[Deanimator]

Does anyone know of a source for a .44 200gr. lead semi-wadcutter bullet?

I can't seem to find one, just 215s, 240s, etc.

I'm looking SPECIFICALLY for a 200gr. LSWC for the .44 Special and .44 Magnum.

I don't want a cowboy style roundnose flatpoint, or any other weight.

Can anybody help me out?

Thanks.

[Walkalong]

The 215's shoot real good for me in the .44 Spl. I don't remember seeing any 200 Gr. SWC's. The 208 Gr. (self cast from Lee mold ) WC also shoots real good. I really like the 215's. Why 200 only?...:)

[Deanimator]

The 215's shoot real good for me in the .44 Spl. I don't remember seeing any 200 Gr. SWC's. The 208 Gr. (self cast from Lee mold ) WC also shoots real good. I really like the 215's. Why 200 only?...

I'm trying to duplicate the Federal 200gr. LSWC-HP load. I'd like to be able to have a practice load which shoots to the same point of aim as the factory load without any sight changes.

I live in an apartment, so casting is out.

Thanks.

[Jim Watson]

I looked up for you the brands of bullets that I am familiar with. True, none offer a 200 gr SWC.

I would not expect a 215 gr SWC or a 200 gr flatpoint to have a POI much if any different from a 200 gr SWC at pistol ranges. I have a target shot with my .45 ACP Colt OACP with a mixed magazine loaded with all bullet weights on hand, 185, 200, and 230 grain. All holes touch on a 15 yard target.

[Deanimator]

I would not expect a 215 gr SWC or a 200 gr flatpoint to have a POI much if any different from a 200 gr SWC at pistol ranges.
I'm only interested in LSWC, so the flatpoints are out.

Is there a 215gr. LSWC that you would recommend?

Thanks.

[Jim Watson]

No, I only shot a few 215s cast by a friend a long time ago. I preferred the 250 gr Keith, made do with 240s.

[LHB1]

Deanimator,
The only .44 cal 200 gr LSWC bullets that I know of are those cast in a special order H&G mold that Wayne Gibbs made for me before he retired. The 200 gr bullets shoot well but are not as accurate as 240-250 gr LSWC bullets (at least in my guns). The 215 gr bullets may work as well or better for you.

Good shooting and be safe.
LB

[Deanimator]

The 215 gr bullets may work as well or better for you.

Do you have a 215gr. LSWC to recommend?

[Walkalong]

I'll check the brand when I get home. I am almost certain they are Magnus though. I shoot some D&J, but they are 200 Gr. I'm pretty sure. I have not loaded any for a while.:)

[SlamFire1]

I do not know a commercial bullet casting outfit in your area, I live in Alabama and have been able to get 200 grain LSWC’s from Valiant Bullets of Bynum Alabama 256-236-5897.

Bullet weight varies a bit, so while the Valiant bullets are advertised as 200 grain, the ones I have weigh closer to 205 grains. This extra five grains is insignificant and could be the weight of the lube.

I have a Taurus with a 3” barrel and developed some loads with Unique. The pistol has fixed sights which are regulated for 200 grain bullets. Unique has performed exceptionally well in the 44 Spl with 250’s, so I tried it with 200’s. I have no complaints.

My plinking load is the 6.0 grains load. I suspect the 7.0 grain load is actually higher velocity than the Federal 200 LHP load. I shot some of that Federal but do not have chronograph values. It was not a high velocity load, I think it was under 900 fps.

Taurus M431 3" Barrel


205 LSWC 6.0 grs Unique thrown, Midway Brass WLP
11-Dec-04 T = 54 °F

Accurate, shoots point of aim Slight leading

Ave Vel = 789.6
Std Dev = 27.18
ES 96.54
Low 724.1
High 820.6
N = 30


205 LSWC 7.0 grs Unique thrown, Midway Brass WLP
25-Nov-04 T = 57 °F

elevation good but left: leaded barrel

Ave Vel = 906
Std Dev = 16
ES 56
Low 876
High 932
N = 15

[Deanimator]

I am almost certain they are Magnus though.
That would be great, since I have shot a LOT of Magnus .38s and .45s in bullseye competition and have a VERY high opinion of their products.

[Deanimator]

I do not know a commercial bullet casting outfit in your area, I live in Alabama and have been able to get 200 grain LSWC’s from Valiant Bullets of Bynum Alabama 256-236-5897.
There's at least one, just not a very good one, National Bullet. Their customer service shortcomings are the stuff of legend, here and elsewhere.

I'm accustomed to having to buy mailorder, at least now that Penn doesn't come to any gunshows which I attend.

Thanks.

[fecmech]

Try here http://www.keadbullets.com/44MAG.htm

[Deanimator]

Try here http://www.keadbullets.com/44MAG.htm
Thanks.

