cast bullets in 44 mag

[Masterdebater]

havent loaded cast bullets yet so id like some straight up info,i got my lead melting pot on the way and now im looking for a mold for my .44 mag and they have quite a few different size diameter molds... how do i know which one to load or am i free to choose which size i want? this will be fired from a s&w revolver if it helps...i r cunfoose

[ElvenSoul]

When in question...slug the barrel...find out your barrels maximum diameter.

[bumpo628]

I believe you're looking for .430, IIRC

[Baja_Traveler]

I've been using a Keith style bullet in my Redhawk for years. It is 245 gr. cast from an RCBS mould and sized .429

It's a great bullet, and as accurate as can be expected from a revolver. I even shot it quite a bit in silhouette tournaments, and it has the authority to knock down 200 yard rams (when I could hit them).

I agree that slugging your barrel, then choosing a sizing die 1-2 thousandths over is the best way to figure it out. With a revolver, don't forget to also check the forcing cone in the cylinders, it would be a real bummer to make up a bunch of ammunition, just to find out it won't even fit in the cylinder because you sized the bullets too big.

[Masterdebater]

dang...a little more work than i expected to throw lead down the barrel lol

[bumpo628]

FMJ bullets measure .429" and lead bullets are typically .001" over. There are exceptions for various cases, but you'll be safe using .430" for your castings.

If you look at the load data for Winchester 231 from the Hodgdon website, you can see that they list the lead bullet diameter as .430.

http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

Cartridge: 44 Remington Magnum

Bullet Wt Powder Diam. C.O.L. Grs. Vel. Pressure Grs. Vel. Pressure
240 GR. LSWC CAST Winchester 231 .430" 1.620" 5.5 800 12,000 CUP 11.0 1334 38,100 CUP
240 GR. NOS JHP Winchester 231 .429" 1.600" 8.0 1021 23,800 CUP 11.0 1272 37,800 CUP

I would buy a Lee 6 cavity mold in 240 grain SWC. This one in the link is a tumble lube model. You should also get the .430 sizer to make sure they don't drop oversized. The sizer comes with enough lubricant to do about 1000 bullets, give or take.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=656156

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=117892

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=333470

[gunboat]

buy some bullets from casters in various weights and styles until you find one you like. then buy that mould.
A lyman cast handbook might prove useful.

you might also check out the castboolit website.

[Masterdebater]

yea im not looking for accuracy necessarily but just cheaper plinking bullets.. so maybe ill get a .430 mold and sizer and go from there...