44 mag/special loading question

[Clint007]

I know CZ doesn't make a pistol for 44 sp/mag, but I have found you folks to be the most helpful and knowledgeable, so here I am. I'm just starting now to load this, my first foray into loading for revo. Actually it's for my wife.  44 sp is fun but she'd like something midway between 44 sp and the average 44 mag load.

I have a box of 100 Hornady 200 gr XTPs that I will use initially.

I have a small powder bar set up on my 550b which I'll use for this. I have Starline 44 mag brass. I have on hand CFE Pistol, Titegroup, 231, Unique, and  HS-6.  I was looking at using Unique or 231 or Titegroup which I have in opened containers in plentiful supply.  I've found various loads for both sp and mag on the powder manufacturer's website, and was going to start at ~135% of the typical charge for 44 sp and gradually work up until I find a tolerable load, but stay well under average 44 mag specs.  Is this a reasonable way to start?

I have Dillon dies for 44 sp/mag. I have never roll crimped a case in my life. Is there a good free resource I can pull up on how to best do this as I start?  How do I know I've crimped enough or too much etc?

Thanks

Clint

[Grendel]

Here's a 4 pager from when I asked pretty much the same question.

https://czfirearms.us/index.php?topic=106256.0

[M1A4ME]

Never used anything for "light" .44s but Unique.  And 240 grain lead bullets.  The jacketed hollow points were always magnum loads with W296 or 2400.

The Unique loads in the books aren't at .44 magnum velocities (or recoil) anyway.  Just go with a recommended .44 magnum Unique powder load from the books.

[Wobbly]

• These 357M's are considered perfect....




• I've been advised that loading 10mm is a lot like 44. I would review the recent 10mm testing I did and look at my notes. I think heavier bullets (180 or 200gr) is going to be way more comfortable for her.

https://czfirearms.us/index.php?topic=108228.0

Hope this helps.

[Clint007]

Thank you

Where’s the rumor about a 10mm CZ?

C

[Wobbly]

In the General Discussion Forum. That's where they talk about new CZ releases.

https://czfirearms.us/index.php?board=28.0

[lewmed]

 Unique works well for light to med. 44 spl. and 44 mag. but I found Hodgdon Univ. to meter much better and be cleaner. I shoot mostly 240gr High Tek coated bullets sized to .430 to .431" depending on the revolver. 
.

[larryflew]

I use unique to make low/medium 44mags that will barely operate my desert eagle and H110 for actual 44mags. When I let someone shoot the DE I load with 2 of the weaker loads followed by the magnums and tell them that. They are still surprised at boom boom BOOM. The lower powered one are also great in my Taurus revolver that is really light and rough on the hands with full power. My 44mag rifle is most accurate with full power.

[Long Branch Setter]

The old Skeeter load of 7.5 gr of Unique over a 240gr lead SWC in 44 Special, it’s right around 1000fps give or take. You may not see it in the books but Ive shot thousands of these load thru my Rugers. Never has let me down.

LBS

[Matt101]

^ this

I would load 10gn of Unique for Magnum loads too


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[SI VIS PACEM PARRABELLUM]

The old Skeeter load of 7.5 gr of Unique over a 240gr lead SWC in 44 Special, it’s right around 1000fps give or take. You may not see it in the books but Ive shot thousands of these load thru my Rugers. Never has let me down.

LBS

This is a great load. I cast my own Keith style lswc slugs and they shoot great in my S&W model 69.

[Clint007]

Coincidentally I tested several loads with the 200gr Hornady XTP Bullet, using this Scandium s&W. 7.5 gr was the most I think I’d load for my wife. I also tested 8, 8.5, and 9 and these were progressively more unpleasant with that light gun.

I’ll test accuracy and velocities next

C

[Long Branch Setter]

Coincidentally I tested several loads with the 200gr Hornady XTP Bullet, using this Scandium s&W. 7.5 gr was the most I think I’d load for my wife. I also tested 8, 8.5, and 9 and these were progressively more unpleasant with that light gun.

I’ll test accuracy and velocities next

C

I’ve been a 44 Special fan for years and have experimented extensively with different powders and bullets. The 7.5 gr/ 240 Keith LSWC is the one I always come back to. I have taken everything from squirrels to deer and hogs with it, it has enough power to do the job, is accurate in my guns and pleasant to shoot. Also have to add I’ve only fired it from steel framed guns and at my age I’m not sure I would want to try it from a LW revolver.

LBS

[SI VIS PACEM PARRABELLUM]

Coincidentally I tested several loads with the 200gr Hornady XTP Bullet, using this Scandium s&W. 7.5 gr was the most I think I’d load for my wife. I also tested 8, 8.5, and 9 and these were progressively more unpleasant with that light gun.

I’ll test accuracy and velocities next

C

If that is the gun she is going to be shooting then yeah you'll want to stay with lighter bullets and loads otherwise she nor you will want to shoot it. I have several lightweight revolvers and it's important to find a comfortable and fun load to shoot from them otherwise they are just downright painful and unforgiving to fire.

[Wobbly]

If that is the gun she is going to be shooting then yeah you'll want to stay with lighter bullets and loads otherwise she nor you will want to shoot it.

I was just going to say, that's a fairly light handgun.