[Steve C]

Annother source for 200gr .44 bullets:
http://www.tru-cast.com/

[AH-1]

I have a lyman mold (429215) which is a keith type 210 swc gc bullet.I have shot these out of my 44 mag t/c 14 inch barrel.excellent bullet and very accurate.I cast my own as I got tried of crap bullets out there which are over priced.
pete

[Deanimator]

I have a lyman mold (429215) which is a keith type 210 swc gc bullet.I have shot these out of my 44 mag t/c 14 inch barrel.excellent bullet and very accurate.I cast my own as I got tried of crap bullets out there which are over priced.
Unfortunately I live in an apartment. If I cast enough bullets in here, I'll end up voting for Giuliani or Hillary! :eek:

[Walkalong]

That would be great, since I have shot a LOT of Magnus

They are. Pic included. The D&J 200 RFP is a good bullet too. I just liked the 215 SWC better.

I live in Alabama and have been able to get 200 grain LSWC’s from Valiant Bullets of Bynum Alabama 256-236-5897.

Valiant used to come to the local gun shows here in Montgomery and I shot a lot of their bullets. They make nice bullets and were cheaper than most.( $15 for 500, Boy, those days are gone) The Magnus are a bit better in my opinion, but the Valiants are fine.:)

Years ago I tried several powders and 200 to 240 Gr. lead bullets in the .44 Spl. and 700X outshot them all. There are more choices today, but 700X is still a great choice for this app.

[AH-1]

both bullets are cast on magma commerical molds.I have the same mold for my master caster.while ok they are not for high velocity loads.
they supply most of the molds out there to the commerical casters.
Magnus,Valiant and D&j use there equipment.using foundry alloy(Magma test casts their molds using an alloy of 6% Antimony, 2% Tin and 92% Lead)
there isn't any real difference between companies.;)
pete


http://www.magmaengr.com/index.php

[Walkalong]

Technique and quality control make all the difference.;)

[jibjab]

http://www.bearcreeksupply.com/default.asp?SID=x8224NCWH3N5AGLDBQJA76&S=E3&Document=Bear+Creek&NID=19588

I have not tried the bear creek moly coated or any other, but I would like to here more about the ups and downs of moly coated lead bullets.

[AH-1]

Technique and quality control make all the difference.
:) :) :)

throwing a switch and looking at the bullets out of a airfeed star lube sizer
high tech eh??
pete

[Deanimator]

I have not tried the bear creek moly coated or any other, but I would like to here more about the ups and downs of moly coated lead bullets.
The price doesn't seem too bad. I'll probably try some of these.

[Deanimator]

Does anybody know of a distributor who stocks the Magnus 215s? They don't appear to sell cast bullets directly anymore.

[jibjab]

I'm guessin you have a S&W 296 or 396 ?

[Deanimator]

I'm guessin you have a S&W 296 or 396 ?
Nope, 4" 29-2.

[Walkalong]

throwing a switch and looking at the bullets out of a airfeed star lube sizer
high tech eh??

There is more to it that of course, but I understand your point.:)

Does anybody know of a distributor who stocks the Magnus 215s?

My guy here in town says he can order them so I guess someone local could get them for you. Most any well cast (technique/QC..;) ) bullet will shoot well. If they use good alloy, keep temps good, run production at the right speeds, etc. they will put out good bullets.:)

Try a couple of cheap locally available bullets and I bet you find one that shoots well in your gun.

[Deanimator]

Try a couple of cheap locally available bullets and I bet you find one that shoots well in your gun.

Unfortunately, I actually want a SPECIFIC type and weight of bullet, so that course of action doesn't meet my needs.

[Walkalong]

Damn, I thought I was picky.:D

I guess I have mellowed a lot. I used to be serious picky.:)

It drove folks around me nuts. I told them they just had to put up with me once in a while, I had to put up with me all the time.:eek:

[Deanimator]

Damn, I thought I was picky.
I've got specific things I want to accomplish and cowboy bullets won't get them done. I'll probably be using one or both of my 29-2 for local competition. I need to cut clean holes. Flat points have never done that for me.

[jibjab]

I've got specific things I want to accomplish and cowboy bullets won't get them done. I'll probably be using one or both of my 29-2 for local competition. I need to cut clean holes. Flat points have never done that for me.

Maybe if you slowed these down the 185gr WC's enough you would have your same POI and a clean hole; http://www.pennbullets.com/44/44-caliber.html

[Deanimator]

Maybe if you slowed these down the 185gr WC's enough you would have your same POI and a clean hole; http://www.pennbullets.com/44/44-caliber.html
I've been thinking about some of these. I like his bullets and he's a good guy to deal with. I recently bought several boxes of 240gr. LSWCs from him, just so I'd have SOMETHING to load.

[Walkalong]

Maybe if you slowed these down the 185gr WC's enough you would have your same POI and a clean hole; http://www.pennbullets.com/44/44-caliber.html

I ordered 500 of the Penn 185 WC bullets to try. I bet they work real well. We will see. :)

[RidgwayCO]

Flite Line Bullets offers a 200gr SWC-BB bullet on their web site. You might also try one of their 185gr full wadcutter bullets.

http://www.nauticom.net/www/flb/bullet.htm

and

http://www.nauticom.net/www/flb/price.htm

[ADKWOODSMAN]

Source of Magnus 215 www.midsouthshooters.com
RDH