Accurate indoor-friendly .44?

[keppelj]

I'd appreciate some tips on what you've found to be the most accurate indoor range .44 bullets. I'd prefer plated, but JHP and TMJ recommendations are welcome too.

 

[keppelj]

I'd appreciate some tips on what you've found to be the most accurate indoor range .44 bullets. I'd prefer plated, but JHP and TMJ recommendations are welcome too.

 

[TwoPoundPull]

1st- 240gn Laser Cast SWC
2nd- 200gn Laser Cast RNFP
3rd- 240gn Berry's Plated RNFP
In that order.
Over a modest charge of 231. Thru a 7-1/2 Blackhawk, and 6-1/2 29-2

 

[Littledragon777]

I just got back from the range with my 44 Super Redhawk. I shot 100 rounds that I handloaded. I worked up a load that shoots extremly well out of my gun giving be golf ball size groups at 25 yards off the bench.

Hornady 180 gr. XTP JHPs
13.9 gr of AA#5
CCI large pistol primers.
C.O.L. 1.59"

I will ramp this load up a little more and will hunt whitetails out to about 50 yards with it in heavy cover this year. I already have shot several whitetail with the same 180 grain JHP in Remington factory loads with no problems. The load I gave you is great for an easy to handle practice load and very accurate.

 

[keppelj]

Two-pound pull, did you try any of the other .44 grain weights from Berrys? And how much bigger did the 240s group than the laser cast, do you remember? Did you get the same POI with the Berrys as the others? Sorry about all these questions...

 

[keppelj]

Littledragon777, thanks. I've tried AA # 5 but to only a bit over 8 grains which I liked. I should have written that I wanted a load which was .44 Special compatible. I just had a cadiologist tell me how much better venison is for us than beef. Happy hunting!

 

[TwoPoundPull]

Hello keppelj
I did not try other Berry plated bullets...
The Laser Cast groups were a little smaller...
I don't have to remember because I keep a file with all my load test targets...
POI is pretty close...
That picture is one page of many stapled togheter with an index card showing the bullet, brass, primer, the gun used, distance, the powder and charge. Started at 5.3gn of 231, and worked up to 7.1 by a few tenths at a time...
You need to remember that almost every gun you pick up will shoot different, you need to develop your "Pet" load that works in your gun...
There really are no short cuts, but there are many here to help........2#

FWIW.....240 XTP's don't group, they shoot thru the same hole at 50'. I just don't waste them indoors....

 

[keppelj]

TwoPoundPull, thanks for the data. It's going to be helpful to me. I do know about careful accuracy hunting, have a Ransom rest, and have done the methodical procedures for several .38s in DEWC, HBWC, and JHP. Kept all my data too. But .44 Spec is a new venture, hence the question. I live in the PNW where the weather is chilly and wet for 6 months so indoor appeals. My range is open evenings. But back to your data: Is your photo of the Berrys 240 or of the XTPs you mention in your last line?

 

[TwoPoundPull]

Hey keppelj
That is the Berry's...Using Winchester Magnum brass, not special...

 

[keppelj]

TPP: Interestingly the folks at Rainiers (the other big plater) claim the .44 round their IDPA and PPC customers prefer is their 240 HP. I think I'll do a trial shooting the .44 Berry FP and Rainier HP side by side. I did that with 148 DEWC .38s and preferred the Rainiers.

 

[pdubois64]

Originally posted by TwoPoundPull:
Hello keppelj
I did not try other Berry plated bullets...
The Laser Cast groups were a little smaller...
I don't have to remember because I keep a file with all my load test targets...
POI is pretty close...
That picture is one page of many stapled togheter with an index card showing the bullet, brass, primer, the gun used, distance, the powder and charge. Started at 5.3gn of 231, and worked up to 7.1 by a few tenths at a time...
You need to remember that almost every gun you pick up will shoot different, you need to develop your "Pet" load that works in your gun...
There really are no short cuts, but there are many here to help........2#

FWIW.....240 XTP's don't group, they shoot thru the same hole at 50'. I just don't waste them indoors....

That load seems pretty light. I just loaded some 240gr. XTP's and I believe the load range data was 8.0 to 11gr of 231. I guess I better check again

I would like to load a bit lighter for indoor use if I can.

 

[TwoPoundPull]

Hi pdubois64
That charge is under a Berry Plated bullet, not a Hdy XTP. Keppelj asked for a user friendly accurate indoor load in 44.
I apologize for any confusion....2#

 

[jibjab]

One of my favorite powders for my S&W 696 is W-231 behind 200gr jacketed bullets