Reloading 44 Mag Powder Question

[ARog]

Just got my hands on a Dan Wesson 8" 44 Mag and I love it. Only issue is at the local indoor range I shoot at the ventilation is really poor so after firing about 18 rounds (I was using the rounds I was given when buying the gun so I don't have much info on them) there was a ton of smoke in the room...could anyone recommend a powder that's pretty clean burning for when I start to reload? Thanks.

[thegreatcow]

Howdy sir, I started reloading for a desert eagle in a 44 mag and I've had great success with Winchester 296. Burns clean and doesn't leave a nasty odor. It's very similar to Hodgdon's H110 if you can find that as well.

About the only downside to both since I see you're in an inside range is both have a tendency to make rather loud thunderclap-esque booms and fireballs (especially h110). I'm not sure if that will be an issue in your range but it is something note, they will produce really impressive effects.

[ARog]

Thanks!

[357magnum]

H110 for all your magnums, clean and loud.

[Hunter57dor]

i shoot bullseye, no smoke problems.

couple things:

1- make sure you are loading to pressure specs. most powders, even top notch ones, will smoke and dirty barrels if loaded below their optimal pressure range.

2- might want to take it up with the people at your range, poor ventilation can be a health risk, and is actually illegal in some parts.

[Mot Mi]

Id suggest blue dot and what the others suggested 296/h110 but wheb using 296 you may want to do medium to hot loads as 296 works well when it is overloaded.

[David-K]

I second the vote for H110/W296. I case you didn't know, they're identical. I've used them both in the same loads, same bullet, same revolver......same exact performance. If you're interested in "full house" type loads, this powder is hard to beat. Yes, a BOOMING experience for sure, but VERY accurate and fun to shoot. Not to mention the folks near you at the range will swear you're shooting a 50! LOL.

[RR.44]

Plus 2 on the 296/110, impressive powders to say the least, I've also used 800X when it was necessary.

[chknlyps2]

My favorite 44 mag powder is 2400. I load a little lighter than full house loads so I can have fun shooting 150 or so rounds and not have a sore hand. 110/296 is my next favorite 44 powder, I always break a few of those out just for the wow factor. Don't load below published min with 110/296, you could have very bad results.

[scotchblade]

You didn't mention what type of bullet was used, but if it was cast, it was more likely the lube and not the powder causing the smoke. You don't notice it as much outdoors.

[stilly]

I am sorry, did someone say H110 for 44 mag loads?

Oh yes, you had my curiosity, but NOW you have my attention!

+1

[Hunter57dor]

H110 is lovely stuff when you can find it...

[Cowboy T]

About the only downside to both since I see you're in an inside range is both have a tendency to make rather loud thunderclap-esque booms and fireballs (especially h110). I'm not sure if that will be an issue in your range but it is something note, they will produce really impressive effects.

Still waiting for the "downside"....



My favorite powder for this round is actually 2400, though the merits of H110/W296 (same stuff, different label) cannot be denied. Neither one seems to make a lot of smoke in my loadings for them, but I'm running them at their as-designed pressures of 30,000+ PSI. You go lower than that with H110/W296, you'll get inconsistent ignition. 2400 will tolerate that much better, which is why I use it, despite the somewhat higher velocities H110/W296 will provide.

[ARog]

Thanks everyone! Now to find some H110/W296 powder lol

[thegreatcow]

Thanks everyone! Now to find some H110/W296 powder lol

Yeeaaah. That's the tough part. I managed to score one jug of 296 about a month ago and have had no success with h110. Definitely keep an eye out on the powder in stock thread, it pops up here and there, and is definitely worth it.