Loading 44 mag for 1440fps

randyhill · March 19, 2005, 07:50 PM

I am setting up a test bed using a Thompson Contender frame. I need to fire 230 grains at 1440fps with the min. variation in speed. I will be buying a new custom barrel. Is there a way to determine the best length?

Sarge · March 19, 2005, 08:35 PM

I've been loading "Elmer's Baby" for a long time, and I've never run across 230 grain .44 bullets; but it is also that long experience which tells me that there are so many components for this cartridge that I may not have seen them all yet!

From the tone of your post I'm betting you will have a chronograph handy for your experiments, so it's a simple matter of selecting a slow powder like H110 or W296, commencing with the "starting loads", and then easing your way up to the velocity you are trying to attain- watching for pressure signs along the way. I believe I would use the 14" Contender if I were you, although you should have no trouble getting 1440 fps from the 10" tube, either.

The following should help you get started, I hope-

http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/de...Source=Hodgdon

Please let us know how it all works out. I am always willing to learn something new about this fine cartridge.

randyhill · March 20, 2005, 12:13 PM

Can't type. I am using Remington 240 Grain Semi-Jacketed Hollow Points.

Thanks for the advice and I will follow the link.

Randy

March 19, 2005, 07:50 PM	#1
randyhill Junior Member Join Date: March 19, 2005 Posts: 2	Loading 44 mag for 1440fps I am setting up a test bed using a Thompson Contender frame. I need to fire 230 grains at 1440fps with the min. variation in speed. I will be buying a new custom barrel. Is there a way to determine the best length?

March 19, 2005, 08:35 PM	#2
Sarge Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2002 Location: MO Posts: 4,349	I've been loading "Elmer's Baby" for a long time, and I've never run across 230 grain .44 bullets; but it is also that long experience which tells me that there are so many components for this cartridge that I may not have seen them all yet! From the tone of your post I'm betting you will have a chronograph handy for your experiments, so it's a simple matter of selecting a slow powder like H110 or W296, commencing with the "starting loads", and then easing your way up to the velocity you are trying to attain- watching for pressure signs along the way. I believe I would use the 14" Contender if I were you, although you should have no trouble getting 1440 fps from the 10" tube, either. The following should help you get started, I hope- http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/de...Source=Hodgdon Please let us know how it all works out. I am always willing to learn something new about this fine cartridge. __________________ Visit us at The Sixgun Journal or the archive, at http://sargesrollcall.blogspot.com/

March 20, 2005, 12:13 PM	#3
randyhill Junior Member Join Date: March 19, 2005 Posts: 2	S/b 240 Can't type. I am using Remington 240 Grain Semi-Jacketed Hollow Points. Thanks for the advice and I will follow the link. Randy