loading .44 Special in a .44 Magnum case

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thechineseguy

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have any of you loaded .44 Special in a magnum case?

i know i can just buy some .44 Special cases but i want to avoid having to constantly adjust my die or have to buy another die. i read elsewhere that i would need to increase my powder charge by 1.0gr due to the larger case volume (hodgdonreloading.com says 4.0-4.8gr for 240gr cast which means i would i use 5.0-5.8gr) so i was wondering if anybody can confirm this? if so, do i keep my OAL the same as my magnum loads?

however, i will be using Campro 240gr FCP RN bullets with titegroup and i dont know how to adjust for the different bullet.
 
The only consideration is that due to the slight extra volume in the Magnum cases you won't get quite up to the stated muzzle velocity given in the loading data. But it's not a big deal.

From my playing around with the same idea at downloading in .357Mag cases I'd say one grain is too much. I'd expect to need more like down around .3 to .4 grain extra.

And yes, you keep the OAL the same as the magnum loads. Or if the bullets have a cannelure groove you still roll crimp into that groove.

I don't know about Campro but Berry's web site states to use loading data for the same weight cast bullet. Being plated I'm going to guess that the same will apply.

Ideally you'd use a chrono and adjust the powder loads to achieve whatever muzzle velocity you're after. But if the goal is simply to have a softer shooting round then just use the straight load data for .44Spl and give up 50 to 80 fps from the muzzle velocity due to the added casing volume.
 
I use 7.8 gr of Unique under a 240 gr cast bullet. 7.8 because that is what the rotor throws on my RCBS Little Dandy powder measure.
I love that thing but finding different rotors can be a bit of a challenge... but it is also fun, like an Easter egg hunt only at a gun show.
 
Use the Special load data for powder charges.

Load start to max in 0.5 gr increments and see what shoots best.

Crimp the bullet at the length that looks right. If bullet has a groove - use it.
 
Betty-Lou said:
Will a 44 mag, fit into a gun chambered for 44 special? If this is the case.
Click to expand...

looks like the OP is already reloading 44 mag, so he must be shooting that already. Some folks like to download 44 mag to 44sp specs to simplify their reloading setups, and also to avoid the fouling buildup that occurs just before the forcing cone when you fire 44sp rounds out of a 44mag handgun/rifle.
 
VanMan said:
looks like the OP is already reloading 44 mag, so he must be shooting that already. Some folks like to download 44 mag to 44sp specs to simplify their reloading setups, and also to avoid the fouling buildup that occurs just before the forcing cone when you fire 44sp rounds out of a 44mag handgun/rifle.
Click to expand...

thats exactly what i want to do :)
 
OK then, just load your 44 magnum cases with loads designed for a 44 Special and shoot away.
Don't try to allow for more space in the 44 mag case, because any possible discrepancy would be so minor as to be un-noticed.
 
have loaded many thousand reduced loads in .44mag 6 to 7 grains of hp38 win 231 trailboss or titegroup will givea nice mild load with 240gr bullet good luck
 
I shoot a lot of 3.3gr powder loads in .38 Special - that little powder doesn't even fill a 9mm case; yet the loads work great and are wonderfully accurate. I wouldn't hesitate to load 'em in .357 cases.

And no - .357 won't fit in a .38 Special, and .44 mag won't fit in a .44 Special gun. They're too long - this was done deliberately, so the more powerful magnum loadings would not be lit-off in some old revolver that was questionably suitable for the original Special loads due to less-scientific metallurgy back then, and blow it up.
 
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For Cowboy Action shooting in my .44 Magnum Ruger Vaquero I load the same charge whether or not I'm using .44 Spl or .44 Mag brass. 4.7 grains of W231 pushing a 240 grain LSWC bullet with no problems.
 
I have a powder puff load of 3.9gr of WST and a powder coated 200gr. LRNFP in magnum cases for shooting steel plates. That was a bit too light so I've increased t to about 4.4gr.

Auggie D.
 
My light and heavy loads for .44 Magnum are absolutely identical except for the powder: same bullet, same case, same primer, same crimp. The only difference is one goes bang and the other goes FOOM!

I would not bother with .44 Special cases unless you actually have a .44 Special. That way, you only need to keep one type of brass on hand and don't have to worry about die adjustments.

Most of the light load data for .44 Special/Magnum has been developed with lead bullets, but the Cam-Pro plated ones should be fine to substitute.
 
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