Reloading 44 Colt with smokeless

[Black River Smith]

I have a few question for the more experienced.  First, I mainly loaded BP when I shot CAS and now I have to switch back to smokeless for fun shooting at indoor range.  Second,  I searched the web and several sites for a good factory duplicate load, nothing hot but did not find a lot of info that satisfied me.

I am looking to just duplicate general BP loads at 770 or low 800.

So, I have loaded 20 cases with 4.8 grains(as found in internet) of Unique and a Lee 429-214-1R bullet into starline brass at the bullet crimp groove.  The OAL ends up 1.41".

My concern is there is not a lot of space between the powder and bullet base.  Has anyone else loaded this or a general like load.

Would this combination be better if I loaded the bullet out to 1.50 the true 44Colt OAL?  This would put the grease grooves in the casing and about 0.011" from case mouth to the crimp groove exposed.

What loading approach would be safer and about what velocity are the bullets I have already loaded?

This is for use in a Cim Richard's Type II 44Spec.

(editted) PS -- A cartridge conversion book I have suggests a 225 grain bullet and 7.1 grains of Unique.  That seem to be a lot of powder in the 44 Colt when 7.5 grains behind a 240+ bullet in a 44 Spec is considered about tops.  A different book listed 5.0 grains of Bullseye for a load.

Thanks for any suggestions.

[Sagebrush Burns]

No need to worry about the empty space between powder and bullet.  Unique works really well in these kind of loads.  The only potential problem is the old double load bugaboo, and if you're paying attention to the process that won't happen.  Use the crimp groove in the bullet (with a good strong crimp) and enjoy!

[AntiqueSledMan]

Hello BlackRiverSmith,

Biodegradable packaging peanuts might be a good filler if your concerned about air space.

AntiqueSledMan.

[Johnny McCrae]

No need to worry about the empty space between powder and bullet.  Unique works really well in these kind of loads.  The only potential problem is the old double load bugaboo, and if you're paying attention to the process that won't happen.  Use the crimp groove in the bullet (with a good strong crimp) and enjoy!

I use 3.2 grains of Trail Boss, 200 grain RNFP bullet and Starline Brass. I crimp in the crimp groove for  an OAL of 1.380"

http://www.hodgdonreloading.com/data/pistol  This link shows Hodgdon's data for .44 Colt cartidges

[Black River Smith]

Thanks for all the replies.  I will just continue to use this or bump up to 4.9 to 5.0 because of the hodgdon info.

Johnny thanks for that reloading info.  I used universal powder because it is just about the same a Unique.  The starting point for it is 4.8 grains and show a velocity of just about what I would like.

Thanks again all,

BRS