.44 special reloading manual recommendation

[FullEffect1911]

Hello,

I looking for a reloading manual that has information for the .44 special.

I am looking for:
.44 special
200 grain lead bullets
unique powder
(preferabley with velocities around 875 fps.)

Any tip as to which books have this in it would be appreciated

Thanks,
FE1911

 

[Bullet]

Not exactly what you asked for , but close -

http://www.alliantpowder.com/reload...typeid=5&weight=205&shellid=1003&bulletid=450

 

[SASS#23149]

my Lyman's 47th shows..

a 205 lead bullet ahead of 8.2 grains of Unique as a MAX LOAD,running at 869 out of their 4" test barrel.ymmv with your particular gun.
Might I suggest if yo're reloading with no manual to get one like the Lymans?Thy have lots of info beyond just various powder/bullet combos.It's my goto book all the time.
hmmmm,is that redundant??

as a precaution with this or any new load,START WITH THE BEGINNING LOAD AND WORK UP,WATCHING FOR PRESSURE SIGNS.
the beginning load is 7 gr. of Unique.

 

[FullEffect1911]

this would be my 4th reloading manual. I just need a good one for lead bullets. specifically with 200 grain .44 specials.



Would using the load data for a 205 grain bullet also work for a 200 grain one? Would there be any problems with this? Should i just stay away from the max charge?

 

[loadedround]

Try 4.2 gr Hodgeon Clays for approx 845 fps with your 200 gr SWC lead bullet.

 

[Bullet]

FullEffect1911 Quote – “Would using the load data for a 205 grain bullet also work for a 200 grain one? Would there be any problems with this? Should i just stay away from the max charge?”

The data for heavier bullets will be OK to use for lighter bullets, because heavier bullets need less powder to achieve MAX pressures than lighter bullets. With that said weight alone is not the determining factor. Bullet shape (bearing surface) also makes a difference. Primers and OAL will also effect pressure. I believe, if you start below MAX and work up your powder charge you should be fine. I’m not an expert, but I believe this is correct.

 

[KIMBER45TLE]

Speer Manual

Speer 13th edition list is as follows for 44 special.
200 grain cast bullet
diameter sized .430
COL: 1.440 - 1.435
Primers: CCI 300 or 350
Unique Powder: 7.8 grains low end 1043 fps
8.7 grains high end 1143 fps

Lyman manual doesn't list a 200 grain cast but does list a 205 grain cast in it's 48th edition.

Low end 7.0 grains of Unique at 736fps
High end 8.2 grains of Unique at 869fps

 

[Sunray]

Lyman. Either the regular manual or their Pistol & Revolver manual. Oddly, though, the P&R book has loads for a 200 gr jacketed but only for a 205 grain cast. The regular manual, albeit an old 24th Edition, gives loads for a 205 gas checked cast bullet, but not for a 200 grain jacketed.

 

[FullEffect1911]

By the way. thanks all for posting and helping me out. I got a load books USA for .44 special and it reiterates the info you all have posted here. Thanks again.

 

[Nhsport]

My "go to " manual is more times than not is Lymans Cast Bullet Handbook.
This book has all sorts of info not available in most of the other books. I think it is required for any serious reloader.

 

[Paladin7]

I have the Speer Manual 13th edition, among others. The Speer Manual has plenty of 200 gr cast loads for the 44 Special.

I settled on a 200 grain lrnfp cast bullet, in Starline cases, CCI 300 primer, under 8.0 grains of Unique in my S&W 696. I don't have a chronograph so can't tell how fast or what the SD is, but it is very accurate and a good plinking load, albeit a bit snappy.

The only downside is that Unique is as filthy as it is versatile. I would love to find a load that gives me comparable performance but burns cleaner. Don't want to hijack this thread but any recommendations would be appreciated...