“All Around” 44 mag load?

[BKS]

Does anyone have an “all around” or “do it all” load for a 44 mag wheel gun? I have a bunch of ACME 240gr SWC, Nosler 240gr JHP, and some 180gr softpoints.

[Hambo]

What powders do you have?

I used to use the starting load of AA No. 9 with 240gr LSWC for about 1200FPS. I usually use H110 with jacketed bullets. I've also use a lot of Unique and 2400.

http://www.ramshot.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/WesternPowdersHandloadingGuide8.0_WEB.pdf

[mtnbkr]

I don't have a singular load for 44mag, I have two that use the same bullet (250gr SWC that I cast). I have a mag load using 2400 and a plinking load using Trail Boss.

But, once I use all of those up, I'll probably standardize on something like 9gr-10gr of Unique.

Chris

[03RN]

Lost River
Malamute

I can't speak to .44 mag but I think the .45 colt is pretty close enough.

I haven't experimented that much. I started hunting with my backhawk/redhawk/m92 with BuffaloBores 255gr swc at 1000fps. I had nuisance permits to hunt at a nursery year round and took advantage of it. I killed a couple dozen deer with that load and saw some of the most impressive bang flops Ive ever seen. Thats including comparison to shotgun and 30-06 class rifles.

For new england use. A 255gr(or 240gr) @ 900-1000fps is my gp load.

9gr of unique should get you where you want to go. Im going to experiment with be-86 next just out of availability sake

[farscott]

@Lost River (https://pistol-forum.com/member.php?u=4952)
@Malamute (https://pistol-forum.com/member.php?u=8668)

I can't speak to .44 mag but I think the .45 colt is pretty close enough.

I haven't experimented that much. I started hunting with my backhawk/redhawk/m92 with BuffaloBores 255gr swc at 1000fps. I had nuisance permits to hunt at a nursery year round and took advantage of it. I killed a couple dozen deer with that load and saw some of the most impressive bang flops Ive ever seen. Thats including comparison to shotgun and 30-06 class rifles.

For new england use. A 255gr(or 240gr) @ 900-1000fps is my gp load.

9gr of unique should get you where you want to go. Im going to experiment with be-86 next just out of availability sake

This is much my experience. I no longer load or shoot .44 Magnum, but when I did I started out pushing bullets too fast. Hard on the gun and hard on me. One of the reasons I no longer shoot Magnums is that I did a fair amount of damage to my hands and wrists before I got smart(er). I finally learned to keep the velocity around 1000 fps. No issues with penetration except for pig hunts. For pig, I did jump to .454 Casull, heavier bullets, and more velocity. For most applications, 240-grain and up at 1000 fps is nice and easy on pistol and shooter while being quite effective on most targets. I rather increase sectional density than velocity today.

[Rick R]

I’ve shot IDPA and informal metallic silhouette using the 240gr swc over 10.0gr Unique load. I wouldn’t hesitate to shoot deer with it either but I normally hunt with a 270gr WFN bullet that I cast launched by a bunch of 2400.

John Taffin seems to know a bit about the .44 and its care and feeding.

https://americanhandgunner.com/gear/favored-modest-44-magnum-loads/

[Lost River]

This is an easy one.

I have been using 10 grains of Unique as my general purpose/medium load for decades. Using a 240/250 grain SWC, it will do 95% of all you need to do with a .44 Magnum. This also applies to the .45 Colt. Mule Deer, Coyotes, whatever. Normally I use a lighter load if I am hunting smaller game such as rabbits, but I have killed hundreds with the 10 grain Unique/240 load.

It also is an "easy button" for pushing heavy for caliber projectiles through older Smith revolvers. In fact about a couple weeks ago a buddy was asking for some load info for 300 grain bullets that would be middle of the road, recoil wise, and I told suggested the 10 grain Unique/300 recipe. Normally I use H110 with the 300s when going for top end loads which comprise only about 5% of my shooting needs with the .44 mag these days.

Unique and H110 are the only two powders I regularly use in the .44, though I have experimented with others.

