Reloading the .44 mag and .327 fed mag

[Hawire]

I’m new to reloading. I’ve got the Hornady manual with all the info, but in these two calibers the formula is for revolvers. I’m using carbines.

So the Hornady book shows that I can use accurate No.9 for both. I plan on using the XTP line of bullets in the 240gr(44 mag) and the 100gr(327 mag).

What kind of velocity can I reasonably get out of carbine length barrels?

Also, I’ve looked for some JSP in both and can not find any. For example the Federal American Eagle ammo in 327 uses that bullet, but can’t find it.

Any help would be appreciated, as I know only what the book says and I’m ignorant in this adventure.

 

[Leo_B]

Later this year I'll be loading the variations of .32 but for my SP101 revolver. I don't know of any sources that list data for rifles. I suspect you use the handgun data in the manuals for rifles as well but haven't researched that. I'd recommend getting at least one more manual to C&C with the Hornady. This site is pretty useful and you may be able to reverse engineer some rifle ballistics expectations using it. I think it's intent was to show the reduction as barrels are shortened but no reason it can't work the opposite as well. Good luck sorting it.

BBTI - Ballistics by the Inch :: Home

(statement of intent)

www.ballisticsbytheinch.com

 

[Doug Beach]

With full power loads, my 20” .44 1894 is about 500 fps faster than my 4” 629. Light loads are ~300 fps faster.

 

[WV Hitman]

XTPs never did good for me-poor penetration, poor internal damage.
My go to bullets for my .44 Anaconda & Rugers are Sierra 240 gr. JHCs (not JHP). Excellent performance for 30+ years and close to 100 deer. And cast 250 gr. Keith SWCs for larger animals and better penetration.
My load all these years is 24.0 gr WW296 for the Sierras and 23.5 gr. WW296 for the leads. These have killed many a bear for me and others.

 

[Hawire]

XTPs never did good for me-poor penetration, poor internal damage.
My go to bullets for my .44 Anaconda & Rugers are Sierra 240 gr. JHCs (not JHP). Excellent performance for 30+ years and close to 100 deer. And cast 250 gr. Keith SWCs for larger animals and better penetration.
My load all these years is 24.0 gr WW296 for the Sierras and 23.5 gr. WW296 for the leads. These have killed many a bear for me and others.

Thanks for the feedback.

Since I only have a Hornady manual, what other manual should I pick up? Or can I play around and work up a load with similar weight projectiles?

 

[Hawire]

XTPs never did good for me-poor penetration, poor internal damage.
My go to bullets for my .44 Anaconda & Rugers are Sierra 240 gr. JHCs (not JHP). Excellent performance for 30+ years and close to 100 deer. And cast 250 gr. Keith SWCs for larger animals and better penetration.
My load all these years is 24.0 gr WW296 for the Sierras and 23.5 gr. WW296 for the leads. These have killed many a bear for me and others.

I’m also assuming both are pistol loads? Do you think the poor penetration was from lack of velocity? According to the box the XTP projectiles should work between 900-1500 fps. I’m truly trying to learn.

 

[Leo_B]

I have Hornady XI, Sierra VI, Lee 2nd ed., Lyman 51st, Hodgdon 2025 & 2026, Lyman Cast 4th ed., Ken Waters Pet Loads and a couple of older books one by Nonte another I don't remember right off. I like Lyman 51st and Lee 2nd more than the others and probably use Hodgdon more than the others because it is a handier size and stays open where you want more readily. And it's much less expensive so I got the new edition. Others I'll probably replace only every other or every third edition.

 

[DHD]

Depending on the carbine, just use revolver data. I use AA9 for the 327 Fed and prefer H110 for 44 Mag. That does not mean AA9 will not work well for the 44 Mag, I just have my preferences.

I do not have any rifles in either caliber though. My 327 is a Model 97 and the 44's are either Ruger SBH's or a Model 83.

 

[spencerhenry]

Not a fan of the XTP, at least in a 45acp.

 

[kenhwind]

The selection of bullets for the .32 is limited. Speer made a nice 100 grain SJHP, discontinued.

Hornady has rifle data for the .44 Magnum

 

[kenhwind]

Thanks for the feedback.

Since I only have a Hornady manual, what other manual should I pick up? Or can I play around and work up a load with similar weight projectiles?

I would recommend getting the Lyman reloading manual. Lyman makes reloading equipment; their manual is not proprietary data orientated.

It doesn't hurt, or it's a good idea to have the manual for the bullets you're going to use, Barnes, Sierra, Speer, etc.

You cannot have too many reloading manuals.

 

[joshb]

Check your book again. My Hornady Manual has a 44 Magnum(rifle) section. I have 2 Marlins in 44 Mag and a Rossi 92 in 45 Colt. I use A#9 and H110. Think I’m getting 15-1800fps with the 240 out of my 20” barrel. I was deep into testing when I had to stop because my wife gave me a list. Then the Holidays hit.
I shoot a lot so I buy plated bullets for fooling around. I like Xtreme but I’ve shot Berry’s, too. Check the prices. I’ve been trying some jacketed bullets too, but they’re damn expensive for throwing at paper.
Welcome to reloading and the forum!
Josh

 

[Hawire]

Check your book again. My Hornady Manual has a 44 Magnum(rifle) section. I have 2 Marlins in 44 Mag and a Rossi 92 in 45 Colt. I use A#9 and H110. Think I’m getting 15-1800fps with the 240 out of my 20” barrel. I was deep into testing when I had to stop because my wife gave me a list. Then the Holidays hit.
I shoot a lot so I buy plated bullets for fooling around. I like Xtreme but I’ve shot Berry’s, too. Check the prices. I’ve been trying some jacketed bullets too, but they’re damn expensive for throwing at paper.
Welcome to reloading and the forum!
Josh

Thanks for that info. I went and looked back and sure enough the rifle data was there. I completely missed it.

 

[The German]

Thanks for the feedback.

Since I only have a Hornady manual, what other manual should I pick up? Or can I play around and work up a load with similar weight projectiles?

I would check out hodgdon.com - you will only get data for their powders, but a variety of bullets.