what is a good cast bullet and velocity I might need for deer in the woods..I do not cast so will have to find a place to buy the bullets.The powder I have is unique and 2400..Thanks
44 special for deer
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- Last Post 11 November 2019
What firearm?
LMG
Concealment is not cover.........
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Larry==My revolver is the Taurus mod 44 6.5 inch barrel
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Hi 2frogs,
I cast the Lyman #429421 Elmer Keith bullet. It's the 245 gr SWC,, and probably the best all around .44 bullet ever made.
Mine weigh in around 250 gr cast with WW's, water quenched, and sized and lubed at .430. 1000 -1100 fps is good.
If you live in the states and want to try some pm me.
Jeff
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My favorite bullet for the .44 Special is the H&G #503 (250 Keith from a Mihec mold) that is similar to Mouldknocker's. I agree with his assessment. All of my deer (except one with the Lee 300 gr. RF) have been taken with this bullet in .44 magnums.
FWIW
Dale53
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I just got the Lyman mold #429421 it shoots lights out using 10 gr. of unique tried with homemade lube and harbor fright powder coating accuracy was great with both. didn't check velocity yet but point of impact didn't change from 50 yds. to 100 yds. so I would assume around 1100 fps.
Fitzpatrick
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2frogs
I suggest checking out mattsbullets.com for softer cast bullets for your 44. I'd recommend the following bullets for deer hunting with 44 SPL loads;
430-265-SWC-GC
430-235-RF-GC
430-250-RFHP
All three are softer cast bullets HP bullets that will expand at 44 SPL velocities. Click on "more info" at each bullet site for appropriate velocitiy levels for the bullets. With the 265 gr bullet Id try 15 - 15.5 gr 2400. With the 235 and 250 gr Skeeter Skeltons load of 7.5 gr Unique would be my choice.
You mention "44 special" but are you looking at 44 Special loads or 44 Magnum loads? Reason I ask is the mentioned 10 gr load of Unique under the 429421 is a midrange 44 Magnum level load. The loads I suggested are 44 SPL loads.
LMG
Concealment is not cover.........
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Larry Gibson,
Good eye, thank you for catching that and bringing it to our attention.
2frogs
the Lyman cast bullet loading manual has that bullet listed as a good selection and if you would like to try some of that mould, I would be more than happy to pour some up for you. Send me your mailing address in a PM and I will send them to you.
The load mentioned before by me of 10 grains unique is a 44 magnum not a 44 special load. I misspoke. apologies.
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If you google Brian Pearce .44spl, He has a great article on the .44spl with load data for 3 different categories of .44spl loads. I am planning on using the Keith load in my 5.5 bisley blackhawk this year if I can get a shot under fifty yards (429421). Out of my gun it is running avg of 1250 17.0grns 2400. My Skeeter loads do avg 999fps.
I will be hunting the desert for mules so I may not get a real chance at testing them.
Definitely check out that article, He has solid data that I have loaded for mine and it is right close to same results. I now just need a deer and coyote to test it on. I do know the skeeter load works well on rabbits and can eat right up to the whole.
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For whats its worth my new LYMAN 3rd edition pistol and revolver manual show a max of 743 fps with the 255 gr bullet #429244..Using 10.0 gr of HS-7 powder..For the powders I have the velocity is a tad over 700..So how are all these higher velocitys npossible unless they are running over max??
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The Lyman load approximates the original black powder pressure and velocity. In respect for the older guns, the reloading manuals keep the pressures down. Your Taurus is a modern pistol, definitely capable of taking heavier loads. I shoot a similar load in my S&W 696 for evening carry.
Not being familiar with Taurus models, I hesitate to recommend loads. However, you can check with the manufacturer for their recommendation or other Taurus owners for their experience.
Farm boy from Illinois, living in the magical Pacific Northwest
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2frogs;
The typical data in reloading manuals is limited by SAAMI data. The .44 Special data recognizes many of the early black powder revolvers that are still being used as well as some early smokeless revolvers that are not particularly robust.
Brian Pearce's article referenced above details three strength levels of .44 Special revolvers with extensive data for each of the three categories. The article is found in Handloader #236 (August-September 2005). It is a most worthy read for anyone loading for the .44 Special.
I have several .44 Special revolvers and have taken much edible small game with my revolvers in this chambering. Loaded up to nearly 1200 fps. with a 250 gr. SWC cast bullet it is suitable for big game.
FWIW
Dale53
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2Frogs
Yes look up Bryan Pearce's article. Look here:http://www.goodrichfamilyassoc.org/44_Special_Articles/
For a whole bunch of good 44 articles, you can download and print the PDF files.
I use Accurate 43-257 H for just about everything it casts 260 grains, My 61/2 inch S&W 624 loves it.
The Speer 1970 manual lists loads for the S&W 1950 Target 44 Special 61/2" 250 grain cast bullet.
2400 15.0 start 1067 fps 17.0 Max 1188 fps
Unique 6.0 Start 770 fps 7.0 Max 966 fps
I have used 16.5 grains 2400 in the 624 for 1150 fps, I don't shoot many of them, not many bears here..
6.2 grains Unique for just over 800 fps in my revolver gives superb accuracy and is comfortable I shoot a lot of these..
The big question is how strong is your Taurus. Taurus is not going to help, you need to talk to other Taurus users. The Taurus is probably safe with loads a little higher pressure than factory 44 Special. These can give you 1000 fps, which is plenty for deer. The starting 2400 load above should be all you need.
Steve
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