HS-6 safe to download in .44mag?

IM_Lugger · February 22, 2007, 08:54 PM

Starting load for HS-6 240gr JHP bullet is 12gr. I’m using 245gr copper plated/ CMJ. Is it safe to down load to say 10gr? I know .44spl max load (240cast) is 8gr…

PS: I know I can use other/ligher load powders but would like to stay with HS-6 for now...

rnovi · February 23, 2007, 03:09 AM

Straight from Hodgdon's own website:

240 GR. NOS JHP 240 HS-6
12.0gr. 1144 22,800 CUP
15.1gr. 1417 38,200 CUP

It MIGHT be safe to download it that far. But I'd suggest you try downloading it 1/2 a grain at a time. At 10 gr. I'd think you'd get around 950 fps. But again, try loading 6 rounds each at 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, and 12.5. Then fire them backwards from 12.5-10gr. BTW, if you are using cast lead (the load data above is for a JHP), cast loads are typically 10% or more downloaded compared to JHP.

In any case, I think you'd be fine at 10gr with a hardcast bullet. Nonetheless, I'd work it up as noted above.

BTW, .44 special loads:
240 GR. CAST LSWC 240 HS-6
6.5 761 7,500 CUP
8.0 917 13,000 CUP

cheygriz · February 23, 2007, 12:22 PM

HS-6 is a relatively slow burning powder. I would be hesitant to use it in charges lower than book minimum.

I use HS-6 for virtually all of my 9MM, .40, .45ACP .45 Colt, and .38 special loads. But I load to +P or +P+ specs, and it works quite well. For downloading, I think I'd go to AAC#2, Bullseye, 231, N100 or something else in that burning rate range.

IM_Lugger · February 23, 2007, 01:49 PM

Quote:

BTW, .44 special loads:
240 GR. CAST LSWC 240 HS-6
6.5 761 7,500 CUP
8.0 917 13,000 CUP

wow that's a pretty LOW presure load, .44spl case is not that much samller, so I think I should be alright with even 9gr in magnum case...

The 245gr copper plated bullet I'm usung has a pretty short taparing (bullet photo here) so I can probably seat it deep enough in the magnum case to match OAL of .44spl round (1.450") any reason not to do this?

btw cheygriz what is you HS-6 +P load for 9mm 124gr?

cheygriz · February 23, 2007, 03:34 PM

I kinda hate to post this, because it's just a bit over some books' maximum. I use 115 GR Remington FMJ bullets with Remington 1 1/2 standard small pistol primers in WCC MilSurp cases, with 7.5 GR of HS-6. Chronograph rsults in my Glock 17, Beretta 92, and SIG P226 runs 1325 to 1350 FPS average. About 1300 in the smaller SIG P239.

I get +P+ velocities, but case life seems to indicate only +P pressures. (That's what I love about HS-6. An excellent pressure/velocity ratio)

Safe in my guns, but over max in some manuals. Work up to this carefully.

I've not worked up a load with the 124 grainers.

February 22, 2007, 08:54 PM	#1
IM_Lugger Senior Member Join Date: June 27, 2004 Posts: 2,011	HS-6 safe to download in .44mag? Starting load for HS-6 240gr JHP bullet is 12gr. I’m using 245gr copper plated/ CMJ. Is it safe to down load to say 10gr? I know .44spl max load (240cast) is 8gr… PS: I know I can use other/ligher load powders but would like to stay with HS-6 for now... __________________ "I feel the Beretta is a great character, it's so strong and elegant. The other guns look dumb to me." - John Woo

February 23, 2007, 12:22 PM	#3
cheygriz Senior Member Join Date: May 11, 2002 Location: high up in the rockies Posts: 2,289	HS-6 is a relatively slow burning powder. I would be hesitant to use it in charges lower than book minimum. I use HS-6 for virtually all of my 9MM, .40, .45ACP .45 Colt, and .38 special loads. But I load to +P or +P+ specs, and it works quite well. For downloading, I think I'd go to AAC#2, Bullseye, 231, N100 or something else in that burning rate range. __________________ If you think a mighty military force is expensive, wait 'til you see what a weak one costs.

February 23, 2007, 03:34 PM	#5
cheygriz Senior Member Join Date: May 11, 2002 Location: high up in the rockies Posts: 2,289	I kinda hate to post this, because it's just a bit over some books' maximum. I use 115 GR Remington FMJ bullets with Remington 1 1/2 standard small pistol primers in WCC MilSurp cases, with 7.5 GR of HS-6. Chronograph rsults in my Glock 17, Beretta 92, and SIG P226 runs 1325 to 1350 FPS average. About 1300 in the smaller SIG P239. I get +P+ velocities, but case life seems to indicate only +P pressures. (That's what I love about HS-6. An excellent pressure/velocity ratio) Safe in my guns, but over max in some manuals. Work up to this carefully. I've not worked up a load with the 124 grainers. __________________ If you think a mighty military force is expensive, wait 'til you see what a weak one costs.

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February 23, 2007, 03:09 AM	#2
rnovi Senior Member Join Date: July 10, 2005 Location: So. Cal. Posts: 401	Straight from Hodgdon's own website: 240 GR. NOS JHP 240 HS-6 12.0gr. 1144 22,800 CUP 15.1gr. 1417 38,200 CUP It MIGHT be safe to download it that far. But I'd suggest you try downloading it 1/2 a grain at a time. At 10 gr. I'd think you'd get around 950 fps. But again, try loading 6 rounds each at 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, and 12.5. Then fire them backwards from 12.5-10gr. BTW, if you are using cast lead (the load data above is for a JHP), cast loads are typically 10% or more downloaded compared to JHP. In any case, I think you'd be fine at 10gr with a hardcast bullet. Nonetheless, I'd work it up as noted above. BTW, .44 special loads: 240 GR. CAST LSWC 240 HS-6 6.5 761 7,500 CUP 8.0 917 13,000 CUP __________________ Robert N. "Remember, Eagles may soar but Weasels don't get sucked into jet engines!"