Question about 44 mag velocities.

[oaklandraider76]

I recently worked up some loads of 44 mag to shoot in my Ruger Redhawk w/ a 5.5" barrel. I laddered up the loads using Hornady's data and made a trip to the range. 200 grain Hornady XTP's over 24 grains of accurate #9 powder registered at just under 1700 fps on my Garmin XERO chronograph. I have a very hard time believing this. The once fired brass looks great with no flattening of primers. Any opinions on this?

 

[mike mccormick]

I run 25 grs of W296 with that bullet , and get similar velocities from an 8 inch barrel, for whatever that's worth

 

[goodbadugly]

I run 26 gr W296 with same bullet in 18" WIN 94 TRAPPER. I get 1875 fps. So I would believe it.

 

[oaklandraider76]

Thanks fellas. There was a typo in my original post....those were 200 gr XTP's, not 240.

 

[243winxb]

.those were 200 gr XTP's

over 24 grains of accurate #9 powderj, just under 1700 fps

Nosler has # 9 data with there 200 gr bullet @ 1662 fps using 23.5 grs. Longer barrel.
Given the different burn rates of no.9 powder, i would guess your at maximum.
Watch for loose primer pockets, after 5 or less firing.

Was your No 9 powder made at St. Marks, in Fl?

https://www.nosler.com/44-remington-magnum-handgun

What primer are you using? WLP or magnum.

 

[oaklandraider76]

Nosler has # 9 data with there 200 gr bullet @ 1662 fps using 23.5 grs. Longer barrel.
Given the different burn rates of no.9 powder, i would guess your at maximum.
Watch for loose primer po kets, after 5 or less firing.

Was your No 9 powder made at St. Marks, in Fl?

https://www.nosler.com/44-remington-magnum-handgun

Not sure where it was made but I'll check later today. Was there a bad batch release?

 

[CNYHunter]

Your data is correct. I shoot the 200g Hornady XTP out of my Taurus Raging Hunter 8 3/4" using Vihtavuori N110 and average around 1,750. My load is near the top end, and accuracy is good as well.

 

[243winxb]

Not sure where it was made but I'll check later today. Was there a bad batch release?

9 Powder has been made in many different countries. The burn rate & load data can be very different.

Hodgdon data should be using the newest St. Marks powders.

What primer are you using? Requires a magnum, imo.

 

[oaklandraider76]

Nosler has # 9 data with there 200 gr bullet @ 1662 fps using 23.5 grs. Longer barrel.
Given the different burn rates of no.9 powder, i would guess your at maximum.
Watch for loose primer pockets, after 5 or less firing.

Was your No 9 powder made at St. Marks, in Fl?

https://www.nosler.com/44-remington-magnum-handgun

What primer are you using? WLP or magnum.

Federal large pistol

 

[oaklandraider76]

9 Powder has been made in many different countries. The burn rate & load data can be very different.

Hodgdon data should be using the newest St. Marks powders.

What primer are you using? Requires a magnum, imo.

Federal large pistol primers, not magnum.

 

[243winxb]

I use WLP. Winchester only makes 1 large pistol primer. I believe Remington may still make only one?

No 9 is a ball powder. The burn rate of some ball powders are controled by coatings. The coating may make it harder for the primer to light the powders in cold weather.

The cup of the mag primer, may be thicker. Better control of pressure.
If you primers work ok, no problem.
https://www.shootingtimes.com/editorial/ammunition_st_mamotaip_200909/100079

This link needs an ad blocker.

 

[a1712]

You can do some crazy stuff with a Redhawk. I can get unreal velocities in a 7.5" .41 Mag with 170's. Brian.

 

[Homerange]

Thanks fellas. There was a typo in my original post....those were 200 gr XTP's, not 240.

Please edit or someone might hurt themself or damage their gun.

 

[oaklandraider76]

Please edit or someone might hurt themself or damage their gun.

done.

 

[jackieschmidt]

Whew!!
I’m glad you edited that.

I have loaded a lot of 44 mag with 240/250 grain Hard Cast, and I doubt either of my model 29 Smiths would survive that.

 

[TonyinKY]

I like the 240 gr XTP on deer but for an elk tag I chose these for my Super RedHawk.

Garrett Cartridges Inc.

 

[oaklandraider76]

The recoil on the Redhawk is, as expected for a .44 mag w/ hot loads, is brutal. Any opinions on the best after market grips to help with this?

 

[TonyinKY]

I wear gloves when shooting my big bore handguns

 

[ELR LVR]

The recoil on the Redhawk is, as expected for a .44 mag w/ hot loads, is brutal. Any opinions on the best after market grips to help with this?

Pachmeyer tamed my44 Mag 5 inch Super Blackhawk so I can shoot 50 rounds no problem and keep on shooting
It's actually fun to shoot and keep on shooting
I use a stout load of 296 and 250 grainer SWC's
Hogue would likely be just as good
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