Max loads in .44 mag S&W?

[Guggmeister]

I have loaded 44mag with 20.5gr of vv110 and magtech 240gr sp bullet. Radar gave 437m/s average velocity from a 7” ruger blackhawk.

no problems with 9.5” s&w29, didn’t chrono that.


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[Dundgren]

Originally Posted by Guggmeister

I have loaded 44mag with 20.5gr of vv110 and magtech 240gr sp bullet. Radar gave 437m/s average velocity from a 7” ruger blackhawk.

no problems with 9.5” s&w29, didn’t chrono that.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Wow, that's very specific. Thank you.

[disseminator]

CAUTION: The following post includes loading data beyond or not covered by currently published maximums for this cartridge. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The Firing Line, nor the staff of TFL assume any liability for any damage or injury resulting from use of this information.

FYI: 437m/s = 1433.73 fps

That's a good load. I am using 22.3g vvN110 with a 240g Speer DCHP (Gold Dot) and that's about 1500 fps (457.2m/s for our metric friends) out of my Model 29.

It hasn't exploded yet, and the Pachy grip will take the sting out of the recoil for you sensitive types.

[Wildernesshunter]

Great info here and thanks for posting.

I am the new owner of a Taurus Tracker 44Mag and the RCBS dies, bullets, brass etc... have been ordered and are on their way.

I actively reload for several long guns, but this will be the very first pistol load I will have ever done. My big decision will be which powder to buy. I really don't want to experiment with several 1lb purchases..... I want to make the right purchase initially and stick to one powder for my loads for my 4" barrel.

[44 AMP]

and stick to one powder for my loads for my 4" barrel.

If those loads are going to range from light to heavy, then a medium rate powder is your best choice. Unique would be my choice.

4" isn't enough barrel to get full power from magnum loadings, no matter what powder you use. The slow powders MAY get you an insignificant few fps faster (at max levels) from a 4" but their advantages don't really "kick in" until you give them 6" or more barrel to burn in.

And, the slow powders are notoriously poor choices for light loads. The Fastest powders hit max pressures before reaching the highest velocity (compared to slower powders) but this may not be a factor for you, with your 4" gun.

The fast powders (Bullseye, 231, etc) also have an increased risk of having a double charge slip past you un-noticed during the reloading process, because of the small amount of powder used.

A fast powder will have a max charge in the 5-6gr range, a medium powder in the 10-12gr range, and a slow powder in the 20+gr range.

[Wildernesshunter]

I am going to be shooting the 240gr Nosler jacketed soft point and I want a tick over 1,000 fps out of my barrel.

[Dundgren]

Originally Posted by Wildernesshunter

I am going to be shooting the 240gr Nosler jacketed soft point and I want a tick over 1,000 fps out of my barrel.

I think you're going to want a very fast powder if you want them that slow. Have you considered .44 special?

[Wildernesshunter]

The local shop where I buy my powder has the best supply of Accurate powder on hand.

Anyone use Ramshot True Blue?

[disseminator]

For range and plinking fun, try out a 240 SWC with a max load of Trail Boss for about 900 fps.

They're a blast.

[buck460XVR]

I say if you want to shoot Buffalo Bore .44 Mag +p+ outta a Smith 69, go ahead. Odds are the gun is gonna last a lot longer than your wrist.

[mrdaputer]

deleted wrong thread

[edfardos]

the model 69 isnt very big, originally beefed up to shoot 357. i shoot 1100 to 1200 fps max in the 69. the super redhawk gets a full dose at 1430fps. recoil feels the same. my 69 is getting a bit of flame cutting too (strap is much closer to the gap). both are fantastic revolvers. s&w wants .429, ruger wants .431.