44 Mag Loads - Target Practice?

[jtduncan]

Looking at using Universal, TiteGroup, or W231 as my target and practice powder for general practice with my Redhawk.

I already use those powders. Good selections. Anybody got some Universal, TiteGroup or W231 loads with a 240 grain jacketed bullet?

I'm really interested in TG since it was specifically designed to be perform consistently in large cases like the 44 mag and 45 Colt where powder position can affect velocity and ignition.

And TG gets higher velocity, lower pressure, and uses less powder than Universal.

Recipes?

[taco]

I load a lot of 44mag practice/target load. To date my favorite is 9.8gr of Unique (very close to Universal I believe), WLP primer, Star Line brass and 240gr SWC.

I get 1,050fps and has very consistant velocity (low SD) and will do 1" at 25 yards once in a while when I do my part behind the trigger. 1 1/2" at same distance is easy.

[jtduncan]

Thanks Taco.

I just loaded a dozen 240 grain plated Rainier FPs with 7.0 and 8.0 of TiteGroup. 9.9 is the start for FMJ and 6.2 is the max for lead loads. Since the plateds are in between I loaded them in between. We'll see about their accuracy. Loaded the plateds for indoor shooting.

Also loaded 40 rounds of 5.0 grains of TiteGroup on a 240 LSWC for outdoor work.

I'm going to start with TiteGroup as a faster powder and then look at Universal if a slower powder will help.

[WESHOOT2]

All recipes should be finished with a heavy crimp from a Redding Profile Crimp die.

[Doug 29]

The Hodgdon loading manual lists a good load for the .44 Mag., using 240 gr. lead bullets. I usually use Bullseye (5 gr.) or Unique (7.5 gr.) for "fun" loads. All are very accurate.

Weshoot 2........why a heavy crimp for light loads??

[WESHOOT2]

I use 7.3g Universal Clays (CCI350 magnum primer, but that's just me) and 240g LSWC for my IPSC load.

Heavy crimp promotes complete and uniform combustion contributing to enhanced accuracy and less residue. (Testing indicates lower deviations and better accuracy just through crimp difference.)

[Fatelvis]

I think a heavy crimp is for slow powders (296 and H110) and/or heavy recoil. If you`re using faster powders, and there is alot less recoil, I think a light crimp gives better accuracy. (I tinkered with this a few years ago) Good shootin` guys!

[Edward429451]

I loaded up some 240's once with 231, cause I was out of 2400. I used 9.0 gr. 231 and didnt chronograph them. They felt pretty mild, and seemed reasonably accurate. But I did have to get more 2400, as its my favorite. Yes, it burns kinda dirty but I like the consistent results it gives in my guns. Cast lead bullets and 2400 powder seem to be made for each other, you should try a pound. (I've tried the 296 & the H-110 with good results also, but always seem to keep coming back to the 2400). Try 16.0 gr. of 2400 with your 240 JHP as a mild starting load and put it on paper to see what happens, I think you'll like it!

[WESHOOT2]

Fine for very 'light' loads.

'Medium' and heavy loads respond better to heavy crimp.

More than "tinkered" to recommend this process.....

[Intel6]

A big thumbs up for WESHOOT2's reccomendation about using the Redding Profile Crimp. I use them for all my revolver loads and have discoverd a definate improvement in both consistency and accuracy. When I Tinker with loads, it is with my chronograph and my Ransom Rest and they proved to me the Profile Crimp is worth the $ and effort.

[WESHOOT2]

(I actually go to the trouble of using the Reding dies for finish-crimp in production -- it's worth it to my customers.)

I just started loading .44 magnum loads for a Winchester 94AE Trapper using a carbide RCBS 3 die set. It gives a good roll crimp on the ammo. Do I need the Redding crimper?

I looked up the Redding crimper and the only thing I found for .44 mag/special was a Redding taper crimp, no "profile crimp die." Is this what you were talking about? I was under the impression that for cannelured bullets the roll crimp was more desireable, is this true?

Thank you for your help.

Kilgor

[Mark C. Kimmell]

I use 7.5grs. of Universal Clays with a 200gr. Laser Cast bullet and a CCI 300 large pistol primer. It is traveling 750fps. out of my 7-1/2" Ruger Super Redhawk. This is my target and small game load.

You out there?

Kilgor

[WESHOOT2]

The Redding Profile Crimp die (try another source) first provides a gentle taper, then finishes with a uniform and symmetrical 'heavy' (when adjusted correctly) "roll".

Aids in more complete powder ignition, lowers deviations, and enhances accuracy.

About $20...

Thank you.

[jtduncan]

I'm using a taper crimp for FMJ and/or plated bullets but with lead, I'm roll crimping.

7.3 of Universal and a 240 grain LSWC got me great accuracy and ignition with a heavy roll crimp. Easy 2" groups at 25 yards and I just started shooting 44 mag.

What kind of acuracy are you getting at 50 yards?

I intend to use my Redhawk for some deer/elk hunting in the fall and must be able to hit an 8" paper plate but I think that that's not great shooting. There are some shooters here that easily do head shots on deer so they drop on the spot.

A heart/lung shot means you may have to track the blood trail for a couple hundred yards if not farther.

What can a Redhawk load for deer do in the accuracy dept? Your deer or elk loads?

[Edward429451]

My deer & elk load I use is for my 7.5" Redhawk. It consists of Lymans 300 gr gaschecked .44 mould, I cast em' from wheelweights so they fall out at 322 gr., with GC, sans lube. Winchester LP primers, (no mag primers), and 18.0 gr. of Alliants 2400 powder gives me a tested 1401 FPS (10 shot avg.).
I'm getting 2" groups at 50 yards, (6 shots), when I do my part, and about half the time I get one flyer (probably me) that opens it up to 2.5" group. Thats good enough for me I think.
Last year, I put down a friends poorly hit Elk with it, at about 10 yards with a head shot, it was pretty dramatic. His brains exploded out of his mouth with a yellowish red spray that was quite impressive.
I call this a max load because of the performance it gave (who needs more?), but no high pressure signs and the cases eject by gravity alone, easily, but nonetheless, start lower and work it up to be safe. Happy Shooting!

[WESHOOT2]

Recommend 300g XTP-HP, Starline case, Magnum primer (I prefer CCI), and a healthy dose of W296.
Crimp with Redding Profile Crimp die.

For elk I suggest a Swift 300g A-Frame or a lead 300/320g WFN/WLN and the other components as listed above.

As always, work up slow in your gun blah blah blah, and remember, when done correctly, these loads RECOIL.

(Accuracy is an interesting subject, and can be determined ONLY with your gun and chosen load. My Redhawks are marvelous.)

Heavy bullets offer better penetration and downrange performance. Your results may vary...

[sundog]

My favorite target (and cowboy load) is Green Dot with a medium to heavy crimp on the ogive of a 240 gr RFN. Look at any of the current Alliant cowboy data for charges.