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44 magnum loads

my load in a red hawk 7.5” is 22.0 grains of 2400 with a 240 grain Sierra. It’s around 1450-1475. Got a 3 point last year. Mid neck shot at 25 yards, band FLOP.

edit: I’m using mag federal match MAG primers. I know they say not to, not sure why. It works for me.
 
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gotta get some 300 gr bullets and let that dog eat. load it max and feel the power..just kiddin I never shot any never even knew of them, but I can imagine they would be a powerful jarring bullet, knock down stuff
 
I’ve had good results from 2400, blue dot, H110 and 296. H110 and 296 burn a lot cleaner. I always used large pistol primers, but never used in colder weather
 
gotta get some 300 gr bullets and let that dog eat. load it max and feel the power..just kiddin I never shot any never even knew of them, but I can imagine they would be a powerful jarring bullet, knock down stuff
About 20 years ago (my, how time flies!) my FFL buddy special-ordered a 5 1/2" Ruger Super Blackhawk (standard frame - not Dragoon) for a guy that had never shot any revolver heavier than a .38 Special. He insisted that he also order a couple boxes of Buffalo Bore 300-grain ammo, though my buddy tried to talk him out of it. Three days after delivery he was back in the shop with bandaged knuckles wanting to trade for a Ruger .357.
I picked it up along with the remaining ammo (only 10 rounds fired) for about 1/3 of the original price. Changed the alloy frame to a steel Dragoon frame and added a steel ejector rod housing. Still have it today. Only problem with the gun is that the bore is a bit over-size and needs .433" cast bullets to not lead, but shoots them great. I did finish up those two boxes of 300-grain loads and yes, they are stout, but not excessive.
 
About 20 years ago (my, how time flies!) my FFL buddy special-ordered a 5 1/2" Ruger Super Blackhawk (standard frame - not Dragoon) for a guy that had never shot any revolver heavier than a .38 Special. He insisted that he also order a couple boxes of Buffalo Bore 300-grain ammo, though my buddy tried to talk him out of it. Three days after delivery he was back in the shop with bandaged knuckles wanting to trade for a Ruger .357.
I picked it up along with the remaining ammo (only 10 rounds fired) for about 1/3 of the original price. Changed the alloy frame to a steel Dragoon frame and added a steel ejector rod housing. Still have it today. Only problem with the gun is that the bore is a bit over-size and needs .433" cast bullets to not lead, but shoots them great. I did finish up those two boxes of 300-grain loads and yes, they are stout, but not excessive.
is that it on your avatar
 
As mostly mentioned we use w296 in our 44s and use that exact hornady 240 xtp. Accuarcy is great can’t comment on how it kills a deer yet haven’t got a chance yet. I have a smith 629 and dad and brother have super blackhawks in 44 and load likes them all.
 
I have used Accurate #9 , I don't recall the weight of the charge, but with 240 grain jacketed hollow points seemed to work quite well, and I don't recall if I used a standard or magnum primer.
 
I shot my ruger yesterday with factory loads. I will say the recoil is a little more than I thought it would be, but manageable. I was shooting 3” groups at 50 yards open sites. Good enough for me!!!
 
I shot my ruger yesterday with factory loads. I will say the recoil is a little more than I thought it would be, but manageable. I was shooting 3” groups at 50 yards open sites. Good enough for me!!!
My rule of thumb is whatever distance you can consistently place all of your shots inside a paper plate every time and under field conditions is your distance for hunting deer. Sounds like you are good to go. Now have some fun!
 
I was shooting 3” groups at 50 yards open sites
In the Precision pistol (Bullseye) competition world, you would be a High Master classification. Very good. Not easy to do.

I cheated & used 2 hands on this (got lucky) target. :D


10 ring .....................3.36 in


index.php
 
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Whatever load you use do your self a favor and set your dies up properly and start with carefully prepped brass. A case that is .005" longer will have more crimp than a shorter case. A case that has a primer protruding a few thousands more will have noticeably different ignition performance. Like said here before the use of a magnum primer will improve ignition but you could make ignition more consistent with uniformed primer pockets. One note when performing primer pocket uniformity, do not use a large rifle rifle primer pocket uniformer, as rifle pockets are deeper than pistol primer pockets. Finally a powder load that fills the case up to where the bullet is seated is best for all around performance.
 
