[Manny]

Hi,
Just becoming a brand new reloader and was looking for a little help. Have a Lee 4 hole turret press, Lee 4 die (w/factory crimper) set and a set of Lee dippers on the way from Midway. Plans are to load .44 mag cowboy and plinking loads for my 5.5" Ruger and Marlin Cowboy. I'd like to stay in the 900 fps range out of the Ruger using 240 gr cast bullets. Will be loading in once fired WW .44 mag brass. Recomendation for a powder and appropriate charge would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Manny

 

[DOUBLEJK]

Manny
I like 7.5 to 8.0 grain's of AA#5 with any standard large pistol primer and a 245gr. Lyman #429421. It should shoot at about the velocity you are looking for.
I have not had very good results crimping lead bullets with the LEE final crimp die. If you pull some you will see the carbide sizer destorts the soft bullet, Accuracy went South on me when I used it.

 

[MikeG]

Manny,

Download some of the free reloading information, available on-line from Hodgdon, Winchester, Accurate, etc. I believe that Beartooth has links to all these companies.

Then go with top-end .44 Special data for nice easy-shooting ammo in your .44 Mag brass. The velocities will probably be just a bit less than what you would get with .44 Special brass, not enough to hurt anything for the purpose you intend.

For light loads such as these, the Lee FCD is probably overkill. Experiment with it if you like, but don't worry if you can't make it work.

In the .44 I use 7.5gr. of AA#2 but this will run a little faster than what you are looking for, it is about 1050fps in my guns.

 

[Contender]

Manny,

The instruction sheet that came with your Lee 44 Mag dies should have some dipper loads with various bullet weights on the back of the sheet. In fact, you will get a suitable dipper in with the dies.


Should get you started.

Regards