Longshot and 44 Magnum

[biku324]

Today I had a chance to try my newest 44 magnum load at the range - it is 8.0 grains of Longshot behind a 240 grain Speer 240 grain LSWC in Starline cases. It was easy to shoot, more accurate than I am, and my wife enjoyed shooting several rounds as well. The load averaged 894 fps with extreme variation of 62 fps for 5 rounds. The gun was my M29-3, 4" barrel.

I've always used Unique for these kinds of loads, but after trying Longshot in 40 S&W 180 grain loads and 44-40 200 grain JHP loads I thought I'd give the 44 a try. Worked great, burns clean, and makes very little smoke.

Next up will be 41 mag in my 58 and 57 - I think I'll start with 7.5 grains and a 210 LSWC.

My old standby, 20.0 grains of 2400 behind a 240 grain JHP, averaged 1140 fps for 5 rounds with extreme variation of 106 fps, dirty barrel, same revolver.

This is a 29-3 that I bought which was Magna-ported by the original owner who never fired it. I suspect it bleeds a little velocity from the ports, but who knows?

 

[22shtur]

What size groups at what distance?
Did you get any leading? In my limited experience with Speer lead bullets, I was getting leading when I got around 900 fps and greater.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I just love N-frames with Mag-na-porting! Mine is a 28-2 4"! I loaded a carbine load if 158gr JSHP's by Hornady for my first 357 carbine (Marlin 1894C) ant they were great in the carbine, but in the ported 28, they were almost like 38 wadcutters in a 6" Model 10! The loading data was from an early 80's "Handloader" magazine, I loaded 300, and they lasted several years, and forgot the load data. Never found another load I liked as much.

My latest 44 is a 629 2 5/8" barrel, and my wife won't shoot it! I've been looking for a load for it, and was using 10 grains of Unique. I'll have to try Longshot (I use about 10 to 12 pounds a year in 28 gauge!)

Ivan

 

[cowboy4evr]

If the 10 gr load is too much recoil , try using just 8.5grs . You can shoot that load all day and enjoy it . It was Elmer Keiths " everyday " carry load . Regards Paul

 

[rosewood]

I haven't tried longshot in a 44mag yet. It is however a favorite for me in the 40 S&W and gives top velocity and great accuracy. Have also used it in short barreled 357 mags with less flash and bang than H110. It also gives top velocity in the 357 Sig. Gives top velocity with 200 grain in 45 ACP. It also doubles as a heavy shotgun powder.

Can you tell I like it?

Rosewood

 

[biku324]

What size groups at what distance?
Did you get any leading? In my limited experience with Speer lead bullets, I was getting leading when I got around 900 fps and greater.

I was shooting g 9" steel plates from 15 yards out to 125 yards; my chronograph groups I didn't measure.

The Speer 44 LSWC is very soft, and left a little leading that brushed right out. I don't like the really hardcast bullets, as the leading can really be stubborn.