44 Mag

[Link]

I have decided to reload for my 44 mag Ruger SBH, the only recommended powder that I have is Hodgdon international clays. I loaded min to almost max. Max is 6.4 gr so I loaded to 6.0 gr and it seems real impotent. The case looks to be about 1/2 full. I will go to 6.4 gr and see what happens, however it doesn't seem as though it will have enough umph. I have 1/2 pound of this powder and would like to use it. I guess the question is, is it safe to bump it up ?

thanks Link

 

[cmillard]

are you seeing any signs of pressure at this point? the SBH is a good strong revolver, so I doubt you will have issues. what bullet are you shooting?

 

[Link]

at this point Hornady 200 gr jacketed HP.
No pressure signs.

 

[watercam]

To optimize a .44 mag. you need slower powder. You can certainly make it go BANG but will never achieve the velocities it seems you are looking for. 2400, W296/H110 (best by far IMHO) will give you true magnum speeds.
Give your cartridges a good heavy crimp!

 

[stacy]

H-110 AND THOSE 200GR XTP'S WILL GETTER DONE AT ABOUT 1750FPS!!!!!!!!!

 

[bheadboy]

I have shot 1000's of 44m, in handgun sil, and deer hunting, etc plus target and plink,

I found the AA 9 to be the best allround powder with 200-250gr loads, jacketed and cast. it is available where some other are not and it being a small ball flows great in a measure.

a modest load with 250 Sierra sil bullet of 18gr gave 1275fps and would take rams at 200m and hold accuracy to take shoot off chickens at 200m, try it you will like it.

Freedom arms 10" and S&W 629 8 3/8 both loved it. deer hate 19gr in it with a cast 240 Keith style from a Henlsey and Gibbs mold.

Bob

 

[Link]

Why is such a mild load listed as max with the powder I have ? Clays at 6.4 gr ? Can I just bump it up ?

thanks

 

[Chief 101]

what you are using is the wrong powder for what you want to do, don't push to max just find one of the powder that was recommended by others in this thread...then you will be happy

 

[bheadboy]

Link,

powders have different pressure curves, and most likely the mfg of your powder is aware of the rapid spike that might occur in this use. it is not designed to be a pistol powder though it works in some applications.

obviously the mfg knows where to stop.

AA9, H 110, 2400, unique, all will do a better job with less concern

Bob
Bob

 

[DOGCAPPER]

When you use the recommended powders make sure you use mag. pistol primers. They will prevent a bullet being wedged in the cylinder and forcing cone at the same time. LT

 

[bheadboy]

of all the 10,000's of pistol rounds I have fired, from 380 -9,38, 357m,40,44spc,,44m,45lc,45acp

I have never used or needed a mag pistol primer.

bob

 

[Sniper338]

I use 296 powder I think..

 

[Sniper338]

Clays is was better for 357sig, 40sw, 45acp..

 

[digrazir]

If you want a max load for 44 mag use the slower powders, 110, 296, 2400, etc. for plinking loads you can use the faster powders. Clays, 231, unique etc. Light loads with slower powder may not properly ignite. Max loads with fast powder can cause over pressure in a hurry. Ray

 

[Link]

Well it's off to the sports shop to buy some new powder.

I will just shoot the clays for plinking.

thanks all

Link

 

[chkunz]

I bought a Ruger Supper Blackhawk In 44 Mag when they first came out. I had a lot of fun shooting 240 grain cast bullets with 3 grains of Bullseye powder. It was amazingly accurate and a pleasure to shoot. You could almost see the bullet going down range and I could hit beer cans out to 100 yards with that load. I won a lot of bets with that load. Folks would bet that I could not get a hit in six rounds at 100 yards but it would shoot about a foot group at 100 yards and I held low and got a lot of hits. I also loaded Unique when I wanted faster loads and 2400 and IMR 4227 for max loads. The problem with max loads is that it is almost certain to develop a flinch with a lot of shooting with the max loads.

 

[nastynatesfish]

Can use the lays for lead. I wish I could find 2400. Have a ton of 110 local thougg

 

[spclark]

I have decided to reload for my 44 mag Ruger SBH, the only recommended powder that I have is Hodgdon international clays.(snip) I will go to 6.4 gr and see what happens.... I have 1/2 pound of this powder and would like to use it. I guess the question is, is it safe to bump it up?

Uh, no it's not.

Clays is excellent in smaller cases (it's my favorite for 45ACP) but in a 44Mag? You're much better off with slower products like others have mentioned: 296, H110, AA9, 2400 (the last my favorite for my 44's) as they're designed to work well in the larger cases that also then have larger bore volumes. 2400 in my Desert Eagle works great with 180 XTP's but will clear an indoor range after four or five rounds owing to the BOOM and 2' flame that exits the muzzle each time....