Powderpuff .44

cecILL · February 25, 2015, 04:57 PM

Hello.

Been getting interested in lever actions lately. Have several hundred old .44 magnum reloads I was eager to shoot, pretty much so I could reload with some 240 gr JHPs. So, dusted off the Marlin 1984 and headed outside.

Yeesh, after about 20 rounds or so the ole shoulder is starting to ache. Guess old age is creeping up on me.

So, as the title says, looking for you guys' recommendations for light loads for the .44.

Have Unique and H110 on shelf but willing to try whatever pops up here.

Thanks for reading!

Nick_C_S · February 25, 2015, 05:32 PM

Your Unique will make you some rounds that are mild for a lever action and still shoot nice and consistent and straight. Your H-110 is for the shoulder poppers.

sevt_chevelle · February 25, 2015, 08:46 PM

Win 231/HP-38 make for some nice puff 44 loads as so does Trail boss. HS6, AA#5 and AA#7 will do for some mild level loads.

g.willikers · February 26, 2015, 09:35 AM

Why not just use .44 special loads, adjusted for the Magnum case?
If your Marlin still has the hard and unforgiving stock, install a good recoil pad, too.

**Unclenick** · February 26, 2015, 11:15 AM

Just use .44 Special loads, period. Since the COL for the two rounds is the same (for all practical purposes; just 5 thousandths different) the space under the bullet should be about the same and pressures about the same. The only time you have to adjust is when you use a bullet's .44 Special crimp groove with the longer .44 Magnum case. That gives you a longer than standard .44 Mag cartridge (1.74"), and a 10% increase in powder then keeps the pressure about level.

I would suggest simple swaged or cast lead 240 grains SWC bullets over 6 to 7 grains of Unique. If you want to use jacketed bullets, the same loads will fly with them.

TimSr · February 26, 2015, 12:01 PM

Take your starting load with Unique and work down backwards until you get to where you like it. No need to buy new powders.

H110 warns against reduced loads.

mikld · February 26, 2015, 12:45 PM

One of the reasons I like my .44 Magnums is that I can load everything from 123 gr balls to over 300 grain T-Rex killers. I have a .44 Mag. levergun that I occasionally shoot with some 240 gr. SWC over Trail Boss, for around 850-900 fps. velocities. Just a hair more recoil than my .22 rifles...

Or as suggested above just turn to your .44 Special section and try some starting loads.

GeauxTide · February 26, 2015, 03:15 PM

I've used Special rounds in my 1894 without incident. I've also used 8-9 grains of Unique with 240 cast very well.

mehavey · February 26, 2015, 03:56 PM

1894 MARLIN 44 MAG-PIPSQUEAK
RCBS 44-200 RNFP-PB-Cast1:30 / Lym450Sized 0.432/LymAloxLube(50/50)
700X/4.4gr
FED-LrgPst
OAL:1.569"
Hodgdon says 12,000CUP
Actual Vel (20" barrel) =879

1894 MARLIN 44 MAG HEAVY
Acc432-280* Cast #2 / Lym450Sized 0.432/LymAloxLube(50/50)
H110 / 20.5
CCI_LP_Mag
OAL:1.600"
QUickLoad(20")= 33,803psi/1,633fps / Actual Vel =1,630fps

* http://www.accuratemolds.com/

FWIW: My `94 feeds the RCBS 44-240 SWC with a 1.675" OAL just fine

testuser79 · February 26, 2015, 04:55 PM

According to my records, a .44 magnum case loaded with 5.4 grains of Bullseye and a 240 gr plated bullet chronographed 733 fps from my 4 inch Model 29. Very light recoil in such a heavy revolver and good accuracy. It's a little dirty, but Bullseye usually is. I've fired this load from a lever gun, but didn't record the velocity.

Data comes directly from Alliant and is 10% under max. Essentially, it's a .44 Special factory duplication load.

http://alliantpowder.com/reloaders/p...1&cartridge=33

cecILL · February 27, 2015, 07:17 AM

You guys are too good . Just can't beat real world experience. Many thanks.

Salmoneye · February 27, 2015, 07:57 AM

Listen to UncleNick, and go with 6-7gr Unique in a mag case with a 240-250gr cast...

Just remember that nominal groove spec on the 1894 is .231", so use bullets of at least that diameter, and mine likes em starting at .432"...

The light loads will not obturate the base of smaller bullets enough to fill the grooves...

