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Old March 30, 2013, 08:17 PM   #1
StagrLee
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44 Mag Load

I'm new to re-loading and do not have experience with the common components long time re-loaders have had access to.

Due to whats is available these days I ended up loading a 240gr LSWC with 8.1 grs of titegroup, once fired star-line brass, a hard roll crimp and Wolf large pistol primers.

I started out with a 5 gr load and worked up to 8.1grs. The 8.1 seemed to duplicate the accuracy and kick of a factory new and re-load.

I had no problems with the Wolf primers but have no experience with any of the popular ones to compare them to.

I am curious of what folks here may think of this, thanks
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Old March 30, 2013, 10:02 PM   #2
GeauxTide
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That's a 44 Special loading. Try 10gr of Unique and you'll be around 1100fps. To get to Magnum country, H-110/296 and magnum primers.
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Old March 30, 2013, 11:39 PM   #3
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Following is with 240g SWC and CCI-300 out of 6.5" barrel

7.5g of Titegroup ... 1040fps.
8.0g of Titegroup ... 1080fps. I had this load marked as accurate. Load I use if Titegroup.
8.5g of Titegroup ... 1135fps
9.0g of Titegroup ... 1182fps

Single digit SDs with above loads.

You did good. No need to 'magnumize' if the 8.1g load is 'accurate' for you.... If is stiffer than a factory .44 Special, but not quite a magnum load. No need to 'hard crimp' this load either.

10g of Unique ... 1136fps (my current go to load for .44Mag) . Just enough to know you have a stiff load yet can shoot all day.

19g of 2400 ... 1265fps (low end magnum range of .44Mag)

Never have used H110 or 296. I am way past having to shoot hand stinging loads for enjoyment .
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Last edited by rclark; March 30, 2013 at 11:45 PM.
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Old March 31, 2013, 12:04 AM   #4
StagrLee
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Thanks for the replies. I would try 2400 or Unique but it seems to be about impossible to find nowadays same with CCi primers.

Going by FPS if I am approaching 1100fps with a max Titegroup load, when do I need a gas check bullet?

OBTW:I'm shooting a Ruger Blackhawk Special 44MAG 4 5/8 barrel and a Rossi 44Mag 20" lever
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Old April 2, 2013, 09:20 PM   #5
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You'll just have to try and see. I've shot .44Mag up to 1333fps and no leading with standard 15BHN hard SWCs when testing 2400. I know some use the harder Oregon Trail bullets at Mag velocities too. Never have used a gas check on any of my lead bullets.
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Old April 3, 2013, 12:41 AM   #6
ljnowell
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Quote:
Going by FPS if I am approaching 1100fps with a max Titegroup load, when do I need a gas check bullet?
I shoot plain base lead bullets up to 1500fps. No need for gas checks if the bullet fit is right and alloy is appropriate.
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Old April 4, 2013, 12:07 AM   #7
StagrLee
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When you say the right fit, I am assuming you mean slugging the barrel and reloading the exact size i.e., no + or-
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Old April 4, 2013, 06:26 AM   #8
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Quote:
When you say the right fit, I am assuming you mean slugging the barrel and reloading the exact size i.e., no + or-
Thats rarely an issue or necessity unless you have some odd piece with a non-standard bore. If you are shooting a Smith or Ruger, for example, and buy any quality hardcast bullets, of the proper hardness for 44 mag, the standard size will be .430, and they will shoot just fine and do not require gas checks at full magnum velocities. I don't even use gas checks in .454 Casull loads. They tend to be more commonplace for rifle loads.
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Old April 4, 2013, 06:52 AM   #9
Mike / Tx
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ljnowell,

Just curious as to what powder, and bullet style your using, as well as the alloy?

No need for posted data I can easily work up following printed data.

I have several molds in 44, as well as a few other calibers and am still working up loads for most of them.
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Old April 25, 2013, 03:16 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike / Tx
ljnowell,

Just curious as to what powder, and bullet style your using, as well as the alloy?

No need for posted data I can easily work up following printed data.

I have several molds in 44, as well as a few other calibers and am still working up loads for most of them.
I have dont it in 357 magnum with Missouri Bulletes 18bhn 158gr LSWC. I have also acheived this with Missouri Bullets 255gr LSWC in 45 colt. Powders used were h110 and 2400. Its good to note that the 357 load was shot from a rifle and the 45colt load is well above standard pressure for the 45 colt cartridge. It was shot from a 7.5" Blackhawk.
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Old April 25, 2013, 06:10 PM   #11
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Quote:
I have dont it in 357 magnum with Missouri Bulletes 18bhn 158gr LSWC. I have also acheived this with Missouri Bullets 255gr LSWC in 45 colt. Powders used were h110 and 2400. Its good to note that the 357 load was shot from a rifle and the 45colt load is well above standard pressure for the 45 colt cartridge. It was shot from a 7.5" Blackhawk.
Thanks, that helps. As for the shootin irons mine will go through, they are a couple of 6" barreled SS GP-100's and everything else are 7 1/2" SS Redhawks, 41,44mags, & 45C.
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Old April 25, 2013, 06:24 PM   #12
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I use a 240 grain Lee tumble-lube 240 grain bullet, (TL430-240SWC) no gas check, cast from my indifferent wheelweight alloy, over 19.0 grains of Alliant 2400 for 1345 fps from my 7.5" Ruger Super Blackhawk. It's not a max load, but it does everything I want a .44 magnum load to do.

I'm not sure if I've ever shot a jacketed bullet from that handgun. It simply isn't necessary.
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Old April 26, 2013, 08:28 AM   #13
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You are fortunate you did not have problems with that 5 gr. charge.
Such light loads can result in excessive, and very scary, pressures. You get into a 'primer up' and 'primer down' situation.
I know is sounds counterintutive but that is the world of working with stuff that goes bang.
Do use your (recent publication) loading manuals and do not go under the minimum reccomended starting loads.
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Old April 26, 2013, 10:11 AM   #14
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Fave .44 load

I like 14 grains of Blue Dot under a Keith type S.W.C. Missouri bullet.lots of punch,very accurate and clean burning.Minimum or no leading.hdbiker
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Old April 27, 2013, 04:30 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by StagrLee
When you say the right fit, I am assuming you mean slugging the barrel and reloading the exact size i.e., no + or-
For shooting cast lead from a revolver the most important fit is bullet to cylinder throat. Your bullet should be a snug fit in the throat. If you can puh one through with your thumb it's okay. If it drops through your bullet is too small.

If the throat diameter is less than the bore diameter you will probably not be happy shooting cast bullets.
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Old April 27, 2013, 05:08 AM   #16
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44 MAGNUM Loadings

I used WIN296, Fed Mag Primers, 310 grain cast hard gas-checked bullet and pushed up near 1440 fps out of my 10.5" Ruger Super Blackhawk'

Wonderful IHMSA loading for up to 200 meters.
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