44 bullet size

radshop · January 19, 2007, 10:56 PM

I haven't done any reloading in over 25 years, and I've never loaded 44 mag before, so sorry for the newbie question.
My Lyman loading manual lists .429 bullet size for all loads, and I know this is the correct size for 44 magnum/special. But I see a lot of bullets being sold as 44 with a diameter of .430 - are these interchangeable, or should I avoid them. In case it matters, I shoot 44 in a Ruger Vaquero, Super Blackhawk, and Marlin 1894.

Thanks for helpin a brother out.

Rimrod · January 19, 2007, 11:30 PM

.430 should be fine, especially if they are lead which usually runs a little over jacketed diameter.

Al Norris · January 20, 2007, 01:07 AM

Radshop, just about every jacketed bullet I know is listed at .429 and every lead bullet I've seen is .430. There may be some exceptions, but I haven't seen them.

I also shoot a Vaquero and a 1894 in .44.

**44 AMP** · January 20, 2007, 01:56 AM

.429/.430 is correct. You will also see .45 cal pistol bullets listed as .451 or .452 (unless they are for pre-WWII .45 Colt, then they should be .454).

tstone · January 21, 2007, 12:57 AM

Hornady XTP's (.44 mag) are .430 and are excellent jacketed bullets.

mrawesome22 · January 21, 2007, 01:40 AM

To me the point is moot because .001" difference is so small. Even if Hornady says their .44cal XTP's are .430", you might get one that is .432" and one that is .428". The average human hair is .003" wide.

January 19, 2007, 10:56 PM	#1
radshop Member Join Date: November 26, 2004 Posts: 84	44 bullet size I haven't done any reloading in over 25 years, and I've never loaded 44 mag before, so sorry for the newbie question. My Lyman loading manual lists .429 bullet size for all loads, and I know this is the correct size for 44 magnum/special. But I see a lot of bullets being sold as 44 with a diameter of .430 - are these interchangeable, or should I avoid them. In case it matters, I shoot 44 in a Ruger Vaquero, Super Blackhawk, and Marlin 1894. Thanks for helpin a brother out.

January 20, 2007, 01:56 AM	#4
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,832	Agree .429/.430 is correct. You will also see .45 cal pistol bullets listed as .451 or .452 (unless they are for pre-WWII .45 Colt, then they should be .454). __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

January 19, 2007, 11:30 PM	#2
Rimrod Senior Member Join Date: October 19, 2005 Location: Behind enemy lines Posts: 1,309	.430 should be fine, especially if they are lead which usually runs a little over jacketed diameter.

January 20, 2007, 01:07 AM	#3
Al Norris Moderator Emeritus Join Date: June 29, 2000 Location: Rupert, Idaho Posts: 9,660	Radshop, just about every jacketed bullet I know is listed at .429 and every lead bullet I've seen is .430. There may be some exceptions, but I haven't seen them. I also shoot a Vaquero and a 1894 in .44.

January 21, 2007, 12:57 AM	#5
tstone Member Join Date: January 9, 2007 Location: MS Posts: 25	Hornady XTP's (.44 mag) are .430 and are excellent jacketed bullets.

January 21, 2007, 01:40 AM	#6
mrawesome22 Senior Member Join Date: November 9, 2005 Location: Ohio, Appalachia's foothills. Posts: 3,779	To me the point is moot because .001" difference is so small. Even if Hornady says their .44cal XTP's are .430", you might get one that is .432" and one that is .428". The average human hair is .003" wide.