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10-07-2013, 01:31 PM
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Powder for .44 mag
Hi all,
I am just getting into the reloading game(I know I know) and have purchased a Lee Handloader, carbide die set and Lyman's 49th due to space restrictions. I wanted to get started loading for my 629-5 since it is expensive to feed and I thought being a straight rimmed cartridge it should be fairly easy to wrap my head around.
Any versatile powder recommendations for a newbie starting out? I will most likely be using Hornady XTP 240gr and look into some cast 240gr boolits eventually. A load that I am looking for is not hot, something like a light Magnum that I can work up later when needed and I have the process down. Any other suggestions are most welcome too! (Except stepping up to a progressive turret press...)
Thanks, Mike
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10-07-2013, 01:43 PM
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I like Unique. 7.0 and a cast bullet is a fine load.
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10-07-2013, 01:48 PM
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Ditto on Unique and 2400. Get some Bullseye too and you'll have the three powders that will cover just about any reloading you want to do for handguns.
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10-07-2013, 02:28 PM
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The Hornady 240 XTP is an excellent bullet choice, the most accurate jacketed pill in my guns. I have had excellent results with Accurate No. 9. Nineteen grains makes a stout load. I have used up to 20.6 grains, which gave 1350 fps in my 29-3 and 1760 in my Remington Model 788 rifle. Very good accuracy.
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10-07-2013, 02:29 PM
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Mike, another vote for Unique and 2400, though I've gone all to 2400. I suggest staying away from the faster stuff like W231 and Bullseye. They do work but the amounts are so small it is easy to double charge. 2400 fills the case well AND is capable of a great safe range, from "puffers" to near W296 H110 loads. I consider it more forgiving while still performing where 296 for example has a tight weight range and Winchester even has a one weight load for it and warns to not deviate. I've used W296 but it is a full house type powder for .44mag and you were looking for a versitle powder. 2400 may be old but dang it's good!
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10-07-2013, 03:25 PM
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Nothing wrong with a single stage loader. They are like a Timex and keep on ticking, year after year.
Mine is almost 60 years young and never gone to the shop yet.
I also use a lot of Bullseye, Unique and 2400 powder.
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10-07-2013, 03:38 PM
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Moderator SWCA Member Absent Comrade
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2400, Power Pistol, Unique, Power Pro 300-MP
AA#5, AA#7, AA#9 4100
True Blue, Enforcer
HP-38, Universal, HS-6, Longshot, H110, Lil'Gun
800-X, SR 4756, 4227
W231, Autocomp, W296, WSF
There are a few and I probably missed some that are used in the 44 Magnum. You are going to have to find which is best for your guns and loading style.
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10-07-2013, 03:43 PM
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I use Unique for swaged and cast lead 240 gr lswc and 2400 for jacketed.
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10-07-2013, 04:42 PM
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Thanks guys! I went out at lunch to the local Cabelas and picked up the last bottles of Unique and 2400 they had in stock. Lucky day! Now that I have all the pieces I need to sit down and reread the manual and get to work. Thanks again for the recommendations!
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10-07-2013, 05:06 PM
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18-19 gr 2400 under the CP 260 WFNGC (powder load depends on
case manufacturer) is the most accurate load I have ever made for the 7.5" Redhawk.
I agree with all the above that 2400 is much more versatile than 296/110.
I am moving away from the ball powder.
---
Nemo
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10-07-2013, 06:22 PM
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You can do it all with Unique & 2400. Unique for light to midrange & 2400 for upper midrange to full power.
The 44mag is certainly worth reloading for, even if you only shoot a couple 100 a year. A ss loader does a fine job, really, how many of us shoot more than a few 100 44mag a year? Even when I was shooting MetSil every month, that was still less than 2000rds a year, easily done on a ss press.
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Last edited by fredj338; 10-07-2013 at 06:24 PM.
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