Help with .44 Mag

[Fyathyrio]

First, I'm 100% sure I've looked at pistol and not rifle (or T/C) data, and I'm 100% sure I've looked at IMR 4227 data and not H 4227 data. I've checked, double checked, and checked again both when working this up on paper and again while doing the loading.

I'm working up my first load ever for my new (to me) .44 Mag S&W 29 6.5" barrel, goal is to develop target load, not hunting. I'm using Hornady 240 gr XTP bullets and IMR 4227 Powder. C.O.L. is set at 1.600". Hornady 7th says max load is 23.7 gr, but I'm getting a compressed load @ 22.8 gr. The Hornady book does not indicate any loads are compressed. I have verified powder charge on two calibrated scales, one digital (the one Brian Enos pimps), the other one is a Dillion beam.

Other sources of load data...

Sierra 5th max = 22.7
Speer 14th max = 23.4
IMR Online max = 24.0
Lyman 49th max = 23.1 and is the only source that indicates a compressed load at max powder level, with a C.O.L. of 1.610".

Considering I'm only loading to play, should I just stop here at 22.8 gr and call it good? Should I pull the 22.8 ones? The gun is very accurate @ about 30 yds with the one box of factory PMC ammo I've shot through it, so I'm just trying to replicate that accuracy while saving some scratch...not trying to blow the wall off the back of the range.

Thanks,
Mark

[Fyathyrio]

Also, to get to a location where I can set up my chronograph is a two+ hour drive one way, so I can't easily just run off and test what I've already made unfortunately. (Unless somebody in San Diego knows an open shooting location closer than BLM out past Anza Borrego they'd be willing to share.)

[paul0660]

I don't reload, or have a .44 mag............but I am interested in hearing what others say.

The gist of it is you can't stuff enough powder into the case to get weight you want without squishing it, right? And further, this being a target load, how could you ever manage to get a hunting load in there?

[Fyathyrio]

Yup, can't fit it in the case. The case I'm using is brand new Starline nickle plated. I measured roughly half of the 50 I grabbed for this prior to starting, and all were +/- 0.004 or 5" and within SAAMI length specs.

[Bill Steele]

My Lee 2nd edition lists 22.0g as max for IMR4227 for a 240gr jacketed bullet (that is also the start load, not uncommon with slower powders) and indicates it is a compressed load (that is the volume of the uncompressed powder exceeds the volume of the case).

[BigBronco]

I hate to say it but switch powders the two favorite for 44 mag are H110 and 2400 I like the 2400 I would let you try some if you are close.

[Fyathyrio]

Bill, thanks for providing an alternate souce...makes me think I don't wanna extend COL out a tenth and try the larger load.

BigBronco, thanks for the offer, but OC is a bit of a drive from San Diego. H110 was my first choice when doing the research, but nobody had any available at the time...at least not at a reasonable price. At least the IMR 4227 meters nice, unlike the Unique I used for my .44 Spl rounds.

[BigBronco]

I am going to be in Hemet tomorrow and Tuesday morning if that is close enough.

[Fjold]

What's funny is that Hodgdon says for a 240 grain cast bullet 22 grains is a compressed load but for a 240 grain jacketed bullet they don't say that 24 grains is a compressed load.

[Mikeb]

Yeah it looks like you did your homework. I will point out that Lyman 49th edition list 19.3 for the starting load and 23.1 as max, with a note that it is compressed.
Personally I like 2400 for 44 mag.
take care
Mike

[Fyathyrio]

I am going to be in Hemet tomorrow and Tuesday morning if that is close enough.

Got friends coming over tomorrow for BBQ, so won't be able to take you up on this. I really appreciate it tho...not many hobbies that folks are as supportive as reloading. I'll run what I have, see how it works, and can always use the IMR 4227 in something else, I only got a 1 lb can. I suspect that the 22.8 gr will be OK as the 2nd highest load has coincidentally always been the best in my other hand guns. Subjective I know...

[Wrangler John]

I use a cast bullet, usually around 240 grain, usually a Keith style SWC ( http://laser-cast.com/44Cal.html ), and either Alliant 2400 or Unique for target loads. These powders will do nicely with standard large pistol primers, but you need a heavy crimp. These combinations shot well in my S&W 29's, Ruger Super Blackhawks, Redhawks, Seville, Dan Wesson and a Contender or two.

The Hornady XTP bullets do best with Winchester 296 (H-110 is the same stuff, but work up a load using H-110 data) and Magnum Large Pistol Primers and a heavy crimp. Never reduce W-296 or H-110 loads below the starting loads or excessive pressures and hangfires can result.

H4227 and IMR 4227 are both accurate, even with cast bullets, but you can not get some listed max loads into the cases. In that instance you can try AA-1680 rifle powder which is nearly the same as the old Winchester 680, and similar in burning rate to the 4227's but find published data before loading. I used a lot of this stuff and it never gives the highest velocity but is very accurate. Just keep in mind that both the 4227's and AA-1680 are really a bit too slow for the limited capacity of the 44 Mag case, they work better in the .357 Maximum, .454 Casull, .460 S&W and up

[rudynix]

I've tried a variety of powders in my S&W 629-1 44 Mag with 8 3/4 barrel, and have settled on H110 powder for all of my 44 mag loads. I use only jacketed bullets and this powder has given me the best accuracy for my revolver.

[Divernhunter]

I use H-110 for my 357mag/44mag/454casull and 500S&W loads and have been happy with all.

[Fyathyrio]

Thanks for all the suggestions, looks like it might be a couple weeks before I get out to the desert and try these out. I also use H110 for .357...just don't have any right now.