I need to load up some .44 Russian for a reichsrevolver. Will .44 spl dies work or do i need to buy a dedicated .44 russian dies? There is conflicting advice out there on the net, anybody here have real experience with this? .44 spl dies are a bit easier to source than the russian variety.
Reloading 44 Russian
- Thread starter jethunter
- Start date
BrotherRockeye
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Rural Saskatchewan
I started out using 44spl dies
they'll do everything but crimp for you because of the shorter case.I used the crimper from my 44spl Lee Loader.
that said you can trim the bottom of the die and it will crimp too.
Would be alot cheaper than buying 44Russian dies...unless you like Lee dies...
they'll do everything but crimp for you because of the shorter case.I used the crimper from my 44spl Lee Loader.
that said you can trim the bottom of the die and it will crimp too.
Would be alot cheaper than buying 44Russian dies...unless you like Lee dies...
BrotherRockeye
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Rural Saskatchewan
don't spoil the iron...shorten a $20 die set 
don't spoil the iron...shorten a $20 die set
X2
I bought an old Bonanza 44 Sp. seater/crimp die from the parts bin for $10,
then got a buddy with a lathe to trim it the appropriate amount.
It works great, and is now with my 44 Sp/Mag die set.KD
AFAIK, they're the same, except for the length... I have a S&W 1st model DA that fires both, plus according to the (latest) Lyman Pistol Reloading manual, they're identical except for case length.
Anyway... check and see if your M79 can also chamber 44 spl... because it is also a strong possibility. A lot of guns of that period were either made or later converted to accept both cartridges. Kind of like a 38 spl/357 mag thing.
AFAIK, they're the same, except for the length... I have a S&W 1st model DA that fires both, plus according to the (latest) Lyman Pistol Reloading manual, they're identical except for case length.
Anyway... check and see if your M79 can also chamber 44 spl... because it is also a strong possibility. A lot of guns of that period were either made or later converted to accept both cartridges. Kind of like a 38 spl/357 mag thing.
762, i will check the chamber dimensions thanks.
Found my copy of Cartridges of the World and looked up the .44 Russian and American cartridge dimensions:
S&W American used a heeled .434" bullet,.440" diameter case, .91" long
S&W Russian used a straight .429 bullet, .457" diameter case, .96" long
The .44 Special and .44 magnum are the same dimensions as the .44 Russian, except they have longer cases.
My 1879 SA Reichs revolvers chamber throats are just over .430 so perfect for .430 dia 44 caliber bullets.
bore Dia is just over .430 to and my bore is like new.
I agree with Doyle this gun loves 44 Sp and i shoot the winchester cowboy ammo outa mine with no ill effects as its loaded like 44 Russian anyway.
bore Dia is just over .430 to and my bore is like new.
I agree with Doyle this gun loves 44 Sp and i shoot the winchester cowboy ammo outa mine with no ill effects as its loaded like 44 Russian anyway.
P&D in Edmonto has a good selection of .430 cast bullets in stock. I'm hoping they'll be suitable for my reichsrevolver.
