[robs]

I bought a box of 205 grain Bear Creek bullets to load in a 44-40 but I would like to load them in a 44 mag as well. They are .4305" in diameter so I think they should work well but I can't find any load data for this weight bullet for 44 mag. I am a relatively new reloader. Do any of you with more experience have any suggestions?

Thanks! Rob

 

[papajohn]

I'd use data for the next-heaviest bullet weight you have data for, i.e. 220-grain data. That should keep you in the safe zone. 8)

 

[robs]

PJ -

Thats what I thought I should do - thanks for the added input. How does reloading data for jacketed bullets translate to cast bullets of the same weight - if at all? I will go back to my Lee Reloading Handbook, I seem to recall it saying something on that subject.

Rob

 

[VTDW]

Cast boolits create less pressure. They are just slick and they give as they enter the rifling.

 

[Tatersoup]

Reloading data for jacketed bullets is NOT the same as for cast bullets and should not be mixed together.

 

[Oz]

What the other fellers have saidis spot-on. Don't use jacketed loads with plain base cast pills,(far too hot) .
If it were my call, which it aint, in the .44mag with 205gn cast pills, I'd start with 8gns of Unique and a WLP primer and work from there. WOOPS :-[ I was assuming the pills you bought are pb lead. You didn't realy say. What are they Rob?

Mark.

 

[wrench man]

I've got the Bear Creek 215grn semi wad cutters that I use in the 44 Special/Magnum for my plinker loads, I send them down the tubes with 6grns of Trail Boss.