[The Wiry Irishman]

I've shot up the last of my stash of factory .44, and I've got 1000 240gr semi-wadcutters (http://www.laser-cast.com/44Cal.html) from Oregon Trail coming in the mail. I've got a bunch of H-110, and my Lyman manual lists the starting load for a 240gr cast at 22.5 grains, and the max at 23.5. This makes me nervous because the manual is non-specific as to the construction of the bullet, and if I understand correctly, my OAL will be limited by the location of the cannelure on the Oregon Trail bullets, so I may not be able to tailor it to the manuals 1.625 inches. Being that the starting load is only 1 grain away from the max, it seems like it would be very easy for me to accidentally exceed maximum pressure. Has anyone ever used the Oregon Trail bullets, and if so, could you offer any load data you use? I've also seen many warnings about going below published minimums, as that could lead to unpredictable pressure curves. Would bumping the starting load down a grain or two put me at risk of this? I'd be using CCI #350 large pistol magnum primers. (the Lyman data indicates the use of magnum primers)

Also, as I sent my last factory round downrange, I realized that I meant to hold on to one so I could see what a good crimp looked like. Would anyone be able to post a good picture of a properly crimped .44 case so I can set up my crimping die right?

Thanks.

ETA: I thought would probably be good to note that I'll be firing these out of a S&W 629, so I can't stray into "Ruger only" load territory.

[Grumulkin]

1. As long as the published load is for cast bullets of the same weight, you'll be fine. The load for cast bullets is of lower pressure than that for jacketed bullets to keep velocity and thus barrel leading down so even the "maximum" load is of relative low pressure. If the pressure is a little lower than anticipated, that isn't going to hurt anything either. The low pressure warnings are for large capacity cases with slow powders neither of which apply in this case; just stick with the loading manual recommendations.

2. The purpose of the crimp is to keep the bullet from moving forward in the case under recoil. It doesn't take a huge amount of crimp in a 44 Mag. to accomplish this. Set the die up so there is firm resistance but not so much that you wrinkle the wall of the case. The mouth of the case will be visible curved in a little.

[parisite]

Don't take this the wrong way, but that's why I use 2400 powder, much more forgiving and at least as accurate.

[The Wiry Irishman]

Thanks Grumulkin!

Don't take this the wrong way, but that's why I use 2400 powder, much more forgiving and at least as accurate.

I appreciate the advice. I'm still very new to reloading, only done 1000 .45ACP so far, and obviously no .44, I bought the H-110 because it gets recommended a lot as "the old standby" powder for .44.

[Walkalong]

AA #9 is also a bit more forgiving than H-110, but H-110 will do a fine job for you. Just use mag primers, a healthy crimp, and don't download it.

[parisite]

H-110 and Winchester 296 are the same powder for info sake. They are hard powders to ignite, that's why only magnum primers are recommended with them. Also they are only recommended for maximum full house loads only. If you download them a little you get a bunch of unburnt powder, some say pressure spikes, but I don't know about that.
Anyway, Alliant 2400 powder won't quite give you quite the velocity of H-110 but from my experience is more accurate and you can start from a much more manageble starting load and work your way up to a load that suits you in power and accuracy.
My opinions only.......your mileage may vary, but I doubt it.:p

[Mal H]

All of the powders mentioned here are fine powders for use in the .44 Magnum, and I've used them all with very good results. But since you already have "a bunch" of H110, I wouldn't go out and buy any additional powders if you don't want to. You have a great combo in the L-C 240 gr bullets and H110, IMO. You'll have a blast with them, so to speak. It's true that you won't have the range of velocities you can get with other powders, but so what? You can buy some additional powders later and experiment.

I use a load of 24.0 gr of H110 with the same bullet in a Ruger SRH. I'm sure the 629 can stand up to that with no problems. The Laser-Cast Reloading Manual lists a min of 23.4 gr and a max of 24.0 gr of H110 with that bullet (those are not "Ruger only" loads). There's no good reason you can't start a little lower like the 22.5 gr load suggested by Lyman, but I wouldn't go any lower than that with H110 (or W296). Just be sure to use a magnum primer (or Winchester WLP's) like you plan to do and give them a good solid crimp. Don't worry too much about a book OAL since the L-C's have the cannelure in the right place for a proper OAL. The L-C manual lists the OAL at 1.605" for that particular bullet if you're wondering.

Have fun with them!

[MADDOG]

Call Oregon Trail and ask them for load data. They will send it to you for the bullets you bought.

[The Wiry Irishman]

Thanks, everybody!

