Bit the bullet, figuratively of course, on a new revolver in .44 Special... damned Davidson's and their weekly gun specials. Already had a GP-100 in .357 Magnum, so this new one will complement it.

Figure it should be pretty easy to load, like most straight wall cartridges are, but as of right now, I have not a single piece of equipment or component (sans some suitable powders, and a couple presses) to start loading for it.

Any preferences for a die set? I generally gravitate towards Hornady or Redding.

And any ideas where to get some starter brass? Or do I just buy a few packages of ammo and go from there?

quote:

Originally posted by C-Dubs:
And any ideas where to get some starter brass?

It depends on what quantity you plan to reload. When I started with 10mm, I bought several brands/boxes of factory ammo and used those cases. When I decided to reload seriously, I just bought a case of 1,000 from Starline, (~$180). It is some of the best brass going, and Starline offers free delivery when you buy directly from them. Don't go to other sources for it (such as Midway). It will be marked up and shipping may or may not be included.

Yes, Starline always has good brass. I didn't mention it in the OP, but I was hoping to find some once-fired brass to get started.

Any favorite projectile? Was thinking either plated or FMJ, and probably 240gn. Didn't want to give it an all lead diet from the get go. Truncated cone, round-nose or SWC preferably.

I’ve not loaded revolver cartridges yet, but I do like coated bullets and will use them in the 45 Colt and .357 Magnum.

I would look at http://missouribullet.com/deta...egory=5&secondary=12. When I start to load for the 45 Colt it will be this similar coated bullet in .45 caliber.
They have a good reputation and a nice crimp groove.

I have been loading 44 Special for a long time now.....I really like the caliber, and you can load it mild to wild!!! I have purchased a fair amount of my 44 Spec. brass from Starline, but also have some range brass. I started out loading lead bullets, and stayed with them for years. In the last 2-3 years i have switched over to Xtreme plated bullets, and am quite pleased with them. I own Dillon and RCBS dies, and have no complaints with either.

quote:

Originally posted by GT-40DOC:
... In the last 2-3 years i have switched over to Xtreme plated bullets, and am quite pleased with them...

Theirs was one of the first sites I checked. One of the comments said he couldn't do better than a 3 foot spread at something like 50'.
But his was the only negative comment I read. Seemed everyone else liked them, so I figured it was more likely the fault of the guy pulling the press handle in that case.

I found a couple sites that list .44 Special once-fired brass, but both showed as out of stock. So I'll probably just order some from Starline.

I shoot lots of .38 Special, since I have 5 revolvers capable of doing it. As this will be my only firearm in .44 Special, I don't foresee myself shooting more than 1k per year at the most, probably closer to 500 per year.

quote:

Originally posted by Riley:
...I would look at http://missouribullet.com/deta...egory=5&secondary=12. When I start to load for the 45 Colt it will be this similar coated bullet in .45 caliber.
They have a good reputation and a nice crimp groove.

I got a small shipment from them a couple years ago when I was testing a bunch of different projectiles for .45Colt, some hard cast lead, and they smoked up a storm. I went to plated after that. Haven’t tried coated bullets outside of some Acme bullets for .38 Special.

Order brass directly from Starline.

Lyman or RCBS 3 die set use the crimp/seat die as a seating die only. Unless using a RN bullet, use the flat seater plug. Buy a Redding profile crimp die and crimp with that exclusively.

200gr.- 210gr. Cast or coated bullets. Missouri or SNS cast bullets or the purple coated bullets from Kings Shooters Supply. Seat them on top of 5.5 gr. Red Dot. Red Dot. Red Dot.

I've been very pleased with the Hi-Tek coated bullets in .358 130 gr. for .38/.357 and .452 200 gr. RNFP for .45 Colt...good quality bulletsat a reasonable price with fair priced quick shipping from Summers Enterprises LLC and Donnie is a good guy with whom to do business...

https://summersenterprisesllc....-category/hi-tek-44/

Starline brass is GTG and in the lower pressure cowboy action loads they will almost last forever...which are always accurate enjoyable loads to shoot in any caliber loaded as such

https://www.starlinebrass.com/...es/44-Special-Brass/

Just placed my orders...
Picked up a Hornady die set and shellholder, Redding profile crimp die, Starline Brass, and 500 count of Zero 240gn JSP.

Pretty sure that covers it. Already had the powders and primers available.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: C-Dubs,

Looks like "you be good to go"!! NOW, get in that reloading room and turn out some ammo!!!!

Dummy me... dies arrived yesterday, so I go downstairs to mount them in some Hornady LnL bushings... except I only had 1 left.

Amazon carries them, so a 10-pack is arriving tomorrow.