44 mag question

Acerdog · January 22, 2012, 10:22 AM

I am getting ready to load 44 mag's with 300gr XTP over alliant 300-MP powder. The only load data i can find is with alliant and it does not give a load for XTP, all my other manuals tell me XTP OAL IS 1.600, But this seem's short.
Any help would be appreciated.

Adamantium · January 22, 2012, 10:49 AM

I don't reload the 44 magnum, but stuff like this affects more than one caliber. There are lots of things that can cause little variations in pressure while working up a load. Using a different bullet, using a different primer or slightly diffferent OAL. Thats why it is important to start at a reduced load and work up to max.

For OAL the XTP is going to have a cannelure, sometimes 2, use the one that makes the correct OAL for your revolver. OAL is often misunderstood as a hard and fast rule when in all reality it is a guideline. Once again this is why reduced load work-up while watching for pressure signs is important. Honestly you could go with the maximum OAL your gun will still chamber, but if it were me I would crimp on the cannelure.

rtpzwms · January 22, 2012, 10:51 AM

Try a different powder like IMR 4227, Bluedot or #9. I checked the Hornady loading manual for these powders.

mrawesome22 · January 22, 2012, 10:52 AM

What he said. Crimp in the cannuler.

Sevens · January 22, 2012, 11:04 AM

Adamantium has the advice-- load that bullet to the cannelure and give it a solid or even HEAVY roll crimp. This is pretty key in a large magnum round like the .44 Mag. You need that crimp for a couple of reasons and that's why the bullet comes with a cannelure.

I will agree when he says that COAL isn't always critical but I will add that when using very small capacity and high pressure cases, most often in semi-auto pistol rounds, it becomes much more important and in some cases, critical. Paying close attention to COAL in 9mm and .40 S&W in particular is a good habit to get in to.

In my opinion, what is critical is that you keep good notes about where you set COAL so you can repeat it later. But in a heavy magnum revolver, your best bet is going to be at the cannelure, and give it a solid roll crimp.

rex_lee · January 22, 2012, 11:44 AM

Have you thought of using Alliant 2400? I have loaded .44 mag with it for years (as Hercules 2400) with great results with 240gr SWC. Not sure on 300gr load data, but it would be worth checking out...

Acerdog · January 22, 2012, 01:14 PM

2400 is what i have used, But was trying a new load (got a really good deal on 300-mp) mostly use 240 gr LSWC, But was given some 300 gr XTP's so I was going to compare then to see which I liked.

bluetopper · January 22, 2012, 01:44 PM

Crimp on the cannelure of the bullet and start with a load that you know is not max. Work up to your liking or till you see pressure signs, whichever is first. The case will be about full when you start and I think the bullet will touch the powder before any over pressure signs will be seen, but keep a close eye on it.
Tell us how you like this new powder.

Acerdog · January 22, 2012, 10:06 PM

Tried the 300-MP in 357 with 158 gr XTP, 300-MP meters a little better than the 2400 and is not as dirty,and seemed to be a little more accurate. When I hear back from Alliant I will try the 44 mags.

Thanks

m&p45acp10+1 · January 22, 2012, 10:37 PM

I use AA#9 instead of 2400 for my magnum loads theese days. It meters so well, and burn so clean. I can use it for warm, to scorcher velocites. I also use it in place of H-110. I like it a lot.

black mamba · January 23, 2012, 02:14 PM

Given that the Speer bullet used in the Alliant data is .0005" smaller (.4295") than the XTP of the same weight, and the listed COAL is a longer 1.665 inches, I would back down to 18 grains of MP-300 to start, using the 1.600" COAL to the cannelure. I, personally, would treat 21 gr. as max with the XTP bullet because of the differences already mentioned.

Steve in PA · January 24, 2012, 01:40 AM

I've been reloading the .44mag for years with both the 240 and 300 grain XTP's. The COL for both is 1.600".

nate45 · January 24, 2012, 02:14 AM

I can't comment on the 300-MP, never used it, though I'd love to here some loads for it. I've thought of getting some 300-MP since I heard about it.

I can comment on the 300 grain XTP though. I load 21 grains of H-110 with a CCI 350 primer. I use the first cannelure to crimp in, that is the one closest to the top of the bullet. My little Pact Model 1 XP shows I'm averaging around 1180 fps from my 5.5" Super Blackhawk. When I tried the same load with the bullet seated in the last cannelure, it only developed around 900 fps from my 6" 629-6 I used to have. I realize its not a very good test, being to different guns and barrel lengths, but it seems to develop less pressure when crimped in the bottom cannelure.

January 22, 2012, 10:22 AM	#1
Acerdog Member Join Date: December 31, 2010 Location: UT Posts: 82	44 mag question I am getting ready to load 44 mag's with 300gr XTP over alliant 300-MP powder. The only load data i can find is with alliant and it does not give a load for XTP, all my other manuals tell me XTP OAL IS 1.600, But this seem's short. Any help would be appreciated.

