I loaded 4.2 grains of Clays with a 200 gr coated HBWC. I would probably use slightly more next go round.
I have also loaded the same head with 5.1 grains of Winchester 231. HP 38 would work as well. It's the same powder.
44 magnum loads that don't gobble powder
- Thread starter Dfish1247
- Start date
I loaded 4.2 grains of Clays with a 200 gr coated HBWC. I would probably use slightly more next go round.
I have also loaded the same head with 5.1 grains of Winchester 231. HP 38 would work as well. It's the same powder.
SweetMK
Member
I am glad to hear you say that,, My nephew has a 44 MAG Desert Eagle,
it operates with most any factory ammo, but, we had a hard time getting it to run regularly on any powder/bullet that I could dream up.
THEN we tried 2400,, that, and a bullet over 240 grains (265 grains IIRC) that was perfect!!
It was so perfect, that my nephew gave me a 8 pound container of 2400,,
DOES ANYONE REALIZE HOW MANY DESERT EAGLE BULLETS THAT IS!!??
Anyways,, to this day,, I have plenty of 2400,,
I think the "factory" uses a powder that is capable of a harder "impact" or initial pulse, than most reloads..
I believe that is why factory ammo runs the DE so much better,,
OR, maybe the "factory" glues the bullets to the cases??
I never liked shooting the stuff we loaded for the DE in my 629,,
my 629 likes the <10 grains of Unique loads,,, (so do I!!
)
How could you?
Absolutely scandalous to post that magnificent collection on the S&W Forum!
Not to be picky but I don't believe the Super Red Hawk ever came in a 61/2"??? If you prove me wrong I will have to start looking for 1 to go along with my others.
I shoot 5 different Redhawks and my standard load is 10gr of Unique with a 240gr coated SWC.
Absolutely scandalous to post that magnificent collection on the S&W Forum!
I have the Lyman book on the way, only book I have is a hornady book from the early 90's, so time to update I believe.
From what I've read, lead can do fine with reduced loads and are really only for reduced loads to a certain extent, but jacketed bullets need more oomph.
I don't want a squib to knock out. Anytime I don't see the target get hit or dirt fly around, cylinder comes open, and I check the barrel.
Yup, the eagle needs the bigger oomph to operate.
From what I've read, lead can do fine with reduced loads and are really only for reduced loads to a certain extent, but jacketed bullets need more oomph.
I don't want a squib to knock out. Anytime I don't see the target get hit or dirt fly around, cylinder comes open, and I check the barrel.
Yup, the eagle needs the bigger oomph to operate.
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The 44 Magnum is a big case with lots of volume, it takes a fair bit of powder to propel a bullet down the barrel. I'm not a fan of fast burning powders like AA#2, Bullseye, or HP38/W231 in the magnum length cases, too easy to double charge and not notice before it's too late. I prefer medium burning rate powders and 8.5 to 10 grains of Unique under a 240 grain cast lead bullet and standard large pistol primers makes for pleasant shooting and, unless you invest in 44 Special brass, a most economical load in 44 Magnum.
gmiller0737
Member
I've loaded quite a few 240 grain lead Loads with Bullseye over the last 30 years,Have also used Unique,For Jacketed Bullet Loads I use 2400 powder
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I loaded 12 last night. 12gr unique, 210gr gdhp. My hornady book called for 12.4gr minimum unique with 200gr xtp bullet. The book showed 1400 fps in a 7.5" sbh.
I only loaded 12 so I could try one cylinder full in each pistol, if the accuracy is close to the 2400 load, I'll be happy. If I happen to get a squib, I don't have a bunch of bullets to pull
Downloading isn't something I feel too comfy doing. But I felt the hair heavier bullet and the large gap between the magnum minimum and special maximum charge weights, I'll be ok from a squib.
I only loaded 12 so I could try one cylinder full in each pistol, if the accuracy is close to the 2400 load, I'll be happy. If I happen to get a squib, I don't have a bunch of bullets to pull
Downloading isn't something I feel too comfy doing. But I felt the hair heavier bullet and the large gap between the magnum minimum and special maximum charge weights, I'll be ok from a squib.
Rammer Jammer
Member
I've been using Power Pistol to make 44 SPL powered loads in 44 Magnum cases and haven't had any issues. Can't remember offhand how many grains of powder but all have fired just fine.
Squib load!
Case volume to powder volume ratio is very important! Large case volume and small powder volume = squib load! BAD NEWS! Because the small volume of powder is allow to lay out in the bottom of the horizontal case when in the gun providing a larger surface area of powder to be ignited by the primer flash. The instantaneous pressure is greater than that of the instantaneous pressure of the same powder stacked against the base of the case when held vertical, because of surface area! I blew up a Ruger #1 experimenting with brass and low volume loads of powder! !
jcelect
Case volume to powder volume ratio is very important! Large case volume and small powder volume = squib load! BAD NEWS! Because the small volume of powder is allow to lay out in the bottom of the horizontal case when in the gun providing a larger surface area of powder to be ignited by the primer flash. The instantaneous pressure is greater than that of the instantaneous pressure of the same powder stacked against the base of the case when held vertical, because of surface area! I blew up a Ruger #1 experimenting with brass and low volume loads of powder! !
jcelect
SweetMK
Member
BUT, was the powder that you were using Unique?,,
Some powders are specifically designed for very low volume loading.
There is a rifle equivalent to Unique, my neighbor used to reload rounds with that for his pre-teen children to shoot in a .308.
They shot LOTS, and never had a squib.
