Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Ammunition-Gunsmithing > Reloading
o

Notices

Reloading All Reloading Topics Go Here


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 08-30-2017, 11:19 PM
Bootheel Bootheel is offline
Member
44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers  
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Default 44 Mag chunkers

Hi all,

Looking for some load advise. I want to load up some good 'ol punkin' chunkers for my 29 Mountain gun for the hungry coyotes, raging jackelopes, and occasional mountain lion (supposedly there was a coyote tore up in the backyard in an adjacent neighborhood with mountain lion paw prints in the dirt) . Thinking about using the 300 grain round flat hollow points from Matt's bullets. According to Matt's website, 900ish fps is right in this bullets wheelhouse which is right where I want to be. Right now I have Unique, 2400, #9, and some Power Pistol. I have plenty of 44 Special brass and am going to order some 44 Mag brass from Starline.

Just looking for a good brush busting load when I'm out and about here in the boot doing my best Skeeter impression

Thanks
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 08-30-2017, 11:34 PM
fredj338's Avatar
fredj338 fredj338 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Kalif. usa
Posts: 6,836
Likes: 2,665
Liked 3,927 Times in 2,366 Posts
Default

If you just want 900fps, PP will do fine.
__________________
NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 08-30-2017, 11:55 PM
amazingflapjack amazingflapjack is offline
US Veteran
44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers  
Join Date: May 2010
Location: North Central Florida
Posts: 5,947
Likes: 24,644
Liked 6,195 Times in 2,575 Posts
Default

My own favorite all around 44 mag load is a 240 grain led semi wad cutter over 10-12 grains of Unique. A very effective, and accurate round, and one that would allow a follow up shot much better than what you were talking about, in my view.
Reply With Quote
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
  #4  
Old 08-31-2017, 01:24 AM
ArchAngelCD's Avatar
ArchAngelCD ArchAngelCD is offline
Moderator
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers  
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Northeast PA, USA
Posts: 8,877
Likes: 1,029
Liked 5,070 Times in 2,660 Posts
Default

IMO nothing you are looking to shoot will require a 300gr bullet. The additional recoil is counterproductive especially in the lighter mountain gun. I would also go with a 240gr SWC bullet.

Even though 2400 and AA#9 are magnum class powders I recommend 4227 for the .44 Magnum. It produces accurate ammo in the .44 and the recoil is not as sharp as with 2400.

Be very careful with those mountain lions, you rarely see them until they jump you from behind. Good luck...
__________________
Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #5  
Old 08-31-2017, 06:04 AM
Wise_A Wise_A is offline
Banned
44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers  
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 3,121
Likes: 2,661
Liked 4,324 Times in 1,793 Posts
Default

Ditto. 240-gr LSWC would be sufficient for some very tough game. I actually think even that might be a bit overkill. I'd be looking for something a bit closer to a 200-gr.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 08-31-2017, 07:06 AM
JBnTx's Avatar
JBnTx JBnTx is offline
Member
44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers  
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Texas
Posts: 498
Likes: 515
Liked 517 Times in 219 Posts
Default

A 240gr SWC loaded with 10 grains of Unique is more than adequate.
Reply With Quote
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
  #7  
Old 08-31-2017, 08:27 AM
elpac3's Avatar
elpac3 elpac3 is offline
Member
44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers  
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Mpls, Minnesota
Posts: 867
Likes: 87
Liked 967 Times in 398 Posts
Default

well - gotta make the pitch for the 250 grain Keith over 18.5 grains of 2400.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #8  
Old 08-31-2017, 10:13 AM
mtgianni mtgianni is offline
Member
44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: SW MT
Posts: 6,690
Likes: 10,392
Liked 5,972 Times in 2,942 Posts
Default

240-250 gr SWC and work up to a book load of AA9. Elk will go down quickly so the jackalopes should as well.
__________________
Front sight and squeeze
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 08-31-2017, 11:26 AM
cowboy4evr cowboy4evr is offline
Member
44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers  
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: for now ,Texas
Posts: 2,738
Likes: 185
Liked 3,297 Times in 1,523 Posts
Default

240-250 swc will do everything you want/ need . 10 grs / unique , 17.5 / acc #9 , 19/2400 is max I would use with a 240 gr bullet
Unique will do fine . Heavy for caliber bullets are much harder to stabilize . If you using a 45 colt , no problem with a 300 gr cast bullet.

Last edited by cowboy4evr; 08-31-2017 at 11:27 AM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #10  
Old 08-31-2017, 11:36 AM
StakeOut's Avatar
StakeOut StakeOut is offline
US Veteran
44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers  
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: NW of Austin Texas
Posts: 3,090
Likes: 1,351
Liked 4,938 Times in 1,730 Posts
Default

I also recommend 10gr of Unique under a 240gr LSWC.

What is a Chunker when referring to ammo?

For better accuracy a 22lr scoped rifle may be better for the task.
__________________
NEVER GIVE UP YOUR GUN
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 08-31-2017, 11:46 AM
samnev's Avatar
samnev samnev is offline
Member
44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers  
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Surprise, AZ
Posts: 294
Likes: 35
Liked 116 Times in 86 Posts
Default

[QUOTE=StakeOut;139728699]I also recommend 10gr of Unique under a 240gr LSWC.

