44mag load - Page 2

rodfac · January 12, 2018, 09:19 PM

I get 1000+ with 8.5 gr of Unique in Magnum brass with any good LSWC. The same velocity is available with 9.5 gr of Herco as well, depending on barrel length. Rod

cdoc42 · January 13, 2018, 12:17 AM

Northof50, I don't think they're Nyclad. I had some of those in .38 or .357, but they are shiny, almost look like plastic. These Remington's leave black color on your hands if you rub them. I'll try to cut one in half tomorrow.

Northof50 · January 13, 2018, 12:35 AM

cdoc42 - Check! I couldn't think of anything else.

Are you on the western or eastern side of PA? I am eastern.

cdoc42 · January 13, 2018, 06:36 AM

eastern- NW of Philly

Chainsaw. · January 14, 2018, 12:36 AM

I do have 44mag cases and special cases loaded with tiegroup, dont think Ill load any more, titegroup is still a hair to sharp of a recoil for my taste if Im aiming for lighter loads. Trail boss gives simular velocities with a much more rounded push, males shooting a couple hundred rounds in a day much more pleasant.

458winshooter · January 14, 2018, 12:52 AM

I will second those who have recommended the 8-9 grs of either Herco or Unique.

black mamba · January 14, 2018, 01:42 AM

Red Dot, 700X and American Select are all very close in burn rate, and 6½ to 7 grains of any of them with a 240-250 grain bullet will give around 950-1,000 fps with very good accuracy. All three of them are also high bulk powders, so double charges are very obvious and easy to spot.

disseminator · January 14, 2018, 01:59 AM

I like the 240 grain SWC with 7.3 grains ( a max load if memory serves ) of Trail Boss.

Gets around 900 feet per second from my 6.5" Model 29

cdoc42 · January 14, 2018, 07:41 AM

To North of 50 (and interested parties): I tumbled one Remington 240gr black "cast" bullet with my brass being cleaned, and all the black covering came off - may have been lube. The bullet has 2 cannelures (with no lube in them). The bullet remains light gray in color. The base looks like it has a gas check, or at least a circle of the core surrounded by a gray jacket. But when cut in half with a hack saw, the entire bullet is silver with no evidence of a jacket. I wish I could attach photos, but I don't have anyone living with me less than 70, and in particular, 12 years or less in age........

Road_Clam · January 14, 2018, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Northof50

Easy one for everyone -

Looking for a good plinking load for a 44mag using 240 hard cast. I have a Ruger Redhawk, purchased in '85 which has primarily been used as a hunting revolver. In all honesty, I don't believe there are more than 1000 rounds through it.

110 is my powder of choice for the XTP240 and Sierra's 300. But, I've never worked up a good plinking load. Unique has always been my go-to for these loads, though I never had much luck with it in the 44. 7.1gr of Universal Clays @ 1050fps gave decent results.

Looking to keep the velocity between 950-1050 range. Don't want to use Special cases [don't like firing 38 in my 357 either].

Thanks for any suggestions.

I don't load for a revolver but I did do some extensive load development for the Desert Eagle 44 mag. I can share some experiences and data. First i'd like to share some info on H110 powder. It's the standard go to powder for 357/44 mags but only loaded to near "full bang" loads. H110 (or most ball powders) do not like to be downloaded below 90% case capacity. There is the possibility to have inconsistent burns when you have excessive air space within the casing. I had to do a lot of load development for my DE as they are very fussy with velocities to reliably cycle the action. I learned my DE cycled best with a velocity around 1220 fps. Any less I would observe stovepipes, any more my slide would lock back after each shot. With a revolver you can load whatever velocities you desire. If you choose to load milder cowboy loads I highly suggest 2400 as this powder is much more efficient with downloading. I could not get my velocities low enough with H110 , so I switched to 2400. My go to load is 18.2 gr of 2400 and i'm at about 1230 fps from a 6" bbl. With H110 you want to stay between 22-24 gr. with the 240 gr bullet. When I tested the 22-24 gr H110 loads in my DE I was getting consistent slide locking and my velocities were around 1325+ fps. Good luck with the 44 !

