44 Mag Target Loads

[metalman60]

Has anyone used Win 231 with 240 grain lead bullets?

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

5.5 grains of W231 is the starting point with a 240 grain LSWC. It will get you about 800 fps with a S&W Model 29 four inch.

 

[Model19man]

Hodgdon shows from 5.5 grains to 11.0 grains. The widest range I know of!

Reloading Data Center | Hodgdon

 

[twodog max]

I have shot thousands of cast bullet 44 Magnum loads using 231. I have tried everything from starter loads to near max. These days I stick to the lower ranges. Uses less powder, fewer leading problems and lighter recoil. I have lots of 231 on hand so I figure to be using it a long time. It works for me.
Never shot swaged bullets in the 44 so I cannot comment on that.

 

[alwslate]

8.2 grs of 231 chronos around 930 fps out of my 4" 29-2 with the 250 gr cast Lyman 429421 SWC.

 

[Piwo]

I'm another longtime Winchester 231 loader...have been using 6.6 grains behind a 240 cast or swaged LSWC as a field load and target load. I get right at 800 fps in my 29-2, 6 inch. Oddly, it goes 850 fps in my 4 inch 629-4. My 629 is a "fast gun" as it consistently outpaces my 29 by 50+ fps. Both have tight b/c gaps, I think the newer gun has tighter overall dimensions. Anyway, on a good day it shoots one-holers out of either!

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

My four inch 29-3 is faster than my six inch 29-3. My four inch 629 was slower than both of the blues brothers.

 

[DeplorabusUnum]

250 gr. LRN2R over 5.5 gr W231 is a nice soft 800 ft/sec load in my 6" 629-1.

 

[Claymore33]

I am using 6.8 grains of 231 behind 240 gr. and getting 950-975fps.