W296 and H110 are fine powders and I have them. God knows how long. I use 2400 because it is more forgiving with lighter loads. I used to shoot a lot of lead with unique, that powder is really no slouch in higher loads but will never get to max loads like the 296/H110. Just use them when you are going at absolute max. Gary
 
I use the 240 XTP in my S&W 29 in 44 magnum. 8 3/8 barrel and have tried 2400, AA9 and Accurate 4100 and they all perform very well. Use Winchester LPP
 
Somewhat surprised no one mentioned IMR4227 , it's a tad slower than 2400 or W296 but out of My two .44's more accurate . Don't like to tell people MY particular load recipes ,as MY powder and weapon would be different from yours . Smith Model 29 6" and SS Ruger Redhawk 7.5"
Older load books listed 24.0 gr. IMR 4227 for 225 gr. bullet and 22.0 gr. for 240 grain bullet .

WHY do people refer to H110 and W296 as if they're two different powders ??. Their exactly the same formula and St. marks out of Florida manufactures both now .

Whenever nearing maximum capacity charge ,be sure to check for primer flattening sticky extraction and I'd urge anyone to use EXTREME caution ,when loading a MAGNUM round and not using a magnum primer !.

There's specific reasons why manufactures published reloading manuals and NONE of that knowledge came without COSTS ,I assure You .
 
Anyone have any opinions on AA5744 in 44 mag?
Has a burn rate in the vicinity of IMR4227 and there's load data for it with heavier bullet weights.
 
I agree but my main purpose for this is to hunt deer out to 75 yards or so.
Late to the conversation,
But local shop had a shelf full of Hornady 240 xtp, h 110, and starliner brass $50.00/100.
What type of accuracy can be expected out of 7.5 super redhawk at 100 using h 110, what velocity can be expected?
I am typing this before I get off my lazy butt and look in my manuals.
I'm sure the pistol will be more capable than me at small groups until I put in the trigger time.
Hence the questions.
 
Somewhat surprised no one mentioned IMR4227 , it's a tad slower than 2400 or W296 but out of My two .44's more accurate . Don't like to tell people MY particular load recipes ,as MY powder and weapon would be different from yours . Smith Model 29 6" and SS Ruger Redhawk 7.5"
Older load books listed 24.0 gr. IMR 4227 for 225 gr. bullet and 22.0 gr. for 240 grain bullet .

WHY do people refer to H110 and W296 as if they're two different powders ??. Their exactly the same formula and St. marks out of Florida manufactures both now .

Whenever nearing maximum capacity charge ,be sure to check for primer flattening sticky extraction and I'd urge anyone to use EXTREME caution ,when loading a MAGNUM round and not using a magnum primer !.

There's specific reasons why manufactures published reloading manuals and NONE of that knowledge came without COSTS ,I assure You .
A local pistol hunter recommended 4227 last yr as being very accurate,
But he wont give any info.
 
As I read through all yalld experiences it is very valuable to me as a reloader.
Been reloading since early 80s , VERY FEW pistol loads, mostly the 45acp.
Seems the bullet of choice for Whitetail 100 yards and under is the Xtp 240 gr.
Probably what I'll go with
But I cant help but ask you deer hunters,
Wouldn't a 180gr jhp or the barnes solid copper 180gr hp
Moving at a faster velocity shoot flatter and give more "range"?
What are your opinions?
Ruger super redhawk 7.5 bbl
 
I have used Accurate #9 , I don't recall the weight of the charge, but with 240 grain jacketed hollow points seemed to work quite well, and I don't recall if I used a standard or magnum primer.
In my 6-1/2" 629, the most accurate long range load is the 300gr XTP and AA#9. Magnum primer.
From the Elmer backrest postion, very slow and careful, 6 will go into 4" @200 yards (2X scope).
Every deer had a .44 entrance hole, with the wound channel and exit nearly identical to a 12ga slug.
I'm also strongly not encouraging anyone to take a distant game shot beyond their ability.
All six on a 4 inch paper plate from field positions is a pretty good way to determine each shooter's range.
 

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