Powder 200gr and 240gr bullets in 44 mag

[Scrumbag]

Thanks folks. Looks like I should investigate 2400 a little more and perhaps Enforcer then Lil-gun will also be in the mix.

I think I should just go over to magnum primers for everything.

Scrummy

 

[JSH]

2400, you want to investigate anything, Elmer Keith.
Yes 2400 is sooty, but the end results are what I look for. And for the world of me, did people quit cleaning guns in the last half dozen years, WTH?
Elmer Keith
44 magnum
Model 29
2400
#429421

Mention 44 Special or mag and you don’t know what all of the above are, your man card can be revoked.

 

[Scrumbag]

2400, you want to investigate anything, Elmer Keith.
Yes 2400 is sooty, but the end results are what I look for. And for the world of me, did people quit cleaning guns in the last half dozen years, WTH?
Elmer Keith - involved in developing powerful handguns and hunting with them
44 magnum - developed out of 44 Special by lengthening the case much as had 357 come from 38 Spc.
Model 29 - Large frame S&W revolver (I used to own a 25-5, never had a 29)
2400 - Powder, often used for 44 mag.
#429421 - Number of a mould I believe developed by Elmer Keith.

Mention 44 Special or mag and you don’t know what all of the above are, your man card can be revoked.

That OK?

 

[wboggs]

2400. You might want to try some cast bullets. Performance on game is superb and it is easy to taylor loads to the intendened use.

 

[jackieschmidt]

Blue Dot works well, too. Good choice for loading both bullet weights mentioned.

^^^^^^^^

 

[Charlie-NY]

Max loads of H110 and a 240 jacketed bullet are all I've used for years in my pistols and rifles. Never had a problem of any kind. H110 is also readily available (now) at PV where I've seen it for the last few weeks.

 

[Bojo]

I run 2400 as well 240 xtp bullet.
7.5 inch Ruger SBH Hunter. Resting my forearms across a table or at seat and I can put all 6 in about a 2.5” at 50 yards fairly often with the factory iron sights when checking for accuracy.

 

[JSH]

That OK?

No offense offense intended. Mention E.K in conversation on wheel guns and many don’t know of whom you speak.
I and my shooting buddy have tried about all the newest latest greatest concerning 44Sp/44 mag, keep going back to 2400. I have a goodly amount from the 70’s, it is only used around special occasions, first born sons, certain birthdays and holidays etc

 

[Bill K]

2400 is #1 for the 44 mag. #9 would be a good second best.

 

[wboggs]

I loaded my first .44 mag in the 50s with 2400 and cast bullets. Have had three pistols since and 2400 has never failed me. The orginal factory loads were lead with a gas check. Lead was fairly soft and would expand to about the size of a quarter on a deer or hog

 

[CJ6]

I loaded my first .44 mag in the 50s with 2400 and cast bullets. Have had three pistols since and 2400 has never failed me. The orginal factory loads were lead with a gas check. Lead was fairly soft and would expand to about the size of a quarter on a deer or hog

If you like H-110 try VV-110. It's cleaner and you can get by with a little less in the case to get the same vel.

 

[JSH]

I loaded my first .44 mag in the 50s with 2400 and cast bullets. Have had three pistols since and 2400 has never failed me. The orginal factory loads were lead with a gas check. Lead was fairly soft and would expand to about the size of a quarter on a deer or hog

IMHO, hardcast has caused more problems than it solved. Then it didn’t solve anything really, just covered up a problem that wasn’t addressed properly.
Cast, size is king.

 

[Clark]

I contacted Hodgdon ~20 years ago and asked why they did not list any 357 mag cast loads for LIL'GUN, like the ones what worked so well for me. They said it would melt the base of the bullet.

 

[Scrumbag]

If you like H-110 try VV-110. It's cleaner and you can get by with a little less in the case to get the same vel.

I do indeed like VV N110 (Darn sight easier to get here too than a lot of powders).

Also don't think it needs a magnum primer to ignite cleanly.

The only thing I am a little concerned about is that Barnes don't give data for it and their 200 gr XPB wherear they do for their 225gr. I'm just wondering if their is a good reason for that.

Scrummy

 

[Scrumbag]

Actually, I tell a lie, it does give data for N110 and the 200gr XPB.

Scrummy

 

[wboggs]

IMHO, hardcast has caused more problems than it solved. Then it didn’t solve anything really, just covered up a problem that wasn’t addressed properly.
Cast, size is king.

What are the hardcast problems you are referring to?

 

[JSH]

What are the hardcast problems you are referring to?

The label of hard cast is misused a fair bit, as much as an advertisement gimmick as anything. You may or may not get great accuracy with them, they will skid on the rifling, rather than grabbing.
There is room for a hard cast bullet but it has to fit properly.
Cast bullets can be driven at jacketed speeds out of a handgun with out ANY leading, and not be as hard as diamonds. Not two or three shots either, then declare success.

Bottom line, I see a lot of folks go out and buy XYZ brand cast bullet, load and shoot it. Leads up and they blame the bullet, you will hear them say and it was hard cast and it still leaded……..

The new fad/trend is what I have heard referred to as lipstick bullets. The pretty pastel colors of powder coating seems to do what some of the plated bullets did years ago.