Heeled Bullets for .44 Conversions?

[Bead Swinger]

I noticed a Rapine 452210 [might be xxx200] mould that is set up to cast a heeled .451 bullet for .44 conversions. While I'm really new to pistol shooting, could one use these in modern R&M's chambered for .44 Russian or .44 Colt?  I've had very good success with heeled bullets in Spencers, and was curious.

Any insight or experience with this would be welcome. 'Still saving $$ for an R-M.

Beadswinger

[Black River Smith]

That bullet would work under 2 or 3 scenarios.

1.  With a 44 C&B that has a 44Colt cylinder installed.(But most cylinders are manufactured in 45Colt, so that the 0.452 - 0.454 inside lube bullet matches the 0.454 barrel of the percussion 44 C&B.)

2.  With a 44 C&B that 'you' have converted yourself or was original.(and not put a 0.429 liner in)

3.  In some of the 'older' (1990's) conversion guns (not just cylinders) produced by Kenny Howell and John Gren and others.  (Kenny (R&D) produced an authentic copy of the Richards 1st Model and left the barrel as is just as the original)


But the new reproductions (Open Top's, RM-1860 Richards 3rd Model, and other 44 conversions) by Cim, Taylor and others all have a standard 0.429 barrel diameter thus using the standard inside lubed (0.429 - 0.430) modern 44 caliber bullets in the 44 Russian or modern Starline 44 Colt casing.

If you end up getting a conversion gun and are not certain, slug the barrel first.  At this time there are a lot of variation out there.  In the 90's most things you would have put your hands on would have required the heeled bullet and special reloading techniques.  That is why today they market the 45Colt for 'easy and fast' cylinder conversion and the 44 conversion with 0.429 barrels.  For easy purchase or easy reloading.

[Wild Ben Raymond]

Howdy! I use a soft lead deep hollow base 210gr bullet that cast out at .430 so no sizing is needed if used in an original conversion or one that has not been lined by Kenny Howell. They also would work, I believe in a conversion that has a liner(.429). Anyway, they work really well & are much easier to load on your press. I tried using heel-type bullets & had mixed results. Mostly had trouble with getting a good crimp. Good Luck, WBR

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

NEI  .450-222-heel    #277B