[kestak]

Greetings,

I shoot 240 gr Hard cast lead SWC with 23.5 grains of H110 with a very strong crimp and there is no sign of overpressure. I use a Ruger Super Redhawk with a 7" barrel.

The previous paragraph is for information only. It works fine with me, it may not work fine for you.

Thank you

[GaryL]

Not to be a broken record, but 2400 is a great powder for the 44mag. A lb of 2400 is what? $20?

H110 is a full power load. Some people find it a little on the stout side. I'd recommend trying a few before loading up a bunch. Hodgdon cautions against reduced loads with H110.

BTW, I've never had a problem igniting H110 with standard Win WLP primers.

[kestak]

Greetings,

GaryL: The manufacturer (Hodgdon) stipulates that you need to use magnum primers. H110 needs a very good ignition. I would go with the world of the manufacturer with that. :) And yes, H110 is peculiar with reduced loads. The warning must be taken seriously.

Thank you

[MMCSRET]

I, also have never had a problem igniting H110. I used CCI300 primers for 30 years with H110, then I switched to Winchester Large Pistol about 10 years ago because I got 30,000 of them for a super price and found that Winchester recommends that primer for all LP data. Thats what I use for all LP loads now.

[Bula]

I really like the laser cast quality and consistency. That being said, I could never get full power 2400 loads to not lead in my 44 mag Rugers. I had a super clean bore, and it shot great with home cast plain based Keiths. Let us know how your loads work out.

[Jim Watson]

I have the Laser Cast manual.
It shows for their 240 gr SWC in a Super Red Hawk 9.5" with Winchester Large Pistol primers:

23.4 gr H110 = 1423 fps
24.0 gr H110 = 1469 fps MAXIMUM

Their loads for Win 296 are slightly different but the book came out before Hodgdon got control of Winchester powder distribution and made sure that H110 and W296 were exactly the same.

[The Wiry Irishman]

I have the Laser Cast manual.
It shows for their 240 gr SWC in a Super Red Hawk 9.5" with Winchester Large Pistol primers:

23.4 gr H110 = 1423 fps
24.0 gr H110 = 1469 fps MAXIMUM

My reading of Mal H's post makes it seem like the Winchester Large Pistol primers are equivilent to other company's magnum primers. Is this true, or will I have to adjust the load to compensate for the extra pressure created by the magnum primers I'll be using?

[Jim Watson]

Well, MMCSRET didn't say anything about changing the load when changing primers, although it is usually recommended that you go back to the starting load; 3% below max in the case of H110.

[achildofthesky]

Just as an alternate, I use the laser cast rnfp 240's with Unique (9 gr is nice & 10 is better, both are safe in MY rifle only yada yada)... I use H110 and 296 for various jacketed bullets.

Patty

[MMCSRET]

I agree that it is recommended that you back down and start anew when ever a component is changed. I have found that there are so many dead lawyers in load recipes anymore that I don't bother to do that, but I was never a 101% loader anyway. If you are not loading in the 100%+ range I seriously doubt you will have a problem, but, err on the side of caution. It is ultimately a personal decision, There is always a "HEY WATCH THIS" factor.

[Mal H]

My reading of Mal H's post makes it seem like the Winchester Large Pistol primers are equivalent to other company's magnum primers.That's true. In fact, unless you have some very old WLP's, it will say that on the box. I've used WLP's with H110 for a long time with zero problems.

What was just said about downloading a little (3% when using H110/W296) when any component is changed is very good advice.

[freakshow10mm]

H110/W296 is the magnum powder for heavy loads. I call these bear loads.

#2400 and #9 are the medium heavy loads for most shooting. These are good for deer and for black bear over bait.

Trailboss is a very light load that is fun to plink with. They really tame the .44 Mag nicely.

The only .44 I have at the moment is a .44 Ruger Carbine. Due to the nature of this rifle, heavy loads are necessary for it's reliable functioning.

[FM12]

Alliant Blue Dot, 2400 or Herco.

[catfish101]

Trailboss is a very light load that is fun to plink with.

I agree, Trailboss is a great powder for playing with. Heck it's preferred by sheriffs and outlaws.

[The Wiry Irishman]

I'd just like to thank everyone for their help. I shot my first 50 .44 handloads today, with 23 grains of H110 under the Oregon Trail bullet. I was expecting it to be a handful, but it does not feel any different from the American Eagle stuff I was shooting before, very tame. Accuracy appears better though. I can't be absolutely certain because 1) I don't have a proper pistol rest (I was using my range bag) and 2) I never, ever, ever shoot rested and I'm terrible at it. Its definitely shooting more accurately than I can unsupported, so I'm pleased, especially at 25 cents a round instead of 50!