The 10 grain Unique/240 cast is my "Go-to", do everything load, and I load it in bulk. I figure if I am ever not able to obtain ammo, there are few general purpose handguns and loads that can handle pretty much anything I am likely to encounter from the mountains to town. If the cast bullet is sized properly, the load will work great in a levergun as well.

https://i.imgur.com/uuBjBPv.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/RsmuEBP.jpg

[okie john]

A 255gr(or 240gr) @ 900-1000fps is my gp load.

That load is a lot more useful than most people think and recoil won't beat you or the gun to death.


Okie John

[jtcarm]

18.5 grains of 2400 behind a Lyman 429421.

I didn’t own a chrono back when I shot a lot of .44 mag, but according to the published source, it should give about 1,000 fps.

In my handgun hunting days, I loaded the LBT 280 WFN with a max charge of H110 or 296. It dropped white tails pretty well, but after noting how the bullet sailed through the deer like they were tissue, realized that driving a non-expanding bullet over 1,000 fps was a waste of powder and harder on the gun and myself.

I like to practice with the same load I carry in the field. Cast boolits and less-than-maximum powder charges make it affordable and a lot more fun to practice.

[Dave T]

When I was a young deputy I started collecting/acquiring Old Model Flat-top 44 Mag Ruger Blackhawks. I had both the common 6.5" versions and even one 7.5" FT. Probably because of the Colt style and size grip frame (XR-3) I never tried to impress people by how much H110 I could stuff in a Mag case. Instead I took my inspiration from Ol' Elmer. His pet load was 22g 2400 behind his cast 429421 SWC. I tried that and it was pretty good but for some reason my most shot OM Ruger liked 21g so that became what I shot. 429421 cast from wheel-weights and sized to .430", over 21g of 2400 and ignited by standard LP primers. No doubt I shot over a thousand rounds of that before I decided a lighter load would be more fun.

Tried dropping it to 18.5g of 2400, which was Elmer's maximum 44 Special load in Balloon Head cases. Then came to the conclusion that 44 Special would do anything I wanted done and kind of gave up on the Magnums. Tried the Skeeter Skelton load of 7.5g of Unique but for what ever reason preferred 2400 and settled on 16.5g or 17.5g (can't remember which after all these years) of 2400 in the Special case with the same old 250g SWC.

Dave

[BKS]

I REALLY appreciate the replies.

[Trooper224]

A 240 grain bullet over 9 grains of Power Pistol is everything you need in a .44 Magnum. It chronos it 950 fps out of my four inch 29 and you can drop an elk with it. It won't beat you or your gun up either.

It's considerably cleaner than Unique.

[TiroFijo]

Like many have said, for an all around 44 Mag load a 240-250 gr cast bullet with a wide metplat and going at about 950-1,000 fps out of a 4" barrel is hard to beat. If you use powders with a burning rate similar to Unique or a bit faster it translates to 9-10 gr and very modest recoil.

In my 6.5" S&W 629 classic I mostly use this Lee bullet:

https://www.herrons.com.au/products/category/GFSDYEJN-handgun-mold/90299--lee-430-44-caliber-240-gr-micro-band-semi-wad-cutter-double-cavity-mold

https://www.herrons.com.au/spnet6/img/I/9/0/2/9/I_90299.jpg

It weights 260 gr with WW alloy, and clocks 1,075 fps with a SD of 7-8 fps over 8.2 gr of a argentinian A2 powder. Is is extremely accurate and soft shooting.
I'm sure experimenting with Unique or other US made similar medium rate powders would yield similar results.

[1911Nut]

I have put a lot of .44 Magnum rounds downrange, including hunting and IMSHA competition a lifetime ago.

I really like maximum loads Hodgdon of H110 powder under a 250-300 gr. hard cast bullet for shooting big game.

But if I only could go with one load only, it would be 10.0 grains of Unique under a 240-250 hard cast SWC bullet. That load is flat out accurate in every revolver and TC Contender I have ever tried it in, and at reasonable handgun distances, it is shockingly effective on stuff up to and including large western Mule Deer. And unless you are very recoil sensitive, it's a load that you can shoot a lot, and do so comfortably.

