44 mag reloading question

[rimfire_crazed]

As everyone has said - the univeral .44 mag recipe is a max charge of h110 with a 240gr XTP. I've also had good luck with 2400 and 5744. #9 is also popular.

However, if you want to see similar results to what everyone else has reported, stick with the H110.

The downside is that you CANNOT download H110 into practice territory. anything less than 5% under max is potentially dangerous. This is one of the reasons I like 2400.

 

[Don]

My plinking load of 10gr unique of a hard cast SWC. When I go in the woods, its store bought ammo. Last batch in my ruger has been Hornady loaded 300gr XTPs.

 

[xring62]

I started 44mag deer load with 240gr XTP ,ended up with a 250 lead bullet[kieth type] and with best kill results. But Ive never found anything better in my 629 than Alliant 2400 powder.

 

[crocket]

ruger super blackhawk i like 20.0 gr. h110 powder/ 225 gr. ftx hornady bullet

 

[scsbronco]

I just picked up a 629 ported. I too will be reloading soon. Thanks for the info. Are the W296 loads temperature sensitive?

 

[billybob44]

Are the W296 loads temperature sensitive?

I just picked up a 629 ported. I too will be reloading soon. Thanks for the info. Are the W296 loads temperature sensitive?

I KNOW that H-110 IS temp sensitive!!
Glad that I had a 'N' Frame S&W .357 on some of my H-110 loads on a HOT day this last summer---FLAT Primers+VERY sticky extraction...Bill.

 

[Hookeye]

My .44 mags get 31.5gr of WW296 w a 180gr bullet, or 28.8 with a 200.
On a cold day they tend to rock, but figured that was just a perception issue.

 

[youngda9]

Here's data from my 6.5" 629. The 240grain is perfect for deer. 300 grain is overkill.

44 Magnum Bullet Weight FPS Muzz Energy
6.5" 629-4 10.5gr Unique, 240gr LSWC 240 1250 832.6
6.5" 629-4 24.5gr H110, 240gr XTP 240 1350 971.1
6.5" 629-4 240gr XTP 25.0gr MP300 240 1425 1082.1

 

[luvall]

Here's data from my 6.4" 629. The 240grain is perfect for deer. 300 grain is overkill.

44 Magnum Bullet Weight FPS Muzz Energy
6.5" 686-4 10.5gr Unique, 240gr LSWC 240 1250 832.6
6.5" 686-4 24.5gr H110, 240gr XTP 240 1350 971.1
6.5" 686-4 240gr XTP 25.0gr MP300 240 1425 1082.1

That is amazingly what I needed to know for reloading. Thank you.

 

[Skip]

In the data posted above, it says it is from a 686-4.

Um, a 686 is a 357Mag, not a 44Mag. This is why you need to do due diligence when getting information from the WWW! Be careful!

As far as loads for your M629, the 240gr XTP will do wonders from that length of barrel, go no lighter though. And, make sure you deliver them at 44Mag velocities and not 44Spl levels.
The 240gr XTP has taken several hogs and a couple of rams on out of state hunts. One shot drops on all. Hogs were small, 150# but still, drt.

Here is what I am using now and I get them from my garage:

 

[youngda9]

In the data posted above, it says it is from a 686-4.

Good catch, that was a copy-paste error. It was 629 44 mag data.

 

[rhslover]

240gr xtp with IMR 4227 powder is a killer deer load. Shoot lead for practicing.

 

[Porky]

Another choice would be a 215gr or 240gr bullet over 20 grains of 2400. Has been my favorite for many years.

 

[scsbronco]

Thanks for the info guys. I have to pick up some 240 grainers!!

 

[rabbit]

I use 12 gr IMR 4756 powder with 240 XTP for hunting 240 cast for plinking. Much less recoil than 296 powder and after several rounds my hands don't hurt near as bad!

 

[Leo]

XTP bullets are my favorite. What is a few cents per bullet savings when you are talking about the price of a hunt and your time?

WW 296 is a great pistol powder when used "by the book". They warn not to go too light. I went just a little too light in a .357 Mag that I used in a snub nose. The powder did not completely ignite and the bullet stuck in the bore. The inside of the case looked like burned rubber foam. That would ruin a hunt. I had no troubles with 296 when loading full power right out of the load data. AA #9 is more forgiving so I like to use it, even though it is a little dirty when loaded light. Both will work great at the recommended level. Good Luck

 

[luvall]

I use 12 gr IMR 4756 powder with 240 XTP for hunting 240 cast for plinking. Much less recoil than 296 powder and after several rounds my hands don't hurt near as bad!

I've been noticing a number of replies about hand pain. I am an average size guy with smallish hands. I use an old pair of weighlifting gloves that have a light padding. I can easily shoot a box of factory loads and my hands never hurt. It is also helpful that my gun has a 6.5" ported barrel.

I wish I had used these gloves when I had my Taurus 617Ti (357 mag) because that was 5 rounds and done for the day painful.

 

[rabbit]

I've been noticing a number of replies about hand pain. I am an average size guy with smallish hands. I use an old pair of weighlifting gloves that have a light padding. I can easily shoot a box of factory loads and my hands never hurt. It is also helpful that my gun has a 6.5" ported barrel.

I wish I had used these gloves when I had my Taurus 617Ti (357 mag) because that was 5 rounds and done for the day painful.

I use a pair of the Uncle Mikes shooting gloves most times when I'm putting a bunch of rounds down range, they help. I have more trouble with my wrists hurting. Braces help that but I just can't take the hotter loads anymore.

 

[luvall]

Questions: Do you hunt with handgun or long gun? If handgun - how much W296 has worked best for you and what speed are you getting?

QUESTIONS - What is a "liberal dose" of Winchester 296? I want to increase ft/sec over factory but don't want to damage my 629 (dash 4).

 

[Nayls47]

My personal preference is the 240gr. Nosler JHP and H110 powder. When I was younger it would cut bullet holes at 100 yds. (I still have the targets). I use a scoped Dan Wesson 6" barrel. I have a relative who uses a Ruger Super RedHawk and 240gr. XTP same powder with the same results.