COYOTEHUNTER
Member
Does anyone use Accurate #2 in their 44 magnum reloads? I can't find any data on #2 for 44 mag. Any help would be appreciated. Looking for around 800 fps with a 240 gr. SWC for silhouette shooting.
Thanks
Thanks
Accurate #2 in 44 magnum???
- Thread starter COYOTEHUNTER
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Accurate #2 is a fast powder like Bullseye, W231/HP38 and 700X, as such it is far from ideal in a large case such as the .44 Magnum! If you can find data, the charges will be very low volume compared to case capacity. Low volume in a large case usually results in inconsistent ignition and wide extreme velocity spreads which cause mediocre accuracy at best.
The 44 Mag demands powders in the medium fast burning range
for light loads. Unique, Accurate #5, Universal, etc. are much more likely to give satisfactory results. Check each powder manufacturers web sites for the latest data.
The 44 Mag demands powders in the medium fast burning range
for light loads. Unique, Accurate #5, Universal, etc. are much more likely to give satisfactory results. Check each powder manufacturers web sites for the latest data.
TAROMAN
US Veteran
Mitch,
Doubtful that you will find #2 listed anywhere for .44 magnum.
Alliant does, however, list a 44 Special max load of #2 under 249 grain lead at 4.7 grains, for a velocity of 819 FPS.
If I was in your spot, I'd start at 4.9 and work up as needed. As noted above, it will likely be pretty erratic.
That said, uncertain what silhouette game its for, but, when I shot IHMSA years ago a good load to slam the rams at 200M was a 240 FMJ over 22.0 of 2400.
Doubtful that you will find #2 listed anywhere for .44 magnum.
Alliant does, however, list a 44 Special max load of #2 under 249 grain lead at 4.7 grains, for a velocity of 819 FPS.
If I was in your spot, I'd start at 4.9 and work up as needed. As noted above, it will likely be pretty erratic.
That said, uncertain what silhouette game its for, but, when I shot IHMSA years ago a good load to slam the rams at 200M was a 240 FMJ over 22.0 of 2400.
Cdog
Member
It's not something I'd do.
I can't see such a mismatch being worth the risk or aggravation.
But, that's just me?
I can't see such a mismatch being worth the risk or aggravation.
But, that's just me?
Harrison
US Veteran
The fact that you can't find any data for Accurate #2 is a hint that it might not be recommended.
ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Most times when you can't find load data for a powder/bullet combination for a cartridge there is a very good reason.
AA#2 is too fast a powder for use in a .44 Magnum even when only generating .44 Special pressures. The 240gr bullet is just too heavy for that powder, pressures will peak well before you achieve the velocities you're trying for. AA#5 will be much better choice for that job and AA#9 will work well for full power .44 Magnum rounds.
For load data to push a 240gr SWC to 800 fps look at the data for a 44 Special using AA#5. According to Accurate 6.8gr to 7.0gr will get you close.
AA#2 is too fast a powder for use in a .44 Magnum even when only generating .44 Special pressures. The 240gr bullet is just too heavy for that powder, pressures will peak well before you achieve the velocities you're trying for. AA#5 will be much better choice for that job and AA#9 will work well for full power .44 Magnum rounds.
For load data to push a 240gr SWC to 800 fps look at the data for a 44 Special using AA#5. According to Accurate 6.8gr to 7.0gr will get you close.
tappedandtagged
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This is very sound advice.
OP
COYOTEHUNTER
Member
I have used bullseye but it is such a dirty burning powder. I also have AA#5 and #9 but they are hotter than i would like for silhouette shooting.
AA#2 from what i have read is just a little slower burning powder than bullseye and i have load data on it. I was just wondering if anyone had ever used AA#2 in their 44 loads.
AA#2 from what i have read is just a little slower burning powder than bullseye and i have load data on it. I was just wondering if anyone had ever used AA#2 in their 44 loads.
For 200 yard shooting you need some serious energy. I used to ring rams with a 10 inch 357 Max Contender. The best you could hope for would be about 900 fps. At those velocities, the bullet would drop like a rock, and getting sight settings could be tricky. Best of luck in your search!
Contact Accurate, they have unpublished data including #2 loads for 44 mag up to what I would call moderate magnum loads. Just don't double charge, ~ 20 gr of #2 behind a 240 gr bullet would be 'memorable'.
