.44 Mag using Power Pistol?

[snuf]

I haven't had much luck finding data for Power Pistol using 240 gr JHP or plated in a .44 mag.
Alliant only lists loads for 200 & 210 grs.
Can anyone point me in the right direction?

 

[Sevens]

13.5gr is MAX for a 240gr JSP suggesting 1,400fps from their test barrel at 31,900 psi, using the Federal 150 primer. This is published data from Alliant’s 2005 printed guide. In my opinion backed by my experience, the 2005 printed Alliant guide is their last “best” published data before ATK ruined all their published data by pushing all the other ATK umbrella owned bullets. (Speer)

Personally I say that Power Pistol is a little too fast burning for optimal use in .44 Magnum. Approach that max with caution, start at 12.0 grains and work higher and understand that using faster burning powders where slower ones work best gives you RAPID rises in pressure at the top end.

Better powders? AA#9, Alliant 2400, H-110/W-296, Alliant Power Pro 300-MP and more.

 

[Protocall_Design]

I'm getting very good results with H4227 in 44 mag. I like it better than H110/W296.

 

[gwpercle]

Power Pistol and the 44 Magnum doesn't appear to be a good fit , I find a few loads in the 44 Special, none in 44 Magnum , but the velocities are not very high .
If you are looking for light loads , try 44 Special charges but it just might be a little fast burning for heavy loads .

What velocities are you "shooting" for ?
Pardon the bad pun,
Gary

 

[Qc Pistolero]

I have 3 revolvers in .44 mag;2 I use with full loads(265gr over H110) and 1 I use as my .44+P+.For that one I use a 215gr over 10.0gr Power Pistol(can replace with same amount of 800X).Accurate and lets you know it ain't a mild Special load you've touched off.My chrono gave me around 1200fps out my 8 3/8'' 629 if I remember correctly.Still a few grains below max.
I think you could safely start at 8.5 to 9.0gr for a 240gr.
But if you want a full .44 load,go with 296/H110 or 4227.2400 is also an all time favorite.Can't go wrong with any of these.

 

[snuf]

Thanks for the info guys. The reason I'm looking for PP loads is that I've got a couple of 4lb. jugs to use up and thought it might work for medium loading instead of using Unique.

 

[Sgt 45]

For the lighter bullets (180 and 200 gr) you can get some very interesting velocities. I’ve chrono’d a 180 Hornady at 1650+ out of a 5” bbl M 629 with no pressure signs. Quick Load says 17.5 is about max. Mine is a bit lower but still has some serious thump. As for 200 gr bullets I was using around 14-14.5 which also has some serious thump.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

Power Pistol is fine for moderate loads in the 44 Mag, actually preferred over a slower powder for the reduced loads.

With 240gr plated bullets (Rainier or Xtreme) I've gotten good grouping using 9.5-10.0gr of P-P. MV @ ~1040-1090fps.

With 240gr JHPs (Zero & Nosler) 12.0gr was the highest I've run with P-P out of my 329PD (on a 13.5gr max.) & it also grouped the best.

Thank goodness we have many powders to choice from but if I was restricted to only one powder for everything I handload for, from 38 Special to 500 Mag, it'd be Power Pistol. I've got loads for them all.

.

 

[rh73]

You can download old Alliant manuals here.
Castpics and Reloaders Reference Online - Alliant

I like the Alliant 2003 edition best. Only one load for 44 mag with a jsp and power pistol. I run 10.0gr. pp under a 240gr coated lswc. It averages 1107 fps from my 6" 629. Always verify any load info.

 

[buck460XVR]

If I've said it once, I've said it way too many times. If you have a hard time finding recipes for certain powder/bullet combinations in published manuals, there's a good reason. It's not necessarily that it won't work, but odds are it doesn't work well and that is why they are not included in the published recipes. Powder/bullet manufacturers have already done that work for us. Sure, someone online probably can give you a single old published recipe or something they figured out on their own, but if it's so good, why isn't in published manuals? IMHO, PowerPistol is too fast for legitimate 240 gr .44 magnum loads. It will probably work well in low to moderate velocities and in .44 special or with light for caliber bullets in .44 mag.

 

[bluetopper]

Max is 13.5gr of Power Pistol with a 240gr jacketed bullet at 1400 fps at 31.9k psi pressure.
If it was me, no way I'd go above 12gr. I bet 10-12gr would be very accurate.

Or simply use Unique data and you'll be fine.

 

[Abbynormal]

I've used W296 and H110 for 30 years without a problem with 240 -246 grain SJHP and LSWC loads in .44 Magnum. For power and distance, those powders can't be beat. Not the most efficient in powder amount, but if you follow the manuals, those two powders make the best, most powerful and accurate maximum loads.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

Max is 15.5gr of Power Pistol with a 240gr jacketed bullet at 1400 fps at 31.9k psi pressure.
If it was me, no way I'd go above 14gr.

No idea where you got this ?!?

QuickLoads (FWIW) calculates 15.5gr/P-P with a Hornady 240gr XTP loaded to 1.600" COAL is a tad over 47K psi.

Alliant 2004 Guide says a 240gr JSP @ 13.5gr is 31.9K psi at 1.585" COAL.

.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

With so many different powders available the major powder/bullet companies aren't going to test every available combination.

Their magnum cartridge data is going to overwhelmingly have powder recipes that will give magnum performance which means slow(er) powders.

That doesn't mean medium speed powders can't/shouldn't be used for related purposes.

Since Unique is so venerable it's often the token reduced load referenced for magnum cartridges.

Respected reloading magazines (Handloader, etc.) often are the best source for mid-range/reduced load recipes with powder/bullet combinations not frequently coverage by the manufacturers.

.
- other examples can often be found in their usually comprehensive articles like Pet Loads -
.
.
Power Pistol loads for .357 & .44 Mag - Handloader #314
.

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[snuf]

Good right-up. Thanks Bluedot37

 

[pistolpete10]

I recently tried Power Pistol in the .44 mag looking for a moderate load. Using 240 LSWC bullets, standard Fed primers, it shows some promise and I'm going to load some more to test, the best group was under 2" at 22 yards. I'll load 25 more and see what happens. PP meters better than Unique, I'm hoping for better groups. I'm also going to try Titegroupe hoping for a light load that is accurate.