I'd try 6.6 6.8 and 7.0 if that's above minimum as that 7.0 load looks promising.
I'll give 9.8 a try, alliant lists rnfp lead at 11.8 max so 9.8 would be .2 under a start charge if I understand it right. I'll remember to bring my pistol rest next time amd get some real accuracy testing. As for the .357 alliant lists 8.1gr as max for a rnfp lead bullet so I really should be at 7.3 or so for a starting charge I believe. Any danger reducing to 6.8? I wonder if because this load data is for magnum cartridges they didn't bother listing lower charge weights. I was also wondering about the leading, if the higher velocities contributed to this. I was curious about just using Unique load data with be86.
The only danger I know of in reduced charges is with rifle loads with slow powders. The inconvenience with reduced pistol loads is squibs. I've watched stuff on YouTube for my edification of working 158 loads down to 2.0 grains of Unique in 357. In the case of monitoring sd/es for optimal combustion your numbers will go to crap way before your in the danger zone. Low load densities may give you issues with powder forward, powder back position sensitivity. If you work your way down, it's the same as working up and guys doing subsonic loads do it every day. Small steps and monitoring performance provides a layer of sanity and safety. You have and use a chronograph so I'm comfortable suggesting it.
You listed a 9.5 charge and I was poking at where I thought your sweet spot may be....
Thanks for the heads up, i appreciate you helping me out! The 10gr and 7gr charges did have the best numbers. I think ill just make up 50 of each and accuracy test those and check for leading before i try anything else.
I kinda think the lower loads won't leave you as leaded up as your first test.... if you are still getting leading then we can work to resolve that
I have not... I don't have any 44 special cases. I have a bunch of magnum cases so I figured I'd just use what I have and find a good midrange 44 load.
Trimming cases for consistency is often overlooked.
You can certainly use Magnum brass for even lighter loads, it just takes a bit more powder to achieve the same velocity as with Special cases.
The .357 - you're using a bevel base bullet and that tends to invite gas leakage around the base which leads to flame cutting of the bullet and leading. I didn't find a picture of the .44 bullet you're using. Is it also a bevel base?
It is indeed a bevel base as well. I'd say it took about 15-20 minutes of scrubbing with a bronze brush to remove the fouling. It was mostly leading on the left side of the bore about a half inch past the forcing cone extending approx 2 inches and disappearing an inch and a half before the muzzle. I'll have to shoot up these bullets before I go hunting for a different type so I'll go looking for some lead removing solvent and brushes. How many rounds can be fired with leading in the bore before it becomes a dangerous obstruction?
If leading is severe enough that you cannot see the rifling then you're into the dangerous area, but otherwise, it's safe to continue firing. Shooting gas checked bullets will usually clean the leading out. So you might get some GCed bullets, and after firing the others, shoot a cylinder full. Most of the time, this will remove leading.
Thanks for the heads up. I wasn't even close to that point after 50 rounds.
I'll keep these in mind when I need to buy more bullets. Thanks!
I still have no idea what “hard cast” bevel base bullets are good for other than saving a few pennies and feeding well from a drop tube.
