44 mag "most accurate" plinking load

Palladan44 · Nov 15, 2020

**All of these loads are within the parameters of published loads from different respected sources, individual results may vary, work up with

caution***

Ok, lets hear it. Whats your most accurate 44 magnum load?
So far ive got best success with WIN 231 in the 7.0 grains range using 240GR LSWC hard cast bullets, about 17 on Brinell hardness. Light load and a tack driver. Very clean burning.
Id say this load produces energies in 45 colt or hot 44 spl territory, but not looking for power factor with this load.

My most accurate load in the more "magnum" class is either 18.5 grains of 2400 with the same LSWC listed above, or 23.5 grains of WW296 pushing a Sierra 240 grain JHP or 240grain Hornady XTP. All above using WW LP primers.
All loads turn out to be at 1.600 OAL.

Firearms include:
S&W 29-2 8-3/8" Nickel
Dan Wesson 744. 6" SS

**All of these loads are within the parameters of published loads from different respected sources, results may vary, work up with

caution***

mavracer · Nov 15, 2020

While it's a little dirtier I prefer Unique over 231 for big case larger bore midrange loads as a double charge is readily seen. I use 231 a lot smaller cases.
I use 296 exclusively for heavy loads.
IMHO 231/HP38, Bullseye, Unique, 2400 and 296/H110 are go to staples for a reason.
If a 44 magnum won't shoot good with a 240 LSWC and 8.0 of unique something is wrong lol.

Palladan44 · Nov 15, 2020

mavracer said:
While it's a little dirtier I prefer Unique over 231 for big case larger bore midrange loads as a double charge is readily seen. I use 231 a lot smaller cases.
I use 296 exclusively for heavy loads.
IMHO 231/HP38, Bullseye, Unique, 2400 and 296/H110 are go to staples for a reason.
If a 44 magnum won't shoot good with a 240 LSWC and 8.0 of unique something is wrong lol.

Ive heard great things about Unique and 44 mag.
Id like to get my hands on some!!

mdi · Nov 15, 2020

I have 5, 44 Magnums an they each have their favorite load. Most do well with medium pistol powders (Universal, Unique) and cast 240-265 gr SWC and RNFP (I don't post load data mainly because I ignore most and suggest newer reloaders ignore it too)...

PapaG · Nov 15, 2020

429421 cast from wheelweights, sized to .430, lube with the old standard alox/beeswax mix and either 8.5 grains of Unique or 17.5 of 2400. Neither is hot. First mild, second less mild. Both accurate in both my 29-2 and three screw Super.

Steve51 · Nov 15, 2020

For me 8.0 grains of Unique under a 240 grain LSWC or a LRNFP bullet is a very accurate and pleasant load to shoot in my .44 mag revolvers.

Riomouse911 · Nov 15, 2020

With a .430 240 gr SWC, I like 6.5 gr Unique in a .44 Spl case and 8.5 in a .44 Mag case.

I’ll max it out with 10.0 gr, I think it’s the perfect “mild magnum” load for me in my handguns and rifle.

Stay safe.

JO JO · Nov 15, 2020

just started testing aa#7 and 44 mag 240gr swc , works well I like it better then unique or light loads of 2400 seems to be much cleaner and to me the gun is cooler to touch after 50 rounds
44 mag is a great caliber to reload for many choices of components / powder

GooseGestapo · Nov 16, 2020

Similar post several weeks ago.
I use a.431” Lyman/Keith 255gr SWC. 5.5gr Win231/HP38.

Also, Lee 200gr RFN, over 4.8gr of Clays. My 329PD adored this!

.38 Special · Nov 16, 2020

429421, 16-1, .431", 18.5 2400.

Fatelvis · Nov 22, 2020

I like 6.5 grains Red Dot under a 240swc in a magnum case. Very mild and accurate.

FROGO207 · Nov 23, 2020

I also like 6.5ish grains of Red Dot/Promo and a 240 grain Keith style LSWC. A max load of Trail Boss with that bullet is soft shooting and fairly accurate in all three of my 44 MAG's as well.
ETA: it was 8.0 grains Trail Boss.

wcwhitey · Nov 24, 2020

I use Unique for all my target and field (not hunting, that's 296) loads. Both the 429421 and 429244 GC's. Light magnums and very accurate. Flat based and GC'd bullets have kept me lead free and loading 10 grains in the 429421 and 11 in the 429244 makes Unique a cleaner experience. Both loads are the low to middle end of the scale in LYMAN 48

drband · Nov 24, 2020

Plinking— 7.5gr Unique under 240gr coated LSWC in a .44mag case
Comfortable & accurate

santacruzdave · Nov 24, 2020

375supermag · Nov 25, 2020

Hi...
My general purpose/target/plinking load in .44Magnum is 10gr of Unique with a 240gr commercial cast coated LSWC.
I have five .44Magnum revolvers and a Marlin lever action rifle and all of them shoot this load very well.

I have heavier loads using 2400 and H110/W296 with jacketed bullets for full power loads.

Targa · Nov 25, 2020

I like 9.0 grains of Universal with a 240 grain cast swc. Very accurate, chrono’s at 1240 FPS out of a 5.5” SBH, definitely let’s you know that you just fired something but doesn’t beat you up.
For an accurate full power round, 23.5 grains of 296/H110 with a 240 grain XTP jacketed hollow point really makes me smile but not intended for a long range session....at least it isn’t for me.

gonoles_1980 · Nov 25, 2020

For a moderate load I like 8.5gr of Unique with a 240gr LSWC (warning that is above the published maximum, the Alliant guide show 7.0 gr for this bullet), yet a 250gr Cast (Keith) is 11 grains, makes no sense to me. For a more accurate load I use 11gr of BE-86 with a 240gr CPFP.

geo57 · Nov 25, 2020

A bulk 180 gr. JHP on top of 9.4 grs. of Unique for one handed shooting fun. It approximates original .44-40 ballistics.

Reeferman · Nov 25, 2020

Elmer Kieth’s gallery load of 5 grains of Bullseye under a 240 cast works pretty well for me or 8.5 grains of Unique. I forgot I had a pound of Herco that is 20 years old. Making up a load for 44 magnum. In 45 Colt it is amazing.

44 mag "most accurate" plinking load

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