Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters Target Loading Options in 44 Special Using 165grn TCFP Cast Bullets

I have a Rossi 720 3" Revolver in 44 special that i would like to target load in 165grn TCFP Cast. I am primarily a rifle shooter and most of my current powder inventory goes along those lines. I was hoping someone may have a starting load that I could borrow using one of my existing powders listed here:

ACCURATE #2
BULLSEYE
IMR SR-4756
WIN 296
H414
HS-7
N140
UNIQUE
IMR-4831
IMR-7828
IMR-4895
IMR-4350
IMR-3031

Do any of these make the cut and if so what would be an acceptable starting weight for the 165grn Cast loads from Missouri Bullet Co?

Thank you

Unique seems to be your best option. The Lyman #49 begins with a 180 grain bullet and starting load of 7.3 and max of 8.2. You could go a little higher with the 165s.

I just looked at the Accurate site and they show Accurate #2 at 5.3 to 5.9 with a 180 grain bulllet.

I didn't go as low as 165 grains, but I have discovered a load that works well with ANY bullet weight from 180 to 240 grains, with cast bullets, plated bullets or jacketed bullets. It's a does-all .44 Special load.

It's not a powder on your list, and it's a powder that often gets overlooked: 6.0 grains of American Select.

You'll thank me.

LeonHitchCox: Do you suggest a 10% increase in powder with Unique for a 165grn compared to a 180grn equivalent as a safe starting point?

Since you want a target load and you have Bullseye, I would start there. The classic target load for the .44 Special is 5 grs Bullseye and a 246-250 gr. bullet, I would start with 4.5 grs and work up with the lighter bullet you plan to use. You can even work lower for reduced sound and recoil, just be careful not to stick a bullet in the barrel!

I would simply substitute the existing data as is just to be on the safe side. That would give a margin for safety . Since these appear to be target/plinking loads, there is no need to search for the max load.

Thank you all very much. I will see what i can work up and try to remember to report back.