favorite .44 Rem Mag load

sob (sweet ole bill) · February 2, 2012, 07:30 AM

going to Texas on a pig hunt. Loading .44 R mag (Redhawk pistol). Have 240 gr lead and 240 gr hollow pts.
Good stock of Alliant and IMR powders. Any real favorites to share?

SOB

Sevens · February 2, 2012, 07:55 AM

I use 21.1 grains of Alliant 2400 under a 240gr Nosler JHP with CCI non-mag large pistol primers to run a Desert Eagle. This load is over published max in some manuals, but not in all of them. It's a stiff load, no doubt.

oneoldsap · February 2, 2012, 08:50 AM

I like to whack things hard . My Pig and Bear load is a 300 Gr. XTP over 20 Gr. of W-296 . Make a decent shot , and you won't have to chase them !

Rifleman1776 · February 2, 2012, 08:53 AM

Pigs aren't that hard to kill.
Load to near factory specs and you will be fine.

black mamba · February 2, 2012, 12:51 PM

I would definitely choose the 240 gr lead over the hollow points, especially if they are hardcast (18 Brinell +). Penetration is what you want for pigs.

Whichever powder will drive them at about 1350-1400 fps at the muzzle with good accuracy is the one to use. I like 23 gr of WW296 and WLP primers, with a good crimp.

Al Norris · February 2, 2012, 03:19 PM

Using 240 gr. hardcast lead, I've had excellent results (mule deer) when using 19 gr. of 2400 or 22.5 gr. of IMR 4227.

Ruger Super BlackHawk, 7.5in BBL.

Arrowhead · February 2, 2012, 03:39 PM

I have a ton of Missouri 240 Keith's with an 18 brinnel and hundreds of 240 and 300 gr XTP's. Out of these bullets what do you think would be the best for deer and pigs, loaded with 2400?

Al Norris · February 2, 2012, 03:46 PM

Elmer preferred his lead!

As a note, I've hunted with both and I also prefer hardcast. It simply penetrates better than the XTP.

Poodleshooter · February 2, 2012, 04:16 PM

19-20gr of 2400 seems to work well with Lee 240gr LSWC-GC bullets in my 7.5" SBH as well. I ran a large test series from 17.5-22grs and low and behold, the load that every one else recommended ended up being one of the most accurate. It seems to have a wide sweet spot in this revolver.

buck460XVR · February 2, 2012, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Good stock of Alliant and IMR powders. Any real favorites to share?

Iffin you got IMR4227, 23 grains under that 240 gr JHP should work. On hogs tho, I prefer a JSP or hardcast to a JHP.

mrawesome22 · February 3, 2012, 12:08 AM

I load H110 in 357Mag, 41Mag, 44Mag, and 454Casull.

Firm crimps and no whimps

cornbush · February 3, 2012, 03:14 PM

I'll throw in one more for the 4227, I had two loads that worked really well in my 629, 22gr with a jacketed 240 or 23 gr with a lead 240.

kidmma · February 3, 2012, 08:46 PM

I like the 19-20gr of 2400 with the 240gr bullet too.

area51 · February 3, 2012, 11:41 PM

I use and the MO 240 Keith's 240 with 20gr of 2400. Excellent load.

Steve in PA · February 4, 2012, 01:53 AM

I have two pet loads, both with H110. Bullets are either 240gr or 300gr Hornady XTP's using the max load listed in most reloading manuals, that being 24.0 and 20.0 grains of H110.

Mike / Tx · February 4, 2012, 04:42 AM

Can't add much to what has already been posted, you should be able to get it done with any of those loads.

When you come down bring plenty of coolers, plenty of rounds, and take home as many as you can.

Good luck with your hunt.

PawPaw · February 4, 2012, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Al Norris

Using 240 gr. hardcast lead, I've had excellent results (mule deer) when using 19 gr. of 2400

That's my load too. Out of my 7.5 inch Super Blackhawk it's accurate and powerful enough for anything I want to handgun.

m&p45acp10+1 · February 4, 2012, 10:06 AM

For my .41 Mag AA#9 realy shines through with cast bullets, and with jacketed. At max levels it comes to within a few FPS of H-110, and unlike the H-110 it can be loaded down safley for cast lead. It has less flash than 2400 as well. A friend of mine likes to use it in his .44 Mag, also you do not have to use Magnum primers. A standard Large Pistol Primer will work just fine with it.

Oh I have had good luck with it using Remington JSP on hogs. Last one I shot was at 20 yards it was in the 450 pounds or so range. A nice through and through with a wide exit. The hog looked like it made a bit of a jump, and its knees bucked and it dropped where it was hit.

totaldla · February 4, 2012, 12:49 PM

Hornady 240gr XTP and H110/W296, CCI350 primers.

