Reloading 44 Mag/44 Special

[Ernest T]

You can safely use the starting load for 200 grain bullets for your 220 grain bullets. If you prefer more caution, drop it by 0.5 grains.

I've used CFE pistol in my 44 special loads using copper wash bullets that make IPSC power factor, but I neglected to write it up in my load data file, and I can't remember exactly what I did, so I can't quote numbers.

I haven't loaded CFE yet, but I will. I only have about 100 44 special cases at present so I have to load a few at a time.

 

[Ernest T]

Been looking for 2400 myself. Been burning some Trail Boss with 44spl in the mag. Super soft shooting for any age. 296 and unique is what I have for Mag loads. A full load of 296 touched off ain't no joke (yes I used some hillbilly talk). At 25yds the point of impact is the same with the spl or mags go figure.

The only 2400 I've found is 8 lbs for $339 at Grafs and Sons. I'm not prepared to buy 8 obs of it without trying it out first.

Alliant 2400 Smokeless Powder 8 Pound - Graf & Sons

Legendary for its performance in .44 magnum and other magnum pistol loads. Originally developed for the .22 Hornet, it's also the shooter's choice for .410 bore.

www.grafs.com

 

[Ernest T]

And you won't see any at the level you are loading. Depending on the revolver (in my case it's either going to be Blackhawk's or FA83's) you won't see any "classic" signs of pressure until you are way past any comfort level. In my 44 Magnum FA83, I probably would never see any pressure issue even with a case full of bullseye and a 300 grain bullet. Pick a load that meets your goals and work with it safely. What I mean is pick a bullet weight, pick a velocity, and work with that accurately. A S&W 29 will be a different critter than a stronger SA revolver but can handle medium loads (240 grain bullets and 1000-1100 fps) probably indefinitely.

I don't use lightweight bullets (with one exception in 44 Special) and I don't load pipsqueak loads. I find accuracy in the 44/45's using a standard or heavier bullet (240 + for 44's and 250 + for 45's) in the medium velocity range and hotter. I understand folk want to use what they have but the bigger capacity cases work very well with medium and slower powders (HS-6 would be my medium example and AA9/2400 would be my slower example). The examples of slower powders I just used can be played with as they don't hate to be downloaded. When you get to H110/296 range, they are meant to be rock crushing loads and can be interesting. I can be completely happy only using HS-6, AA9, and H110 for all of my revolver needs.

As others have mentioned, I only use Magnum cases in a Magnum chamber. My 44 Special cases only go in my 44 Special revolvers (same for 357/38 Spec, 327 Federal/32 H&R). Everybody does their own thing and that's perfectly fine but keep in mind a 44 Magnum case loaded with a medium burn rate powder will act just like a 44 Special case loaded with a fast burn rate powder and do it at a lower pressure and maybe better accuracy. The 44 Magnum case will also not leave fouling some place in the cylinder you don't want it. Not trying to preach (he said while preaching) but simplify as much as possible.

And lastly, yes you are seeing fouling on the outside of the cases (and in you chamber walls) because you are loading so light regardless of the "book" data. I use .5 powder grain increments with 44/45 cases. You will notice a difference in loads without danger using this increment and can then fine tune, if you will, when you start to find accuracy and cleaner case walls (and cleaner chamber walls). Sorry, did the preach thing again.

Thanks for confirming what I thought. I'll give your technique a try.

 

[Jeff Porter]

Going to load some 44 magnum with AA7 and VV105 since that is what I have on my shelf. Using 240 Berry FP plated bullets. 15.0-15.5 of each to start with. Anyone else been down this road ?

Zero work up. Set a Berry 240gr to suggested OAL with 15 gr of AA7. Not a cream puff but not a full house load either. Considering it has been a decade since I have done much pistol shooting I think this shows promise. 15 yards red dot two handed from 6”629. VV same way was not as tight but not horrible

 

[Ernest T]

I’m still working on figuring this out. I’ve gotten a little more velocity and cleaner cases by upping the load .5 over the max recommended load in the Hornady book. I’m still behind the published load and velocity numbers though. In other words, it takes a larger load in my gun to get the same velocity they achieved.

Hornady used 3” barrel in their test gun, I thought I’d at least equal those numbers in my gun with a 4” barrel.

My gun is an early 80s model with fewer than 2000 rounds through it, mostly 44 special.

One other question. What is the ramification of using a powder coated lead bullet vs a copper plated bullet? Is there any difference in reloading the case?

 

[DHD]

No, not really. Don't put a gorilla crimp on it like you're using a jacketed bullet. A good easy roll crimp closing the expanded mouth into the crimp groove (if the bullet has one) will do. You're not loading hot enough to need a heavy crimp.

A PC bullet no harder than the same bullet without PC but is more fragile in a way as the PC is the only lube and damaging it isn't ideal.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

Test fired a few loads in the Desert eagle, ejected between 3-4 o'clock H110 middle charge weight with 240 gr Hornady xtp. Tried some older S&B once fired brass that was free to me. Ultrasonic cleaned and dried, Win primers and the brass a very tight fit, wouldn't use the S&B brass again. PPU and Win brass works well.

 

[big5ifty]

I’m still working on figuring this out. I’ve gotten a little more velocity and cleaner cases by upping the load .5 over the max recommended load in the Hornady book.

This is common. You can increase the charge till you get book velocity numbers, it's just not a good idea to exceed book velocity.

One other question. What is the ramification of using a powder coated lead bullet vs a copper plated bullet? Is there any difference in reloading the case?

Load is the same if they are the same weight.

Powder coated lead needs a bit more care in seating. The case mouths need to be expanded, and the mouths belled.

If you don't expand the case mouth to the correct size, when the bullet is seated, it swages the body of the cast bullet down, to the point where it's too small for the bore, and will result in poor accuracy.

If the case mouth is not belled, seating the bullet may scrape off the powder coat, resulting in barrel leading.

 

[Ernest T]

This is common. You can increase the charge till you get book velocity numbers, it's just not a good idea to exceed book velocity.


Load is the same if they are the same weight.

Powder coated lead needs a bit more care in seating. The case mouths need to be expanded, and the mouths belled.

If you don't expand the case mouth to the correct size, when the bullet is seated, it swages the body of the cast bullet down, to the point where it's too small for the bore, and will result in poor accuracy.

If the case mouth is not belled, seating the bullet may scrape off the powder coat, resulting in barrel leading.

That's good information. Thank you.