"Meany Bob'-I use a RCBS 'Cowboy' die set for 44 Spec. Will work for 44 Russian, 44 Colt, and of course 44 Spec. Use a Lee Factory Crimp die to crimp. As far as how much black can ya 'stuff' in a 44 Colt case, I've had "excellent" results with 25 and 25.5 grains of Goex FF and FFF, though I use FF only anymore topped off with a 200 grain Mav Dutch bullet. Check out the 'search' function, you will find alot of 44 Colt load info from the past. One is on page 3 of this section "Storm", subject topic "Black Powder Loads for 38 Colt and 44 Colt" started by Mike.. Check out some of Fox Creek Kids postings, alot of info there. Mike posted his 21 grain loading using 1 1/2 Swiss, mine is with FF Goex, not sure how the difference in brand and grain size between the two fill the 44 Colt case for volume and for compression. The 1 1/2 Swiss is a little courser than the FF Goex, burns at a different rate; I've never loaded using Swiss so someone else will have to 'chime' in about the exact difference in using the two different powders.