That's the loads've bee using for years my 29.2 44 Mag.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #12  
Old 08-31-2017, 12:30 PM
Bootheel Bootheel is offline
Member
44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers  
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Default

Thanks everyone, appreciate the advice
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 09-01-2017, 01:01 PM
mikld's Avatar
mikld mikld is offline
Member
44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers  
Join Date: May 2012
Location: S. Orygun
Posts: 2,461
Likes: 1,962
Liked 1,827 Times in 987 Posts
Default

Yep, the "classic" ("celebrity") load id 10 gr. Unique over a 240-250 gr. LSWC. I have loaded the .44 Magnum with every thing from jacketed 250 gr HPs to 300 gr LRNFP bullets to 123 gr balls over a dusting of Bullseye. Lately in my old age I've settled on mostly 240 and 265 gr. Ranch Dog design cast bullets With mild loads for my 629 (240 gr. bullet with 7.5 gr Universal), medium loads for my Super Blackhawk (15.5 gr WC820) to upper loads for my Puma (near max loads of 2400 w/265 LRNFP)....
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #14  
Old 09-01-2017, 03:13 PM
Snapping Twig's Avatar
Snapping Twig Snapping Twig is offline
Member
44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: S.F. Bay Area
Posts: 3,504
Likes: 527
Liked 3,813 Times in 1,243 Posts
Default

6.5g W231/HP38 under a 250g SWC is a Cadillac load. Smooth and buttery, hard hitting downrange.

You can't do it with that, you're in the wrong business.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #15  
Old 09-09-2017, 07:54 AM
SSwarner's Avatar
SSwarner SSwarner is offline
Member
44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers  
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: NEW MEXICO
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Default

I use Blue Dot 15.4g cci lg pistol under 235g Rocky Mountain Reloading SWC get around 1260 average fps out of a m29-10 4inch barrel. I have a 270g speer FNSP load with 13.2g of Blue Dot cci lg pistol primer at 1050 fps on average.

Last edited by SSwarner; 09-09-2017 at 07:57 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 09-09-2017, 08:59 AM
cowboy4evr cowboy4evr is offline
Member
44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers  
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: for now ,Texas
Posts: 2,738
Likes: 185
Liked 3,297 Times in 1,523 Posts
Default

7.0 grs of faster burn powder like bullseye , red dot and imr-700x with a 240 gr bullet is about 950fps , accurate and fun to shoot .
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 09-09-2017, 10:17 AM
The Norseman's Avatar
The Norseman The Norseman is offline
Member
44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers  
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Black Hills South Dakota
Posts: 1,759
Likes: 9,011
Liked 2,968 Times in 1,124 Posts
Default S&W Model 629 44Mag Reloading

My current and go to, 44 Magnum reload is,
240gr Lead Semi Wad Cutter Laser Cast bullet
5.6grs Alliant Red Dot, CCI LP #300 primer
Brass is Winchester, Remington, Federal, Starline.
FPS approximately 825.
Bullets tumbled lube with Ben's Liquid Lube,
for Lead free barrel performance.
Primers no where near flat.

For 1200fps performance I use Hornady
240gr XTPs, and any reload recipe from
Reloading Hand books/Guides.
I have used Winchester 296 on the upper
end, it will kick and primers somewhat flat,
not totally even with cartridge primer hole.

The 180gr XTPs I made up years ago were
safe but real kickers and hot.

Other powders are Unique, Bullseye, American
Select, Long Shot, and Win 296.

Any reload, I think, 800fps-over 1200fps will
be devastating on Coyotes to Deer.
Bears and beyond = harden Lead SWC and high
velocity.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg SW MG 629 CO.jpg (4.4 KB, 205 views)
File Type: jpg SW PC Fired AmSel.jpg (3.2 KB, 206 views)
File Type: jpg Bullets 180 240 44cal.jpg (3.7 KB, 207 views)
__________________
SD social distanc'n since 1889
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 09-10-2017, 12:14 PM
SLT223's Avatar
SLT223 SLT223 is offline
Member
44 Mag chunkers  
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,304
Likes: 2,719
Liked 5,046 Times in 1,439 Posts
Default

X2 on the 4227. Very accurate, feels soft on the hands compared to most other magnum powders, and I don't think you can fit enough of it in a .44 Magnum case to cause any pressure problems. 22gr is compressed charge with a 240, and you are still under max pressure.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 09-10-2017, 07:27 PM
T. McIntyre T. McIntyre is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 274
Likes: 64
Liked 675 Times in 122 Posts
Default

My long time standard has been a 240/250 grain lead SWC with 10 grains of Unique. It works for Jacks, Mule Deer, Hogs, whatever. I have literally killed thousands of high deserts jacks with the load over the years. After big game season ends and cabin fever starts to set in, one of my long time favorite things to do is handgun hunt the big desert jacks with large bore handguns, and the Model 29 is by far my favorite.













That said,

10 grains of Unique with a 185 grain full wadcutter is a fantastic game load as well and has very mild shooting shooting characteristics



Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #20  
Old 09-10-2017, 08:03 PM
T. McIntyre T. McIntyre is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 274
Likes: 64
Liked 675 Times in 122 Posts
Default

Model 29s,
Milt Sparks Leather,
240 grain SWCs pushed by 10 grains of Unique,
and Herretts grips!

Truly a match made in Heaven!

....Or Idaho in this case!

Which is as close as one can get for the most part.






















Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #21  
Old 09-10-2017, 08:34 PM
TomkinsSP's Avatar
TomkinsSP TomkinsSP is offline
Member
44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers 44 Mag chunkers  
Join Date: May 2017
Location: E of America's Great Lake
Posts: 2,774
Likes: 1,416
Liked 4,377 Times in 1,654 Posts
Default

Jumping in to give an unsoliceded thumbs up for Matt's Bullets. I am a .358 guy but I don't see how you can go wrong with Matt's.
__________________
Certified Curmudgeon

Last edited by TomkinsSP; 09-10-2017 at 08:36 PM.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:29 PM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)