.44mag bullet diameter

Red Baron

Red Baron

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Hi! Just a quick question... I am reloading for a .44 mag and I am confused about which sized bullet to order. I see a .429 diameter and a .430. Are both sizes safe to use?
 
should be. Best way to know for sure is to have your bore slugged. When using cast lead bullets, it's normal to use a diameter a couple thou over the bore size
 
prosper said:
should be. Best way to know for sure is to have your bore slugged. When using cast lead bullets, it's normal to use a diameter a couple thou over the bore size
Click to expand...

Thanks Prosper! I feel a little paranoid, 'cause I'm just starting out. Exciting stuff, though!:)
 
prosper said:
should be. Best way to know for sure is to have your bore slugged. When using cast lead bullets, it's normal to use a diameter a couple thou over the bore size
Click to expand...

prosper is right Red Baron, when shooting cast bullets you will always get the best results by slugging your bore first. If your bore were to slug .429, I would go with the .430 bullets. Personally I would use nothing less than a .430 bullet in 44 mag anyway. Unless a cast bullet is grossly oversized, and won't even chamber in the gun, it will swage down to bore size upon firing. Cast bullets are quite soft in most cases, and very forgiving with regards to bore size, as long as they are a little over bore size and not under.
 
Slug your bore to determine groove diameter.

For Cast Bullets:

- size revolver bullets for a snug fit in the exit holes of the cylinder, i.e. size as large as will chamber in the cylinder reliably

- for rifles, size for a snug fit in the chamber, i.e. the largest diameter you can chamber reliably regardless of bore and groove diameter.

For Jacketed:

- you rarely have much choice, but when you do, go for at least groove size. Over is ok, so if your gun will chamber 0.430" bullets, that's likely the way to go.
 
It all really comes down to wich bullet shoots best. I mean, you can go through the slugging the bore proceedure if you like to determine wich bullet is SUPPOSED to shoot best, but, with only two diameters to chose from, why not just try them. There is more at play than just bullet diameters in determining accuracy anyway.
 
Thanks guys! Great info!:) I've bought a couple boxes of Hornody 180 GR XTP in .430. Can't wait to try 'em out at the range tomorrow. After they are gone, I'm definitely going cast. $23 for a box of 100 Hornody or $63 for a box of cast...that's a no brainer:rolleyes:
 
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