Bigblockbill
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Looking for some help. I am about to start loading for 240 grn lswc 44 magnum, and trying to only run 1200 fps. Does anyone have a recipe to reach this with 2400?
Alliant 2400 in 44magnum
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Lyman sez...
18.5 gr of 2400 gets about 1101 out of a 4" universal receiver and 20.6 grains gets about 1258 fps. Extrapolate what you know of your barrel to get what you want. "Ballistics by the inch" website is good info.
Don't take my word for it. In fact PLEASE don't take my word for it and verify the data. Get a Lyman 49th (cheap) if you want to shoot lead. It has data for jacketed and a lot of lead loads.
18.5 gr of 2400 gets about 1101 out of a 4" universal receiver and 20.6 grains gets about 1258 fps. Extrapolate what you know of your barrel to get what you want. "Ballistics by the inch" website is good info.
Don't take my word for it. In fact PLEASE don't take my word for it and verify the data. Get a Lyman 49th (cheap) if you want to shoot lead. It has data for jacketed and a lot of lead loads.
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old&slow
Member
The first thing I tell a new reloader is,, Buy a reloading manual and read it. ( a couple times ) Lyman 49 is one of my favorites.
The second thing I tell a new reloader is, Never use information posted on the internet about reloading unless you verify it in a reloading manual ,, or two..
I agree 100% with what Mr. Smith said,, 'PLEASE don't take my word for it and verify the data'.
Very good advice.
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By all means get some books.
My two go-to books are Speer and Lyman. Lyman has the best data for cast lead bullets by far.
I als like the Sierra, Nosler and Hornady books. And the on-line Alliant and Hodgdon/IMR/Winchester sites. And others.
Lee doesn't do independent load development and doesn't have ballistic labs. Its book is a compendium of cherry-picked loads from other sources. It's also a bit out of date with regard to newer powders, since last update was 2003.
My two go-to books are Speer and Lyman. Lyman has the best data for cast lead bullets by far.
I als like the Sierra, Nosler and Hornady books. And the on-line Alliant and Hodgdon/IMR/Winchester sites. And others.
Lee doesn't do independent load development and doesn't have ballistic labs. Its book is a compendium of cherry-picked loads from other sources. It's also a bit out of date with regard to newer powders, since last update was 2003.
If you want to load at a certain fps in your gun the first thing you need is a chronograph. Loading manuals tell you the fps of their barrel and not what the fps will be in your barrel. Two any length barrels of the same brand will not shoot the same fps and when you change brands of barrels and shell cases you really open a keg of worms. Here are 4 barrel lengths and 3 brands. 240 gr. SWC and 18 grs. 2400. 3 in. 1079 fps. 4 in.1196 fps. 6 in. 1210 fps. 7 1/2 in. 1311 fps. The fps difference from 3-4 in. is 117 fps 4-6 in. is 14 fps and 6-7 1/2 is 111 fps. This chronograph information leads me to believe that my first statement about using a chronograph is correct. Larry
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Bigblockbill
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Thank you all for the replies. I guess I should have been more specific. I have been reloading for 357 for a while, I am new to 44. I have a shelf full of reloading manuals including the ones mentioned, I also have a chronograph (that helped prove CFE pistol was **** in 357). I am trying to get 2400 to down load to 1200 fps. The starting data is usually for 1300 fps not 1200, I was hoping someone would have a starting point. Rwsmith thank you for the help, I will look into the website. I guess I really should have pulled my head from my other end and just downloaded 10% to start.
venomballistics
Member
then your set.
use the starting load and reduce it till the chrono reads 1200.
It should make it there without any issue.
I use 19 grs of 2400 under a 240gr cast SWC in 44 magnum cases for 30 plus years. Doesn't rip my hand off.
daniel lawecki
Member
After reading the manual you'll like loading 2400 as this is a fine powder for the 44 mag. I've used this powder with my .250 grain cast bullet SWC with standard CCI primers. My loads started at 18.5 and worked up from there as I don't worry about fps only group size. Enjoy your .44 and don't beat your self up if your shooting paper and if you hunt deer bullet choice is important and shot placement.
To start with, what gun and what barrel length and which
primer are you using. 1200 fps using 2400 and standard
primers from a 4" mod 29 and 1200 fps using 2400 and
magnum primers from an 8 3/8" mod 29 are obviously going
to be two entirely different loads. You seem to be looking
for a specific answer so you need to ask a specific question.
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Bigblockbill
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6 1/2" mod 29. I appreciate all the help. After digging through all the manuals when I got home today, (including the dreaded Speer #8 for grins) the lyman cast 4th edition had what I have been looking for. Man, should have started with it instead of the Alliant website, Andlee manual and what ever else I had in front of me that day. On a side note Speer #8 has a loading for it, but to be safe I'll stick with the lyman data.
IMO, you can't beat 2400 for the .44 mag. I've shot a bunch of powders in my (present count, 8) .44s, including Unique, 4227, Blue Dot, 2400, AA-9, H-110/WW-296, and probably some others I've forgotten. 2400 and AA-9 are my favorites. 2400 will perform well at the velocity you are looking for. Find the right load, chronograph it if you can (only way to know for sure what you're getting).
BruceM
Member
You are going to find that the farther down from maximum loads you go with 2400, the "dirtier" and less completely it burns. Personally, I don't care for 2400 even though I've used a fair amount over the years. I detest the hard, unburned kernels it leaves behind. They are especially nasty when they get under the extractor. You are probably going to be better off using a slightly faster powder in this application.
Bruce
Bruce
ostlund
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Hi Bigblockbill, A datapoint for you. The only load I use in a 629 with 6 1/2 inch barrel is a 250 SWC, WLP, 19 gr 2400, OAL 1.71 which averages 1240 fps. 1005 fps in a 3 inch 29. I have records at home with <19 gr of 2400 and will locate and share when time allows. I really like 2400 for the range it is good and safe for. Sure it can be dirty but is way more forgiving than say W296.
BruceM
Member
This statement is pure, unadulterated bunk-plain and simple.
Bruce
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Well with 2400 you can lower powder charges with no real problem 296 IS a great powder but there is a reason why you can't really drop powder charges by more than 2-3%. I know there is a lot of lawyer type reasons but ballistically 296 does not work so well with 10% lowered starting loads. Never blew a gun up but did try it years ago. Really nasty burning stuff...lotsa variation in vels too
I would like to be enlightened on the facts of the "drive by statement" of why it is:
"pure, unadulterated bunk-plain and simple."
"pure, unadulterated bunk-plain and simple."
gwpercle
Member
Also worth having the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook , 4 th Edition now out and full of new data for new cartridges with new powders that are out. If you can get the older #3 Edition, lots of time tested data in there, These 3 manuals are my first go-to when looking for cast data.
Gary
