Reloading cast lead for lever guns challenges.

[Blurry1]

I don’t think this has been discussed. I recently bought a 44mag Henry and worked up a nice deer load with h110 and xtp’s. I’ve never messed with cast bullets but decided to work up some plinking loads with some Missouri bullet 200gn coated bullets. I quickly learned that the h110 just pushes them too fast. Lower charges produced sooty cases and increased charges led to rapidly decreasing accuracy. I briefly tried cfe pistol but the low case fill makes me too uncomfortable with the risk of double charges. Take 3: I loaded up some rounds with Shooters World Heavy pistol. Accuracy improved up to 17.5 gn (2in group @ 50yds) and then expanded groups at 18 and 18.5 gn. The question: I have a couple more grains before max. Does anyone find improved accuracy going upward in charge after the groups start to spread with cast or is it a waste of powder as I suspect? Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[49ereric]

To fast? Barrel Leading issue? How hard are the bullets? 12 or 18 BHN? Tell us which bullet you are using not just the grain.
I don’t reload cast lead for rifles yet but at some point but I have the concerns you seem to mention. You might have to slug the barrel to get the size correct.

Missouri Bullet Company

Missouri Bullet Company offers premium lead bullets at affordable prices. We make hardness optimized bullets for the velocity of the loads you shoot.

www.missouribullet.com

I remember something about 44 mag rifle having a larger bore than revolvers so a .430 cast bullet might be to small.
A quick search.
The bore in that case is 12 groove, with a .423(+2/-0) bore diameter and .430(+2) groove diameter. I can say that our bore specs are set with the goal of optimizing jacketed bullet performance.

 

[Blurry1]

49ereric. Yes I suspect I have hit the speed threshold but with my limited experience with cast it’s worth the ask. I unfortunately cannot use my chronograph at the indoor range but I’m guessing I’m running about 1700fps.

Here is the bullet.
Bullet Missouri bullet company
.44 hi tell stalker
.430 diameter
200gn rnfp
Bullet oal.586
“For magnum loads”

At the most accurate load I’m still getting a bit of soot and the crimp doesn’t fully expand out. I may just try a hotter primer or .2 grain more to see if it gets me there.

 

[49ereric]

Good hard bullet you have so no issue there I believe.
Find a .431 and or .432 bullet. Sample packs of both if possible.
Chrono isn’t needed just is the barrel leading and accuracy.