Need advice on .44 mag loads

Bubbadawg · May 30, 2009, 04:07 PM

I recently got an older Ruger .44 mag carbine to go with my Ruger Super Blackhawk in .44 mag as well. I am looking at getting into reloading and would appreciate any info from those doing this caliber..

Thanks,

BD

Winterhawk56 · May 30, 2009, 07:02 PM

I reload Speer, Hornady, Nolser and Sierra 44 Mag. THe beauty of reloading is you can load from 180 to 300 Grn bullets. For hunting I prefer the Hornady rounds with H-110 or AA#9 powder. You will find with heavier loads the H-110 offers great performance. I have a Ruger Super Blackhawk as well as a TC Contendor and SW model 29. Reloading is also much less expensive. The initial cost for basic equipment is about $400.00 and as much as $1200.00 depending on your own needs and wants! I can reload a box of full power 240 JHP for about $12.00. You also have the advantage of customizing your loads. Let me know if you need any help, I have been reloading for over 25 years.
GOOD SHOOTING!

bfoosh006 · June 1, 2009, 07:50 PM

Maybe the Ruger Forum could give you specific data, I know it will run best with 240gr loads.http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/

madmo44mag · June 1, 2009, 08:19 PM

I started loading 44mag back when Moses just entered the retirement home. LOL!!!
For plinking and target shooting I load Rainier plated HEX HP 240gr.
out with a std primer and 13.0 gr Alliant Power Pistol.
Very economical and very accurate. I have pumped the Rainer plated HP up to 1550 fps and no cooper transfer to speak of. These are great bullets. I have not had the opportunity to test the expansion yet but based on the design, I would say its good.

As for hunting and serious velocities Alliant 2400.
240 Rem JHP at 22.5 gr 2400 at 1550 fps
255 JRD at 18.2 gr 2400 at 1300 fps
300 gr JRN at 15.5gr 2400 at 1100 fps

The 2400 was Elmer Keith's favorite powder in the 44 caliber and I have to agree. With a magnum primer its burn rate is right on target IMO.

My hunting pistol is a Ruger SBH with a 10.5 inch bull barrel.

Do not use these loads with out working up from a minimal of 10% below what is listed.
Just a word of caution!

As for the carbine I would most definitely use 2400.
I did load out some for a another hunter with a carbine for a couple of years and he loved them.
The only change was an additional 0.5 g of powder in the 240gr bullet loading.
He wanted a little more velocity due to the range he was hunting at.

One last note.
Never load more than 21.0 of 2400 under a 240gr bullet in a S&W 29.
Blown two up in my life just over 21.0 gr.
S&W are good guns but when toughness counts, that Ruger is the toughest IMHO

Hook686 · June 2, 2009, 10:23 AM

I think you might need to try several bullet weights to see what kind of results you get. I like Alliant 2400 for my .44 magnum loads.

http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloade...aspx?gtypeid=1

My Marlin carbine does fine with Speer 270 grain GDSP bullets and 15.0 grains of 2400. This is a light load that shoots nicely in my S&W 629 also.

http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloade...3&bulletid=175

GeauxTide · June 2, 2009, 11:26 AM

Just be sure to use only jacketed bullets in the carbine. I used H-110 under 225gr Speer in my tube fed carbine, but 240s would be better.

44Magnum · June 2, 2009, 12:26 PM

I am partial to 2400. I mainly use 250 grain Keith lead semiwadcutters, but a Hornady 240 grain jacketed bullet would work well in both the carbine and Super Blackhawk.

**CAUTION: SOME OF THE FOLLOWING LOADS ARE ABOVE SAMMI. REDUCE LOADS BY AT LEAST 10% TO BEGIN**

22 grains of 2400 under a 250 grain Keith lead semi wadcutter - Winchester WLP primer - Case length 1.280" - OAL 1.695"

The above load WILL fit in the SBH cylinder.

21.5 grains of 2400 under a 240 grain Hornady XTP - Winchester WLP primer - Case length 1.280" - OAL 1.600"

This would be good in both the revolver or carbine (start 10% below). Stay safe!