I have never tried Power Pistol powder, but have only heard good stuff about it.

[Clusterfrack]

240gr SNS polymer coated, 10gr 800x: ~1000 fps

[Lester Polfus]

I'm noticing a trend here...

I've often thought that for 90% of use cases, what we really need is .44 Extra Special, not the full snort .44 Magnum rhino-rollers.

For those of you that use a .44/45 bullet that weighs 240-250 at 1000ish FPS, I'm curious if any of you also use them in a long gun and have choreographed that.

[Trooper224]

I'm noticing a trend here...

I've often thought that for 90% of use cases, what we really need is .44 Extra Special, not the full snort .44 Magnum rhino-rollers.

For those of you that use a .44/45 bullet that weighs 240-250 at 1000ish FPS, I'm curious if any of you also use them in a long gun and have choreographed that.


Not in .44 mag, but I have in .45 Colt. A load with a 250 grain bullet would do about 1000 fps from my 7.5 inch Colt SAA and around 1200 fps from a Winchester with a 26 inch barrel. The powder was Unique, but I forget the charge weight.

[Zeke38]

Looking old load/chrono records my favorite all time GP 44 Mag load is what so many others have mentioned: 240SWC/ 10.0 Unique. Manageable and very accurate. In an old Pre 29 5" it whistles along at 1102fps.

Second choice is same bullet with 8.5 grains of Power Pistol for 986fps from a 4.25" 44 Mag. Superbly accurate, in several 44s.

Enjoy!

[Wayne Dobbs]

A full weight (240 - 260) .44 or .45 bullet of good design (SWC with nice big meplat) at 1000 fps will handle any creature in North America and most elsewhere. It's easy to shoot, easy on the revolver and simply works. Trying to run bullets at high velocities only flattens trajectory a bit at extended ranges that few of us can use to any advantage. Running a .429 SWC weighing 250 grains through Schwartz's model shows it will "only" penetrate 36". I submit that will get the job done.

Years ago, I read an article by John Linebaugh about the concept of a 250ish grain Keith at 900 from .45 Colt on game. He noted that it killed game very well and that they rarely were more than 25 yards where they were hit. I started trying that in my S&W 625 Mountain Gun in .45 ACP. I used Starline Auto Rim brass, 250 grain Keith SWCs and 6.5 Unique for barely 900 fps. It kills deer very well and like Linebaugh said, they don't go far. The lack of a sonic crack seems to be significant, because I noted that upon being hit, the deer will run a few steps, then stop and walk a few more and tip over dead. You can do the same thing with .44 Special and Magnum. Give it a try and see what you think.

[Dave T]

Years ago, I read an article by John Linebaugh about the concept of a 250ish grain Keith at 900 from .45 Colt on game. He noted that it killed game very well and that they rarely were more than 25 yards where they were hit.

I think it is fascinating this performance (250@900) is exactly what the 45 Colt started as with it's original black powder load. A 255g soft lead bullet (1-16 tin to lead) over 40g of FFg black powder in a balloon head case produced 910 fps from a 7.5" Single Action Army. Although the military wimped out and ended up with the 45 S&W Schofield round, civilian ammo makers continued with the original loading. Perhaps this had something to do with the 45 Colt cartridge and SAA becoming known as "the Peacemaker". (smiley face goes here)

Dave

[03RN]

I'm noticing a trend here...

I've often thought that for 90% of use cases, what we really need is .44 Extra Special, not the full snort .44 Magnum rhino-rollers.

For those of you that use a .44/45 bullet that weighs 240-250 at 1000ish FPS, I'm curious if any of you also use them in a long gun and have choreographed that.


I recently trudged the mile out to my shooting spot through knee deep snow to chrono my loads in my 4 5/8" bh and 16" m92. I got out there and my battery was dead. Woops.