45long · March 11, 2015, 02:12 AM

My favorite powder puff load in my 44 mag rossi is 6 grains of Bulleye under a 200 grain rnfp...with a 240 grainer I use 5.5 gr ....tough getting bullseye now days. So just improvise...anything for a 44 special or even a 45 colt in the same bullet weight is gonna work pretty nice. I would not however try light loads With H110... that stuff isn't made for a lot of airspace in the cartridge ...From what I've always under stood it can cause it to spike...Trail Boss is very popular Cowboy action powder, but the opposite is true with it...don't use a compressed load....you are going to love that 44mag once you get a powderpuff load worked up ...

45long · March 11, 2015, 02:19 AM

Yes ,going to low will not let the base seal and can also cause leading caused from the blow-by of gasses vaporizing the lead.....

Salmoneye · March 11, 2015, 05:21 AM

As apparently there is a time limit on the 'Edit' your post function, I am making this post:

Quote:

nominal groove spec on the 1894 is .231"

From my earlier post should of course read:

.431"

cecILL · March 11, 2015, 07:23 AM

Well, I did 8 grns Unique over 240 grn JHP. Exactly what I was looking for. Just luck, but hit 12 inch plate @ 100 yds first shot, off hand.

Sevens · March 12, 2015, 02:51 PM

I have a terrific light load for .44 Magnum that I use for knocking down steel plates with a 7.5-inch barreled Ruger Redhawk.

I use a Falcon brand 240 grain LSWC over 5.7 grains of Titegroup and this chrono's a very consistent 870 fps in the long barreled revolver. Hits the steel with similar or a bit more thump than a .45 Auto.

Likely a bit faster from a lever action rifle.

February 25, 2015, 04:57 PM	#1
cecILL Senior Member Join Date: August 13, 2001 Location: central IL Posts: 769	Powderpuff .44 Hello. Been getting interested in lever actions lately. Have several hundred old .44 magnum reloads I was eager to shoot, pretty much so I could reload with some 240 gr JHPs. So, dusted off the Marlin 1984 and headed outside. Yeesh, after about 20 rounds or so the ole shoulder is starting to ache. Guess old age is creeping up on me. So, as the title says, looking for you guys' recommendations for light loads for the .44. Have Unique and H110 on shelf but willing to try whatever pops up here. Thanks for reading!

February 26, 2015, 09:35 AM	#4
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	Why not just use .44 special loads, adjusted for the Magnum case? If your Marlin still has the hard and unforgiving stock, install a good recoil pad, too. __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.”

February 26, 2015, 04:55 PM	#10
testuser79 Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2014 Posts: 115	According to my records, a .44 magnum case loaded with 5.4 grains of Bullseye and a 240 gr plated bullet chronographed 733 fps from my 4 inch Model 29. Very light recoil in such a heavy revolver and good accuracy. It's a little dirty, but Bullseye usually is. I've fired this load from a lever gun, but didn't record the velocity. Data comes directly from Alliant and is 10% under max. Essentially, it's a .44 Special factory duplication load. http://alliantpowder.com/reloaders/p...1&cartridge=33 Last edited by testuser79; February 26, 2015 at 05:04 PM.

March 11, 2015, 02:12 AM	#13
45long Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2011 Location: SW Missouri Posts: 106	Bullseye good one. My favorite powder puff load in my 44 mag rossi is 6 grains of Bulleye under a 200 grain rnfp...with a 240 grainer I use 5.5 gr ....tough getting bullseye now days. So just improvise...anything for a 44 special or even a 45 colt in the same bullet weight is gonna work pretty nice. I would not however try light loads With H110... that stuff isn't made for a lot of airspace in the cartridge ...From what I've always under stood it can cause it to spike...Trail Boss is very popular Cowboy action powder, but the opposite is true with it...don't use a compressed load....you are going to love that 44mag once you get a powderpuff load worked up ... __________________ N0MJP

March 11, 2015, 02:19 AM	#14
45long Senior Member Join Date: June 20, 2011 Location: SW Missouri Posts: 106	Good point Salomeye Yes ,going to low will not let the base seal and can also cause leading caused from the blow-by of gasses vaporizing the lead..... __________________ N0MJP

February 25, 2015, 05:32 PM	#2
Nick_C_S Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2013 Location: Idaho Posts: 5,523	Your Unique will make you some rounds that are mild for a lever action and still shoot nice and consistent and straight. Your H-110 is for the shoulder poppers. __________________ Gun control laws benefit only criminals and politicians - but then, I repeat myself. Life Member, National Rifle Association

February 25, 2015, 08:46 PM	#3
sevt_chevelle Senior Member Join Date: April 13, 2013 Posts: 324	Win 231/HP-38 make for some nice puff 44 loads as so does Trail boss. HS6, AA#5 and AA#7 will do for some mild level loads.

