M29
Member
I have a new 29-5 with 5" barrel. I use 245 gr. Keith bullets and have used 20.6 gr. of 2400. Looks accurate at this 25 yd first test. This seems close to Keith original loads and wonder how you think of it.
Marsh
Marsh
.44 mag max loads
- Thread starter M29
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Snapping Twig
Member
Old 2400 max was 22g, new 2400 is 20g, so you're right there.
I use W296, so I can't comment on your load other than to identify it as a max.
Do YOU like that load? If so, you're all set.
Nothing wrong with 2400 and it has the ability to be downloaded and can be ignited with standard primers. I have to stay within 10% of max with 296 and some say standard primers won't light it up, but I only use WLP with no issues. In small pistol I usw WSP with no issues. Go figure.
Enjoy your load combo.
I use W296, so I can't comment on your load other than to identify it as a max.
Do YOU like that load? If so, you're all set.
Nothing wrong with 2400 and it has the ability to be downloaded and can be ignited with standard primers. I have to stay within 10% of max with 296 and some say standard primers won't light it up, but I only use WLP with no issues. In small pistol I usw WSP with no issues. Go figure.
Enjoy your load combo.
Gun 4 Fun
Member
Marsh,
that load should be giving you approx. 1350- 1400 fps in your new 5" 29.
I have found that in all of my .44's, 2400 gives a little more velocity than 296/H-110 with max loads that are still within SAAMI specs in spite of what the loading manuals may say, when checked across the Oehler 35P. Actually, most sources are listing 20.5-21 grains of 2400 as equaling the original Keith load, and in my experience that is right on regarding the velocity turned in when actually chrono'ed from standard 5-6.5" barrels, and even from my 8 3/8" 29-2.
I like all three powders for the three original magnums (.357, .41, .44), and the .45 Colt. I have tried AA#9 and several others, but none have turned in quite as high of velocity, and none have proven any more accurate in my guns over the years, (and that's been bunch of them). I could care less about muzzle flash in these guns, as they are all used for hunting and not self defense, and the flash isn't noticable to me at the range in daylight. Self defense loads need another powder to keep flash low.
I haven't tried Lil'Gun in my guns other than my .475 Linebaugh, and won't since it has shown to give early throat erosion in several different people's guns, and as tested by F/A's Bob Baker. It did turn in good velocity and accuracy though.
Others will no doubt have different experiences, and I don't question theirs. These are mine, and what I have found.
that load should be giving you approx. 1350- 1400 fps in your new 5" 29.
I have found that in all of my .44's, 2400 gives a little more velocity than 296/H-110 with max loads that are still within SAAMI specs in spite of what the loading manuals may say, when checked across the Oehler 35P. Actually, most sources are listing 20.5-21 grains of 2400 as equaling the original Keith load, and in my experience that is right on regarding the velocity turned in when actually chrono'ed from standard 5-6.5" barrels, and even from my 8 3/8" 29-2.
I like all three powders for the three original magnums (.357, .41, .44), and the .45 Colt. I have tried AA#9 and several others, but none have turned in quite as high of velocity, and none have proven any more accurate in my guns over the years, (and that's been bunch of them). I could care less about muzzle flash in these guns, as they are all used for hunting and not self defense, and the flash isn't noticable to me at the range in daylight. Self defense loads need another powder to keep flash low.
I haven't tried Lil'Gun in my guns other than my .475 Linebaugh, and won't since it has shown to give early throat erosion in several different people's guns, and as tested by F/A's Bob Baker. It did turn in good velocity and accuracy though.
Others will no doubt have different experiences, and I don't question theirs. These are mine, and what I have found.
Last edited:
Skip Sackett
US Veteran
Marsh,
This is going to sound like blasphemy to some old timers but I use magnum primers for all of my 2400 loads and here is why, numbers. Plain and simple, I get better numbers across the chronograph when I use them. My velocity is up no more than 100fps and the ES and SD are reduced significantly. All of that being said I would like to throw this in; I usually reduce my load just a tad when doing so. If maximum is 22gr of 2400, when I load with a magnum primer I only load to 21gr or at most 21.5gr.
Just me. The Winchester primers are "hotter" than say, Federal standard large primers. They are also harder so should your firearm have a trigger job done where the hammer fall was lightened, you can run into trouble with failure to fire in double action.
Winchester large pistol primers will work wonderfully with H110/W296.
Have fun and be safe!
This is going to sound like blasphemy to some old timers but I use magnum primers for all of my 2400 loads and here is why, numbers. Plain and simple, I get better numbers across the chronograph when I use them. My velocity is up no more than 100fps and the ES and SD are reduced significantly. All of that being said I would like to throw this in; I usually reduce my load just a tad when doing so. If maximum is 22gr of 2400, when I load with a magnum primer I only load to 21gr or at most 21.5gr.
