For 200 XTP bullets -Federal large pistol primers and Alliant Unique powder in magnum cases. I want a lighter load for my 329 pd when I use it as a defense gun not a woods gun. Something like a honest 950 fps. How many grains of Unique??? Thanks

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T. Johnson

Just taking a WAG at it, I would say somewhere around 8.0-8.5 grains or so should be in the ballpark. Looking in my Hornady book, that's quite a bit less than what they show for a maximum Unique load with the 200 XTP but a bit more than what they show for the 240 grain lead round, which tops out at 1000 fps with 7.6 grains. Since lead usually needs less powder for a given velocity than jacketed bullets, I think that would get you pretty close.

I've been loading 6.6 grains of Unique with some SNS 240 grain coated SWC bullets and they are very pleasant to shoot.

I am getting 1055 fps out of a 3" 696 using 8.5 Universal under a Sierra 210 JHC (in a 44 special case).
Given the extra space in a magnum case I would guess 8 grains of Unique would get you pretty close to 950 fps.
I run 11 grains for a full magnum load under the same bullet.
Start at 7.5 and work up till you get a super group or attain your velocity goal.

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NEMO
"Everything 44"

Those 329s sure are a bit violent with full mag loads. But they are nice to carry. yep nice to carry

I feel the same way about the 396.
Half as much weight = twice as much recoil.
After shooting this I have no inclination to get an aluminum magnum.

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NEMO
"Everything 44"

Heck the 327 PD is in my opinion..even worse. and to me it is louder too.

I've driven that bullet with 11gr in a 3" 629, and was no problem to handle. Nothing compared to the slow powders with a 240 head.

Heck my 3 inch 629 weighs about twice as much as the 329PD. Or so it seems. That big ol Round butt gun lets you know with mag loads too

Weigh 'em. It's very close.
My 396-1 weighs 1lb 4oz
The 696-1 weighs 2lb 6oz with faux ivory grips.
In fact my 3" 624 weighs the same because of the light barrel.
4" 629-2 MR (also with light barrel) weighs 2lb 7oz.
7.5" Redhawk (with Pachmayr Presentation grip) weighs 3lb 10oz which makes it actually comfortable to shoot real magnums.
12" 445 Encore (with 11oz Pach grip) is 5lb 6oz. As or more comfortable to shoot than the Redhawk.
Sir Newton is the master of recoil control.

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NEMO
"Everything 44"

The Alliant Reloaders guide has a couple loads both for 44mag and 44spl that will give you an idea. I always start with published load data before asking for forum "advice".

Speer manual #14 lists lighter loads for the 200 gdhp in 44 mag. Have used 10.0 grains with 200 grain bullets for about 1050-1100 fps and excellent accuracy.

Would consider bulky faster powder if being set on much lower velocity, as this keeps the pressure up for more consistent burn. Red Dot, hp-38