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Southla1 · June 18, 2002, 05:03 PM

DO NOT START WITH THIS LOAD!!!!

For years the standard load for a .44 Mag was a 240 grain cast bullet and 22 grains of #2400. I can even show you load books (they are old as dirt like me) that show this as a MEDIUM load.

OK since then we know more and have backed off some, the lawyers got involved, and the powder may be of a different burning rate than the older powders even though they have the same designation, plus each gun is a law unto itself.

I have used loads that equal some of the old data in my .44 magnum...........do I still use it? NO!

I will admit that my "standard" 44 Mag load is 20 grains of #2400 over a cast bullet of 230 grains (linotype is light) and a regular LP primer. It's as hot as I want to shoot consistantly.

I finally got old enough (or got enough sense) to like moderate to light loads.

If you have no pressure signs I would stick with 18 or 19 grains. Over the long run it's easier on you and your gun and whatever you hit with it will never know the difference between a medium load and a hot one.

June 18, 2002, 05:03 PM	#15
Southla1 Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 19, 2000 Location: Jeanerette, La. Near the Posts: 1,999	DO NOT START WITH THIS LOAD!!!! For years the standard load for a .44 Mag was a 240 grain cast bullet and 22 grains of #2400. I can even show you load books (they are old as dirt like me) that show this as a MEDIUM load. OK since then we know more and have backed off some, the lawyers got involved, and the powder may be of a different burning rate than the older powders even though they have the same designation, plus each gun is a law unto itself. I have used loads that equal some of the old data in my .44 magnum...........do I still use it? NO! I will admit that my "standard" 44 Mag load is 20 grains of #2400 over a cast bullet of 230 grains (linotype is light) and a regular LP primer. It's as hot as I want to shoot consistantly. I finally got old enough (or got enough sense) to like moderate to light loads. If you have no pressure signs I would stick with 18 or 19 grains. Over the long run it's easier on you and your gun and whatever you hit with it will never know the difference between a medium load and a hot one.