February 26, 2015, 11:15 AM	#5
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	Just use .44 Special loads, period. Since the COL for the two rounds is the same (for all practical purposes; just 5 thousandths different) the space under the bullet should be about the same and pressures about the same. The only time you have to adjust is when you use a bullet's .44 Special crimp groove with the longer .44 Magnum case. That gives you a longer than standard .44 Mag cartridge (1.74"), and a 10% increase in powder then keeps the pressure about level. I would suggest simple swaged or cast lead 240 grains SWC bullets over 6 to 7 grains of Unique. If you want to use jacketed bullets, the same loads will fly with them. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

February 26, 2015, 12:01 PM	#6
TimSr Senior Member Join Date: March 8, 2013 Location: Rittman, Ohio Posts: 2,074	Take your starting load with Unique and work down backwards until you get to where you like it. No need to buy new powders. H110 warns against reduced loads.

February 26, 2015, 12:45 PM	#7
mikld Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2009 Location: Southern Oregon! Posts: 2,891	One of the reasons I like my .44 Magnums is that I can load everything from 123 gr balls to over 300 grain T-Rex killers. I have a .44 Mag. levergun that I occasionally shoot with some 240 gr. SWC over Trail Boss, for around 850-900 fps. velocities. Just a hair more recoil than my .22 rifles... Or as suggested above just turn to your .44 Special section and try some starting loads. __________________ My Anchor is holding fast! I've learned how to stand on my own two knees...

February 26, 2015, 03:15 PM	#8
GeauxTide Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2009 Location: Helena, AL Posts: 4,424	I've used Special rounds in my 1894 without incident. I've also used 8-9 grains of Unique with 240 cast very well.

February 26, 2015, 03:56 PM	#9
mehavey Senior Member Join Date: June 17, 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 6,894	1894 MARLIN 44 MAG-PIPSQUEAK RCBS 44-200 RNFP-PB-Cast1:30 / Lym450Sized 0.432/LymAloxLube(50/50) 700X/4.4gr FED-LrgPst OAL:1.569" Hodgdon says 12,000CUP Actual Vel (20" barrel) =879 1894 MARLIN 44 MAG HEAVY Acc432-280* Cast #2 / Lym450Sized 0.432/LymAloxLube(50/50) H110 / 20.5 CCI_LP_Mag OAL:1.600" QUickLoad(20")= 33,803psi/1,633fps / Actual Vel =1,630fps * http://www.accuratemolds.com/ FWIW: My `94 feeds the RCBS 44-240 SWC with a 1.675" OAL just fine

February 27, 2015, 07:17 AM	#11
cecILL Senior Member Join Date: August 13, 2001 Location: central IL Posts: 769	You guys are too good . Just can't beat real world experience. Many thanks.

February 27, 2015, 07:57 AM	#12
Salmoneye Senior Member Join Date: December 31, 2011 Location: Vermont Posts: 2,076	Listen to UncleNick, and go with 6-7gr Unique in a mag case with a 240-250gr cast... Just remember that nominal groove spec on the 1894 is .231", so use bullets of at least that diameter, and mine likes em starting at .432"... The light loads will not obturate the base of smaller bullets enough to fill the grooves...

March 11, 2015, 07:23 AM	#16
cecILL Senior Member Join Date: August 13, 2001 Location: central IL Posts: 769	Well, I did 8 grns Unique over 240 grn JHP. Exactly what I was looking for. Just luck, but hit 12 inch plate @ 100 yds first shot, off hand. Last edited by cecILL; March 11, 2015 at 07:24 AM. Reason: add text

March 12, 2015, 02:51 PM	#17
Sevens Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 11,756	I have a terrific light load for .44 Magnum that I use for knocking down steel plates with a 7.5-inch barreled Ruger Redhawk. I use a Falcon brand 240 grain LSWC over 5.7 grains of Titegroup and this chrono's a very consistent 870 fps in the long barreled revolver. Hits the steel with similar or a bit more thump than a .45 Auto. Likely a bit faster from a lever action rifle. __________________ *Attention Brass rats and other reloaders:* I really need .327 Federal Magnum brass, no lot size too small. Tell me what caliber you need and I'll see what I have to swap. PM me and we'll discuss.