I'm very new to reloading handgun cartridges so am seeking some advice. I want to develop a 44 mag load for my S & W Mountain Gun oriented mostly to lighter (200 - 225 gr) jacketed bullets at relatively modest (i.e. 1000 fps) velocities.
You can get 200-210 grain cast lead bullets that will do the job at 900-1000 fps.
Two reasons why I think they'd be more useful to you than jacketed. One, they are cheaper. Two, they are both your practice and your hunting loads, which means that when your opportunity arises unexpectedly, you don't have worry about your sights being out of adjustment for the opportunity.
At that velocity, leading shouldn't be much of a concern.
