.44spl and the Speer 240gr JSP-SWC

[DaleCooper51]

Please forgive me if this is a dumb question, but I'm new to reloading and don't want to harm anyone including myself or my revolvers.

I was at a gunshow this morning and found a good amount of boolits for 38/357, but the selection was rather slim in .429 for my .44 special. I got a package deal on 500 Hornady 158gr SWC and 100 speer .429 240gr Jacket Soft Point. I paid $22 for all of them.

When I get home, I crack open the Speer Reloading Manual and right next to the 240gr 44spl loads it specifically says "Note: .429, 240gr. JSP-SWC (#4447) is not recommended at these low velocities." Is this because the bullet will not stabilize? Will they just not shoot well or will they cause damage to my revolver? I was planning on loading these for my 3" S&W 696 over a 7grain charge of Unique. Should I just be glad that I didn't pay too much for them and throw them in the drawer or will they work for me?

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but I'm new to reloading and the 44spl and would much rather err on the side of caution.

Any input is appreciated.

 

[Walkalong]

There is a pic of it in Speer #11 manual. The jacket stops before the edge of the wadcutter part of the "Semi" Wadcutter. Thus it does not wrap over the edge of the bullet as most jackets do. They are concerned about the jacket sticking in the bore while the lead core exits the bore thus setting up a dangerous situation.

This is at low velocities only. They also do not recommend them at very high velocities either. They state this in the .44 Mad load section.

I see no such warning with their very similar JHP-SWC bullet # 4435

 

[DaleCooper51]

thank you walkalong.

I only have the Speer #13 manual. I would think that it would be best to chalk the few dollar loss up to experience rather than mess with a potentially dangerous situation. Maybe I can find someone that can use them.

Thanks.

 

[wcwhitey]

I just checked Lymans, they only list loads for the 4435 and the 4453. That is odd. Anyway the 4453 is the 240 gr Jacketed SP, similar in design, and the loadings are weak indeed. Starting at 604 fps and topping off at a screaming 759 fps. Feel free to EM me if you would like those recipes. Bill

 

[Walkalong]

The Speer #11 shows them as slow as 715 FPS for max loads in the .44 Spl. & as slow as 625 FPS with minimum loads with no warning at all except " do not use jacketed bullets with lighter powder charges than shown" in the forward, meaning all of their jacketed bullets.

The # 13 manual, of course, does not recommend that particular bullet at all for slower than around 700 FPS.

Someone who shoots .44 Mag would be glad to shoot them up for you. I would shoot them in the .44 Spl. myself, but I am not recommending you do so.

 

[Clark]

The 1967 Pacific manual shows for 44sp 240 gr Jacketed soft point:
Start 12.5 gr H110 780 fps, max 14.5 gr 1190 fps
Start 6 gr Unique 790 fps, max 7.5 gr 990 fps
Max 15 gr 2400 1045 fps
Max 14 gr H-4227 1000 fps

Knowing what I know about H110, if I were to shoot those loads, I would use a strong roll crimp.

 

[Ol` Joe]

Why not give Speer a call and see just why they are not now recommending them? They are a part of the ATK group, same as RCBS, and I have found them in the past to be just as helpful.
Speer tech line.......1-800-627-3640

 

[DaleCooper51]

Joe -

Thanks for the idea. They are readily accessible and very friendly. I called this morning and had to leave a voicemail. They called me back within 5 minutes and took the time to answer all my questions.

With this particular bullet, they said that it was older technology and as walkalong said, they were concerned that the lead core would seperate at these low speeds. For that particular bullet, they recommended between 1100 and 1300 fps to ensure functioning. Just cant get there with the 44 special.

Thanks for all the replies everybody.