44 load suggestions

[gotboostvr]

I'm just getting geared up to load some 44's and am looking to push a 200 grain rnfp plated bullet to about 1000 fps.

I've been using alliant red dot and IMR 4227. It looks like I need a hot load with red dot or a below starting load of 4227 To get the desired results.

Are any of you gentlemen loading either of these powders to this level? Or is stocking another powder in my future?

I'll be loading for a Smith 29-3 4" and a rossi 92 16".

 

[Walkalong]

You are correct, 4227 is too slow and Red Dot is too fast. You need a more "medium" speed such as Unique.

 

[gotboostvr]

Ok, thanks Walkalong thats about what I figured. I would have started with Unique but haven't seen it locally.

I have heard 2400 mentioned for less than full bore magnum loads and have seen it locally, but if I'm gonna buy another type of powder I might as well go with something a bit more different than 4227. I might try some when I run out.

Any other suggestions for powders similar to Unique? I see No.5 and Green Dot listed pretty closely in the Lyman 49 manual and have seen both aplenty (along with PB, Trail Boss and Universal). I like Red Dot for it's great economy and it works well. I know some people really like Blue Dot for Magnum loads, how's the Green work for middle weight loads?

 

[Schwing]

I have had very good luck with trusty old blue dot in .44. I drive mine a little hotter (about 1300fps) but around 1000 should be attainable with BD. I don't have my manual in front of me so you will want to verify this, but I believe around 14 grains of BD would get you close.

 

[floydster]

My most accurate load in my Ruger SBH is 20.1 grs. 4227 pushing either a cast 240 SWC or a plated RNFP.
Other powders I have tried are Red Dot, Unique, and Trail Boss.

 

[Drail]

Unique will give you the velocity you want with low pressures. It's a funky old powder but it works very well. Get some.

 

[gotboostvr]

Actually, after consulting my Lyman 49 again... a starting charge of 22.8gr IMR-4227 will net me EXACTLY 1000 fps (in a 4" barrel per their test specifications no less).

Ask and ye shall receive huh?

I'm kinda expecting it to be a bit dirty though.

 

[gotboostvr]

Schwing, 15.7 is the starting load (at 942 FPS) for Bluedot and a 200gr JHP per the aforementioned Lyman 49.

So somewhere around 16.2 would net me that 1k mark. (max is 18.7@1245 FPS).

I do really like how well Blue Dot seems to be performing in the lighter bullet weights, which I shoot more of typically just because they're cheaper. It seems to match or beat my current IMR-4227 with a 75% smaller charge weight (which means more rounds per pound) plus I can find it easily in 8lbs jugs locally. It really only seems to fall behind the 4227 when you get in the 270-300gr bullet range.

Plus IMR-4227 smells kinda funky anyways.

 

[Haxby]

Blue Dot data has varied a lot over the years.
The Alliant website shows a max load of 16 gr blue dot with a 200 gr jhp for 1495 fps.
I have chrono'd a 180 jhp with 16.5 gr at 1500 fps from a 6" revolver.
I have never used it with plated bullets.

 

[joed]

I'd try Unique, Universal or 2400, though I believe 2400 may be a little to slow. One of my favorite loads with the 2400 is 15.0 gr with a 250 gr LSWC for about 1050 fps.

Were I in your shoes I'd chose Universal. I had so much trouble with metering Unique that I used the last of it up and switched to Universal.

 

[BobWright]

For whatever its worth Department: I have found Hodgdon's HS-6 and Winchester AutoComp to be excellent for middle of the road to slightly potent loadings.

Bob Wright

 

[RealGun]

Are you referring to .44 Magnum or .44 Special?

 

[blarby]

I think walkies pretty much nailed this one.

Do you own any load manuals ? This information is right in..........all of mine, lol.

 

[Jlr2267]

Yes, green dot can be loaded in 44 mag. Look at some of the older Alliant manuals.

 

[TfflHndn]

If you have Green Dot available in your area, try some. I like it. It doesn't meter as well as some others, but it works very well for me in several calibers.

 

[RealGun]

If you have Green Dot available in your area, try some. I like it. It doesn't meter as well as some others, but it works very well for me in several calibers.

But will it achieve that desired velocity (1000 fps)? Otherwise, one could name any number of powders.

 

[Drail]

Green Dot will get you where you want to go but I think Unique will give the same velocity with less pressure.

 

[Jlr2267]

But will it achieve that desired velocity (1000 fps)? Otherwise, one could name any number of powders.

You should easily get 1000 fps in a 5.5" Redhawk w/green dot. I don't have my notes handy, but somewhere around 8 grains under a 240gr SWC would do it.

 

[Jlr2267]

You should easily get 1000 fps in a 5.5" Redhawk w/green dot. I don't have my notes handy, but somewhere around 8 grains under a 240gr SWC would do it.

my bad, I see now the OP says 4" barrel and 200gr bullet. Either way, 1000 fps is *easily* achievable w/green dot

 

[BobWright]

Realgun asked:

Are you referring to .44 Magnum or .44 Special?

Who, me? Yes.






Bob Wright

 

[gotboostvr]

Bob, on a side note, I really like those labels.
I'll try either green or blue dot depending what the fun store has in stock.

I might try another further away shop that I've seen unique at.

Thanks for all the advice!

 

[RealGun]

Realgun asked:

Are you referring to .44 Magnum or .44 Special?

Who, me? Yes.

I don't usually reply with a sequential implication. I was responding to the post #1. (He still hasn't said which caliber). Otherwise, I would usually include a quote. Cool pics.

 

[gotboostvr]

Real gun, I was inquiring about 44 Mag. I implied it by mentioning 2 mag firearms, but guess I should have specified.

Shell holders just came in tonight, I'm on the alternate list for my IDPA match tomorrow. So I'm gonna be either shooting or loading tomorrow. Either way should be fun.

 

[XD 45acp]

I use Herco.