Powder Test: Win231 in .44 Mag

[doc540]

Goal: low powered (.44 Special) accuracy for 50 yd silhouette matches

Why .44 Mag and not .44 Special? Brass is more available around here

Loaded up Win231 last night and tested it this morning.

60 degrees, light wind

Disclaimer: Limited marksmanship skills

Revolver: 629 Classic with top port
Optics: Matchdot w/Leupold quick release rings
Mount: Warne Maxima Multi-Sight System (modified front sight for irons)


(sighted in using 7.0gr Unique...shot 10 test shots)

Second round of targets


Conclusions:
1. All loads would work ok for 50yd silhouette shooting
2. Better shooting skills would tighten all the groups
3. Reloading and testing bullets and powder is fun
4. Old pro's will soon set straight a rookie like myself

[Bill Steele]

W231/HP38 is one of my favorite .44RM target load powders. I use it with 240gr EK style LSWC's, works great.

[doc540]

5.5gr W231 averages 740fps

I think that's the load I'll stick with since I was trying for something similar to .44 Special.

Guess I'll end up getting my man card cancelled.

[Bill Steele]

..Guess I'll end up getting my man card cancelled. ...

I gave mine up, the dues were killing me...

[doc540]

I gave mine up, the dues were killing me...

literally AND figuratively

[CGT80]

I really liked 231 in 44 mag as well. Red dot is also a great powder but seems more dirty and smokey, however, I have a bunch of it so I use in for all my 45 colt loads. Right now I only shoot 45 colt and 460 mag in my revolver and pistol powders are not bulky enough for such a big cartridge. Trail boss will push my 270 grain cast boolits to 1000 fps for a nice powder puff load. It endangers my man card, but those light loads in the big revolvers are tack drivers, cheap to shoot, and oh so fun.

I also throw a few 240's down range at 1900+ fps and some 300's at 1500+ fps in an attempt to save the man card, but I don't know if it really helps. It's not like I care. I shot 30-06 180 grain bullets over roughly 45 grains of imr 4895, buy the coffee can full, as a teen. I am a little more wise now and have a lot more wear on my body.

BTW, I almost bought a 629 instead of the 460 XVR. I still want a 629. That is an awesome sized pistol and it balanced so nicely in my hand.

[bubbapug1]

Can't beat H110 for its fireball, report, and excessive recoil.

[Don the savage]

5.5 grains in a 44 mag? Is there any recoil at all? Not busting balls i really want to know.

[doc540]

5.5 grains in a 44 mag? Is there any recoil at all? Not busting balls i really want to know.

First line of my original post:
"Goal: low powered (.44 Special) accuracy for 50 yd silhouette matches"

Shoots like a 629 in .44 Special.

very girly

[stilly]

Yeah but can it cycle a deagle?

I last tried lilgun and I figured that with those scorcho marks on the case that it was best to stop trying to find a new powder so far down on the list on powders to use with 44 mag. Maybe I should look up hp-38 and see what it does...