January 22, 2012, 10:49 AM	#2
Adamantium Senior Member Join Date: June 6, 1999 Location: El Paso, TX Posts: 1,021	I don't reload the 44 magnum, but stuff like this affects more than one caliber. There are lots of things that can cause little variations in pressure while working up a load. Using a different bullet, using a different primer or slightly diffferent OAL. Thats why it is important to start at a reduced load and work up to max. For OAL the XTP is going to have a cannelure, sometimes 2, use the one that makes the correct OAL for your revolver. OAL is often misunderstood as a hard and fast rule when in all reality it is a guideline. Once again this is why reduced load work-up while watching for pressure signs is important. Honestly you could go with the maximum OAL your gun will still chamber, but if it were me I would crimp on the cannelure. __________________ New gun, same ol' shot.

January 22, 2012, 10:52 AM	#4
mrawesome22 Senior Member Join Date: November 9, 2005 Location: Ohio, Appalachia's foothills. Posts: 3,779	What he said. Crimp in the cannuler. Last edited by mrawesome22; January 22, 2012 at 11:25 AM.

January 22, 2012, 11:04 AM	#5
Sevens Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 11,756	Adamantium has the advice-- load that bullet to the cannelure and give it a solid or even HEAVY roll crimp. This is pretty key in a large magnum round like the .44 Mag. You need that crimp for a couple of reasons and that's why the bullet comes with a cannelure. I will agree when he says that COAL isn't always critical but I will add that when using very small capacity and high pressure cases, most often in semi-auto pistol rounds, it becomes much more important and in some cases, critical. Paying close attention to COAL in 9mm and .40 S&W in particular is a good habit to get in to. In my opinion, what is critical is that you keep good notes about where you set COAL so you can repeat it later. But in a heavy magnum revolver, your best bet is going to be at the cannelure, and give it a solid roll crimp. __________________ *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.

January 22, 2012, 01:44 PM	#8
bluetopper Senior Member Join Date: December 16, 2005 Location: Northeast TX Posts: 1,197	Crimp on the cannelure of the bullet and start with a load that you know is not max. Work up to your liking or till you see pressure signs, whichever is first. The case will be about full when you start and I think the bullet will touch the powder before any over pressure signs will be seen, but keep a close eye on it. Tell us how you like this new powder. Last edited by bluetopper; January 22, 2012 at 01:51 PM.

January 22, 2012, 10:51 AM	#3
rtpzwms Senior Member Join Date: July 6, 2010 Location: OTS Posts: 1,035	Try a different powder like IMR 4227, Bluedot or #9. I checked the Hornady loading manual for these powders.

January 22, 2012, 11:44 AM	#6
rex_lee Member Join Date: August 26, 2010 Posts: 41	Have you thought of using Alliant 2400? I have loaded .44 mag with it for years (as Hercules 2400) with great results with 240gr SWC. Not sure on 300gr load data, but it would be worth checking out...

January 22, 2012, 01:14 PM	#7
Acerdog Member Join Date: December 31, 2010 Location: UT Posts: 82	2400 is what i have used, But was trying a new load (got a really good deal on 300-mp) mostly use 240 gr LSWC, But was given some 300 gr XTP's so I was going to compare then to see which I liked.

January 22, 2012, 10:06 PM	#9
Acerdog Member Join Date: December 31, 2010 Location: UT Posts: 82	Tried the 300-MP in 357 with 158 gr XTP, 300-MP meters a little better than the 2400 and is not as dirty,and seemed to be a little more accurate. When I hear back from Alliant I will try the 44 mags. Thanks

January 22, 2012, 10:37 PM	#10
m&p45acp10+1 Senior Member Join Date: May 3, 2009 Location: Central Texas Posts: 3,930	I use AA#9 instead of 2400 for my magnum loads theese days. It meters so well, and burn so clean. I can use it for warm, to scorcher velocites. I also use it in place of H-110. I like it a lot. __________________ No matter how many times you do it and nothing happens it only takes something going wrong one time to kill you.

January 23, 2012, 02:14 PM	#11
black mamba Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2011 Location: SW Florida Posts: 890	Given that the Speer bullet used in the Alliant data is .0005" smaller (.4295") than the XTP of the same weight, and the listed COAL is a longer 1.665 inches, I would back down to 18 grains of MP-300 to start, using the 1.600" COAL to the cannelure. I, personally, would treat 21 gr. as max with the XTP bullet because of the differences already mentioned.

January 24, 2012, 01:40 AM	#12
Steve in PA Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 1999 Location: Northeastern PA Posts: 756	I've been reloading the .44mag for years with both the 240 and 300 grain XTP's. The COL for both is 1.600". __________________ Steve

January 24, 2012, 02:14 AM	#13
nate45 Senior Member Join Date: July 15, 2007 Location: Illinois Posts: 3,746	I can't comment on the 300-MP, never used it, though I'd love to here some loads for it. I've thought of getting some 300-MP since I heard about it. I can comment on the 300 grain XTP though. I load 21 grains of H-110 with a CCI 350 primer. I use the first cannelure to crimp in, that is the one closest to the top of the bullet. My little Pact Model 1 XP shows I'm averaging around 1180 fps from my 5.5" Super Blackhawk. When I tried the same load with the bullet seated in the last cannelure, it only developed around 900 fps from my 6" 629-6 I used to have. I realize its not a very good test, being to different guns and barrel lengths, but it seems to develop less pressure when crimped in the bottom cannelure. __________________ "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms."- Thomas Jefferson ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ (>_<)