**CAUTION: SOME OF THE PREVIOUS LOADS ARE ABOVE SAMMI. REDUCE LOADS BY AT LEAST 10% TO BEGIN**

crowbeaner · June 2, 2009, 01:16 PM

If you want to get the mostest out of your Ruger guns, try the RP 240 grain JSP over 24.0 of WW 296 in Federal cases and CCI 350 magnum primers. Trim to the same length and use a firm but not over crimp in the groove. JHPs will disintegrate at carbine velocities at close range; that's why I use the JSP.

James R. Burke · June 2, 2009, 04:33 PM

There are some real good loads out there. But make sure you get some manuals, and read them then read them again. I hear Lyman has a real good one out that I need to get. I also try to get some from the powder companys, and always the one for the bullet make I am using. Have fun, and be safe!

Pocketfisherman · June 2, 2009, 05:12 PM

I'm assuming your Carbine is the semi-auto and not the lever action version. For the SA carbine, you have a few gotcha's to worry about.

First, don't use lead or plated bullets for a couple of reasons. First, you run the risk of clogging the gas system with bits of metal plating or lead that come off the bullet. Second, plated bullets are not designed for rifle velocities. Says so right on the makers websites with explanations why (Berry and Ranier)

Second, you have to worry about Over All Cartridge length. This is certainly not unique to this rifle. But, I have found the rifle will have problems feeding HP bullets with big holes in the tips unless you're right at max length that the magazine would load. If I still had my Carbine, I'd give you the dimensions. But I sold it a while back.

May 30, 2009, 04:07 PM	#1
Bubbadawg Junior Member Join Date: May 28, 2009 Location: Cumming,Georgia Posts: 2	Need advice on .44 mag loads I recently got an older Ruger .44 mag carbine to go with my Ruger Super Blackhawk in .44 mag as well. I am looking at getting into reloading and would appreciate any info from those doing this caliber.. Thanks, BD

June 1, 2009, 08:19 PM	#4
madmo44mag Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2008 Location: Ft.Worth, Texas Posts: 1,522	I started loading 44mag back when Moses just entered the retirement home. LOL!!! For plinking and target shooting I load Rainier plated HEX HP 240gr. out with a std primer and 13.0 gr Alliant Power Pistol. Very economical and very accurate. I have pumped the Rainer plated HP up to 1550 fps and no cooper transfer to speak of. These are great bullets. I have not had the opportunity to test the expansion yet but based on the design, I would say its good. As for hunting and serious velocities Alliant 2400. 240 Rem JHP at 22.5 gr 2400 at 1550 fps 255 JRD at 18.2 gr 2400 at 1300 fps 300 gr JRN at 15.5gr 2400 at 1100 fps The 2400 was Elmer Keith's favorite powder in the 44 caliber and I have to agree. With a magnum primer its burn rate is right on target IMO. My hunting pistol is a Ruger SBH with a 10.5 inch bull barrel. Do not use these loads with out working up from a minimal of 10% below what is listed. Just a word of caution! As for the carbine I would most definitely use 2400. I did load out some for a another hunter with a carbine for a couple of years and he loved them. The only change was an additional 0.5 g of powder in the 240gr bullet loading. He wanted a little more velocity due to the range he was hunting at. One last note. Never load more than 21.0 of 2400 under a 240gr bullet in a S&W 29. Blown two up in my life just over 21.0 gr. S&W are good guns but when toughness counts, that Ruger is the toughest IMHO __________________ Texas - Not just a state but an attitude! For monthly shooting events in DFW visit http://www.meetup.com/TexasGunOwner-DFW

June 2, 2009, 10:23 AM	#5
Hook686 Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2005 Location: USA The Great State of California Posts: 2,090	I think you might need to try several bullet weights to see what kind of results you get. I like Alliant 2400 for my .44 magnum loads. http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloade...aspx?gtypeid=1 My Marlin carbine does fine with Speer 270 grain GDSP bullets and 15.0 grains of 2400. This is a light load that shoots nicely in my S&W 629 also. http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloade...3&bulletid=175 __________________ Hook686 When the number of people in institutions reaches 51%, we change sides.

