Other loads for a .44 mag

[RocketFoot]

Is there any other load that a .44 mag can shoot? The club I am joining has an indoor range and they specify no Magnum loads! I was hoping to shoot my new Raging Bull there. Will a .44 mag handle .44 special? Sorta like .357's shooting .38 special?

[Xringshooter]

Yes, a 44 will shoot both 44 Specials and 44 Magnums. A lot of 44 owners (I have a 7 1/2" SS Ruger Redhawk) will primarily shoot the milder 44 Spec loads for practice, reserving the magnum loads for hunting or whatever.

If you reload you can load your 44 Mag case with 44 Spec load data or use the lowest load of the 44 Mag. If loading 44 Spec loads in a 44 Mag case, check the amount of space left in the case after putting in the powder. If there is a lot of empty space you may need a bit of filler to keep the powder back against the primer. I use the polyester filler you can buy for stuffing pillows, quilts, etc (I steal a little from the wife if I need it). You don't need much, just enough to keep the powder from leveling out in the case when the case is horizontal.

[Xringshooter]

Just got off www.rugerforum.com and if you go there to the Factory Ammo and Reloading thread, there is a topic called 44 Special Load in 44 Mag cases. A very good discussion about this subject with a lot of hints and tips and explanations. It will clarify what I was saying about using the polyester fiberfill for the light loads. Check it out.

[RocketFoot]

Very helpful! Thanks...

I'll buy some .44 specials for the range, but I don't reload (yet). At least I can still use my baby at the indoor range!

[knight0334]

If/when you do start reloading, just stick with 44mag brass and use the bottom of the chart loads for light duty range ammo. No need to buy 44spl brass and have to readjust your loading dies each time you go from mag to spl or spl to mag.