44 magnum loads that don't gobble powder

[SweetMK]

I blew up a Ruger #1 experimenting with brass and low volume loads of powder! !
jcelect

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]

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.

 

[ajgunner]

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.

I like doing the same only with gradually changing over to a shorter and shorter barrel.

 

[pasound]

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.

 

[tomhenry]

7 to 8 grains of Unique is a standard plinking load. It is accurate, economical and doesn't beat you or the gun up.

My standard load for my collectable 44s.

The wrist wrenching stuff I use in a Ruger Redhawk.

But mostly I shoot 7 to 8 grains Unique with all different bullet weights.

 

[Nevada Ed]

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.

 

[Dfish1247]

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.

 

[stansdds]

The current formulation of Unique does burn cleaner than the original formula, but you still have to load it to mid to full power charges in order to get complete combustion of the powder.

 

[typetwelve]

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.

 

[Sevens]

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.

 

[typetwelve]

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.

I don't have a Desert Eagle, but I'll admit that I've had some very frustrating leading issues for some time and eventually pretty much gave up on lead. As mentioned, those softer cowboy #3 do not lead...much, but they still lead.

This is the primary reason why I just switched to those zero projectiles from Roze. They're $137 shipped for 1000. If I ordered 1000 of the CB#3 from Missouri, even with a THR discount it was $106.40+ 14 S&H...so $120.40 for 1000. The extra $17/1000 for jacketed projectiles that I can literally push however and how hard I like with zero leading is well worth that.

I know some people have lead projectiles down to a science, but I don't have the time or the drive to do that right now. I've had back luck with lead 44 and 9mm projectiles, even hi-tek coated. The only loads I've had any luck with are 38 special.

 

[The Norseman]

Favorites

Currently my 2 favorite 44Mag Reloads:
(I only use 44Rem Mag Cartridges in 44Mag Revolvers
and 44S&W Special in 44Spl Revolvers).

240gr Lead Round Nose Flat Point
5.6grs Alliant Red Dot, CCI LP #300 primer
Brass is Winchester, Remington, Federal, Starline.
Crimp is what I call medium roll crimp.
FPS approximately 825.
Bullets tumbled lube with Ben's Liquid Lube,
for Lead free barrel performance.
Primers no where near flat.

I really like this 44Rem Mag Reload and taking
this Hunting:
44cal 240gr .431dia SWC
8.5grs Alliant Unique/CCI #300 LP
Brass is Starline brass.
Crimp is what I call medium roll crimp.
FPS approximately 1000.
Bullets tumbled lube with Ben's Liquid Lube,
for Lead free barrel performance.
Primers are getting flat.
No black soot any where on the Cartridge (sealing in the
chamber).

Cost to reload 50 rounds is about $8.50.

The Best to you and your Endeavors.

 

[fredj338]

I have been a 44mag shooter for almost 45y. I have never understood buying a magnum to shoot powder puff loads. I have an older rbh I have actually shot loose, it has had that 10s of 1000s of full power loads thru it. I used to run my N frames hard but after retiming one, they no longer get full power load.
So today I run 3/4 max loads in my my mags. Mostly to extend their life but also because at 64, its starting to wear on me a bit. For 1000fps loads, you really need nothing more than Unique & 240-250gr bullets. For hunting, not much in NA will stop a 250-270gr solid @ 1250fps. Adding another 150fps is just adding recoil. For that reason I pretty much moved off h110/296 & back to 2400. Though I do want to try some aa#9.

 

[typetwelve]

I have been a 44mag shooter for almost 45y. I have never understood buying a magnum to shoot powder puff loads. I have an older rbh I have actually shot loose, it has had that 10s of 1000s of full power loads thru it. I used to run my N frames hard but after retiming one, they no longer get full power load.
So today I run 3/4 max loads in my my mags. Mostly to extend their life but also because at 64, its starting to wear on me a bit. For 1000fps loads, you really need nothing more than Unique & 240-250gr bullets. For hunting, not much in NA will stop a 250-270gr solid @ 1250fps. Adding another 150fps is just adding recoil. For that reason I pretty much moved off h110/296 & back to 2400. Though I do want to try some aa#9.

