44mag lead target loads

richkratz · Feb 16, 2013

I've been doing some reading on this and other forums regarding lead target loads for 44magnum and have come to the conclusion ppl's results are all over the place. I clean my guns after every range trip, so leading is not a real concern for me..not that I welcome it, but I don't wish to load hot enough to encourage it.
I had read somewhere someone loading 10gr of Unique under 240gr SWC's. I tried this and found it to have more recoil than I want for target loads, not to mention accuracy was less than desireable. Just about perfect loading using Unique is 7.2gr, for me. Problem is, I'm down to about 1/2 lb of it. What I have the most of is HP38 and would like to find it's perfect loading, so I guess I'll be doing that next. Anyone else use W231/HP38 for 44mag/44spl lead loads?

oldpapps · Feb 16, 2013

My powder puff target load, the grand kids love it, that I have been loading for 38 or so years is 5.6 grains of 231/HP38 over a standard LP primer and under a lead 240 grain SWC, all in mag brass (I don't confuse things with special brass.)

This runs a very acceptable (for me in several weapons) 650ish FPS. Easy on me and easy on the weapon and hits the mark.

JLDickmon · Feb 16, 2013

I use 9.0gr of VV N320..
it lets you know you're shooting a .44, but by the same token, my wife can shoot it all day...

Papps, I'm surprised you're getting only 650 out of that load.. I would have though closer to 800..

oldpapps · Feb 16, 2013

Nope, 36 rounds clocked 651.94 FPS average out of a 6 in barreled Model 29.

I almost double that with my other load, but the 6 year old won't shoot it.

fatcpa · Feb 16, 2013

8 grains of Universal.

Lj1941 · Feb 16, 2013

My favorite load in 44Mag target or plinking loads in my Super Blackhawk/ 7.5 barrel is 81/2 Unique behind 240 gr lswc.I used "Alberts" no longer available and now use Hornardy swaged 240 lswc.It is a very pleasant shooting load for me.

richkratz · Feb 17, 2013

Thanx papps. I'm going to give that loading a shot(so to speak). What I want is exactly as you describe, a powderpuff load that the kids won't shy away from. One that will knock down the steel plates at 15-20yrds and hit where I'm aiming. Not looking to beat up my classic S&W's any.
As for the Unique, I might load down some, but no reason to go higher as they are good at 7.2gr . Thanx for the replies.

Hunt480 · Feb 17, 2013

If your not crazy about Unique try 8.2gr of Universal or 9gr Win-231. Both are good shooting & accurate in my 44's. Good general carry loads. These are safe published loads on
Hodgdons website.

Kingcreek · Feb 17, 2013

8.5 gr unique or a light load with Red Dot makes a pleasant plinking load. I've shot a bunch of them thru my model 94 trapper and also my 629.

mineralman55 · Feb 18, 2013

Light 44Mag Loads

5.6 grains of Red Dot under a 250 LSWC is very easy to shoot in a 6" model 29. Light loads in a .44Mag are fun. It's an accurate round, and the light loads don't beat up me or the gun. I'm experimenting with several other powders under a 200 LRN, so I'll let you all know how it turns out.

flipajig · Feb 19, 2013

I'm shooting 6.6 grn of HP-38 with a 255 grn SWC 5.5 wasn't enough to seal the case in the cylinder in my SBH my cases came out very dirty bumped up the charge problem solved. Accurate and cheep plinker with my cast lead.

ColtPythonElite · Feb 19, 2013

Just drop the Unique down to about 8 grs.

4895 · Feb 19, 2013

I loaded up 50 rounds of 10 gr. of Unique with 240 gr. SWC as well but I felt the load was pleasant enough to know I still had a magnum cartridge. I have no doubt it would take a medium game at close range if it was all I had.

I wonder if Red Dot has a load for .44 mag lead bullets. That would be my next choice if I didn't like Unique loads. Good luck.

44mag lead target loads

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