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LHB1 · March 28, 2005, 01:50 PM

Hi Bill,
The original "best" powder for .44 Mag loads was 2400 and it still is good. However, W296 is even better (in my opinion). I believe W296 gives slighly higher velocities, meters like water, and yields excellent accuracy in my S&W revolvers. It also worked well in previously owned Marlin 1894 rifle. I would lean toward the heavier 240 gr bullet for rifle use but only test loads and shooting can determine which best suits your needs.

Good luck and be safe.
LB

ps: You may have a defective rifle or an extremely bad bullet/load. Have you tried other bullets and loads? My S&W M629 revolvers with 6.5" barrels and 2X Leupold scopes will regularly shoot groups under 6" at 100 yds from bench rest using H&G 250gr cast bullets with W296 powder. When sighting in at 75 yds from rest, five shot groups are usually smaller than the palm of my hand.

March 28, 2005, 01:50 PM	#3
LHB1 Senior Member Join Date: March 25, 2005 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 1,545	Hi Bill, The original "best" powder for .44 Mag loads was 2400 and it still is good. However, W296 is even better (in my opinion). I believe W296 gives slighly higher velocities, meters like water, and yields excellent accuracy in my S&W revolvers. It also worked well in previously owned Marlin 1894 rifle. I would lean toward the heavier 240 gr bullet for rifle use but only test loads and shooting can determine which best suits your needs. Good luck and be safe. LB ps: You may have a defective rifle or an extremely bad bullet/load. Have you tried other bullets and loads? My S&W M629 revolvers with 6.5" barrels and 2X Leupold scopes will regularly shoot groups under 6" at 100 yds from bench rest using H&G 250gr cast bullets with W296 powder. When sighting in at 75 yds from rest, five shot groups are usually smaller than the palm of my hand.