One to rule them all?

[Old 454]

250 grain Keith bullet... 2400 powder

[rodfac]

For reasons of economy, I would get a mold to cast a wide meplat bullet with gas check seat.

NIck's got it right with this suggestion. In times of shortages, the bullet could be uses without the gas check at very near the same velocities by adjusting the alloy or heat treating. By laying in a good supply of checks, now when they're available (note to self...get on this today), you're assured of a necessary supply when needed.

Lyman's excellent version of the old Thompson design (429244 GC or its smaller brother 429215 GC) fill the bill nicely. Either has been superbly accurate in every .44 (Spl or Mag) that I've tried. Smiths, Rugers, one DW, a cpl Marlins...they all shot well with those bullets...2" at 25 yds or less with the handguns, and the same at 100 yds with the Marlins. They kill deer up to 180 lbs with penetration that has to be seen to be believed, and would do the same on elk in my estimation.

Size is important (we're talking bullets here padnuhs), and for the Marlins, 0.432" is a good working number when cast from wheel weights with 2%tin for fill out. While I've shot those same fat bullets from 0.430 throated Rugers and Smiths, I don't push the loads beyond 1100 fps even with some not so sudden powders (Ac#9, 2400, Win 296 etc)

Fact is, 90% of the shooting I do with my .44's is with one or the other....the rest is with Lyman's 429421 or its equivalent from RCBS, MP, or Accurate Molds.

YMMv. Rod