Ill get some results soon:o

[03RN]

A full weight (240 - 260) .44 or .45 bullet of good design (SWC with nice big meplat) at 1000 fps will handle any creature in North America and most elsewhere. It's easy to shoot, easy on the revolver and simply works. Trying to run bullets at high velocities only flattens trajectory a bit at extended ranges that few of us can use to any advantage. Running a .429 SWC weighing 250 grains through Schwartz's model shows it will "only" penetrate 36". I submit that will get the job done.

Years ago, I read an article by John Linebaugh about the concept of a 250ish grain Keith at 900 from .45 Colt on game. He noted that it killed game very well and that they rarely were more than 25 yards where they were hit. I started trying that in my S&W 625 Mountain Gun in .45 ACP. I used Starline Auto Rim brass, 250 grain Keith SWCs and 6.5 Unique for barely 900 fps. It kills deer very well and like Linebaugh said, they don't go far. The lack of a sonic crack seems to be significant, because I noted that upon being hit, the deer will run a few steps, then stop and walk a few more and tip over dead. You can do the same thing with .44 Special and Magnum. Give it a try and see what you think.

I was out hiking today after a pretty sparce hunting season. I watched 4 does cross about 40 yards ahead and I was kinda bummed Ill have to wait untill nect year to test out my 255 in my Loaded. I really dont expect much difference with my .45 colt though. The colt is only +/- 50fps faster

[spyderco monkey]

The 240gr XTP looks promising, in that is has a very wide velocity envelope (from 900-1800fps.)

https://www.glocktalk.com/attachments/xtp-velocity-chart-jpg.554364/

Here's the 240gr @ 1532fps; still holds up well despite the ludicrous speed.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMovOc_QZWk

And here's how it performs at 1265fps via Brassfetcher:
https://www.brassfetcher.com/Handguns/44%20Magnum/44%20Magnum%204%20barrel.jpg

The velocity range is useful in that it also allows you to use the round from both a .44 revolver and carbine. It also means that at range (50-100yd) the bullet is still within its expansion velocity range. A 240gr @ 1200fps load from a 4.5" barrel would likely be ~1600fps from a carbine.

[Rick R]

For those of you that use a .44/45 bullet that weighs 240-250 at 1000ish FPS, I'm curious if any of you also use them in a long gun and have choreographed that.

I had to go find the spreadsheet. Using a 270gr WFN from an NOE mold, Starline brass, CCI large pistol primers

4 5/8” SBH 9.7gr Unique 1,121fps
20” Marlin 9.7gr Unique. 1,315fps

4 5/8” SBH 18.2gr A2400 1,278fps
20” Marlin 18.2gr A2400 1,590fps

Of course the usual proviso that my load data isn’t safe in my gun or yours, if you use it and blow yourself up we’ll come to your funeral and laugh at you before we split your gear amongst us.

[LtDave]

240gr SNS polymer coated, 10gr 800x: ~1000 fps

If only 800-X didn't meter like corn flakes. Otherwise, great powder.

[LtDave]

I've tested these in several S&W .44 mags and an OM Super Blackhawk. All have shot sub 2" out of one or more of my guns at 20 yards.
All loads used the SNS Casting 240 gr polymer coated bullets and Winchester LP primers. All were pleasant to shoot out of 4" guns.

Red Dot 6.4 grains
Power Pistol 8.7 and 9.5 grains
Bullseye 4.9 grains
HP38 7.5, 8.5 and 9.2 grains
Universal 7.8 and 8.4 grains
Clays 5.7 grains
WSF 8.0 and 9.1 grains

The most consistently accurate load for me was 6.4 grains of Red Dot, followed by Power Pistol, either 8.7 or 9.5 grains dependent on the gun.
The Red Dot load should run around 900 fps. Power Pistol loads should run 950 to 1050.

[Clusterfrack]

If only 800-X didn't meter like corn flakes. Otherwise, great powder.

LOL! I use a ChargeMaster for that powder for sure.