Elmer didn't have XTP's, or he would've used them.

area51 · February 4, 2012, 05:59 PM

Quote:

I have two pet loads, both with H110. Bullets are either 240gr or 300gr Hornady XTP's using the max load listed in most reloading manuals, that being 24.0 and 20.0 grains of H110.

I'll have to give that a try on my 629.

mavracer · February 4, 2012, 08:57 PM

I have 2 pet loads for my 44s a MO Keith 240 over 10gr of unique and a 300gr XTP over 20gr of 296.

oneoldsap · February 5, 2012, 06:49 AM

Those are heavy loads for a S&W-29 . The 300 probably won't chamber ! I load the 300s to the bottom cannelure , and they won't chamber in my friends Smith 29 .

Ozzieman · February 5, 2012, 12:48 PM

Try the Penn 320 GR SSK.
These out of a Ruger 77/44 will pull good grouping at 100 yards if you can get the drop figured out. One of these took a 230 pound deer last season and dropped him in his tracks and did minimal tissue damage.
If you go to Penn’s web site and open up there 44 cal bullet section, then click on the 320 Grain SSK bullet. There is a “click here” button on a very good article from Handgun Hunter using the bullet.
I have hunted pigs in the past. It’s one tough animal that you want penetration not expansion.
http://www.pennbullets.com/44/44-caliber.html

sc928porsche · February 6, 2012, 01:05 AM

Ruger SBH 44Mag. 255gr Keith-IMR 4227 240gr JHP and 300gr Barns-W296.

February 2, 2012, 07:30 AM	#1
sob (sweet ole bill) Member Join Date: October 13, 2008 Location: coastal North Carolina Posts: 65	favorite .44 Rem Mag load going to Texas on a pig hunt. Loading .44 R mag (Redhawk pistol). Have 240 gr lead and 240 gr hollow pts. Good stock of Alliant and IMR powders. Any real favorites to share? SOB

February 2, 2012, 07:55 AM	#2
Sevens Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 11,756	I use 21.1 grains of Alliant 2400 under a 240gr Nosler JHP with CCI non-mag large pistol primers to run a Desert Eagle. This load is over published max in some manuals, but not in all of them. It's a stiff load, no doubt. __________________ *Attention Brass rats and other reloaders:* I really need .327 Federal Magnum brass, no lot size too small. Tell me what caliber you need and I'll see what I have to swap. PM me and we'll discuss.

February 3, 2012, 03:14 PM	#12
cornbush Senior Member Join Date: September 29, 2008 Location: The retarded place below Idaho Posts: 1,408	I'll throw in one more for the 4227, I had two loads that worked really well in my 629, 22gr with a jacketed 240 or 23 gr with a lead 240. __________________ The best shot I ever made was an accident

February 4, 2012, 01:53 AM	#15
Steve in PA Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 1999 Location: Northeastern PA Posts: 756	I have two pet loads, both with H110. Bullets are either 240gr or 300gr Hornady XTP's using the max load listed in most reloading manuals, that being 24.0 and 20.0 grains of H110. __________________ Steve

February 4, 2012, 04:42 AM	#16
Mike / Tx Senior Member Join Date: April 8, 2000 Posts: 2,101	Can't add much to what has already been posted, you should be able to get it done with any of those loads. When you come down bring plenty of coolers, plenty of rounds, and take home as many as you can. Good luck with your hunt. __________________ LAter, Mike / TX

February 2, 2012, 08:50 AM	#3
oneoldsap Senior Member Join Date: September 16, 2009 Location: I live in the foot of the Green Mountains of Vermont Posts: 1,602	I like to whack things hard . My Pig and Bear load is a 300 Gr. XTP over 20 Gr. of W-296 . Make a decent shot , and you won't have to chase them !

February 2, 2012, 08:53 AM	#4
Rifleman1776 Senior Member Join Date: April 25, 2010 Location: Arkansas Posts: 3,309	Pigs aren't that hard to kill. Load to near factory specs and you will be fine.

February 2, 2012, 12:51 PM	#5
black mamba Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2011 Location: SW Florida Posts: 890	I would definitely choose the 240 gr lead over the hollow points, especially if they are hardcast (18 Brinell +). Penetration is what you want for pigs. Whichever powder will drive them at about 1350-1400 fps at the muzzle with good accuracy is the one to use. I like 23 gr of WW296 and WLP primers, with a good crimp.