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OP
COYOTEHUNTER
Member
Our silhouette matches are 40, 50, 75 and 100 yards, I think they call it hunter pistol.
Thanks for all the help.
NRA Hunter Pistol. That's where the confusion came from. Now I'm gonna flip on you. Consider lighter bullets for short course. I used 110 gr .357 mags, loaded really hot for Hunter/Field Pistol. Perhaps 180 or 200 gr would work better, if available.
ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
AA#5 will be only as hot as you load it. Above I suggested a charge of between 6.8gr and 7.0gr AA#5 under a 240gr SWC bullet which would generate only lighter .44 Special pressures and probably right around the 900 fps you're looking for. Using the faster AA#2 would build more pressure at the same velocities which would probably translate into more felt recoil than the AA#5 load. I didn't nemtion W231/HP-38 before because you were asking about Accurate Arms powders but I'm 100% sure W231 will do what you need.
Sorry, I have never used AA#2 in a 44 Special/44 Magnum load so I can't tell you what the recoil is like.
Aticus
Member
If you're looking for a 44 Mag load for 240 SWC check out Trail Boss. This is a very bulky powder and was developed by IMR for cowboy action shooting. It gives low velocity loads but is bulky enough to take up a lot of space in large capacity handgun cases. Works great.
OP
COYOTEHUNTER
Member
Homie,
I knew I had seen Accurate No. 2 used in 44 magnum but could not for the life of me find it.
Thanks
The 2007 thru 2010 AA load booklets do not list AA-2 or AA-5 in any of their 44 mag loads however the 2000 thru 2005 editions do.
These are max loads so be sure to reduce start loads and work up if you use any of these, especially in a lighter framed gun or even in a S&W. For information only... I don't recommend using as is and although not indicated, these may be specific to the heavy duty Ruger.
CCI-300 7.5" Ruger Redhawk
AA-2
240 gr LSWC - 9.0 @ 1178 to 10.0 @1280 fps oal 1.560"
180 JHP Hornady 10.0@ 1328 to 11.1 @ 1444 fps 1.56"
200 JHP Nosler 9.9 @ 1235 to 11.0 @ 1342 fps 1.595"
240 JHP IMI 10.0 @ 1250 fps 1.56"
240 Rainier FP 9.3 @ 1161 to 10.3 @ 1262
Be aware that many of their past loads have been full pressure, to say the least and may even be over pressure by today's SAAMI standards. I would give AA a call before using these just to double check.
Like many have indicated, AA-2 is very fast for the case capacity and there are better choices available.
I noticed you are looking for 800 fps.... under 44 Spl they do show a 245 LRN with 4.2 @ 753 to 4.7 Max of AA-2 clocking 819 fps at 1.6"oal (which is a Mag length- so why did they list this under the Spl heading... [probably] a typo and should be 1.48" or thereabouts.)
These are max loads so be sure to reduce start loads and work up if you use any of these, especially in a lighter framed gun or even in a S&W. For information only... I don't recommend using as is and although not indicated, these may be specific to the heavy duty Ruger.
CCI-300 7.5" Ruger Redhawk
AA-2
240 gr LSWC - 9.0 @ 1178 to 10.0 @1280 fps oal 1.560"
180 JHP Hornady 10.0@ 1328 to 11.1 @ 1444 fps 1.56"
200 JHP Nosler 9.9 @ 1235 to 11.0 @ 1342 fps 1.595"
240 JHP IMI 10.0 @ 1250 fps 1.56"
240 Rainier FP 9.3 @ 1161 to 10.3 @ 1262
Be aware that many of their past loads have been full pressure, to say the least and may even be over pressure by today's SAAMI standards. I would give AA a call before using these just to double check.
Like many have indicated, AA-2 is very fast for the case capacity and there are better choices available.
I noticed you are looking for 800 fps.... under 44 Spl they do show a 245 LRN with 4.2 @ 753 to 4.7 Max of AA-2 clocking 819 fps at 1.6"oal (which is a Mag length- so why did they list this under the Spl heading... [probably] a typo and should be 1.48" or thereabouts.)
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ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
I don't understand half the posts in this thread. The OP is asking about pushing a 240gr SWC bullet 900fps, many of the answers act like they didn't read that part...
