“All Around” 44 mag load?

[BKS]

"The Nosler handgun projectiles lack skives to help promote expansion at low impact velocities."
https://www.ballisticstudies.com/Kno...on+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...

http://instagram.com/p/CLAhcGmrDwa/

[spyderco monkey]

GT Bullets makes a number of interesting Cast Lead Hollowpoints.

https://www.gtbullets.com/index.php?...=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?...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.