Northof50 · January 14, 2018, 10:55 AM

Road_Clam

Thanks. We have different experiences with powder. Yep. 110 at full or near [with my Redhawk, I've gone over some books]. But, it's the only cartridge I like using the powder. 357 - 2400 and 296 [many think 296 and 110 are the same - I don't]. Love 2400, but like the 110 and 296 - only when loading near full. I'm looking for a load 240gr Cast @ 1000fps range. The slower powders mentioned tend not to do well at those velocities in my experience.

Thanks for the reply. Love the DE!

January 12, 2018, 09:19 PM	#26
rodfac Senior Member Join Date: January 22, 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,623	I get 1000+ with 8.5 gr of Unique in Magnum brass with any good LSWC. The same velocity is available with 9.5 gr of Herco as well, depending on barrel length. Rod __________________ Cherish our flag, honor it, defend it in word and deed, or get the hell out. Our Bill of Rights has been paid for by heros in uniform and shall not be diluted by misguided governmental social experiments. We owe this to our children, anything less is cowardice. USAF FAC, 5th Spl Forces, Vietnam Vet '69-'73.

January 14, 2018, 12:36 AM	#30
Chainsaw. Senior Member Join Date: September 12, 2015 Location: Issaquah WA. Its a dry rain. Posts: 1,774	I do have 44mag cases and special cases loaded with tiegroup, dont think Ill load any more, titegroup is still a hair to sharp of a recoil for my taste if Im aiming for lighter loads. Trail boss gives simular velocities with a much more rounded push, males shooting a couple hundred rounds in a day much more pleasant. __________________ Just shoot the damn thing.

January 14, 2018, 12:52 AM	#31
458winshooter Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2008 Location: Transplanted to Ridgeland,SC Posts: 606	44 mag plinker I will second those who have recommended the 8-9 grs of either Herco or Unique.

January 13, 2018, 12:17 AM	#27
cdoc42 Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2005 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,687	Northof50, I don't think they're Nyclad. I had some of those in .38 or .357, but they are shiny, almost look like plastic. These Remington's leave black color on your hands if you rub them. I'll try to cut one in half tomorrow.

January 13, 2018, 12:35 AM	#28
Northof50 Junior member Join Date: January 5, 2018 Location: Northeast USA Posts: 232	cdoc42 - Check! I couldn't think of anything else. Are you on the western or eastern side of PA? I am eastern.

January 13, 2018, 06:36 AM	#29
cdoc42 Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2005 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,687	eastern- NW of Philly

January 14, 2018, 01:42 AM	#32
black mamba Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2011 Location: SW Florida Posts: 890	Red Dot, 700X and American Select are all very close in burn rate, and 6½ to 7 grains of any of them with a 240-250 grain bullet will give around 950-1,000 fps with very good accuracy. All three of them are also high bulk powders, so double charges are very obvious and easy to spot.

January 14, 2018, 01:59 AM	#33
disseminator Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2016 Location: Minnesota Posts: 960	I like the 240 grain SWC with 7.3 grains ( a max load if memory serves ) of Trail Boss. Gets around 900 feet per second from my 6.5" Model 29

January 14, 2018, 07:41 AM	#34
cdoc42 Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2005 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,687	To North of 50 (and interested parties): I tumbled one Remington 240gr black "cast" bullet with my brass being cleaned, and all the black covering came off - may have been lube. The bullet has 2 cannelures (with no lube in them). The bullet remains light gray in color. The base looks like it has a gas check, or at least a circle of the core surrounded by a gray jacket. But when cut in half with a hack saw, the entire bullet is silver with no evidence of a jacket. I wish I could attach photos, but I don't have anyone living with me less than 70, and in particular, 12 years or less in age........

January 14, 2018, 10:55 AM	#36
Northof50 Junior member Join Date: January 5, 2018 Location: Northeast USA Posts: 232	Road_Clam Thanks. We have different experiences with powder. Yep. 110 at full or near [with my Redhawk, I've gone over some books]. But, it's the only cartridge I like using the powder. 357 - 2400 and 296 [many think 296 and 110 are the same - I don't]. Love 2400, but like the 110 and 296 - only when loading near full. I'm looking for a load 240gr Cast @ 1000fps range. The slower powders mentioned tend not to do well at those velocities in my experience. Thanks for the reply. Love the DE!