SDB loading 44 mag

[Catpop]

I saw this idea raised on another thread.

Does anyone have actual experience loading the 44 mag on the SDB.

I have a SDB I reload 45 acp and a SD I reload 357. Ive never noticed any leverage difference between these two cartridges, but then I've never tried 44 mag on a SDB.

Does it require much more force than with 357/45 acp?

Reason I ask for experience is I'm trying to decide whether to buy a 44 mag SDB conversion or a 550 press ( I am currently loading 44 mag on a quality, but extremely slow and redundant Lyman Spartan.)

Thank for input

 

[rjbmjb]

I load 9mm, 38 spl, 45acp, 44mag and 45lc on my LnL AP, never noticed much difference in the force required and the press handles all of them with ease. I assume it would be the same for SDB. If you have the space, a separate press would eliminate the setup time involved with changing calibers, but the conversion would be cheaper. It really depends on whether the extra cost of another press is worth it to you.

 

[chrisgo]

I load 44 mag and 45 colt on my SDB. No issues doing it at all.
c.g.

 

[Catpop]

Thanks for actual experience loading 44 mag on SDB.

 

[ilmonster]

I also load 9mm, .38, .45ACP and .44 Mag (with .44 Spcl. amounts of powder) and notice no additional force required for the .44 Mag cases. One thing I do with all calibers is give a quick squirt of Hornady One Shot lube to the cases I have in an Akro bin. Doesn't get on all cases as they're in a pile, but gets on enough of them to make reloading them a no effort exercise. I load shotshells on a MEC 9000, rifle calibers (.223 and 45-70) on a Lee Classic Cast, and pistol calibers on my SDB (bought used). Love my SDB!