June 2, 2009, 12:26 PM	#7
44Magnum Senior Member Join Date: September 29, 2008 Posts: 325	I am partial to 2400. I mainly use 250 grain Keith lead semiwadcutters, but a Hornady 240 grain jacketed bullet would work well in both the carbine and Super Blackhawk. CAUTION: SOME OF THE FOLLOWING LOADS ARE ABOVE SAMMI. REDUCE LOADS BY AT LEAST 10% TO BEGIN 22 grains of 2400 under a 250 grain Keith lead semi wadcutter - Winchester WLP primer - Case length 1.280" - OAL 1.695" The above load WILL fit in the SBH cylinder. 21.5 grains of 2400 under a 240 grain Hornady XTP - Winchester WLP primer - Case length 1.280" - OAL 1.600" This would be good in both the revolver or carbine (start 10% below). Stay safe! CAUTION: SOME OF THE PREVIOUS LOADS ARE ABOVE SAMMI. REDUCE LOADS BY AT LEAST 10% TO BEGIN __________________ "It'll all fit in there, it must be a compressed load." I never joined SAMMI.

June 2, 2009, 01:16 PM	#8
crowbeaner Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2007 Location: Upstate SC Posts: 1,943	If you want to get the mostest out of your Ruger guns, try the RP 240 grain JSP over 24.0 of WW 296 in Federal cases and CCI 350 magnum primers. Trim to the same length and use a firm but not over crimp in the groove. JHPs will disintegrate at carbine velocities at close range; that's why I use the JSP. __________________ If you want your children to follow in your footsteps, be careful where you walk. Beware the man that only owns one gun; he probably knows how to use it. I just hope my ship comes in before my dock rots.

May 30, 2009, 07:02 PM	#2
Winterhawk56 Senior Member Join Date: March 9, 2008 Location: Southern California Posts: 228	I reload Speer, Hornady, Nolser and Sierra 44 Mag. THe beauty of reloading is you can load from 180 to 300 Grn bullets. For hunting I prefer the Hornady rounds with H-110 or AA#9 powder. You will find with heavier loads the H-110 offers great performance. I have a Ruger Super Blackhawk as well as a TC Contendor and SW model 29. Reloading is also much less expensive. The initial cost for basic equipment is about $400.00 and as much as $1200.00 depending on your own needs and wants! I can reload a box of full power 240 JHP for about $12.00. You also have the advantage of customizing your loads. Let me know if you need any help, I have been reloading for over 25 years. GOOD SHOOTING!

June 1, 2009, 07:50 PM	#3
bfoosh006 Senior Member Join Date: February 17, 2009 Posts: 1,089	Maybe the Ruger Forum could give you specific data, I know it will run best with 240gr loads.http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/

June 2, 2009, 11:26 AM	#6
GeauxTide Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2009 Location: Helena, AL Posts: 4,424	Just be sure to use only jacketed bullets in the carbine. I used H-110 under 225gr Speer in my tube fed carbine, but 240s would be better.

June 2, 2009, 04:33 PM	#9
James R. Burke Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2009 Location: U.P. of Mich/Quinnesec Posts: 1,897	There are some real good loads out there. But make sure you get some manuals, and read them then read them again. I hear Lyman has a real good one out that I need to get. I also try to get some from the powder companys, and always the one for the bullet make I am using. Have fun, and be safe!

June 2, 2009, 05:12 PM	#10
Pocketfisherman Member Join Date: June 2, 2009 Location: Central TX Posts: 92	I'm assuming your Carbine is the semi-auto and not the lever action version. For the SA carbine, you have a few gotcha's to worry about. First, don't use lead or plated bullets for a couple of reasons. First, you run the risk of clogging the gas system with bits of metal plating or lead that come off the bullet. Second, plated bullets are not designed for rifle velocities. Says so right on the makers websites with explanations why (Berry and Ranier) Second, you have to worry about Over All Cartridge length. This is certainly not unique to this rifle. But, I have found the rifle will have problems feeding HP bullets with big holes in the tips unless you're right at max length that the magazine would load. If I still had my Carbine, I'd give you the dimensions. But I sold it a while back.