.44 Mag reloads for DE and 329PD

[173rdABN]

I have a S&W 329PD and a Desert Eagle in .44, and just ordered 500 Berry's 240gr FP bullets. I have 4lbs of Unique powder left which I use for 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP. I was hoping to stick to using that powder but am willing to use something different if someone has a solid load for a Desert Eagle in .44 Mag. I figured that would be the biggest hardship, getting the slide to cycle properly. All that being said, what do you guys have for pet loads for your .44 Mags?

Just incase you wanted a little gun porn
[IMG]http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l155/eat7thirdythree/photo.jpg[/IMG]

[dlm37015]

aa number 9 works good for me

[Jonnin]

de likes them a little strong. Im using 18 grains of accurate #7 behind a cheap 165 grain lead bullet and that just barely cycles mine. Power pistol took about 14 grains. I don't have any other bullets cause I am cheap, but the few I did have a while back with heavier slugs, starter loads wont cycle it well, need 1/4 to 1/2 way between starter and max roughly.



pretty grips on that revolver. Edited November 28, 2012 by Jonnin

[nightrunner]

Yeah from what ive read, the desert eagle will need some fairly warm loads to cycle and those same loads will not be enjoyable from the super lightweight 329PD.

[173rdABN]

So, I should be looking at two different loads? Makes perfect sense. Rather shoot lighter loads through the 329PD for sure.

David, I need 15-20k primers from you next time I head to a gun show, I think I'll pick up some powder as well, maybe give a couple different powders a try.

Do you absolutely need magnum primers in .44 loads?

[Westwindmike]

I've never used magnum primers in my 44 loads.

[nightrunner]

Personally id make some very light .44special level loads for the 329 for target shooting and some mid-high level loads that would cycle the desert eagle.

Id dont have personal experience with a 329 but have heard they are quite painful with full power loads.

[dlm37015]

[quote name='173rdABN' timestamp='1354114014' post='851871']
So, I should be looking at two different loads? Makes perfect sense. Rather shoot lighter loads through the 329PD for sure.

David, I need 15-20k primers from you next time I head to a gun show, I think I'll pick up some powder as well, maybe give a couple different powders a try.

Do you absolutely need magnum primers in .44 loads?
[/quote]
no i dont use thrm

[Jonnin]

[quote name='173rdABN' timestamp='1354114014' post='851871']
So, I should be looking at two different loads? Makes perfect sense. Rather shoot lighter loads through the 329PD for sure.

David, I need 15-20k primers from you next time I head to a gun show, I think I'll pick up some powder as well, maybe give a couple different powders a try.

Do you absolutely need magnum primers in .44 loads?
[/quote]

anything that will cycle the auto is going to be *rough* in that revolver. I do recommend 2 sets of load data for your setup. Also, you need to crimp the revolver loads, but the DE is not as critical. The bullets can't recoil-pull out of the case in the magazine.

I would use magnum primers if you use a slow, magnum powder. Or a medium powder and regular primers. If you want to save money, 44s can soak up a fair amount of powder and lead in a hurry. Lighter bullets and hotter powders can really cut costs, if you shoot a lot of the calliber. And that DE can really eat through a box of ammo fast.... 50 rounds of 44 mag gone in 1/2 an hour easily. With a revolver, the same 50 last me about 4 times as long (but my revolver is slow loading, single action).

[TullyMars]

Unique is kinda dirty, even the new stuff , so your DE may not run too smooth with it. With the Berry's bullets you should stay with lighter cast bullet data. With that said you might try up to 10gr. in the DE and anywhere from 8 to 10grs. in the 329 will be all you want in that feather of a .44.

[timthetoolman]

I shoot 44 mag out of a Anaconda (6")  I loaded a bunch of different charges with H110 and settled on 22grains.  I did  learn that crimping is very important with 44 for a clean burn.  I tested some light/no crimp loads and there was crap flying everywhere.  H110 is pretty flashy, so if you don't like fireballs then avoid it.  :up:

 

I forgot to add this is with a 240gr Hornady XTP.  Love em' (out of my muzzle loader too)

Edited December 12, 2012 by timthetoolman

[lshel]

I use Accurate #9 17g in 300g HP bullet and 20g in 240g HP bullet. I shoot these in my Ruger Super Redhawk 9.5" barrel.You should check reloading manual for a starter load for this powder and the bullet weight you want to use.

Edited December 12, 2012 by lshel

[221 Fireball]

I shoot 44 mag out of a Anaconda (6")  I loaded a bunch of different charges with H110 and settled on 22grains.  I did  learn that crimping is very important with 44 for a clean burn.  I tested some light/no crimp loads and there was crap flying everywhere.  H110 is pretty flashy, so if you don't like fireballs then avoid it.  :up:

Hey, I like 'Fireballs'...heh,heh.

 

Ironic, I used that same load of 110 in my Mod. 29DX, but you're right, it's flashy! I switched to 17grs. of Blue Dot behind a 240gr XTP, very accurate and have taken about half a dozen deer with that load thus far.

[173rdABN]

I'm waiting on a dillon conversion kit, but have everything else. Its killing me I cant load for it yet! i'll try 110 as well, because I also LOVE some good fireballs :D haha. Rather use a little more powder to get a cleaner burn than Unique and get it all gummed up. 

 

I use Unique in my 9mm MP5 loads and after a hand full of mags it gets nice and gummed up, doesn't stop running, but cleaning it is NO fun. You can tell in all my reloads that Unique is quite dirty and all sticky like. But I just cant get myself to switch away from it because I have so much around and load data all done up for all my calibers I use it in... 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP.