Loaded my first batch...44 mag.

[Rockets]

Up it to 10 grains of Unique and you'll find that its still mild shooting, but the powder burns more completely at the higher pressures and won't leave as much soot behind. If I remember correctly I was getting mid to high 800's fps with 10 grns of Unique and a 240 grain cast bullet out of my 3" model 629. I've since gone to AA 9 and use the Unique for my .357 mag loads. AA9 gave me great accuracy and a true magnum result (18.5 grns is all I use).

At any rate, congrats on the hand loads! If you shoot a lot of 44's, reloading is the only way to go.

I really like #9 in my 357. I should try it in 44mags.

 

[smithnframe]

8 gr. of Unique is below the suggested starting load in all my manuals. I do know with some rifle powders you can get detonation with reduced loads. I used to load 16 gr of Unique in 45/70's many years ago but the manuals don't even list Unique for the round anymore. So I will listen to them.

 

[radtuck]

Here is the data from alliant for 899 fps and a 240 lswc. Alliant Powder - Reloader's Guide
I shot 9 grain loads today and didn't notice much difference between them and the 8 grain loads, but the 8 grain loads were more accurate for some reason.

 

[slugo88]

go to starlinebrass.com and you can order direct from the factory for 95 dollars for 500 and they will be available 6/26/12 as they are out right now, I believe I didn't have to pay for shipping. Charlie

 

[radtuck]

go to starlinebrass.com and you can order direct from the factory for 95 dollars for 500 and they will be available 6/26/12 as they are out right now, I believe I didn't have to pay for shipping. Charlie

Thanks!
John

 

[jrhoney]

8grs of unique must be pretty mild in a .44 Mag. I use 8grains of the stuff behind a 160 LSWC in .357 Mag and its pretty tame.

Welcome to the wonderful world of reloading. Guard your wallet closely, there's always another tool you need!

 

[mscampbell2734]

I agree hard to pay 30 for 100 brass when for 20 you get 50 loaded shells

Very true. But remember with a revolver you don't loose your brass. At the pressure level we're talking about you should be able to get at least 10 loadings from the cases.

 

[Frank237]

Now start CASTING and you can REALLY load on the cheap. I cast everything from a 215 gr up to a 300 gr SWC for the .44 Spcl/.44 mag's.

With the old #429421 245 gr slug my plinking, general purpose load is 8.5 of UNIQUE and WLP primer. I keep a .50 can at least half full all the time. When it goes down too low I can remedy that in a few hours on the dillon 550. I cast in the Winter when it's too cold to do much else.

FN in MT

 

[CGT80]

I played with 44spl and 44mag a little. I liked win231 and my own cast 240 grain bullet. I was surprised at how little recoil it had, but it was accurate at both 7 yards and 40 yards without touching the sights. At the time I was used to shooting 40 S&W and 9mm at those distances. After playing with my grandfather's 44 ruger single action, I bought myself a Smith 460 XVR. Big revolvers and reloading are awesome, and it is the only way I can afford to shoot them.