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Old 11-14-2014, 09:56 AM
ironhead7544 ironhead7544 is offline
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Your gun will tell you what it likes.

Between 2400 and WW296/H110 there is little difference. In individual handguns I have had both give better velocity, but only slightly.

One load that I have found to give the best accuracy in any rifle/handgun is the listed Winchester load of 296 with 240 gr jacketed bullets. Most handguns will group about 2 inches at 50 yards, from a good rest. If this load does not shoot well, then there is probably something wrong with the gun.

2400 was designed for the pistol sized rifle cartridges like the 44-40 and 38-40. It will burn clean in rifle length barrels. There is a bit of unburned powder left in the handgun with both 2400 and 296. The only real problem I have had with that is some particles can get under the S&W extractor. No problem with other makes. The first cylinderfull is not a problem but keep this in mind if you might have to make a quick reload. IMR4227 can also give this problem. If this troubles you in your S&W, try AA#9. I find this one burns clean at top loads.

With 2400, I have never been able to download it successfully. Either too low velocity or not good accuracy. For slower loads I use Unique.

So, I would say try 2400, 296/H110, IMR4227 and AA#9. For full loads, one of them should work. There are some others out there too.

If you want to shoot a lot of heavy loads, then IMR4227 seems to put less wear on the gun. Burns cooler and leaves less leading in the barrel.

JMHO. Been loading the 44 Magnum since 1972.
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