First .44 mag loads

[Kho]

I bought a 5" 629 a couple of years ago and have been shooting target loads with it: 5.5 gr HP-38 behind a Penn 185gr DBBWC bullet (all loads in mag cases). I finally ordered some Penn 240gr TCBB and worked up some initial loads with AA9. My dies are Dillon in case any one is wondering.

The listed range on the Accurate Arms site is 18.1-20.2 grains so I did loads of 18.1, 18.4, 18.7, 19.0 and 19.3 grains for now.
Today I tested them out by shooting five rounds of each load, 25 in total. Other than the obvious goal of having fun, my main goal was to make sure my crimp was adequate and the bullets would not creep. No problems there.

I'm not sure yet if I'll do any max loads with AA9 but I don't see any reason not go a little hotter than 19.3 grains. I also plan to work up some H110 loads (23.2-24.0 grains).

It is definitely a lot of fun to shoot spicy loads. I didn't have any trouble with the recoil and can easily handle something stronger (I've been thinking about a .45 Colt or .460 lately).

Good times!

 

[daniel lawecki]

Your on the right track I've shot a lot of H110 and 2400 thru my 629 8 3/8''. I also used standard primers with my H110 with great results out to 100 yards in two different guns.

 

[Kho]

Your on the right track I've shot a lot of H110 and 2400 thru my 629 8 3/8''. I also used standard primers with my H110 with great results out to 100 yards in two different guns.

I use Winchester primers which are for standard and magnum loads. I think H110 will be a better powder than AA9 but I wanted to start with something more forgiving on the low end.

I don't have 2400 but may get some to try.

 

[daniel lawecki]

2400 is hard to come by but a stiff load of Titegroup will get you around 1200fps. I use this with a cast 250SWC cast bullet.

 

[Doubless]

Don't short sell AA #9. For a lot of years it was my go-to powder in my 629 Classic. I shot my own Lyman 429421s in front of 21 grains of AA #9 before I acquired the H&G #503. I am now using WC 820 (that some claim is bulk AA #9), but I would go back to #9 in a heartbeat.

It always appeared to me that #9 seemed to burn slower when placed behind a heavy bullet, but maybe that was just me. What I CAN tell you is that I put enough #9 behind the linotype-cast NEI 411-275 to get a clocked 1800 fps out of the 10-1/2" silhouette barrel on my FA 654 41 Magnum. Sadly, I no longer remember the load, but fwiw, you can look in the Second Accurate Arms Load Book and the 290 grain FN lead load data they list is from projectiles I sent them, looking for load data.

 

[Collo Rosso]

I load a 240gr. LSWC in front of 19.0gr. of #9, but it's with a .433 dia. bullet for a Marlin lever rifle. My son shot a 3 leaf clover with that load at 50 yards. I find that powder charge "not fun" in a handgun. I've gone back and forth a couple of times with 2400 and #9 for 44 mag and find the Accurate powder cleaner burning. For the last couple years its been find one or the other. Never seem to have a choice between the two.

 

[fredj338]

I have been loading & shooting the 44mag for 35yrs. A lot of full power stuff with h110/w296. I moved back to 2400 because it does better if loading off the top end. I have some aa#9 but haven't gotten around to trying it in the 44mag. I do like it I. 10mm full power loads. Medium burner like unique & WSF are more useful than TG, especially with lead bullets.

 

[mikld]

I have been reloading the .44 Magnum for about 20 years, and it's still my favorite. When I started I too had "Magnumitus" and loved those wrist breaking, massive report, huge muzzle flash loads, but I soon softened up my loads when I notices some problems beginning in my 629. I often used nea max loads of AA 9 and H110/W296 in my three revolvers and some pretty hot rounds (max. + a hair but don't tell anyone) for my 10" Contender.

I have now calmed down a bit and still enjoy shooting my Ruger SBH, 629, and Dan Wesson but with milder loads. I have a good load of Blue Dot of around 16.0 gr, some Unique loads, and 2400 . I'm OK with a 1,000 fps load for a 240gr. cast bullet!

 

[jimbo728]

I too have softened my .44 loads in search of easier shooting but strong enough loads to convincingly knock down steel.
Im older and so is my First Edition Hornady Handbook but I still find good stuff in it.
Im using 16.9gr of 2400 with a 240gr XTP and WLP`s with 1.600" OAL.
Its the starting load and is it sweet.
It chrony`d at 1150 in a 6.5 inch barrel.
It holds the 10 ring at 25yds and is fun and easy shooting.
Jim

 

[Rule3]

I use Winchester primers which are for standard and magnum loads. I think H110 will be a better powder than AA9 but I wanted to start with something more forgiving on the low end.

I don't have 2400 but may get some to try.

2400 is more forgiving, you can adjust your loads a bit. H110 is pretty much all or nothing and requires a Mag primer.

H110 also gives a lot more blast and flash. It will give you the maximum loads possible.

I also felt the need for a SW 460 Mag, I bought one. It is brutal!!, mainly wanted to shoot Ruger only 45 Colt loads, Still prefer the 44 Mag and I am not a hunter so I sold the 460, really was not fun for me to shoot/ I have a SW 45 Colt Mt gun and those loads are just fine,

If you are a big game handgun shooter than sure the 460 fits the bill.

65.000 PSI is more than a 30-06!

 

[Collo Rosso]

I too have softened my .44 loads in search of easier shooting but strong enough loads to convincingly knock down steel.

Same here. Full house 44 mag loads might be fun for some but when you want to shoot more than 2 cylinders worth...
I found 2400 to get dirty as I down loaded. Started working up loads with HS-6 and have one with a 240gr. LSWC that should be around 1000 to 1100 fps and is dead accurate. I can shoot them all day long and they smack steel plates hard.

 

[daniel lawecki]

Well I agree with you guys as far as my S&W 629 goes with milder loads. But the Ruger single action with 10 1/2'' barrel and 4X scope I like to shoot just under max loads with a 250 grain SWC.

 

[jimbo728]

The Super Blackhawk just rolls up under heavy recoil and doesnt pound your hand. I used to be right up there years ago with one. Great .44.
Jim

 

[hammer 1]

Ive settled on 240 gr xtp's with minimum load of 22.5 grs. lilgun. Shoots perfectly in my 629

 

[THEWELSHM]

I use Winchester primers which are for standard and magnum loads. I think H110 will be a better powder than AA9 but I wanted to start with something more forgiving on the low end.

I don't have 2400 but may get some to try.

My O2 the Aa#9 is better for Magnum loads

Thewelshm

 

[Kho]

My O2 the Aa#9 is better for Magnum loads

Thewelshm

You may be right. I'll try a couple of powders to see what I like. Part of the joy of reloading, at least for me.

 

[rwsmith]

Blue Dot category.....

To me Acc #9 is in the vicinity of Blue Dot powder. It's a magnum powder but not the hottest. I'm happy with 2400 and if you want max H110/Win296 is the highest velocity you will get.