44 Mag 240gr "Laser Cast" Bullets (LSWC)

Lyman lists 20.6 max. Realistically there isn't much difference between lead and jacketed load data. Just start low and work up like normal.

I used 19.5 of 2400 with a BTB300gr I think it was alittle hot! I had a time getting the cases out!.

HKGuns said:

How does this one look?

Click to expand...

Looks like you need to crimp it or you are going to jam your gun.

Looking good.

The load listed in the LC manual is as follows for 2400 and the 240gr SWC,

Test gun - Ruger Super Red Hawk 9.5"
Primer - Win Lg Pistol
Powder - 2400
Start - 19.8gr Vel 1354fps
Max - 22.4gr Vel 1525fps
OAL 1.605"

When I looked at your first picture, I thought nearly the same thing as 56Hawk. Recoil from firing the other bullets might cause an inadequately crimped bullet to pull out of the case (through inertia) and protrude from the front of the cylinder and jam the gun.

However, if the friction between the bullet and the brass is sufficient, you could get away without the roll crimp (and thereby extend the life of your brass).

The only way to know for sure is to try a few cylinderfulls and see if you do get bullet creep. When this has happened with my SP101 .357 mag, I have been able to (carefully and safely) push the bullet back into the case with my finger easily enough.

But with that much 2400, I consider it a foregone conclusion that a crimp will be necessary.

For all smokeless powders, but more so for slower-burning powders, good bullet retention (through friction and crimp, both) is necessary to let the pressure get quickly up into the powder's optimal range. If you don't get the pressure right, you will get high variations in pressure and in velocity and lousy accuracy.

Lost Sheep

p.s. I won't comment on the charge weight as I have not looked up any, but note that Jackal44 mentioned 300 grain bullet weight, but your bullets are 240 grain. Making a 20% or 25% mistake in bullet weight could be deadly.

It may seem counter-intuitive, but (in general with all other things equal) heavier bullet weights do take less powder.

A 240gr SWC over 19-20gr 2400 is a good place to be. Plenty potent and should burn clean. Standard primers only with 2400.

Concur with CraigC, I've pushed 240g cast with 19.5g of 2400 with good results. Crimp 'em good.

Thanks - I'l try that next time HK I'l also try 18gr also.

I don't have my loading manual (just moved still boxed up) 19.5 grn of 2400 and a CCI Large pistol primer I've loaded several works great in my guns.

2400 and the 44 Mag go together as well as any combination in reloading and have for more than 50 years.

16gr. of 2400 and a 240 lead bullet works prett good