180 .44 spec.

salvadore · January 17, 2009, 03:35 PM

I am looking for some load data for a 180gr. jhp in a .44 spec. using 2400. Any help would be appreciated.

madmo44mag · January 17, 2009, 04:24 PM

When I load 44 spl with 2400 and that type bullet I would run 11.5gr.
I much rather use Accurate #7 @ 8.5gr.
The AA #7 is a slightly faster burning powder and with the lighter bullet it will build pressure quicker and give better accuracy or at lest it has for me in that round.
Always start 10% LESS charge on data to ensure a safety margin.
Now when loading 44mag, 2400 is the powder I use.
240 JHP - mag prime - 21.5 gr well crimped.
This is truly a magnum round.

Now one more thing came to me; if your loading for a snubby may want to look at 540 (Winchester) or Herco (Alliant) - just a little faster burning than AA #7 and use a heavy crimp.
Just my 2 1/16 cents worth

salvadore · January 27, 2009, 06:55 PM

Thanks Madmo44mag. I'm loading for a 396 smith 18oz. 3". Trying to push JHP fast enough to expand in a social situation.

Ozzieman · January 27, 2009, 07:54 PM

I would not suggest you use 2400 in a 44 special round with a 3 inch barrel. 2400 is more of a magnum powder and you’re going to have a hard time burning it all in that short barrel.
If you have access to a powder burn rate that list approximate burn rates, 2400 is very close to H110 which is 51 and 55 respectively out of a list of 131.
To get that round to work best in that short barrel I would suggest what I use which is WIN 231 which is a 17 on that same list. Fastest being the smaller number
You might actually get more velocity out of that load VS the 2400, but your sure not going to get as much flash.
The other good thing about 231 in 44 sp is that it’s real clean.
Hornady lists the 180 gr HP-XTP for 231
MAX: 7.2 gr 900FPS
MIN: 5.6 gr. 750FPS
That was shot out of a Charter arms Bulldog which I have loaded that same load for and it works well in the gun.
I have checked 3 different manuals and none of them list 2400 for the 44 sp with that weight bullet.
As far as Herco (33 on the same chart) I really like the way it works in short barrel 44’s but the stuff is like burning coal, it real dirty.

January 17, 2009, 03:35 PM	#1
salvadore Junior member Join Date: January 1, 2007 Location: Idaho Posts: 2,282	180 .44 spec. I am looking for some load data for a 180gr. jhp in a .44 spec. using 2400. Any help would be appreciated.

January 17, 2009, 04:24 PM	#2
madmo44mag Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2008 Location: Ft.Worth, Texas Posts: 1,522	When I load 44 spl with 2400 and that type bullet I would run 11.5gr. I much rather use Accurate #7 @ 8.5gr. The AA #7 is a slightly faster burning powder and with the lighter bullet it will build pressure quicker and give better accuracy or at lest it has for me in that round. Always start 10% LESS charge on data to ensure a safety margin. Now when loading 44mag, 2400 is the powder I use. 240 JHP - mag prime - 21.5 gr well crimped. This is truly a magnum round. Now one more thing came to me; if your loading for a snubby may want to look at 540 (Winchester) or Herco (Alliant) - just a little faster burning than AA #7 and use a heavy crimp. Just my 2 1/16 cents worth

January 27, 2009, 06:55 PM	#3
salvadore Junior member Join Date: January 1, 2007 Location: Idaho Posts: 2,282	Thanks Madmo44mag. I'm loading for a 396 smith 18oz. 3". Trying to push JHP fast enough to expand in a social situation.

January 27, 2009, 07:54 PM	#4
Ozzieman Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2004 Location: Northern Indiana Posts: 6,117	I would not suggest you use 2400 in a 44 special round with a 3 inch barrel. 2400 is more of a magnum powder and you’re going to have a hard time burning it all in that short barrel. If you have access to a powder burn rate that list approximate burn rates, 2400 is very close to H110 which is 51 and 55 respectively out of a list of 131. To get that round to work best in that short barrel I would suggest what I use which is WIN 231 which is a 17 on that same list. Fastest being the smaller number You might actually get more velocity out of that load VS the 2400, but your sure not going to get as much flash. The other good thing about 231 in 44 sp is that it’s real clean. Hornady lists the 180 gr HP-XTP for 231 MAX: 7.2 gr 900FPS MIN: 5.6 gr. 750FPS That was shot out of a Charter arms Bulldog which I have loaded that same load for and it works well in the gun. I have checked 3 different manuals and none of them list 2400 for the 44 sp with that weight bullet. As far as Herco (33 on the same chart) I really like the way it works in short barrel 44’s but the stuff is like burning coal, it real dirty.