Greetings LP!
Although I'm a bit new to the .44WCF in pistols, I've had some interesting revelations. Almost a year ago, I acquired a Taylor's ( Uberti ) "Remington NMA Cartridge Conversion" chambered for the .44WCF; I intended this to be a "kinda contemporary" companion sidearm for my Uberti Henry chambered for the same cartridge. The bore / groove dimensions are .420" - .430" respectively; the cylinder leades average to .433". The absolute worst performance in my NMA was with LazerCast .427-200FP; I believe that I hit my target three times at fifteen yards. This same handload was very nice out of my Henry, giving 1.5" / 2" at fifty yards.
My cast bullets were a different story; for my Henry, I avoid casting alloys harder than 15BHN, and try to stay closer to WW / 12BHN. Sizing to .429" for the Henry and NMA, I've gotten far better results with the Accurate #43-215C in both; the RCBS #44-200FP also works well. For cartridges specifically for the NMA, I'm currently experimenting with the Ideal / Lyman #429348 180gr Wadcutter, lightly crimped into the top lubegroove. The samples that I'm using up are too hard at 18BHN, but for my next batch, I'm aiming for 11BHN ( "range scrap" ) or so, hoping to get obturation in the cylinder leade. Although too hard, these wadcutters are showing great promise, giving me about 1.5" at 15yds, with two bullet holes making a 'slight oval' on the target paper. Of course, my eyeballs were screwed in extra - tight that evening...
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M.T.Marfield
2-15-23