165gr loads for 44 magnum

[Grey Morel]

I was looking to build up some loads for my 44 magnum using HP38 (my general pistol powder) and light weight 165gr bullets.

Hodgdon claims the MAX load for this weight is a meager 7gr @ 13,900 CUP, producing only 1,088 fps.

I realize that CUP pressures can actually be as much as 20% higher than PSI pressures as measured by transducer. But that still only give you 16,800 PSI... Less than 1/2 of the 36,000 SAAMI spec.

All of the other powders Hodgdon lists are right there with HP38 for these light bullet loads, so there is no apparent performance to be gained by switching powders.

It seems strange to me that a 44 magnum, with 14 grains more case capacity AND and additional 15,000 psi operating pressure, can't safely throw a 165gr bullet any faster than a 45 automatic regardless of the powder used.

 

[bluetopper]

I found data for a 180gr bullet with 12gr of HP38 at 1509fps.

With the lighter weight bullet of 165gr you want to use I would think 12gr of HP38 would be very safe.

 

[rcmodel]

Hodgdon claims the MAX load for this weight is a meager 7gr @ 13,900 CUP, producing only 1,088 fps.

You are looking at data for a soft lead 165 gr. LRN-FP cowboy action bullet. If you notice, none of the loads listed for it are anywhere near what the .44 Mag would be capable of with a Jacketed bullet that light, or even a hard cast, gas check lead bullet.

You could for sure push it faster then the 1,088 FPS that Hodgdon shows as max, but bore leading would probably get the best of you in short order with those soft Cowboy Action bullets designed for only 750 - 900 FPS..

This is a clear-cut case of the Max load being all the pressure & velocity the soft lead bullet will stand.
Not how much the gun itself will stand.

rc

 

[Grey Morel]

Ah, Thank you RC for sheding some light on that. I never considered the 'cowboy' angle.

Thank you both for your help.