Rube Burrows wrote:Frank V wrote:Rube, good for you.
...the .44 Mag... is as versatile as most any cartridge & can be loaded from light loads almost in the .38 Special range to full house magnums. )
You will like it, then if you get into casting your own bullets well...
I would eventually like to start casting bullets but no definite plans on that yet.
I have always enjoyed shooting the .44mag but have never loaded for it.
Based upon what you have stated here, I would recommend Unique as possibly the best all around (and generally most often stocked) powder for your reloading needs. It was so named because of its unique ability to work for such a wide range of loads, and still is one of the kings of powders.
I love to practice with 1,000 fps 240 grain cast loads in my .44 Magnum - my favorite overall choice, with a couple of .45 Colt loads edging in at a close 2nd.
As for handloading: I am unaware of any store bought light loads like this, and I think I remember a commercial loader (Buffalo Bore) that has some light loads, but they are quite expensive as I remember. Handloading makes a lot more sense, and I think it is a lot of fun to boot. I don't have the additional time to cast my own, but there are many great outlets where you can purchase cast bullets and still save money over purchasing factory ammo.
This particular mild .44 Magnum load is a safe pressure for any reliable .44 Mag handgun; more like a warm or hot .44 Special load. The longer .44 Mag cases make it quite safe in the Mag platform, while its recoil is pretty tame, allowing fairly quick second shots. It is my absolute
favorite plinking and fun load:
240 Gr. SWC BB (Bevel Base) Moly coated Keith Style Magnus hard cast bullet, .430, their Lot # 701M
9.0 gr. Unique
CCI 300 Lg Pistol primers, Winchester brass (Win brass reportedly gives many loads vs. price)
(Above - primers, brass - not all that critical; other components might work better in your gun)
COAL (Overall Cartridge Length)
1.610 inches
Actual MV from 6.5 in. Taurus Model 44SS6 (Stainless 6 inch DA revolver):
1,078 fps (chronographed)
Brinnell hardnesss of this cast bullet is reportedly 18-20, per the supplier
Bullets touch at 15 yards when I am in shooting shape, very tight at 25 yds
I also use Unique for .38 practice rounds and stouter loads in .38's and my .357 Magnum 6 inch. Unique is my choice for light practice loads in an old aluminum lightweight .38 snubbie (to preserve the ol' fella) and it is very reliable for me.
Like mentioned above, your shelf is not complete without Unique.