44mag 310gr trueshot from oregon trail, IMR4227, light load question

georgiacatweazle · October 16, 2016, 02:06 PM

I have a Ruger SRH 7 1/2".
Bought some true shot 310gr WNFP GC from midway, just wanted to get a verify of loading data.

seems like from a cross reference of manuals, charge starts from around 18gr to 24gr max, that's the spread. some loading manuals are 19-20, others upto 24 etc.
i was going to work up a load from 17gr. it's a hunting load, so not shooting many, BUT, would like to test some at the range without causing a broken wrist in the process :-)

thanks for any info.

**Unclenick** · October 16, 2016, 02:10 PM

The combination of a heavy bullet and slow powder will create recoil. Unfortunately you can't load slow powders down too far without risking a bullet getting stuck in the barrel due to extinguished ignition. Also, slow powders produce erratic velocities and burn dirty if loaded down too far. If you want to shoot them light, you want some loads of something you can back way down, like Unique. The slow powders just need more pressure to keep burning properly.

buck460XVR · October 17, 2016, 01:22 PM

I'd find the case capacity with that bullet and then start at like 90%. IME, IMR 4227 likes to be compressed lightly or nearly compressed to give the best performance and accuracy. I'm thinkin' 23 gr with that bullet would be compressed.

Snyper · October 18, 2016, 10:03 AM

Light load, 44 mag, and 310 grain don't all belong in the same sentence.

KEYBEAR · October 18, 2016, 11:20 AM

If the bullets are to be used for hunting why would you load them down .
If you are just thinking of loading them down to try at the range and a hotter load for hunting what is that going to tell you ?

I always test hunting loads as I intend to use them .

T. O'Heir · October 18, 2016, 11:56 AM

"...a heavy bullet and slow powder will create recoil..." Yep. Through the magic of physics.
It's been suggested on another forum to contact the Oregon Trail Bullet Company for data. Their site is being firewalled by their web site security people though.

black mamba · October 18, 2016, 01:23 PM

If both 4227s are used in trapdoor Springfield 45-70 loads, where they only fill that large case about 30-40%, then you shouldn't have any problems with loading down to 60% of capacity in a 44 mag. I've gone as low as 17 grains of H4227 with 300 grain bullets without any problems, and they were nicely accurate, too.

October 16, 2016, 02:06 PM	#1
georgiacatweazle Senior Member Join Date: December 6, 2013 Posts: 246	44mag 310gr trueshot from oregon trail, IMR4227, light load question I have a Ruger SRH 7 1/2". Bought some true shot 310gr WNFP GC from midway, just wanted to get a verify of loading data. seems like from a cross reference of manuals, charge starts from around 18gr to 24gr max, that's the spread. some loading manuals are 19-20, others upto 24 etc. i was going to work up a load from 17gr. it's a hunting load, so not shooting many, BUT, would like to test some at the range without causing a broken wrist in the process :-) thanks for any info. __________________ "If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur." Red Adair

October 16, 2016, 02:10 PM	#2
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	The combination of a heavy bullet and slow powder will create recoil. Unfortunately you can't load slow powders down too far without risking a bullet getting stuck in the barrel due to extinguished ignition. Also, slow powders produce erratic velocities and burn dirty if loaded down too far. If you want to shoot them light, you want some loads of something you can back way down, like Unique. The slow powders just need more pressure to keep burning properly. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

October 18, 2016, 10:03 AM	#4
Snyper Senior Member Join Date: December 16, 2013 Location: Eastern NC Posts: 3,047	Light load, 44 mag, and 310 grain don't all belong in the same sentence. __________________ One shot, one kill

October 18, 2016, 11:56 AM	#6
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	"...a heavy bullet and slow powder will create recoil..." Yep. Through the magic of physics. It's been suggested on another forum to contact the Oregon Trail Bullet Company for data. Their site is being firewalled by their web site security people though. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

October 17, 2016, 01:22 PM	#3
buck460XVR Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 2006 Posts: 4,342	I'd find the case capacity with that bullet and then start at like 90%. IME, IMR 4227 likes to be compressed lightly or nearly compressed to give the best performance and accuracy. I'm thinkin' 23 gr with that bullet would be compressed.

October 18, 2016, 11:20 AM	#5
KEYBEAR Senior Member Join Date: January 11, 2012 Location: Indiana Posts: 1,059	If the bullets are to be used for hunting why would you load them down . If you are just thinking of loading them down to try at the range and a hotter load for hunting what is that going to tell you ? I always test hunting loads as I intend to use them .

October 18, 2016, 01:23 PM	#7
black mamba Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2011 Location: SW Florida Posts: 890	If both 4227s are used in trapdoor Springfield 45-70 loads, where they only fill that large case about 30-40%, then you shouldn't have any problems with loading down to 60% of capacity in a 44 mag. I've gone as low as 17 grains of H4227 with 300 grain bullets without any problems, and they were nicely accurate, too.