357/44 bain & davis

[onegoodshot]

LOTS OF QUESTIONS

P/U this week from my ffl and the RCBS dies came in so I'm ready to load. Gun is in excellent condition. It is a pre-safety puma and is really tight. This is my first lever and I've never shot one so I don't know how it compares. I've googled the pre-safety puma and there isn't a lot of information. Didn't get a single hit on a B&D Rossi or Puma. Is there a way to determine if microgroove or ballard rifling?

I also p/u 50 pieces of virgin starline, but have since found out that it may form ok, it doesnt hold the pills tight. Anyone have any experience with this?

Been following a thread on Specialtypistols.com and getting 158 nosler hp load data from the guys shooting 14" contender barrels and mine is 16" so I should be able to meet/beat those loads.
No speed freak here, but what is the strength of the levergun?
Someone posed a question about casts and didnt really get a clear answer.

Anyone have any experience with 357 casts being pushed close to 2K?

[nobearsyet]

You should be fine loading the 357/44 to it's potential in that gun. Keep in mind those guns were later chambered for the 454 Casull.

[bloodhound]

ACCORDING TO MONTANA BULLET WORKS...BILLINGS, MONTANA.... INFORMATION.....GAS CHECKED LINOTYPE BULLETS CAN BE SHOT UP TO 2300 FPS OR MORE.... ;D