The late Finn Aagaard did a writeup on Accurate Arms right after they hit the US market. His recommendation for the 44 Mag was 11.0 grains of AA #5 behind any 240-250-grain bullet. I have shot a lot of that load, and absolutely love it. It is plenty strong enough to shoot through most anything you would hunt with a revolver, and is reasonably economical...
Trail Boss for .44mag loads
- Thread starter skypilot1941
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PRSearls
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I've shot several hundred 45 Colt 255 LSWC's with Trail Boss in a S&W Model 25. Very accurate and fills the big case nicely. A double charge will overflow the case. Any type of pistol powder is scarce here. Would love to find 5# of TB.
Cpo1944
Member
I called back to buy the Trail boss and it was already gone.
He who hesitates looses.
That's for sure.... I found three 9oz. cans so I snatched them then a friend of mine who deals in reloading supplies scored a 5lb jug so that was mine too. If you like get it while you can because it does go quick. It's getting out that it's such a nice shooting powder and very versatile. Maybe we should start talking bad about it then we could get some....Lol!
scooter123
Member
As noted Trail Boss is oriented towards powder puff Cowboy loads, so for your 44 Magnum I would suggest treating your 44 Magnum a bit like an old Black Powder 45 Long Colt and accepting a load that is light recoiling and easy on the wrist.
As for Accurate #5, the burn rate is not well suited to the 44 Magnum unless you can locate some light for caliber bullets, something in the 165 to 185 grain range. With a lighter bullet you'll likely find that #5 will produce a lighter load that is easy to plink with. If that doesn't float your boat you may want to look into doing a swap with someone loading for the 45 ACP, because #5 was designed specifically for hte 45 ACP and really shines in that caliber. BTW, it also makes a nice 357 Magnum load featuring a 125 grain jacketed bullet.
As for Accurate #5, the burn rate is not well suited to the 44 Magnum unless you can locate some light for caliber bullets, something in the 165 to 185 grain range. With a lighter bullet you'll likely find that #5 will produce a lighter load that is easy to plink with. If that doesn't float your boat you may want to look into doing a swap with someone loading for the 45 ACP, because #5 was designed specifically for hte 45 ACP and really shines in that caliber. BTW, it also makes a nice 357 Magnum load featuring a 125 grain jacketed bullet.
OP
skypilot1941
Member
Just finished shooting some of the 7.0 grain loads under the 240 Keiths. Also tried 6.5 for a little lighter recoil, although 7.0 is very easy, and the 6.5 was a little under powered to me. Guess it would be good for plinking. Also scored some IMR 300X and some Accurate 300-MP at a gun show this weekend. Looking forward to building some loads with those. My targets, since my welder son isn't here yet to cut me out some steel, is a couple of old disk blades. Found out they work well for that and at 100 yards the light loads don't penetrate and tear them up.
OP
skypilot1941
Member
Correction: That's Alliant 300-MP, not Accurate.
Groo01
Member
Groo here
We have found that TB has a sweet spot.
Loaded some for class- tried the starting load [ about 4.5gr]
and would not group- tried a load of 6gr.
Magic!
The load is and will remain 41mag -any brass-6gr TB - 215gr swc
a strong crimp and Win primer.
From 5 guns, barrels from 3 to 5 1/2 in,
Inside at 21ft -- all groups could be covered with a half dollar,
most with a quarter.
As i said Magic....
We have found that TB has a sweet spot.
Loaded some for class- tried the starting load [ about 4.5gr]
and would not group- tried a load of 6gr.
Magic!
The load is and will remain 41mag -any brass-6gr TB - 215gr swc
a strong crimp and Win primer.
From 5 guns, barrels from 3 to 5 1/2 in,
Inside at 21ft -- all groups could be covered with a half dollar,
most with a quarter.
As i said Magic....
