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Old 01-21-2013, 07:40 PM
badguybuster badguybuster is offline
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Default 300 grain LFN for 44 special

I got some 300 grain LFN hard cast bullets. I am looking for a load around 8-850 fps. Anyone have any suggestions? I'm thinking 7-7.5 grains of unique seated at 1.60"
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Old 01-21-2013, 08:23 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by badguybuster View Post
I got some 300 grain LFN hard cast bullets. I am looking for a load around 8-850 fps. Anyone have any suggestions? I'm thinking 7-7.5 grains of unique seated at 1.60"
sounds a good bit outside the 44 special specification.
I'd do that with a 44 magnum using 2400 blue dot AA9 or HS6.
You don't have the pressure range with a special to pull this off with any safety margin, if its possible at all
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Old 01-21-2013, 11:27 PM
badguybuster badguybuster is offline
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Hmmm. Well will research a bit more then
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Old 01-22-2013, 12:15 AM
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I’ve seen data for 280 gr. LBT bullets for use in the Ruger flattop’s (25K p.s.i.) but nothing for anything heaver.

It might be possible to get 800 f.p.s. with those 300’s and stay in the 16K p.s.i. range of the Special with 2400 or Accurate #9 but I would hesitate to even guess a start load.

What gun are you loading for? Some of the newer models (like the Ruger) are considerably stronger and will give you a greater margin of safety.

Jeff
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Old 01-22-2013, 12:53 AM
badguybuster badguybuster is offline
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My ranch hand 44 and my blackhawk are my primary 44 specials
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Old 01-22-2013, 07:32 AM
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I've used AA9 to power 300 gr from a 44 Mag (1100 fps) but not from a Spl.
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Old 01-22-2013, 12:02 PM
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A 300gr bullet needs a heavy charge to push that weight. It works ok in.44 magnums, which are built for heavy loads, but I would think twice before trying it in a .44 Special. Just my opinion.
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Old 01-22-2013, 12:50 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by badguybuster View Post
I got some 300 grain LFN hard cast bullets. I am looking for a load around 8-850 fps. Anyone have any suggestions? I'm thinking 7-7.5 grains of unique seated at 1.60"
The Lee 2nd has some good data (up to 267 grn cast) for 44spl, that I used w/ my long gone 4" 624.

Also, Brian Pearce has a very good write up on 44spl loads (3 different pressure levels), in Handloader No. 236, August 2005. Probably still available, & worth the $10+/- if you shoot .44SPL.

I think that 300 grainers are a bit heavy for that caliber, but as long as they are not cast too hard, you can probably make 800+fps pretty easy, w/ mid range powders. Unique, PowerPistol, VV N-330, or N-340, all being good choices. VV N-330 (Lee 2nd) always worked better then Unique, for me.

Just start low, & work up. You will probably find your sweet spot before you encounter pressure issues. Even if you DON'T make 850fps, I'll bet you end up w/ a great, one ragged hole, stop 'em in their tracks load.
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Old 01-22-2013, 01:37 PM
badguybuster badguybuster is offline
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Thanks fellas
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Old 01-22-2013, 01:41 PM
badguybuster badguybuster is offline
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My Modern reloading shows 6.1 as a starting load for te 250 grains and 6.9 as a max using unique. Wondering if 6 would be a good starting point
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