44 magnum loads

[Park ranger]

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.

 

[6MMsteve]

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

 

[JeffT]

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

 

[SSL]

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.

 

[6MMsteve]

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

 

[SSL]

is that it on your avatar

No, that one is the $25 .45 Colt Blackhawk that spent 7 years rusting in a leather holster on a salt-water boat before I rescued, totally rebuilt and restored it and cut the barrel from 7 1/2" to 4.5".

 

[Toptom]

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.

 

[Rednexx]

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.

 

[NC308]

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!!!

 

[SSL]

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!

 

[243winxb]

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.


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

 

[LCazador]

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.

 

[biggun2869]

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

 

[pilediver]

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

 

[DocCarbon]

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 .

 

[C_Ackley]

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.

 

[swampthang]

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.

 

[swampthang]

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.

 

[swampthang]

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

 

[Minshooter]

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.