I shot the Russians yesterday for accuracy. Sorry I didn't take pics. I still haven't replaced my chronograph yet so I don't have any speed numbers. I shot 10 rounds each and the RNFPs were extremely accurate. I had one flyer, like 5 inches flyer, with the 215s, all the rest went into a 2 inch hole. The SWCs on the other hand were so bad you couldn't even call what happened a pattern. They also leaded really bad and left a lot of powder residue. I'm thinking not enough pressure on the SWCs.
Recoil was mild with all three loads and will be ordering more of the round nose bullets.
If they're leading really badly, my guess would be undersized bullets before insufficient pressure. Have you tried the drop-through test? Drop the bullets from the rear of the chamber and let them fall into the throat. If they stick in the throat and can be pushed through (using a pencil, dowel, or something similar) with moderate pressure, they're about the right size. If they fall right through the throat, they're too small.
They are .431 bullets are tight to pass through. They shot extremely well with 10gr of Unique in magnum cases. The unburnt powder and excess residue make me think not enough pressure, The 240 RNFP (uncoated bullet in the pics.) next to the 240 SWC shows there is less bullet in the case with the SWCs, more nose less base, is why I'm thinking pressure problems also. The SWCs are 18 BRN and the RN are 15 BRN may be an issue too.
I don't need to be reading this stuff. It's a lot like porn. I've already got some 38 Short Colt ammo to test. I don't own a 44 anything, concentrating on a .357 for my N frame purchase this year. I just realized that 2023 is just a few days away.
I have a 45 ACP revolver but I would rather have a 44 something or other that actually shoots a revolver cartridge and step back into the future.
Can a 44 mag/spl. RCBS die set load the 44 Russian. Probably not but I had to ask. I have 10 lbs of powder that will work and mucho primers.
I see Starline has brass. Finger on the pulse so to speak.
Last edited by Borderland; 12-28-2022 at 09:32 PM.
In the P-F basket of deplorables.