Establishing the actual diameter you need for reloading

Pond, James Pond · May 8, 2012, 12:43 PM

I've been poring over various types and sources of bullets. I have seen different diameters in my chosen reloading debut calibre: .44s.

There are 429s, 430s and even 431s, I think.

So when ordering how can I confirm the actual size that will suit my gun.

Is it trial and error? I hope not as buying bullets has big courier costs, so buying bulk (100-500) at a time is preferable!!

Any tips or are Redhawks known for a given diameter amongst reloaders?

sc928porsche · May 8, 2012, 01:49 PM

The best way is to actually "slug" the bore. Once you know that diameter, then you will know the proper size for that firearm.

As a rule, for safe loading, Jacketed 44's are .429 and lead is 430. Lead is usually .001 over the diameter to insure a good seal.

Pond, James Pond · May 8, 2012, 01:54 PM

Quote:

The best way is to actually "slug" the bore. Once you know that diameter, then you will know the proper size for that firearm.

As a rule, for safe loading, Jacketed 44's are .429 and lead is 430. Lead is usually .001 over the diameter to insure a good seal.

Well, I have no idea where or how to slug my barrel!!

My cleaning kit came with a slug attachment: not related, is it?

Good to know about the diameters though: those are the two most commonly listed sizes, so I probably can go with either!!

Really want to get my teeth into this reloading now!!

Waiting on the press and measure, and have to decide on powder (type) and bullets (type and source)

It's gonna be an "in the garage" summer!!

Nnobby45 · May 8, 2012, 01:54 PM

Well, the .44 Special and Magnum is .429 for jacketed bullets, and probably plated. With lead being .430.

You'll have to check for other ".44's". A good manual will tell you what you need to know.

Edward429451 · May 8, 2012, 03:02 PM

I never did slug my barrels, I just tried some .430s and it works for me. I suppose the easiest way to slug your barrel is to load 1 or 1.5 grains of bullseye behind a lead boolit and climb a ladder and shoot down into a 5 gal bucket of water.

oneoldsap · May 8, 2012, 06:07 PM

Hornady's jacketed 44s are .430" . Everybody elses are .429 . My SRH doesn't care which I use . Never seen a jacketed .431" 44 bullet , who makes those , and why ?

May 8, 2012, 12:43 PM	#1
Pond, James Pond Senior Member Join Date: July 12, 2011 Location: Top of the Baltic stack Posts: 6,079	Establishing the actual diameter you need for reloading I've been poring over various types and sources of bullets. I have seen different diameters in my chosen reloading debut calibre: .44s. There are 429s, 430s and even 431s, I think. So when ordering how can I confirm the actual size that will suit my gun. Is it trial and error? I hope not as buying bullets has big courier costs, so buying bulk (100-500) at a time is preferable!! Any tips or are Redhawks known for a given diameter amongst reloaders? __________________ When the right to effective self-defence is denied, that right to self-defence which remains is essentially symbolic. Freedom: Please enjoy responsibly.

May 8, 2012, 01:49 PM	#2
sc928porsche Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2008 Location: now living in alabama Posts: 2,433	The best way is to actually "slug" the bore. Once you know that diameter, then you will know the proper size for that firearm. As a rule, for safe loading, Jacketed 44's are .429 and lead is 430. Lead is usually .001 over the diameter to insure a good seal. __________________ No such thing as a stupid question. What is stupid is not asking it.

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May 8, 2012, 01:54 PM	#4
Nnobby45 Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2004 Posts: 3,150	Well, the .44 Special and Magnum is .429 for jacketed bullets, and probably plated. With lead being .430. You'll have to check for other ".44's". A good manual will tell you what you need to know.

May 8, 2012, 03:02 PM	#5
Edward429451 Junior member Join Date: November 12, 2000 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado Posts: 9,494	I never did slug my barrels, I just tried some .430s and it works for me. I suppose the easiest way to slug your barrel is to load 1 or 1.5 grains of bullseye behind a lead boolit and climb a ladder and shoot down into a 5 gal bucket of water.

May 8, 2012, 06:07 PM	#6
oneoldsap Senior Member Join Date: September 16, 2009 Location: I live in the foot of the Green Mountains of Vermont Posts: 1,602	Hornady's jacketed 44s are .430" . Everybody elses are .429 . My SRH doesn't care which I use . Never seen a jacketed .431" 44 bullet , who makes those , and why ?