Need starting load, .44spl 180gr lead flatpoint

Jorah Lavin · July 10, 2002, 07:55 PM

I recently added .44 Spl to my reloading list, and started with a 180 grain JHP, using W231, 6.5 grains.

I'm starting to run out of the first box of bullets, and picked up a couple hundred 180 gr "BBFP" (so it says on the bag) lead flat points.

My reloading manual (Lymans) doesn't list a load for that, so I'd love to hear some opinions on starting loads for the 231.

I guess it is finally time for me to break down and buy a second reloading manual. Any advice on which book my next purchase should be?

-Jorah

griz · July 11, 2002, 05:49 AM

Your load of 6.5 gr of 231 should still be a good load with the lead bullet.

Norm Lee · July 11, 2002, 10:41 AM

Hey Jorah:

What Griz said!

Your load will be fine with the lead bullet, too. If you are looking for a nice target load try dropping down to about 5.3 gr and adjust up a tenth at a time until the groups get tight. 5.4 seemed to do the trick for me (624 S&W) when I was trying to stay on the paper at 50 yds for PPC.

Cheers,

Norm

Jorah Lavin · July 11, 2002, 04:54 PM

I've noticed a tendency for the lead loads to be a bit more lightly loaded than the jacketed. I'll 5.3 gr, as you suggest.

-Jorah

July 10, 2002, 07:55 PM	#1
Jorah Lavin Senior Member Join Date: April 4, 1999 Location: Indian Land, SC USA Posts: 593	Need starting load, .44spl 180gr lead flatpoint I recently added .44 Spl to my reloading list, and started with a 180 grain JHP, using W231, 6.5 grains. I'm starting to run out of the first box of bullets, and picked up a couple hundred 180 gr "BBFP" (so it says on the bag) lead flat points. My reloading manual (Lymans) doesn't list a load for that, so I'd love to hear some opinions on starting loads for the 231. I guess it is finally time for me to break down and buy a second reloading manual. Any advice on which book my next purchase should be? -Jorah

July 11, 2002, 10:41 AM	#3
Norm Lee Member Join Date: January 3, 2001 Location: Nassau Bay Posts: 81	.44 Spl Load Hey Jorah: What Griz said! Your load will be fine with the lead bullet, too. If you are looking for a nice target load try dropping down to about 5.3 gr and adjust up a tenth at a time until the groups get tight. 5.4 seemed to do the trick for me (624 S&W) when I was trying to stay on the paper at 50 yds for PPC. Cheers, Norm

July 11, 2002, 04:54 PM	#4
Jorah Lavin Senior Member Join Date: April 4, 1999 Location: Indian Land, SC USA Posts: 593	As usual, thanks for the help. I've noticed a tendency for the lead loads to be a bit more lightly loaded than the jacketed. I'll 5.3 gr, as you suggest. -Jorah

July 11, 2002, 05:49 AM	#2
griz Senior Member Join Date: July 31, 2000 Location: Middle Peninsula, VA Posts: 1,588	Your load of 6.5 gr of 231 should still be a good load with the lead bullet.