Reloading 44 magnum

[croue]

[elk hunter]

RCBS used to be darn fine stuff.

[Che762x39]

C



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That is what reloaders do. I keep buying firearms in different calibers so I have new projects on my Reloading Bench.

Today I do a Rockchucker and RCBS dies. 2400 and W296 was my Magnum load powder but today its mostly 44 Specials and Unique powder.

[kramynot]

Been using Lee dies for years for my Desert Eagle and never had an issue. Typically Load 240gr over AA#9 or H110.

[croue]

That is what reloaders do. I keep buying firearms in different calibers so I have new projects on my Reloading Bench.



Today I do a Rockchucker and RCBS dies. 2400 and W296 was my Magnum load powder but today its mostly 44 Specials and Unique powder.

[divingin]

This is why I don't buy or recommend buying RCBC dies anymore. New unfired brass run through a RCBS sizer, this does not happen with any of my Redding dies and have never seen it in them anywhere before, quality control matters.

That kind of scratching can happen if the brass galls and transfers in the die. Brass adheres to the steel surface, and as a smooth piece of brass is forced over it, it galls and leaves some brass behind. The result is the scratching on the necks (or body, if it's a straight walled case.)

You can clean it up by using a bore brush in a drill and some fine (1000 grit or higher) wet/dry sandpaper lubed with a bit of oil. Wrap the abrasive around the bore brush, lube with oil, and spin it for a bit in the neck area of the die. You can check to see if all brass is removed with either a borescope or checking if brass sizes without the scratches.

[porkchop828]

Been using Lee dies for years for my Desert Eagle and never had an issue. Typically Load 240gr over AA#9 or H110.

Do you use Lee's factory crimp die? I'm just getting into reloading and was curious how much, if any crimp(just straighten the brass after expanding) is recommended for the 44mag DE. I will also be using 240gr with H110.

Thanks!

[RNE228]

I used to use RCBS dies when I had my 44 DE. I put a mild crimp on my 44 loads.

I like a crimp with the DE semi-auto action. The bullet wont come loose from recoil, but it could get bumped around coming out of the mag, up the ramp, and in to the chamber.

Try some lowlight shooting... the H110 makes a nice muzzle blast/flame!

I noticed H110 had more of a rolling recoil in the DE, whereas 2400 was a bit snappier.

Do you use Lee's factory crimp die? I'm just getting into reloading and was curious how much, if any crimp(just straighten the brass after expanding) is recommended for the 44mag DE. I will also be using 240gr with H110.

Thanks!

[Calif Hunter]

I just use the carbide Lee Deluxe die set that includes the factory crimp die. I also use Unique, W-231 and Titegroup for lighter .44 SPL loads. I have found the powder coated bullets works well, even out of a Rossi carbine and magnum loads.

[kramynot]

I don't use Lee FCD for the 44 mag. I probably turn in the Lee seating die maybe 1/4 turn for a crimp.

With that said, I picked up a lot of used reloading stuff that had some Lee FCD's in the lot: 40, 45, 308, etc. and have started using them and I really like them. I find it easier to seat with one die and then crimp with another, particularly when loading lead bullets. So if I found a good deal, I wouldn't hesitate to pick one up for the 44.

[Abenaki]

I use Unique, 2400, and H110.

You can load from mild (unique) to wild (H110).


Take care
Abenaki

[OldeNavy]

There are a lot of good answers here.

Too bad Stilly could not weigh in. He has so many .44mag/sp loads by now I am sure he could have given you an earful of advice, but it would have also mirrored most of what everyone else is saying.

One thing that might be good to note though is that if you cast your own bullets for the DE then cast around 200gr for a slightly softer yet higher velocity round. Saves lead too.

If you buy bullets, consider 200gr for range and 240 for shooting cans and bottles and stuff. And yes, the H-110 is still king of the hill.

Enforcer and Lilgun as well as AA#9 and 2400 are decent as well.

[NotEnufGarage]

My .44 Magnum load for 240 grain JHP (Hornady XTP) or Plated RNFP (Extreme 240Grain Heavy Plate) is 24.0 grains for Winchester 296 (same powder as H-110). I seat the JHP at a COL of 1.610" and the RNFP at 1.60".

For .44 Special I use 9.3 grain of HS-6 with a 200 grain LRNFP seated at 1.45" COL.

Everything loaded with Lee dies on a Lee Breech Lock Challenger press. Lee Factory crimp die set up for a medium crimp.

Uncrimped loads...

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