HS-7 powder for .44

[rays44]

I recently came across a pound of HS-7 powder which has been store correctly for the last 25 years. I'd like to try it in both .44 special and .44 mag, but there is not a lot of loading data as it has been discontinued since the late '90's. I don't go near internet loading data.
I want pleasant mid range loads for each and I'll be using lead 255gr Keith style bullets. I'm thinking of using 9 gr in the special and 13gr in the mag. This comes from the Lyman 3rd edition handbook. Does anyone have experience with this load combo? Thanks in advance.
Ray

 

[rockquarry]

I never used HS-7, but if it's in the Lyman book, I wouldn't hesitate to try it.

 

[Nevada Ed]

I used it back in 2008 for some lead target loads to see what would happen.
It is a nice med. slow powder that was used a lot, back then for shotgun
as well as revolver loads.
I found it close to Blue Dot but it is not a flake type powder.

There should be some data still out there if you look hard.

 

[Fishinfool]

rays44 - My Speer #10 manual shows:
8.5 grains - 759 fps
9.5 grains - 846 fps
.44 spl case, mag primer, 240 grain cast lead SWC.

Nothing in the .44 mag case.

Larry

 

[terry_tr6]

I found it really cured leading in my 9mm and 45 acp. wish i could find some more.

 

[Peak53]

I haven't used HS-7 either, but given the info above, I have found 800 fps to be a sweet spot in 44 special, so your 9 g start might be right there

 

[rays44]

Concerning the .44 mag. I found a Hodgdon 25th edition (1986) manual which shows 11.0gr as starting load. Max load was 13.0gr. The more recent Lyman manual (3rd edition) shows a starting load of 14.5 gr and a max of 17.5gr. That's a significant difference especially since the older manuals tended to publish hotter loads.
My estimate of 13gr is max in one book and below starting in the other (by 2.5gr.). This is what has me wondering. By comparison, Blue dot which has a very similar burn rate also lists 14gr as a starting load.
I'm not going to over think this as I have been handloading for a very long time. Both loads are safe but these discrepancies can cause some chin scratchin'.

 

[Dieseltech56]

I think HS-7 was discontinued because longshot was so close to it in burn speed.