[Sal Picante]

If I can get clear of work today, I'm going to load some 44 "Extra Special" and see what it does out of an Alaskan and a 7.5 Redhawk chrono-wise...

[Bruce Cartwright]

Does anyone have an “all around” or “do it all” load for a 44 mag wheel gun? I have a bunch of ACME 240gr SWC, Nosler 240gr JHP, and some 180gr softpoints.


This is an easy one.

I have been using 10 grains of Unique as my general purpose/medium load for decades. Using a 240/250 grain SWC, it will do 95% of all you need to do with a .44 Magnum. This also applies to the .45 Colt. Mule Deer, Coyotes, whatever. Normally I use a lighter load if I am hunting smaller game such as rabbits, but I have killed hundreds with the 10 grain Unique/240 load.

It also is an "easy button" for pushing heavy for caliber projectiles through older Smith revolvers. In fact about a couple weeks ago a buddy was asking for some load info for 300 grain bullets that would be middle of the road, recoil wise, and I told suggested the 10 grain Unique/300 recipe. Normally I use H110 with the 300s when going for top end loads which comprise only about 5% of my shooting needs with the .44 mag these days.

Unique and H110 are the only two powders I regularly use in the .44, though I have experimented with others.

The 10 grain Unique/240 cast is my "Go-to", do everything load, and I load it in bulk. I figure if I am ever not able to obtain ammo, there are few general purpose handguns and loads that can handle pretty much anything I am likely to encounter from the mountains to town. If the cast bullet is sized properly, the load will work great in a levergun as well.

https://i.imgur.com/uuBjBPv.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/RsmuEBP.jpg


A full weight (240 - 260) .44 or .45 bullet of good design (SWC with nice big meplat) at 1000 fps will handle any creature in North America and most elsewhere. It's easy to shoot, easy on the revolver and simply works. Trying to run bullets at high velocities only flattens trajectory a bit at extended ranges that few of us can use to any advantage. Running a .429 SWC weighing 250 grains through Schwartz's model shows it will "only" penetrate 36". I submit that will get the job done.

Years ago, I read an article by John Linebaugh about the concept of a 250ish grain Keith at 900 from .45 Colt on game. He noted that it killed game very well and that they rarely were more than 25 yards where they were hit. I started trying that in my S&W 625 Mountain Gun in .45 ACP. I used Starline Auto Rim brass, 250 grain Keith SWCs and 6.5 Unique for barely 900 fps. It kills deer very well and like Linebaugh said, they don't go far. The lack of a sonic crack seems to be significant, because I noted that upon being hit, the deer will run a few steps, then stop and walk a few more and tip over dead. You can do the same thing with .44 Special and Magnum. Give it a try and see what you think.

BKS:

I echo what Lost River and Wayne Dobbs say. My bullet of choice for the 44 magnum is the Lyman 429421 cast Keith semi-wadcutter. I typically use two power levels: 1,000+/- feet per second ("fps") or 1,250 fps. 9 grains of Unique gets me to an honest 1,000 fps out of a 4 inch revolver and 21 grains of 2400 gets me to 1,250+/- in the same length barrel. I don't get wrapped around the axle about specific powders. Anything that gets me to either of those two powers levels can work. I tend to look for deals on powder. In my experience, there isn't much difference between powders for me to worry about it. What I do worry about is extremes in pressure. If my cases don't easily eject, I change my loads. If I need to shoot something that can't be stopped with either of those two power levels, I get a rifle. I'd rather have a safe, reliable load that won't harm my gun than try to squeeze a few extra feet per second out of a load/powder.

As to those two power levels, I can tell you that the 1,000 fps level gets used by far the most. The 1,250 fps load is great if you are hunting, but it is difficult to control in rapid fire. Being able to deliver multiple accurate shots quickly is important to me. As I mentioned above, if I need more than either of these two power levels, I reach for a shotgun or rifle. Food for thought.

Bruce

[Velo Dog]

Does anyone have an “all around” or “do it all” load for a 44 mag wheel gun? I have a bunch of ACME 240gr SWC, Nosler 240gr JHP, and some 180gr softpoints.

