Semi-Snub 44 mag loads

[Float Pilot]

While playing around with my 44 Special loads for a snub nose,,, my buddy decided to hit me up for some accurate loads for his 2.75 inch barreled 44 magnum. (It is a stainless Astra 44 mag which is the same size as a M629 mountain gun)

He wanted something that was accurate and controllable. Oh, and used solid cast lead.

So far these loads meet the mark...from sand bags

240 grain cast Keith SWC.
ww brass, CCI-350, roll crimp
20grains AA#9, = 1,091 fps 1.75 inch group

255 grain cast Keith SWC (mostly wheel weights)
ww brass, CCI-350, roll crimp
18.0 grains AA#9, = 1,025 fps and a 1.0 inch group

305 grain SSK hard cast (looks like a blunt Minuteman Missle)
ww brass, CCI-350, roll crimp
12 grains AA # 9, = 825 fps and a 2.0 inch group

These did not have a huge muzzle flash and were controllable. Plus they were OK in the velocity dept. for a short barrel.

I went through a bunch of other loads using H-110, Blue Dot and 2400 which made huge fire-balls and huge groups.

More to follow.......................

Happy trails Dave...... See you up around the next couple bends..... Save a spot by the camp fire....

 

[4895]

240 grain lead with 10.0 grains of Unique is like peanut butter and jelly for the 'fo-'fo.

 

[WNC Seabee]

I had my Mountain Gun out this morning and found a load it and I can agree on.

8.5gr Unique
240gr LSWC, hard cast from Missouri Bullet Co.

Generated just shy of 1000FPS for ~530 ft/lbs muzzle energy.

25yd group from a rest was ~2"

I think this will be my Gen Purpose field carry load.


Please excuse my typos...posting from iPad

 

[CZ57]

The 255 gr. Keith SEC load looks good with the 1" group. Y'all might also try #7 that should give you equal velocity from the short tube, less muzzle blast as well.

 

[Float Pilot]

I had a few minutes of extra time at the range and tried out a couple more loads in the snubbie 44 mag....
2 3/4 inch barrel

255 grain Keith SWC
22.0 grains Lil Gun,
ww brass, WLP, CCI-350 mag primer, aggresive roll crimp.
1,230 fps and a 2 inch group at 15 yards.
Stiff recoil, lots of muzzle blast. Not fun to shoot....

240 grain Keith SWC
6.6 grains old UNIQUE
WW Brass, CCI-350 primer. Roll crimp
700 fps, 3/4 inch group at 15 yards.
light recoil and a shoots nice groups. Great for light game.