New reloader needs help with .44mag bullet choice

[The Wiry Irishman]

I'm ordering my first batch of reloading supplies, and I need some help picking which bullet to use for my .44 mag reloading. I'll be loading for target shooting from 100-200 yards with an 8 3/8" 629. I'd prefer something 240gr, and it will be loaded in Federal brass with H110 powder. Price is somewhat of a concern, as well - I'd like to keep it around $125/1000 or lower. So what's out there that can be pushed fast with minimal leading and has good accuracy?

Also, a side question - when looking around at bullets, I've found .44 bullets ranging in diameter from .427 to .431 - would being off nominal by .002 one way or the other be good or bad, or should I just try to find .429?

Thanks for your help.

 

[rcmodel]

.427 .44 bullets are for the 44-40 WCF.

Jacketed .44 Spl./.44 Mag bullets should be .429" - .430".

Lead bullets should be .430" - .431", or whatever size your cylinder throats measure.

You can use cast lead gas-check, or hard-cast plain base bullets for economy. They will shoot just as well at 200 yards as jacketed bullets. The 240 grain Keith SWC is one of the very best long range .44 bullets ever made.

Getting every last FPS out of your gun isn't as important for long range shooting as finding an accurate load.

If you give up a little velocity to get better accuracy, so be it.
That's why your S&W has those great adjustable sights on it!

rc

 

[The Wiry Irishman]

I was concerned about leading because most of the recommendations I've found for accurate .44 loads seem to be close the maximum.

Would you have any recommendations on good bullet manufacturers to look at?

ETA: I'm leaning toward cast and quality would take priority over price. Oregon Trail makes a .45 semi-wadcutter that gets fantastic accuracy out of my 1911, would their 240gr .431 semi-wadcutter be a good bet?

 

[rcmodel]

It would certainly be worth a try.

The only thing I don't like is, they appear to be a bevel-base design, as are most commercial cast bullets.

The casting companies like them because they fall out of the automated molding machines much better then flat-base bullets.

I do think they tend to lead more easily then flat-base bullets though, because it makes the rear driving band much shorter.

rc

 

[joneb]

Lead bullets should be .430" - .431", or whatever size your cylinder throats measure.

+1
http://www.montanabulletworks.com/wst_page6.html
If you choose a bullet without a gas check go with the(HT)heat treated alloy BHN 22.
You call these folks for more info.

 

[The Wiry Irishman]

Thank you both for your help.