Looking for a 44 magnum bullet

[Comrade Mike]

I'm looking for a .44 magnum bullet I can bulk buy that can be pushed at moderate to upper end velocities. I've been playing with the 240 grain xtreme flat points but I'd like a bullet I can push a bit harder when I find some H110.

Requirements

-I do not cast, nor do I have interest in it right now
-Plated or Lead
-240 grains
-Can be purchased in bulk
-can be pushed to magnum velocities

I've been looking at the MBC 240 grain SWC rated for magnum velocities. Any other recommendations?

 

[Schwing]

I would look at the speer tmj bullets.

http://www.speer-bullets.com/products/handgun/plinker/tmj.aspx

They ain't giving them away but they are great bullets and can be pushed to full magnum velocities.


EDIT: I can't remember if they are offering them in .44 but I don't think they are right now

 

[mdi]

I have used Beartooth Bullets .44 cal. 250 gr. RNFP bullets to low Magnum velocities. I've also used this bullet in my 20" carbine with hefty 2400 load. Beartooth offers a few different diameters of each caliber (important to fit the bullet to your gun).
http://beartoothbullets.com/

 

[jlucke69]

Missouri Bullet Company offers a coated or non-coated 240g with brinell of 18. Should be able to push these pretty hard.

Montana Gold Bullets offers 240 jacketed soft points in bulk.

 

[Rule3]

Any of the good hard cast lead Bullets. I am partial to MBC as they have always had what I want at a good price and great service. I am sure there are others out there. These new coated bullets seem to be the next sliced bread so I will try those next. (I have used them in 9MM and 46 ACP)

 

[Jlr2267]

MBC and Oregon Trail both make a hard cast 240gr SWC that can be pushed hard.

 

[41 Mag]

Requirements

-I do not cast, nor do I have interest in it right now
-Plated or Lead
-240 grains
-Can be purchased in bulk
-can be pushed to magnum velocities

For my "bulk" purchases I have used the Remington 240gr SJHP for many years, but alas, you said plated or cast.

Bulk to me starts at 1K and up but others might be lower. I have shot plenty of the Oregon Trail 240gr SWC's, and Cast Performance 255gr WFNPB bullets through several of my magnums with no issues what so ever. The only real reason I stopped buying them was that I started pouring my own. Having done this, I can also add tot he comment about the 18 BHN bullets being plenty hard enough to put some git up and go under them. Also the added benefit of different sizes is an important consideration.

 

[Comrade Mike]

Jacketed would work too if the price is right!

Thanks for the recommendations so far. I'll be checking these out

 

[Comrade Mike]

Now I'm curious. Do you think a powder coated 240 grain bullet of softer lead could work from mild to wild?

 

[gamestalker]

Honestly, I would either go with the Speer tMJ's, or if you really want some accuracy at the upper end you could go with XTP's, and they aren't all that expensive. And another good option is Nosler bulk pack JHP's, they're a bit less expensive than either of the former, and they will handle magnum pressures / velocities.

GS

 

[edfardos]

Dont use plated bullets with h110, tried and failed. Oregon trail laser cast is what i've been using. Same price as plated, minimal leading, and no laminated layers of copper plating in your forcing cone.

 

[oldpapps]

"I'm looking for a .44 magnum bullet I can bulk buy that can be pushed at moderate to upper end velocities. I've been playing with the 240 grain xtreme flat points but I'd like a bullet I can push a bit harder when I find some H110.

Requirements

-I do not cast, nor do I have interest in it right now
-Plated or Lead
-240 grains
-Can be purchased in bulk
-can be pushed to magnum velocities

I've been looking at the MBC 240 grain SWC rated for magnum velocities. Any other recommendations?

Mike"

What 'magnum velocities' are you looking for?

I see your options as:
Jacketed
Lead
Lead - plated
Lead - coated

If your are dead set on 1500 FPS, go with jacketed.
If you are willing to work with lead and find the correct size of bullet for your barrel/cylinder/forcing cone, better/best lube, velocities of 1300/1400 FPS are obtainable.
Plated... I not never shot nune tham Can't help but from what I have read, they are not for heavy/hot loads. But, I don't know.
Coated, I use them at velocities over 2500 FPS (.308 and 30-06).

I am plenty happy with my cast 240 Grain lead or Missouri Bullets lead being pushed at 1200 plus FPS (6 1/2 inch barrel) with NO leading.

I don't use H110/296 in the .44. Just never saw the need to. 2400 does what is needed and gives greater versatility. But then, I do use 231 for my wimp loads

 

[illinoisburt]

No experience yet with plated. Soft lead for low speeds or hard lead for high speeds. Or use gas checks and don't worry about leading at any speed

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Now I'm curious. Do you think a powder coated 240 grain bullet of softer lead could work from mild to wild?

I bought some of the coated 9mm bullets offered by Missouri Bullets and as a test I pushed them with my JHP load data and they performed perfectly. No leading and very accurate. I sent them over a chrono and the velocity for a 124gr bullet was clocked at just over 1200 fps. i know you are looking for more but from what I've read coated bullets can be pushed to 1600 fps.

Missouri Bullets offers sample packs of 100 bullets at a low price if you want to try them before you buy bulk.
Look for ".44 Elmer K - Hi-Tek" @$17/100
http://www.missouribullet.com/details.php?prodId=70&category=19&secondary=&keywords=

I hope this helps you decide...

 

[blarby]

If you are unable to reach 1500 FPS with a hard cast bullet for any reason without leading, please consider coated bullets.

I've pushed them past that point in 44 mag and in 30 caliber much further than that with good results.

Its unfortunate that you have no inclination to casting your own, as the setup for just one caliber is very modest if you want it to be.

I poured bullets with a big kitchen spoon and a campbells soup can over a campfire this summer, just to say I'd done it. They worked fine.
( its dangerous, you'll put your eye out, the lead gets too hot, the lawyers will eat your soul, etc. legal disclosures.... )

Even if you don't want to cast, i'm certain you can find a good hot load using many commercial offerings. When Jake at RMR gets those thick plated bullets in 44 mag, you'll never have to look any further

 

[Schwing]

Now I'm curious. Do you think a powder coated 240 grain bullet of softer lead could work from mild to wild?

Yes and absolutely.

I do cast my own which I know you are not interested in but I use lead down to 14bhn and powder coat them with harbor freight powder coating. I have driven them into the high 1400's with very good accuracy and absolutely no leading. They also don't smoke nearly as much as there is no lube burning off.

Powder coating is the wave of the future IMHO.

 

[Comrade Mike]

I may try the PC.

I'm just looking down to slim down the different brands/ styles of bullets on my bench. I'd rather bulk buy the one that works than keep trying these goofy combinations.

Right now I've got everything whittled down to Barry's and MBC offerings except for the .44 magnum. I'm looking for a mild to wild, do it all 240 grain bullet.

 

[bluetopper]

For cast lead 44 bullets from my experience a flat base bullet shoots much better than a bevel base bullet, especially at full throttle.

 

[Legionnaire]

I've been looking at the MBC 240 grain SWC rated for magnum velocities.

That's what I use; no complaints.