44 Special Load in 44 mag case

[Metal Tiger]

Greetings,
I am new to The HighRoad and just getting back into reloading after a 30 year hiatus. Mostly reload for the 45 ACP but a recent purchase of a new S&W model 29 has got me thinking about reloading for this great cartridge.

Here is the question:
Can I load a 44 special load in the 44 mag case? I know the problems with soft loads and don't want to go there. The same issue is with the 38 special and .357 Can I load say a target 38 load in a .357 case?

Thanks for the newbie question. Be gentle.

DG

 

[ilmonster]

Yes, it is possible. If you look at the Hodgdon reloading data, they have a .44 Mag load that is the same as their .44 Spcl load. They are both cowboy loads with a range of powder capacities. Here's one for the 240 gr. LSWC bullet:

.44 Spcl - 5.2 gr. Hodgdon HP38 powder = 858 fps
.44 Mag - 5.5 - 7.2 gr. Hodgdon HP38 = 800-961 fps

I shoot the .44 Spcl load in my Super Blackhawk. It's accurate and very pleasant to shoot.

 

[JDGray]

Yep, and will keep the carbon ring from forming in your cylinder

 

[joed]

You can probably take every .44 Spl load and use it in a mag case. Shouldn't be any problem at all.

 

[hancjamk]

Can't go wrong using Trail Boss...

 

[BYJO4]

I tried the Speer 240 gr LSWC and 6.6 grains of Unique as shown in the Speer manual and found it to be extremely accurate and very little recoil. Also no leading and gun (S&W 629) was easy to clean.

 

[Boo-Radley]

The only reason the magnum has a longer case than the special is so hot magnum loads can't be fired in old/weak specials. Some manuals list magnum loads that are milder than most special loads.

 

[Walkalong]

Works like a champ. It will usually take .1 to .3 Grs more of powder in the larger case, depending on burn rate, power level, etc.

 

[kelbro]

I do it all the time. Makes shooting the 'mag' a pleasure.

 

[James2]

I think this is fine, but beware, I have a note in my manual that says, "Don't use H110 nor Win 296 in light loads. Other than that, it shouldn't be a problem. I have made many light loads in 357 brass using Unique or Titegroup powder. I just recently got a 44 mag, but haven't shot any Spl loads in it yet. I am sure it will be just fine as long as you avoid those powders mentioned.

 

[Cearbhall]

I second the Trail Boss. Try it, you'll like it.

 

[jem375]

7.5grs of Unique with a 240 gr bullet is my favorite load for the 44 special out of a magnum..

 

[Metal Tiger]

Thank you Thank you all.

Just reread the great Cowboy Action Shooting article in the Speer Reloading handbook. There are plenty of cautions when working with very light loads and all of your encouragement and suggestions are very much appreciated.

Thanks again. I will let you all know how it goes.

 

[Hondo 60]

Works great for LEAD bullets, but what about for plated or jacketed.

I want to avoid handling/shooting lead.

 

[Walkalong]

Works just fine. No worries. Some powders are a bit position sensitive, so that is something to watch out for. Trail Boss loves lead, but is erratic with plated bullets.

 

[Slamfire]

The difference between a 44 mag and a 44 Spl is about 0.1" inch. If the powder performs well in the 44 Spl it will do just fine in the 44 Mag.

I think bulky powders are better in these pistol cases, Unique is bulky and has been around forever.

I would not go so low that you are below tested data. Ultra low charges in big cases, especially with slow powders, there has been a lot of debate whether it will cause blow ups.

Trail Boss seems to be an outstanding powder in terms of high bulk rate (good) and low velocities.

This charge is about 1 grain over what I would use in the 44 Spl, but with Unique 8.5 grains gave me 1000 fps in the 44 Mag.

Depending on the pistol, 7.5 grains Unique in a 44 Special case gives me just at or under 1000 fps in a 44 Special pistol.

S&W M629-4 Stainless, 5" Barrel

240 LSWC 8.5 grs Unique thrown, Midway Brass WLP
25-Nov-04 T = 58 °F

Ave Vel = 1023
Std Dev = 25
ES = 99
Low = 958
High = 1057
N = 30

 

[James2]

Unique has been my powder of choice for the 44 Spl for many years. I think about 7.0 gr in a mag casing with a 240-250 gr bullet, would be a great (light) load for the mag.

I just loaded some 250 gr bullets with 7.8 gr of unique in mag casings to try out my new piece, and they were just fine in the magnum. I think that is a bit heavy if put in a Spl casing.

Whatever you decide, check the load by a manual or two. We who post are not infalable. Typos happen, etc.

 

[Kingcreek]

Put me in with the 7.5gr unique crowd. Great plinking load.

 

[rcmodel]

I want to avoid handling/shooting lead.

You probably should also avoid driving, flying, or going outside when there is lightening in the forecast too!

All are more likely to harm you then handling or shooting lead bullets.

rc

 

[Hondo 60]

rcmodel - I'm sure you've seen my posts about lead.
My level was at 29 several months ago, I was able to bring it down to 23, just by eliminating lead bullets.

I don't know about you, but I'd like to hang around a while yet & keep shooting.
I don't shoot in doors, I don't smoke at all, or eat while shooting or reloading.
I wash my hands religiously after shooting & reloading.

I USUALLY like your posts, as you USUALLY have great advise, but on this one??? Not so much.

 

[Captaingyro]

Just to expand a little on what rcmodel said, lead only causes problems for human beings when it is ingested. If you don't plan on eating any bullets, you'll be fine.

"Then why", you may ask, "does the government require people to wear hazmat suits when removing lead-based paint?"

Because the Environmental Protection Agency is run by English majors.

Don't get me started...

 

[Metal Tiger]

Again, thank you all and yes to the Unique and Trial Boss powders. I see the benefits of a bulkier powder even in magnum cases even though I love Bullseye for target loads in the .45 ACP

 

[Powderman]

Do you do a lot of shooting on indoor ranges? If so, that is your problem.

The lead you are ingesting--that sweetish, sickly taste--is from the PRIMER--not the bullet.

Shoot outdoors ONLY, and wear a face mask. Get a pair of gloves (the neoprene ones that cops use on patrol work fine) and use them while reloading, or on the range.

That being said...

My go-to load for fun and target for my Model 29 is 8.5 of Unique, under a 250 grain Keith-type LSWC, sized to .430. Good, accurate load!

 

[41 Mag]

Works great for LEAD bullets, but what about for plated or jacketed.

I want to avoid handling/shooting lead.

To be honest, I have been shooting a 22 - 23.5gr load of 296 under the Remington 240gr SJHP for years and find it pretty easy on both me and the gun. Yep it is right up there with the top loads listed, but it has more of a shove to it than a lot of other loads I tried. I have also worked up a couple of loads using both Unique and 2400 which used 180 and 210gr bullets, that were very mild and even my wife liked to shoot them.

I remember your post, but don't recall if you mentioned what the overall source of the high levels were actually from. I don't know, to be honest, how you would totally avoid the lead issue other than using solid copper bullets.

 

[Walkalong]

Bottom line is Hondo 60's lead levels are up, and he is trying to eliminate all possibilities of ingesting lead to get his lead levels to a safe amount. Plated bullets have no exposed lead and will help in reducing air born lead that may or may not contribute to his problem. I do not blame him at all for not shooting lead for now, and maybe never. I think we should be more understanding, and let him shoot whatever he desires. Cudos to him for trying to get his lead levels in check.

Anyway, the OP wanted to know about shooting .44 Spl level loads in .44 Mag brass/guns, and the answers have all been an absolute yes. Many folks here do it all the time.