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How to Reload a .44 Special With Trail Boss

The .44 Special was developed by Smith &Wesson in 1907. The cartridge uses a bullet diameter ranging from .429 inch to .432 inch. The .44 Special has had a resurgence in popularity because of its use in the Cowboy Action Shooting discipline. Most CAS loads are relatively mild and use cast lead bullets. Many CAS competitors hand-load their own ammunition, and Trail Boss by Hodgdon is a good choice for this round. Trail Boss is more case-filling as compared to other powders, so there is less variation in shot-to-shot accuracy.

Things You'll Need

Reloading manual
Reloading dies
Reloading press
Priming tool
Primers
Case lube
.44 Special cases
Bullets
Trail Boss powder
Reloading scale
Vernier calipers

Instructions

- 1
  Lube the cases, then set them aside. Install the sizing die in the press and set the depth according to the manufacturer's instructions. Place the case in the press's shell holder and pull down on the lever to raise the ram. The die sizes the case and punches out the spent primer. Lower the ram and remove the case.
- 2
  Place new primers in the priming tool tray and install the sized case into the priming tool's shell holder. Squeeze the lever to seat the new primer. Make sure the primer is seated correctly. It should take firm pressure to seat the primer. If you feel too much resistance, stop. Do not force it.
- 3
  Remove the sizing die and install the flaring die. Set the die to slightly flare the cartridge case mouth so a bullet can sit in it without falling off. Install the case in the press's shell holder and raise the ram. The case mouth is flared at the top of the stroke. Remove the flaring die.
- 4
  Consult the reloading manual and select a load for the bullet you want to use. Set the powder measure to dispense the correct amount of Trail Boss powder. For example, the start load for a 240-grain cast lead semi-wadcutter bullet, sized to .430 inch, is 4.0 grains of powder. The maximum charge is 5.2 grains. As another example, a lighter, 165-grain bullet's start charge is 4.8 grains, and the maximum is 7.0 grains. Verify the charge weight by weighing it on the reloading scale. Pour the powder into the case.
- 5
  Install the seating die in the press, and set it so the main die body will just touch the cartridge case mouth. Place the charged case in the shell holder. Place a bullet on top of the case mouth, then raise the ram. The bullet is seated on the upstroke. Remove the cartridge and measure the seating depth with the vernier calipers. Adjust the seater plug depth to seat the bullet deeper if necessary.
- 6
  Screw the seating die one-quarter to one-half turn deeper (lower) into the press. Back off the seater plug several turns so it will not contact the bullet. Raise the ram. The case mouth is crimped into the bullet's cannelure (crimp groove) at the top of the stroke.

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