.44 Mag load, ok or not?

[Rhinodogg]

I got my Lee Improved Powder Measure Kit yesterday. The max load in the 2nd edition Lee manual says 11.8 gr. of unique under a 240 SWC is the max load. I used the 1.3cc dipper, which, according to the card is 11.9 gr. (for unique). These are the first 44's I've loaded. I think it's fine, but I need some reassurance. They're for a Redhawk. Thanks

 

[HSMITH]

It is my opinion that they are NOT OK.

It is my opinion that you MUST verify a dipper is throwing the right amount or less with a powder scale, and if you haven't done that you are inviting disaster. I can demonstrate a several grain difference in thrown charges with the same dipper also, just by dipping the powder differently.

I would advise you to get a scale and use it. I would also advise you to back off from the max loads and start loading somewhere more to the middle of the road until you have built some experience and competencies.

 

[Quantrill]

Rhinodogg,
I think that HSmith has given you some really good advice. Max loads are not the place to learn reloading and especially not with dippers. Get a scale! Quantrill

 

[Edward429451]

Ditto what they said. Also, Unique is not a good choice for max 44 loads. Stick to the medium loads if you want to load Unique in 44 mag. If you want max loads in 44, try 2400, or ww-296, or H-110.

Get a scale. Verify loads with different load books to verify no typos!

 

[Sunray]

Those dippers can vary what they hold plus or minus 2 grains. They're not accurate enough. Especially for max loads. Pitch it and use a scale.

 

[HankB]

Echo what's already been written - you MUST repeat MUST use a powder scale to verify the dipper and your dipping technique.

And don't "dip" maximum loads, particularly when they're with a relatively "fast" powder for the caliber. (As is Unique in .44 Mag.)

 

[Rhinodogg]

I only loaded a few (6) like that. I do have a scale, and will weigh the charge tonight. When it turns out weighing 11.9 grains, will these harm my Redhawk?

 

[birdman]

Your Redhawk should handle the 11.9 gr of Unique quite well. That's provided it is 11.9 gr. I too would use a scale to verify the "dipper method". In fact the way I use dippers is to avoid having to reset my powder dump for small quantity loading applications. I try to pick a dipper that will throw less than the selected charge; dump the dipped amount into the powder scale; then top it off to the desired weight with a powder trickler. This is how I load most of my low volume ammo. It also works well with the extruded powders that don't function so well in my powder dump.

 

[Edward429451]

but I need some reassurance.

When it turns out weighing 11.9 grains, will these harm my Redhawk?

Take the hint brother, you got no reassurance from anyone and still want third party ok's that it'd be ok? No. You're going about it wrong. These are the first 44 mags that you've loaded, do not start with max loads no matter what you've heard about the strength of the redhawk. They do make tough guns and it would probably be ok, but that isn't a guarentee and you're still doing it wrong because there is too many variables, temperature, brass, seating depth, crimps, primers, powders (even the same kind but a different can/lot.). All of these can affect pressure. That's why we take the long safe route and work up the load with the actual componants that are to be used in the gun. The loads listed in loadbooks are just guidelines, not guarentees. When they list max load, they really mean be careful before you get there. 44 mag is one of the easiest handgun rounds to load for and a personal favorite, but make no mistake that you are essentially loading up little bombs and it demands respect or you can easily hurt yourself. Back off, tone them down, and learn to walk before you try to run with them. If you want to use the dippers safely, use 44 special load data. The rule is to back off the charge by a minimum of 10% from a max load as a starting point 15 % is better.

I don't say these things to flame you. I/we are trying to help you and don't want to hear that you got hurt or ruined a good gun.

 

[Rhinodogg]

Edward429451,

I understand. Trust me, I took the hint. I will check them before I take them to the range. I understand about starting and max loads. I just wanted to know if it would hurt my gun or not. Thanks for the advise.

 

[Okiecruffler]

No one can say if it will hurt your gun or not. I have loads that are fine in some guns, not in others. Too many variables come into play, that's why people start mild and work their way up, paying close attention to signs of pressure. To do it any other way is just looking for trouble. I use the dippers and have for almost 20 years, but I also keep my scale handy, especially for small volume loads like the 44. When you're max is 11.8 gr, it doesn't take much to push it WAY too far.

 

[stans]

Starting a load at max or beyond the listed max can be way dangerous. Case capacity varies, primers vary, bullets vary, seating depths vary, chamber dimensions vary, barrel dimensions vary and all add up to variations is what is safe in a firearm. I would not dare start with a max load with any powder or any firearm. Please play it safe, put those rounds aside and either pull the bullets and dump the powder or hold them in reserve until you can determine what is safe in your Redhawk.

 

[Johnny Guest]

One thing frequently misunderstood - - -

There is NO SUBSTITUTE for use of a reliable scale in handloading, since the advent of smokeless powder. The days of filling up a case and then shaking out just enough powder to allow seating the bullet are LONG GONE! That worked kinda, sorta, okay with some cartridges and black powder, way back when.

In modern loading, the use of a dipper or scoop is a substitute for a Powder Measure, NOT for the scale! Once you've worked up a good light-to-medium load, you can find or make a dipper that allows you to dump that amount into the case with minimum time expended. Actually, once you work out the proper uniform technique, this can be amazingly accurate. But one needs enough of a safety factor to allow for forgetting to strike the powder - - Using all the powder you can heap onto the dipper and still not being dangerous.

I'd personally dip charges for the .44 Mag which I KNEW were not much above a stout .44 Special level. And for .45 Colt which would probably be acceptable in a .45 ACP. And in .357 Mag - - Well, you get the idea.

I've seldom seen such unnimous expression about any topic in handloading, Rhinodogg. We ALL want to see you enjoy your reloading exerience, as safely as possible.

Best,
Johnny