February 2, 2012, 03:19 PM	#6
Al Norris Moderator Emeritus Join Date: June 29, 2000 Location: Rupert, Idaho Posts: 9,660	Using 240 gr. hardcast lead, I've had excellent results (mule deer) when using 19 gr. of 2400 or 22.5 gr. of IMR 4227. Ruger Super BlackHawk, 7.5in BBL.

February 2, 2012, 03:39 PM	#7
Arrowhead Member Join Date: January 28, 2011 Posts: 33	I have a ton of Missouri 240 Keith's with an 18 brinnel and hundreds of 240 and 300 gr XTP's. Out of these bullets what do you think would be the best for deer and pigs, loaded with 2400?

February 2, 2012, 03:46 PM	#8
Al Norris Moderator Emeritus Join Date: June 29, 2000 Location: Rupert, Idaho Posts: 9,660	Elmer preferred his lead! As a note, I've hunted with both and I also prefer hardcast. It simply penetrates better than the XTP.

February 2, 2012, 04:16 PM	#9
Poodleshooter Senior Member Join Date: August 7, 2000 Location: Floating down the James River in VA Posts: 2,599	19-20gr of 2400 seems to work well with Lee 240gr LSWC-GC bullets in my 7.5" SBH as well. I ran a large test series from 17.5-22grs and low and behold, the load that every one else recommended ended up being one of the most accurate. It seems to have a wide sweet spot in this revolver.

February 3, 2012, 12:08 AM	#11
mrawesome22 Senior Member Join Date: November 9, 2005 Location: Ohio, Appalachia's foothills. Posts: 3,779	I load H110 in 357Mag, 41Mag, 44Mag, and 454Casull. Firm crimps and no whimps

February 3, 2012, 08:46 PM	#13
kidmma Junior Member Join Date: May 4, 2010 Posts: 5	I like the 19-20gr of 2400 with the 240gr bullet too.

February 3, 2012, 11:41 PM	#14
area51 Junior Member Join Date: February 3, 2012 Posts: 4	I use and the MO 240 Keith's 240 with 20gr of 2400. Excellent load.

February 4, 2012, 10:06 AM	#18
m&p45acp10+1 Senior Member Join Date: May 3, 2009 Location: Central Texas Posts: 3,930	For my .41 Mag AA#9 realy shines through with cast bullets, and with jacketed. At max levels it comes to within a few FPS of H-110, and unlike the H-110 it can be loaded down safley for cast lead. It has less flash than 2400 as well. A friend of mine likes to use it in his .44 Mag, also you do not have to use Magnum primers. A standard Large Pistol Primer will work just fine with it. Oh I have had good luck with it using Remington JSP on hogs. Last one I shot was at 20 yards it was in the 450 pounds or so range. A nice through and through with a wide exit. The hog looked like it made a bit of a jump, and its knees bucked and it dropped where it was hit. __________________ No matter how many times you do it and nothing happens it only takes something going wrong one time to kill you.

February 4, 2012, 12:49 PM	#19
totaldla Senior Member Join Date: August 10, 2009 Location: SW Idaho Posts: 1,295	Hornady 240gr XTP and H110/W296, CCI350 primers. Elmer didn't have XTP's, or he would've used them. __________________ Lee Auto Bench Prime Castor Oil Case Lube

February 5, 2012, 06:49 AM	#22
oneoldsap Senior Member Join Date: September 16, 2009 Location: I live in the foot of the Green Mountains of Vermont Posts: 1,602	Those are heavy loads for a S&W-29 . The 300 probably won't chamber ! I load the 300s to the bottom cannelure , and they won't chamber in my friends Smith 29 .

February 5, 2012, 12:48 PM	#23
Ozzieman Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2004 Location: Northern Indiana Posts: 6,117	Try the Penn 320 GR SSK. These out of a Ruger 77/44 will pull good grouping at 100 yards if you can get the drop figured out. One of these took a 230 pound deer last season and dropped him in his tracks and did minimal tissue damage. If you go to Penn’s web site and open up there 44 cal bullet section, then click on the 320 Grain SSK bullet. There is a “click here” button on a very good article from Handgun Hunter using the bullet. I have hunted pigs in the past. It’s one tough animal that you want penetration not expansion. http://www.pennbullets.com/44/44-caliber.html

February 6, 2012, 01:05 AM	#24
sc928porsche Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2008 Location: now living in alabama Posts: 2,433	Ruger SBH 44Mag. 255gr Keith-IMR 4227 240gr JHP and 300gr Barns-W296. __________________ No such thing as a stupid question. What is stupid is not asking it.