Reloading 44 special with 210gr JHP

Sky Master · September 12, 2013, 12:19 PM

I found some Remington 210gr JHP, but I can't find any reloading data for a 210gr using Universal or Power Pistol for a 44 Special. My books list either 200gr or 240gr.
This will be fired in a Ruger Super Blackhawk.
Has anyone ever fired this combination?

NoSecondBest · September 12, 2013, 12:49 PM

I wouldn't get too hung up on the 10grain difference. If it were me, I'd start off using the min load data for the 200g and work up watching for pressure signs. Then, that's just me. I've been loading for about 45 years and still have all my fingers and both eyes. No accidents yet, but I'm pretty careful. You're using a pretty strong gun to work with.

NWPilgrim · September 12, 2013, 02:28 PM

NosecondBest is right that a 10 gr difference is not very significant,and just be more careful when approaching max loads listed for 200 gr. Lighter bullets will generally use more powder.

Sierra has a listing for its 210 gr JHC (JHP) bullet. Do you have a particular powder in mind for the .44 Special?

Some ideas (COL = 1.490")
- W231 6.2 - 7.2 gr
- AA5 8.7 - 9.7
- Unique 6.9 - 8.8 gr
- AA7 10.4 - 12.2 gr
- 2400 12.1 - 14.3 gr
- IMR 4227 16.0 - 18.7

Double check with your 200 gr listing to make sure I didn't do any typos or anything, they should be similar. If not, check against another manual.

Sky Master · September 12, 2013, 02:41 PM

I have a Sierra, Speer and Hornady manuals. They don't list Universal or Power Pistol for a 210gr. I guess I can use HP38/231 which I also have.

**Unclenick** · September 12, 2013, 04:47 PM

Learn to check the powder company manuals online. Hodgdon lists a 220 grain bullet with Universal, starting at 5.7 grains and maximum 6.5 grains. Alliant lists a 225 grain cast bullet at 7.7 grains maximum and a 200 grain Gold Dot at 8.6 grains maximum. With the .44 Mag. Super Blackhawk, you should have enough strength that you don't need to knock the loads down from either one to try them. .44 Special loads at maximum will be starting loads for the .44 Mag.

Nick_C_S · September 12, 2013, 06:28 PM

Obviously, you want to get some reliable data and load safely.

But keep in mind that you're loading 44 Special and shooting them in a 44 Magnum. That alone should put you mind at ease - you've got considerable "headroom," so to speak.

Jim Watson · September 12, 2013, 07:21 PM

Agree with the Nicks.
Loading SPECIAL ammunition to shoot in a Magnum revolver, you have about a 150% safety margin.
I would apply 200 gr data, seat 210 gr bullets, and go shooting.

Not all reloading needs to be a Recipe Hunt.

Nick_C_S · September 13, 2013, 11:45 AM

Yep Jim Watson - that's exactly how I would have played it. Load with light 200g data and go shooting as a starting point.

I have a lot of load recipes (mostly exotic cast bullet designs) that originated from thin air. Obviously, you want to find some "baseline data" to get a logical starting point, then apply some common sense, and error on the side of caution.

RC20 · September 13, 2013, 12:48 PM

I would not hesitate a mili second about using mid level 200 gr powder levels for that starting load.

Nick_C_S · September 13, 2013, 04:44 PM

Quote:

I would not hesitate a mili second about using mid level 200 gr powder levels for that starting load.

^That could easily be considered "a logical starting point."

September 12, 2013, 12:19 PM	#1
Sky Master Senior Member Join Date: May 30, 2009 Posts: 136	Reloading 44 special with 210gr JHP I found some Remington 210gr JHP, but I can't find any reloading data for a 210gr using Universal or Power Pistol for a 44 Special. My books list either 200gr or 240gr. This will be fired in a Ruger Super Blackhawk. Has anyone ever fired this combination?

September 12, 2013, 02:28 PM	#3
NWPilgrim Senior Member Join Date: September 29, 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 2,346	NosecondBest is right that a 10 gr difference is not very significant,and just be more careful when approaching max loads listed for 200 gr. Lighter bullets will generally use more powder. Sierra has a listing for its 210 gr JHC (JHP) bullet. Do you have a particular powder in mind for the .44 Special? Some ideas (COL = 1.490") - W231 6.2 - 7.2 gr - AA5 8.7 - 9.7 - Unique 6.9 - 8.8 gr - AA7 10.4 - 12.2 gr - 2400 12.1 - 14.3 gr - IMR 4227 16.0 - 18.7 Double check with your 200 gr listing to make sure I didn't do any typos or anything, they should be similar. If not, check against another manual. __________________ "The ultimate authority ... resides in the people alone. ... The advantage of being armed, which the Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation ... forms a barrier against the enterprises of ambition." - James Madison

September 12, 2013, 04:47 PM	#5
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,060	Learn to check the powder company manuals online. Hodgdon lists a 220 grain bullet with Universal, starting at 5.7 grains and maximum 6.5 grains. Alliant lists a 225 grain cast bullet at 7.7 grains maximum and a 200 grain Gold Dot at 8.6 grains maximum. With the .44 Mag. Super Blackhawk, you should have enough strength that you don't need to knock the loads down from either one to try them. .44 Special loads at maximum will be starting loads for the .44 Mag. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

September 12, 2013, 06:28 PM	#6
Nick_C_S Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2013 Location: Idaho Posts: 5,522	Obviously, you want to get some reliable data and load safely. But keep in mind that you're loading 44 Special and shooting them in a 44 Magnum. That alone should put you mind at ease - you've got considerable "headroom," so to speak. __________________ Gun control laws benefit only criminals and politicians - but then, I repeat myself. Life Member, National Rifle Association

September 13, 2013, 11:45 AM	#8
Nick_C_S Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2013 Location: Idaho Posts: 5,522	Yep Jim Watson - that's exactly how I would have played it. Load with light 200g data and go shooting as a starting point. I have a lot of load recipes (mostly exotic cast bullet designs) that originated from thin air. Obviously, you want to find some "baseline data" to get a logical starting point, then apply some common sense, and error on the side of caution. __________________ Gun control laws benefit only criminals and politicians - but then, I repeat myself. Life Member, National Rifle Association

September 12, 2013, 12:49 PM	#2
NoSecondBest Senior Member Join Date: December 7, 2009 Location: Western New York Posts: 2,736	I wouldn't get too hung up on the 10grain difference. If it were me, I'd start off using the min load data for the 200g and work up watching for pressure signs. Then, that's just me. I've been loading for about 45 years and still have all my fingers and both eyes. No accidents yet, but I'm pretty careful. You're using a pretty strong gun to work with.

September 12, 2013, 02:41 PM	#4
Sky Master Senior Member Join Date: May 30, 2009 Posts: 136	I have a Sierra, Speer and Hornady manuals. They don't list Universal or Power Pistol for a 210gr. I guess I can use HP38/231 which I also have.

September 12, 2013, 07:21 PM	#7
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,535	Agree with the Nicks. Loading SPECIAL ammunition to shoot in a Magnum revolver, you have about a 150% safety margin. I would apply 200 gr data, seat 210 gr bullets, and go shooting. Not all reloading needs to be a Recipe Hunt.

September 13, 2013, 12:48 PM	#9
RC20 Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2008 Location: Alaska Posts: 7,014	I would not hesitate a mili second about using mid level 200 gr powder levels for that starting load.