The Sierra 240gr JHC and Hornady 240gr XTP are good general purpose bullets.

"The Nosler handgun projectiles lack skives to help promote expansion at low impact velocities."
https://www.ballisticstudies.com/Knowledgebase/.44+Remington+Magnum.html

The factory Hornady Custom 240gr XTP load does well in both revolvers and carbines.
https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?4335-44-Magnum-General-Purpose-Loads

Remington R44MG4 was a 240gr lead medium loading that had a rated velocity of 1000fps from a 6.5" vented barrel.
This .44 Special offering from Buffalo Bore is actually more powerful than that old factory .44 Magnum load.
https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=88

I really like the idea of a 240 to 255 grain Keith-type bullet at 1000fps. Enough penetration on larger animals without excessive damage to smaller game. Good trajectory with manageable recoil. Possible to cast one's own bullets to save money or future-proof supply. Such a load should check a lot of boxes when it comes to legal or ethical medium to big game hunting. However, if a lead free alternative were needed, this copper 240 grain HG Solid could work.
https://cuttingedgebullets.com/44-240gr-handgun-solid

[BKS]

"The Nosler handgun projectiles lack skives to help promote expansion at low impact velocities."
https://www.ballisticstudies.com/Knowledgebase/.44+Remington+Magnum.html

I really like the idea of a 240 to 255 grain Keith-type bullet at 1000fps. Enough penetration on larger animals without excessive damage to smaller game. Good trajectory with manageable recoil. Possible to cast one's own bullets to save money or future-proof supply. Such a load should check a lot of boxes when it comes to legal or ethical medium to big game hunting. However, if a lead free alternative were needed, this copper 240 grain HG Solid could work.
https://cuttingedgebullets.com/44-240gr-handgun-solid[/QUOTE]


Thanks for that link, I hadn’t seen that.

[Sal Picante]

If I can get clear of work today, I'm going to load some 44 "Extra Special" and see what it does out of an Alaskan and a 7.5 Redhawk chrono-wise...

The power to the range was down, so I didn't get a chance to chrono those loads. But, I had True Blue, AA7, Power Pistol, TG, Win231 and 2400 to dick around with. Decided to do a nice 16gr loading of AA7 under a SNS 240 coated SWC.

It was really pleasant to shoot. Accurate out of the Alaskan. With the RedHawk, I'm going to have to dick around a lot more with the sights...

p/CLAhcGmrDwa

[spyderco monkey]

GT Bullets makes a number of interesting Cast Lead Hollowpoints.

https://www.gtbullets.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=8

This 250gr Keith LSWCHP seems like it would be fun; 10BHN should expand in the 1000-1200fps range, although I'd email the manufacturer for their suggestion.

https://www.gtbullets.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8&products_id=49

And at $0.146 per projectile, I think thats the cheapest .44 Hollow Point on the market, making it viable as your go to practice and work load.

[revolvergeek]

I've tested these in several S&W .44 mags and an OM Super Blackhawk. All have shot sub 2" out of one or more of my guns at 20 yards.
All loads used the SNS Casting 240 gr polymer coated bullets and Winchester LP primers. All were pleasant to shoot out of 4" guns.

Red Dot 6.4 grains
Power Pistol 8.7 and 9.5 grains
Bullseye 4.9 grains
HP38 7.5, 8.5 and 9.2 grains
Universal 7.8 and 8.4 grains
Clays 5.7 grains
WSF 8.0 and 9.1 grains

The most consistently accurate load for me was 6.4 grains of Red Dot, followed by Power Pistol, either 8.7 or 9.5 grains dependent on the gun.
The Red Dot load should run around 900 fps. Power Pistol loads should run 950 to 1050.

I have used a LOT of Red Dot over the years. I was playing around a couple hunting seasons ago with the Lee 310 RNFP over two different charges of Red Dot for about 850 and 900fps out of a 4" 629MG. Didn't get to shoot a dear or hog with either load when I took it out, but I think it should work well.