable and accurate. Just enough pressure for a clean burn of all the powder. In my 7.5" Redhawk it feels like a .38.