Just me. The Winchester primers are "hotter" than say, Federal standard large primers. They are also harder so should your firearm have a trigger job done where the hammer fall was lightened, you can run into trouble with failure to fire in double action.
Winchester large pistol primers will work wonderfully with H110/W296.
Have fun and be safe!
I've been using 20.0 grains with the Lyman 429421as my heavy load since I got my first .44 about 25 years ago. It is not 'max' in my guns but yields about 1250 fps which does everything I need and is accurate to boot. Very little leading, but some.
That load has worked for people since about 1925 when Elmer developed it (his was 17.5 or 18 in a .44 Special case; but the same velocity, around 1200 fps) and will continue to work for our grandchildren and great grandchildren.
edit: I, too, use the WLP primer with this load.
That load has worked for people since about 1925 when Elmer developed it (his was 17.5 or 18 in a .44 Special case; but the same velocity, around 1200 fps) and will continue to work for our grandchildren and great grandchildren.
edit: I, too, use the WLP primer with this load.
HEAD0001
Member
I also use 2400 in mine. My load is 20.0 grains of 2400 with a Winchester WLP primer, and a heavy crimp. I find a heavy crimp necessary for 44 magnum and 45 Colt ammo with the 2400. If not then it burns dirty. With a heavy crimp it burns cleaner and gives smaller SD's(for me). Tom.
FrankD45
Absent Comrade
Marsh, I have three loads that I use in my Model 29-2 with 6.5 inch barrel.
Load 1: 276 gr Venom Ballistics LCHP; 16.4 gr of 2400 with Winchester LP primers. Measured 1205 fps at 10 feet with SD of 20.
Load 2: 240 gr Oregon Trail LCSWC; 20 gr of 2400 with Winchester LP primers. Measured 1350 fps at 10 feet with SD of 22.
Load 3: 240 gr Oregon Trail LCSWC; 10 gr Unique with Winchester LP primers. Measured 1180 fps with SD of 11. (very accurate)
I hope these help. The VB 276 gr HP is an absolute killer on deer.
Frank
Load 1: 276 gr Venom Ballistics LCHP; 16.4 gr of 2400 with Winchester LP primers. Measured 1205 fps at 10 feet with SD of 20.
Load 2: 240 gr Oregon Trail LCSWC; 20 gr of 2400 with Winchester LP primers. Measured 1350 fps at 10 feet with SD of 22.
Load 3: 240 gr Oregon Trail LCSWC; 10 gr Unique with Winchester LP primers. Measured 1180 fps with SD of 11. (very accurate)
I hope these help. The VB 276 gr HP is an absolute killer on deer.
Frank
For full power loads in my 44s I use 296. 24-25 grs, CCI 350 primer
with a 245-250 cast bullet. I get higher velocity with 296 than with 2400. For mid range I use 8.2 grs of 231 for 980 fps in my 4" 29.
with a 245-250 cast bullet. I get higher velocity with 296 than with 2400. For mid range I use 8.2 grs of 231 for 980 fps in my 4" 29.
If you can take a wooden dowell and push the .430 bullet through, it's 'bout perfect.
Gun 4 Fun
Member
Say what?
Marsh,
your throats (not chambers) should be around .430" for a 29 or 629, but not for a 625. Make sure you are being careful when measuring, and what are yoy using to do it? if you are using calipers, it's very easy to not get a good read. You need to be absolutely certain to check at the widest point and to have the caliper jaws perfectly flat against the throat walls. I have never heard of a Classic with thraots that large.
All 629's with recessed chamber have throats in the .432"- .433" range.
Marsh,
your throats (not chambers) should be around .430" for a 29 or 629, but not for a 625. Make sure you are being careful when measuring, and what are yoy using to do it? if you are using calipers, it's very easy to not get a good read. You need to be absolutely certain to check at the widest point and to have the caliper jaws perfectly flat against the throat walls. I have never heard of a Classic with thraots that large.
All 629's with recessed chamber have throats in the .432"- .433" range.
I mis-typed when I said 625, it is a 629 and it measure .433 for the 629. The 29-5 Classic is .429-.430. And yes it is in the throats and I have a gunsmith measure it after I did and they are as I said.
I have tried several loads with the 629 and none of them are nearly as accurate
as the 29-5 Classic.
My thinking is, I will cast some Keith molds and not size them, but use pan lube.
Marsh
Shooting4life
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I like 18gr of blue dot behind a 240gr bullet.
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