100% My Super Redhawk is a sturdy magnum...and my loads reflect that. I've made some boomers for it, and they definitely tell me what time it is, but I don't often do that. I'll admit that I really do not enjoy puffer loads in the thing, it's almost boring. Like you said, a 240 projectile pushed at 1000 fps is perfect. 10 grains of Unique under those Zero 240g SJSP got me 1095 fps average from a 7.5" barrel. That's a solid, mid-magnum load in my book.

When I really wan't to ring my bell, I'll shoot a 240g projectile from my 460 at 2000 fps...now that's a screamer.

I really do not like H110 loads in my SRH, but they are superb in my Henry. I haven't used accurate No9, but I have used ACC No7 and it produces a sharp, unplesant recoil in the SRH. Funny enough, they are very accurate loads to 50 yds in my Henry. Strange.

As I mentioned before, i just started goofing around with IMR 4227 and it is making some very potent, very accurate rounds. It's pushing those Zero to 1200 fps from my SRH (1400 in the Henry), which is stout recoil, yet super accurate.

 

[Dfish1247]

The weeny loads are for people who like the gun but don't want beat to death shooting it. Or in my case trying to be cheap with powder, I don't hunt and neither of these are for home defense, just demolishing golf balls for fun. I love them both and enjoy shooting both, which means powder disappears in a hurry.

My recoil limit was found with a 329pd I had, I tried several different reloads, mid range magnums were tolerable but couldn't hit a barn door at 25 yards, full throttle 240gr jhp were tac drivers, but my hands were in agony after one cylinder, and that's with rubber grips. Wood brought blood.

 

[typetwelve]

The weeny loads are for people who like the gun but don't want beat to death shooting it. Or in my case trying to be cheap with powder, I don't hunt and neither of these are for home defense, just demolishing golf balls for fun. I love them both and enjoy shooting both, which means powder disappears in a hurry.

My recoil limit was found with a 329pd I had, I tried several different reloads, mid range magnums were tolerable but couldn't hit a barn door at 25 yards, full throttle 240gr jhp were tac drivers, but my hands were in agony after one cylinder, and that's with rubber grips. Wood brought blood.

Recoil is funny. I can take out harsh recoil when it is the kind that is like getting punched in the palm. When that gets to the point where it hurts your wrist (aka 500 S&W), I stop enjoying it.

Small (or super light) guns are completely different, they flat out sting and I don't like that at all. I've shot some very lightweight guns that are super unpleasant to shoot.

It's funny, I can take the whomp on my hand from my 460 x-frame, but despise the crack on my mitt from a small gun like a j-frame with hot loads. It's been some time, but I recall some of the micro semi-auto's in 9mm being miserable as well. It's just a 9mm, but it is still awful.

 

[DWalt]

For a long time my CAS .44 Mag load (rifle and revolver) was a 240 grain SWC lead bullet and 7 grains of any faster powder - Bullseye, Red Dot, Clays, 700-X, AA #2. Didn't seem to make much difference which one. I'd drop one grain in .44 Special cases. At one time, my favorite "hot" .44 Mag load was the same 240 grain lead bullet and 11 grains of Red Dot.

 

[mikld]

FWIW, and just an old guys wandering mind. I've been seeing a lot of threads concerning larger caliber cartridges "loaded down" for whatever reasons lately. Just glancing at the 31st thread on this subject this week I thought of someone asking "How do I get better gas mileage, the same as my Corolla, with my 454 Chevy?"...

If I was wanting a low recoiling gun, it would be chambered for a low recoil caliber. I've been shooting 44 Magnums since 1990 and have never wanted, needed a low recoiling or "low powder charge" for any of my 5 guns. When I want a softer shooter, I'll pick up my 4" 38 Special, or my Ruger Single Six.

Not criticizing the OP, no offence intended, just thinking. If I don't want to spend a lot of money on gas, I'll leave my Chevy PU (with Big Block and a carburetor that looks like a 5 gallon bucket) in the garage and drive my Tacoma...

 

[Narragansett]

First off, I do not hand load anymore, but did for decades. I do not like Bullseye, as i believe it to be a dirty powder. I also do not like very small loads of powder where there is lots of room for a mistaken double charge. I loaded a lot of 44 mag cases, and used nothing but 2400. Why 2400, slower burning, less perceived recoil, and if you double charge by mistake, the powder spills and goes all over the place.

