I have no experience with the .44 mag pistol or rifle. I got a new toy and am learning and loving bullet casting. I'm looking for a good mould for a bullet I can shoot in the rifle for practice and use on deer. I'd love some suggestions!!
thanks Mike B.

I think I would start with the Lee TL430-240-SWC. It's available in a 6 cavity mold and there is plenty of load data available for 240-grain bullets. The "TL", Tumble Lube, molds are great as you will not need to size them and this design isn't complicated by a gas check. If you are not using a Lee 6-cavity mold yet, you will also need to purchase the mold handles but they can be used on any additional 6-cavity molds you purchase.

http://www.leeprecision.com/graphics/bullets/l430240s.gif (http://www.bosesguns.com/product_p/lee90357.htm)

For a big more of a "hunting" load, the Lee 310gr gas checked bullet is pretty good as well

C430-310-RF
http://www.leeprecision.com/graphics/bullets/c430310r.gif

For 45lc in my Ruger blackhawk and Winchester 94AE trapper, I use the C452-300-RF mold and Lyman #2 alloy for EXCELLENT results.

I use the Lee bullet sizer to seat/crimp the Hornady gas checks onto the bottom of the bullets.

But, the tumble lube bullets are very nice in their own right. I have used them in the past for 45acp and they work quite well.

Thanks guys! I just ordered one of each. I already have the handles and think the Lee moulds are reasonable and a good place to start. Mike B.

I should also add, the 45lc with the 300gr bullet seated at the lower crimp grove (giving it an OAL of 1.65" or there abouts) will cycle just fine in a Win94 AE.

I have heard folks have similar results with the 44mag and the Lee 310gr bullet.

DEVERS
Got that mold as well as the new 325gr, now I can put alot of thump on critters especially with my Puma 454 and SRH. The Win 94 45LC loves these as well.

I should also add, the 45lc with the 300gr bullet seated at the lower crimp grove (giving it an OAL of 1.65" or there abouts) will cycle just fine in a Win94 AE.

I have heard folks have similar results with the 44mag and the Lee 310gr bullet.
Do you have any favorite loads for these bullets? Mike B.

I have 2 loads I like to go plinking with.

these are heavy loads and ONLY for Ruger Blackhawks and leverguns of the model 92 and 94...NOT TOGGLE LINK REPRODUCTIONS!!!

20gr of H4227 or IMR4227 (this is listed in some books as a "starting" load for the high end)
14gr of Alliant 2400 (very clean!!! milder than H4227)
12gr of BlueDot (DIRTY!!! But lots of fun)

[These loads are all correct as well for the 44mag 310gr bullet]

I would start with 2400, as its both a good rifle and pistol powder for the 45lc, 44mag, and 357mag.