Powder puff loads

[Tu_S]

I really never start with the goal of developing a load for target practice, but when developing something new and starting around or under a published starting load, I usually find something that works well before I get halfway to the max.

 

[Joed49]

I have 2 favorite loads for my .44 spl N frames. The first is 7.5 gr of unique with the 240 gr lswc. This is good for 875 fps to 950 fps depending on barrel.

My absolute favorite is 15.0 gr of 2400 with that same bullet. This one gives 1000 fps to 1050fps.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

I wouldn't consider 9.0 to 10.0 grains Unique behind a 240 grain cast LSWC bullet a "Powder Puff " load ... that bullet should be moving at around 900 to 1000 fps !
A 240 gr. bullet at 1000 fps ain't no powder puff ... let's call it a nice accurate mid-range load .

... but lets not call them powder puff .
Gary

In 44 Magnum with a 240 LSWC I would go 7 grains of Unique for a "powder puff" load.

9 grains of Unique with the same bullet is a true "mid-range" loading like the old Remington factory load.

 

[cowboy4evr]

I recently wanted to try a different load . I like the Skeeter load but didn't want to use special cases so I loaded the Keith swc over 7.5 grs of Unique in magnum cases . I seated the bullet over the front driving band to kind of / sort of duplicate the 44 special load . It was a real nice , accurate and comfortable load in my 4" 29-10 . Loading and shooting the 44 magnum using magnum cases , different powder loads just shows how versatile the 44 can be . Regards Paul

 

[max503]

2 grains of Bullseye and a 100 grain boolit in the 380. Accurate. Doesn't cycle the action. Cases don't get lost in the grass.

Did I say it is accurate?

 

[Drm50]

I don't beat up any S&W with hot or heavy loads. What is the point of blowing excess lead & powder over the hill to punch paper at 50yds or less?
41-44-45s keep them right at 800-900fps. That ain't powder puff, about Special level. Plenty good to take care of most needs. I do powder puff Target WC loads at 700-800fps. I still wouldn't be afraid to shoot a deer at 50yds with these. Same goes for 357/38, cast WCs at low vel do well.

 

[AJ]

I don't beat up any S&W with hot or heavy loads. What is the point of blowing excess lead & powder over the hill to punch paper at 50yds or less?
41-44-45s keep them right at 800-900fps. That ain't powder puff, about Special level. Plenty good to take care of most needs. I do powder puff Target WC loads at 700-800fps. I still wouldn't be afraid to shoot a deer at 50yds with these. Same goes for 357/38, cast WCs at low vel do well.

I use 5.6 grains of Bullseye with a 250 grain cast bullet, which gives 750 FPS of velocity. This is the the bullet and velocity required by the War Department when Colt was building the M1909 U.S.Army in 45 Colt. They considered it a good stopping round and it is accurate in my 1909 and my Model 25.

 

[captaint]

I have to say - I do still like my real magnum loads in my 357 GP100.
That big chunk doesn't mind a bit. Doesn't hurt my hands either !!
As for the bigger calibers, no. No real mag loads these days. I have too
many miles on me !!

 

[yeti]

I'm with most you guys, mellow, accurate loads 90% of the time.
Every now and then I still get the urge to unleash the full house stuff. I load and shoot waaay more powder puff loads than full house stuff.

 

[Marksman]

My standard load for more than 35 yrs. has been 7.5gr. of Unique with a 200gr. RNFP cowboy bullet, I shoot this load in both .44 Special and .44 Magnum.