The cartridge hardly had any powder in it,, IIRC,,
Qc Pistolero
Member
To me a Magnum gets the full treatment.That's what they are meant for.But I agree that some people might want to use a somewhat reduced load...kind of a +p+ special load.
For them,here are a few recipes I've found which I load for guys and gals who want to try the big boy without going full throttle,
215gr cast with 10 gr of either Unique,Power Pistol or 800X.They all will go bang loud enough so as to bring a smile to the first time pistolero who wanted to try the beast.
Then,if he or she wants more,I'll let him or her unleash my 275gr load of H110.They generally want to go back to the 10gr recipe.
For them,here are a few recipes I've found which I load for guys and gals who want to try the big boy without going full throttle,
215gr cast with 10 gr of either Unique,Power Pistol or 800X.They all will go bang loud enough so as to bring a smile to the first time pistolero who wanted to try the beast.
Then,if he or she wants more,I'll let him or her unleash my 275gr load of H110.They generally want to go back to the 10gr recipe.
ajgunner
Member
I like doing the same only with gradually changing over to a shorter and shorter barrel.
The Skeeter load of 7.5 grains of Unique and a Lyman 429421 or clone is a great target and plinking load in .44 special cases. In a magnum case, I use the same load.
For your first try with the 200gr plus copper bullets.........
you might try 10.5 grs of Unique to see what the load feels like and how the accuracy is.
Lots of manuals out there but you just have to pick one and see if you can find data that you feel will work for you.
Glad to see that you have lots of bullets and powder..........
Enjoy.
you might try 10.5 grs of Unique to see what the load feels like and how the accuracy is.
Lots of manuals out there but you just have to pick one and see if you can find data that you feel will work for you.
Glad to see that you have lots of bullets and powder..........
Enjoy.
I put 8gr unique in a magnum case, way too much open space for my liking.
I ordered 250 starline 44 special cases, too cheap a price for me to be cheap and worry. They should be here in a few days.
My 12gr unique load was not as accurate as the 2400 load. Only thing better is unique isn't as dirty it seemed.
Thank you all for the replies.
I ordered 250 starline 44 special cases, too cheap a price for me to be cheap and worry. They should be here in a few days.
My 12gr unique load was not as accurate as the 2400 load. Only thing better is unique isn't as dirty it seemed.
Thank you all for the replies.
typetwelve
Member
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I play around with 44 mag a lot...more than I do any other round. I've used 180, 200, 240, and 300g XTPs, my typical go-to is Zero 240g SJSP, and I've loaded many Missouri Hi Tek 240g projectiles as well.
Take in mind that everything I list is in MAGNUM cases.
My every day, mid magnum round is a 240g Zero SJSP over 7.5-10g of Unique (move it around for your taste). Many here have already mentioned this. On the high end of the charge, you can still get pushing 700 rounds out of a lb, that's pretty economical in my book.
180g XTPs love 25g of 2400 and are very accurate. Take in mind, this load is a thumper, but from my 7.5" super redhawk, is very manageable. That's 280 rounds to a lb. I do not like reducing 2400 as where it can be done, it is dirty that way.
For a super light load, a 240g cast bullet over 7.3 grains of Trail Boss is a serious winner, that's just under 540 loads in a 9oz jar. When I could get Missouri Cowboy #3 Hi-Tek, 500 of those and a jar of TB would only set me back $70 or so. Add in half a case of primers for a max of $30 and you're $100 in for 500 rounds, 44 mag doesn't get much cheaper than that unless you cast your own.
H110 is not to be messed with when it comes to min-max charge, it likes to fill the space so there is no economical load. 240g SJSP over 23.1g of H110 is superb from my Henry carbine...accurate but a thumper in my SRH. 303 loads/lb.
Finally, and it's not one you listed, but I've had superb luck with modern IMR 4227 and those Zero 240g SJSP. 23g of that is a very accurate round in both my Henry and SRH...but it does have a kick.
Take in mind that everything I list is in MAGNUM cases.
My every day, mid magnum round is a 240g Zero SJSP over 7.5-10g of Unique (move it around for your taste). Many here have already mentioned this. On the high end of the charge, you can still get pushing 700 rounds out of a lb, that's pretty economical in my book.
180g XTPs love 25g of 2400 and are very accurate. Take in mind, this load is a thumper, but from my 7.5" super redhawk, is very manageable. That's 280 rounds to a lb. I do not like reducing 2400 as where it can be done, it is dirty that way.
For a super light load, a 240g cast bullet over 7.3 grains of Trail Boss is a serious winner, that's just under 540 loads in a 9oz jar. When I could get Missouri Cowboy #3 Hi-Tek, 500 of those and a jar of TB would only set me back $70 or so. Add in half a case of primers for a max of $30 and you're $100 in for 500 rounds, 44 mag doesn't get much cheaper than that unless you cast your own.
H110 is not to be messed with when it comes to min-max charge, it likes to fill the space so there is no economical load. 240g SJSP over 23.1g of H110 is superb from my Henry carbine...accurate but a thumper in my SRH. 303 loads/lb.
Finally, and it's not one you listed, but I've had superb luck with modern IMR 4227 and those Zero 240g SJSP. 23g of that is a very accurate round in both my Henry and SRH...but it does have a kick.
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JUST BECAUSE IT WAS MENTIONED a few times, it makes sense to say it since I didn't see anyone say it...
Never use any cast lead bullet load in your Desert Eagle. The lead will shave an enter the gas port and eventually it will wreck things that are not easy to fix.
Never use any cast lead bullet load in your Desert Eagle. The lead will shave an enter the gas port and eventually it will wreck things that are not easy to fix.
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