Question on 44mag loads

[Nuuze]

Hey Fellow Loaders,

I had a question on 44mag loads. Looking at Hodgdon's load data the min/max range is quiet broad with a 2-3gr difference for 180/240gr bullets. I normally start at min and work up to where I like. I currently don't have a chrono. Wondering what some of you are loading at for these bullet gr.

Thanks!

[Top Cat]

I don't even consider approaching max loads with HP-38 or any other fast powder with the 44, as that's not the best powder for that.

I only use the faster powders for practice loads near the starting load range that's fine. I would use a powder more in the Unique range.

Red Dot is a decent powder for cast or Trail Boss works very well.

Generally I stay with coated lead bullets at 240gr, and for max loads I would use H-110, 4227 or 2400.

[Top Cat]

The reason to choose a faster burn rate powder is because they burn consistently and cleanly in the 8,000-20,000 PSI pressure range, where slower powders need a higher pressure over 30k to perform well. Medium powders are in the middle.

So I'd also recommend sticking with Hodgdons min loads as starting loads with jacketed bullets.

H-110 is the top powder but works best at the very top end for complete and most consistent burning. In other words, full power heavy loads with lot's of blast and recoil.

2400 is more versatile.

[Divernhunter]

If you want light loads try Unique. I have a bunch of 700X so I also used it. For mag loads use H-110 or the same powder as Win296. 4227 or 2400 will also work.
Do NOT go below the start loads with H-110 or Win296. I like the H-110 for mag loads. I also use the Nosler or Hornady 200gr HP bullet. Very accurate and very fast.I have taken small game to deer and a very large bear with that bullet over H-110. Use mag primers with H-110 or Win296 and I use them with all loads.


Just read your 2nd post.--Top Cat---- 2400 has always been very dirty for me to use. H-110 was much cleaner for mag loads. Unique worked well as does 700X for light loads. I loaded 250gr cast bullets at loads between min mag and slightly over 44Special data. They were very accurate.

[hermosabeach]

I have only used 2400... sooty but very accurate loads...

What length barrel is on your 44?

I am old school fan of Elmer Keith and like a heavy cast load... so 2400 works well from a long barrel...

If you have a back packing gun with a 3" barrel, then the faster powder makes a lot more sense...

If 6" +, I would try some of the slower powders.... they work well and hard to accidentally double charge a load of 2400

[357magnum]

Try some Hodgdon HS-6.
I have used H-110 for 27+ years, but lately have found HS-6 a lot more pleasant to shoot.
H-110 is great for top end magnum loads, but HS-6 is great for medium to 3/4 range magnum loads.
I do the same with .357 mag loads.

[Top Cat]

Just read your 2nd post.--Top Cat---- 2400 has always been very dirty for me to use. H-110 was much cleaner for mag loads. Unique worked well as does 700X for light loads. I loaded 250gr cast bullets at loads between min mag and slightly over 44Special data. They were very accurate.

It depends what you mean by dirty. ..it's not as clean burning as some powders.

2400 definitely has a tendency to leave some unburned powder if loaded down too far. I only worry about that, but it cleans up when loaded hotter. That residual powder doesn't seem to affect chrono velocity very much but it bothers me and can make the action gritty. Heavier bullets and hotter primers help.

HS-6 is a great powder in 44 and 45 Colt, and upper loads with that powder are powerful enough for most hunting or anything else but not nearly as hard on the hands as heavy H-110 loads are.

There must be 3 dozen powders that work well in the 44 for different types of loads.

[Nuuze]

Thanks all for the very useful information! I'm currently using HP38 on all my loads recently getting into reloading. I load 9mm, 38spl/357mag, .45acp and now .44mag. I'll definitely look into the other powders recommended H-110, 2400 and HS-6.

My .44mag is a S&W 629 Classic in 6 1/2".



Shooting it for the first time yesterday. Love this gun!
Not sure how to embed...https://youtu.be/RTzSJI-qCKE

[Carcassonne]

I'll definitely look into the other powders recommended H-110, 2400 and HS-6.

Try Alliant Power Pro 300. It is for magnum cartridges. It is supposedly like factory power, and gives increased velocity over other pistol powders. I have not tried it yet, so I cannot say how it works. I do not shoot enough magnum loads anymore to buy some and try it out.

http://www.alliantpowder.com/products/powder/power_pro_300.aspx

I personally don't like H110. I have had to many problems with that powder. I got some flame-cutting or gas-cutting on my revolver's top strap. I have also had squibs where the primer had enough force to push the bullet into the barrel, but non of the powder ignited. I have opened the cylinder and removed the shell, and had H110 pour out of the shell all over my gun and bench. When it works, it is a good powder, but I don't want to worry about flame-cutting and squibs.

2400 use to be the top powder for 44 Magnum.


.

[chrometip78]

I'm having some good luck with Unique in my 44mag's, tried 10gr and 8.5gr, both burned clean and shot very well. The 8.5gr load was really light, 10gr was middle of the road. Both loads burn very clean for me.

I have also used 300-MP with 250gr and 300gr jacketed bullets, 25gr and 22gr respectively. Both produced huge fireballs and are the dirtiest handloads I've ever made. The powder charges were according to Alliant's site and with standard primers (Winchester LP, says they are for mag or standard). Not sure if a dedicated magnum primer would produce a cleaner burn. Also the cases were very dirty which I would think means they need to be loaded a little hotter for more pressure to seal the case tighter but these are definitely full house loads already and I'm not that knowledgeable about handloading to make that determination. No other indicators like sticky extraction or primer/brass flow issues.

[Top Cat]

I personally don't like H110. I have had to many problems with that powder. I got some flame-cutting or gas-cutting on my revolver's top strap. I have also had squibs where the primer had enough force to push the bullet into the barrel, but non of the powder ignited. I have opened the cylinder and removed the shell, and had H110 pour out of the shell all over my gun and bench. When it works, it is a good powder, but I don't want to worry about flame-cutting and squibs.

2400 use to be the top powder for 44 Magnum.

H-110 is a top performing powder for magnum handgun, but is only useful for top end loads. It works best with heavy bullets and magnum primers, and it also needs strong neck tension, so some guys run into problems if they deviate from that. Following those guidelines also keeps the flame-cutting down. I haven't seen flame cutting with H-110 but Lil Gun is notorious for that.

Also, lighter bullets with slow powder will increase the potential for flame cutting. I don't load H-110 under 240gr, and I generally don't load handguns that hot. I prefer heavier bullets so I haven't run into it. I only use H-110 in rifles these days and have mostly transitioned to 4227.

[Che762x39]

Thanks all for the very useful information! I'm currently using HP38 on all my loads recently getting into reloading. I load 9mm, 38spl/357mag, .45acp and now .44mag. I'll definitely look into the other powders recommended H-110, 2400 and HS-6 ...

HP 38 is really meant for target loads in .38 Special and .45 ACP. It is decent in 9mm. I will never think of using it in Magnum calibers.

35 years ago when I got into reloading for handguns. My mentor pointed out you will need three powders to cover a variety of calibers. One powder is not good in all calibers. Look at the size of cases and those in .44 and .45 need to be filled up.

.44 Magnum I prefer Unique with lead bullets and 2400 for jacketed bullets. I have not loaded plated bullets in the .44 Mag.