 

[ajgunner]

Here is a good reason for doing a bit of down loading. I know it does not look that terrible, but until you spend about 4-5 minutes with your thumb caught in a conibear trap, you will never know the feeling. At first I had thoughts of loosing the thumb. There is virtually no way to get one of these off your hand by yourself---especially when it is on your dominate hand. Thankfully wife was home and heard me screaming like a school girl on my way to the house. Between us it was all we could do to get my thumb free. This particular hand/thumb has also have numerous previous surgeries so is filled with scar tissue. This conibear incident happened in early April right when Corona stuff was just getting started. I wanted no part of an ER visit so just iced it for a couple of hours then babied it for a month or better. Still every time I bump it just right, the throbbing starts all over. Not sure if it was actually broken, but it sure hurt like the dickens for weeks. So for the summer I have not even tried a full bore 44 mag load yet.

Life Lesson learned---never play with tight springs because they can hurt you real bad or even kill you (think garage door springs).

The conibear traps have been hung up forever and replaced by Duke traps. Still a tight spring but much easier to deal with and quite effective.

 

[MP-5]

44 Magnum loads that don't gobble powder?


That's called a 44 Special!

 

[bmcgilvray]

There is life beyond jacketed, or plated, or coated bullets. Cast bullets are still fine for shooting purposes.

8.5 grains of Unique propels a 250 grain cast lead bullet to 949 fps from the 8 3/8-inch barrel of my Smith & Wesson Model 29 and offers great accuracy and, realistically enough power to accomplish most tasks that could be asked of a handgun.

 

[stansdds]

Cast bullets are economical and if you don't like lead fouling, use the powder coated varieties. Powder coating costs a bit more, but still quite a bit less than jacketed.

 

[Qc Pistolero]

As I mentioned before, i just started goofing around with IMR 4227 and it is making some very potent, very accurate rounds. It's pushing those Zero to 1200 fps from my SRH (1400 in the Henry), which is stout recoil, yet super accurate.[/QUOTE]

While 4227 will fall short by aprox 100 to 150fps with full charge loads compared to H110 and 296,the thing has always been very accurate and much softer recoiling in all my 44s,.357 and .45 Colt.
I always use a magnum primer to spark it up.

 

[cmj8591]

I drive a car that can go 160mph. I don't always drive 160 because sometimes the road is winding or I just want to enjoy the scenery. The great thing about the 44mag is it's versatility. You can light it up or you can plink along. My economy load is 5.0 grains of Bullseye with a 240 grain lead swc bullet. Sometimes I use a plated bullet. Sometimes I use a swaged bullet. It all depends on the availability at my lgs. I get around 750fps from my 6.5 629. It's a great load for indoors and it will shoot into one hole all day long. I have never had a squib load and it has always penetrated the paper target and the cardboard backer. I don't bother with the 44 special cases because I have never seen the need and it's one less thing I have to keep track of in my workspace. Don't be afraid to throttle back and enjoy some comfortable shooting.

 

[Dfish1247]

Loaded 50 44 specials tonight, 7gr unique 210gr bullet, 6.2gr unique 240gr bullet. I see why these are called mouse fart loads, I don't think used four tablespoons worth of powder on the whole thing,lol.

 

[greenmachine]

This thread got me thinking about trying some faster powders than my usual 2400 loads (17.5 for range use and 20.5 for whitetails). Loaded the following yesterday and shot them this morning. All with my standard 240 grain SWC. They all shot very well, with 'pleasant' recoil, although I did not get to chrono them.

7.0 Bullseye
8.0 grains 231
9.0 grains Unique
10.5 grains 4756

 

[seattle fish guy]

I shoot a couple of elderly Model 29s using 240 grain JSP and 19 gr of VV N110 to shoot steel. Recoil is not unpleasant and N110 is clean burning. For paper punching I use a plated 240 pill and Trail Boss. TB flakes are large and a great powder to prevent squibs. Double charges will over flow the case.

I have a 70 Challenger with a massaged 440. I can not pass a gas station.

 

[Dfish1247]

Finally tried both loads out, they both hit golf balls at 50 yards in the 629 with open sights.

Recoil is heavily reduced, accuracy is the same, powder economy has vastly went up.

I'll keep both loads, next I'm going to try loads with 2400 and see how they shoot.

I'll keep my magnum brass, but I doubt I'll ever use it again, well, unless the itch for wild bacon comes up,lol.

 

[Drm50]

Speer has non gobble 44mgs. Plastic cases and bullets that only require a primer. No recoil at all.