44 mag 265 gr load

[Catpop]

Since I couldn't find any data on this, I thought I would quiz the high road for personal experience with the following load.
44 rem mag
265 gr Noe cast boolit
9.5 gr unique
1.700 oal crimped in front groove.
STD primer

 

[Dwb1957]

The Lyman pistol and revolver third edition shows a max load of 12.1 grs of unique with a 255 cast bullet 1.680 oal so I would say you are on the safe side for sure.

 

[Catpop]

Thanks Dwb1957.

 

[BigBore44]

Should be a very pleasant load to shoot.

 

[748]

Just don't max load them with H110. Then they become some what unpleasant to shoot.

 

[Catpop]

So the extra 10 grains of boolit weight (255 vs 265) is not really a factor?

If the extra boolit weight was a factor, would the heavier boolit require more or less powder to maintain the same chamber pressure?

Thanks for all the info!

 

[ray15]

Out of 255 grains 10 isn't much. While it is true the heavier bullet will increase pressure the affect from the weight difference alone will be very slight. Considering you're at about the starting charge level for the 255 you are still very safe. Your max load might be somewhat lower (like a tenth or two) because of the bullet weight difference but you've got well over 2 full grains to go before pressure could near max.

This is why the starting charge is so much lower than max. There are always differences, even if it's just the affect of firing the round in a real gun rather than a test barrel as the load data is developed in. Other factors like primer choice, exact OAL, possible batch-to-batch powder differences, rifling type, chamber dimensions, crimping, bullet hardness, sizing and lube - and a dizzying array of variables unknown to me - can produce a more pronounced pressure difference than will 10gr. out of 255 on the bullet weight. This is why a chronograph is a great deal at the prices they are available at these days.

And let me point out - I've not loaded .44mag. But you're so safe even I can see it. I'm sure more experienced members can better quantify the likely effect of this small bullet weight difference on the powder charge.

 

[Jitterbug]

I always find at least 2 sources of load data, 3 is preferable and work my way up from the start charge for a reason. Sometimes I'll average it if that appears logical because they are seldom the same.

Typos, differences in lots of powder etc., etc., as Ray mentioned above.

The Lyman 49th has 10-11.7 grains of Unique for a 240 grain cast bullet, while at the time according to my notes from 2011 Alliant had 6.3 to 7.0 grains for the 240 cast...and an 11 grain max for a 250 grain Keith!

I have a newer model 4" 629 that gives me sticky extraction when trying to get up to 10.0 grains of Unique under a .429", 240 grain LSWC, I've since settled on 9.0 grains, which gives me a measured 985 fps. This gun will handle warmer loads of AA9, 2400 and H-110 with heavier bullets, but will only let me approach top end loads with AA9.

I have several batches of Unique and IIRC they've had at least two different formulations in the past 10 years.

 

[243winxb]

crimped in front groove.

Is there more than 1 crimp groove? I see 2- 265gr molds available on the website. Both have only one.

My Saeco #441 (240gr) lswc mold drops bullets @ 253/255 grs , before lube, they gets pushed by 10.2 grs Unique. I see no need to go higher. About maximun in M29. Starline brass and WLP.
For a top load, i used W296-23 gr.

The hardness of the alloy and bullet bearing surface come into play, as does weight..

Your 9.5 gr loading should be ok. A guess.

 

[Hanshi]

I use 18 grains of 2400 for a 260-265 grain cast bullet for upwards of 1150fps to 1200fps. For the Hornady 265 grn JSP I load 20.5 grains of 2400 for 1360 fps.

 

[Ironicaintit]

I'm partial to IMR4227 in 44 mag, especially as the bullets get heavier... But Unique works great!
9.5 is a safe place to start, but it'll probably be sooty. I'd wager you end up incrementally increasing the dose.

 

[Catpop]

Is there more than 1 crimp groove? I see 2- 265gr molds available on the website. Both have only one.

I said front groove. I should have said crimp groove. Oal was 1.700
Thanks

 

[Catpop]

Thanks for all the input guys! Cylinder fit good. I shot a test group of 9.5 and admit they were a little on the mild side. group from rest 2.5" at 25 yards.Not sure about leading yet as I have not cleaned gun yet.
I'll up it a little and retest tomorrow.
Again thanks for all the input.

 

[Catpop]

Update after cleaning
There was still a little leading at 0600. Not to bad but then only 5 shots.
Going to up the charge a bit to see if it helps upset the base to the groove better.