44 mag green dot target loads

[cubguy]

A friend of mine is going to load some light loads for our 629s using green dot that he has on hand, can't find much load data on light loads. We will be using cast 240-250 grain SWC in 44 mag cases. Anyone know the minimum charge for this powder?
Any help will be most appreciated.

 

[arjay]

6-7 gr with a 240 gr swaged bullet according to Speer # 10 will give you 850-950 fps.
If you have some Unique,8 gr is a nice plinking load.

 

[cubguy]

Thanks arjay!
that's about the velocity I'm wanting!

 

[arjay]

Keep in mind Speers load is with their swaged lead bullet,so with a cast , pressure will be higher and velocity will be down.

 

[cubguy]

OK, I'll start with 6 grains GD and go from there.

 

[alwslate]

Speer # 13 manual shows 6.0 grs of GD at 804fps and 7.0 grs at 901
fps in a 7 1/2" Ruger Redhawk with their swaged 240 gr SWC. Speer
lists loads at low velocity to minimize leading with the swaged bullets.
Older Alliant data shows a maximum charge of 9.5 grs with a lead GC
bullet. Actually the softer swaged bullets create more drag than the
harder cast bullets. I have chronographed loads with swaged and cast
bullets of the same weight over the same powder charge and the cast
bullets always yield a little more velocity. This is evident in many
magazine articles on handloading also.

 

[Arub]

Here's a few loads you might like to try:

Platform Barrel wt bullet type powder/charge velocity

Smith 29 6" 240 RNFP cast Grn Dot/6.1 743
Smith 29 6" 240 RNFP cast Grn Dot/6.1 760
Smith 629 6" 240 RNFP cast Grn Dot/6.6 871
Smith 29 6" 240 RNFP cast Grn Dot/7.3 950

Groupings good for all listed. All 240 grain hard cast bullets.

 

[Nevada Ed]

Glad you got some light data......

Alliant manual states that GD can get past 1200 fps and around 34 cup with a 240 L (GC) for a maximum loading.

Some don't like GD but I have had good luck with it.....
having a chrony helps but it is not a must have item.

At least you have powder...........that's a good thing.

 

[TAROMAN]

Was trying out some GD loads and stumbled onto this light one:

 

[Arub]

The loads posted (see previous post) are for 240 grain RNFP hard cast. These loads are not for gas checked bullets.

Gas check load (only one) follows and it's out of a 4.5" Super Blackhawk:
OAL Gun Barrel Weight Bullet Powder Charge Velocity

1.65 Ruger 4.5" 240 SWC GC Grn Dot 7.5 922

 

[cubguy]

Thanks to all for the input!

 

[cubguy]

taroman, thats a nice target!