Reduced loads in 44 mag
Since I'm a rifle kind of guy (mostly), I have no Idea about loading 44 mag cases to be used in a revolver, other than what the loading manuals indicate. I want to load to 44 special velocities, or slightly above, in 44 mag cases, obviously to be fired in a 44 mag cylinder. Can this be done safely??? THX HAWKSHAW
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If you want to load reduced loads in large capacity cases like the 44 Mag. it's best to use fast burning powders in small quantities. These are very pleasant shooting and accurate loads with the fast burning powders. The only thing you have to be specially cautious about is throwing a double charge. 4 to 8 grains of the fast burning powder which would be the standard charge depending on bullet weight and velocity desired, is such a minuscule amount in a large capacity case it's easy to get confused and throw a double charge with unhappy results.
You might try "Trail Boss" though to prevent this. It's a new high bulk fast burning powder that been only on the market for the last 4-5 years.0 -
i use unique in the 44 for target loads 0 -
My old S&W M-29 is a sweet firing target gun when you load down in the .44 Special range. Those light loads allow quick followup shots in steel plate matches, and I can load up for bear when we have a bowling pin match and I want to make them fly off the table.
As was mentioned, just be careful not to accidentally double charge the lighter loads. Your gun will probably handle it but it will startle the heck out of YOU. [:D]0 -
Hodgdon "Titegroup". It is not position sensitive so your ignition is consistent no matter how the powder is in the case. It makes great target loads for virtually all pistol cartridges. It burns clean and usually runs a couple of $ cheaper than other powders. Given the low volumes used and the price it is one of the most economical powders out there. 0 -
Just for old time sake, and if you have some, you might try 2400. I know; it's dirty and there are "better" powders available, but I've had good luck (i.e. great accuracy and consistent performance) with everything from 14 grains to 17 in my M. 24 and up to 22 in my mags. All of this with 240 grain jacketed and hard cast bullets, though even in my mags I've dropped down to the 1,000 fps range for close work on eastern white tail and about 750 fps for target and practice work. 0 -
Anyone ever make up a flush-seated .44 wadcutter like the common 148 grain .38s?
Seems to me like this would be a good idea to help get rid of some of that excess case capacity.
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That is a excellent idea...
quote:Originally posted by beantownshootah
Anyone ever make up a flush-seated .44 wadcutter like the common 148 grain .38s?
Seems to me like this would be a good idea to help get rid of some of that excess case capacity.0 -
Why not get a few boxes of COWBOY 44 special and then you can use your 44 Mag dies to load 44 special loads in the 44 special cases . This may help you from getting confused on what you are loading in the 44 Mag cases some hot some mild loads. I have an very old pistol S&W #3 target in one of two different cartridges both called a 38/44 my pistol is a top break 1890's pistol the cartridge case is the same length as the case but the bullet is Conical but is seated below flush with the case on the normal loading but the Gallery load is over Half way down in the case. You could always try one of the bullets seated to the OAL of a 44 special in a 44 Mag case. and then use a 44 Special powder charge. 0 -
Go for it, Hawkshaw. I loaded many .44 Spl. loads into .44 mag brass back in the 1980's when .44 Special brass was scarce. I never had any problems with unburned powder or accuracy. 0
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