.44 Mag - Powders - Cold Weather

[Jumping Frog]

Been working up some new loads for my .44, designed to be close to maximum loads for hunting (already have plinking loads that I am happy with).

The two powders I've got for this purpose are H110 and 2400. Now, it is pretty darn cold in Ohio these days -- teens and low twenties. (I know, it isn't cold compared to some places, but it is cold enough.) Seems like I remember reading the H110 performance gets really hampered in the cold. Do you think I should just wait until spring or warm weather to chrono these? Second, how is 2400 affected by cold weather? Which powder do you think will give better performance for cold weather hunting?

 

[GRIZ22]

I use W296 which I believe is the same as H110 in full 44 mag loads. Always use a magnum primer. No problems with ignition with temperatures in the teens. Slight loss in velocity (less than 100 fps). That's after everything has been outside and cooled to ambient temperature.

No experience with 2400 in the cold.

 

[Dave Bone]

I have never had any issues with 2400 but, my favorite powder for the 44 mag is Blue Dot.

Dave

 

[atvalaska]

IMR4227 for me, never missed a lick..

 

[zxcvbob]

I have never had any issues with 2400 but, my favorite powder for the 44 mag is Blue Dot.

I've been really happy with Blue Dot for hot .45 Colt loads, but Blue Dot supposedly gets squirrelly in cold weather. AA#7 would be a better choice (it's almost interchangeable with Blue Dot but less bulky, and with less drama)

Back to Frog's question, I'll vote for 2400. But if you want to use H110, load it all the way to the max and use a good crimp and hot primers.

 

[FROGO207]

I use and like bluedot, it works well in my 44 MAG and so far have had no cold issues using down to 10 deg F. In other apps the H110 has been cold sensitive for me. Just saying........

 

[Steve in PA]

No problems here using H110 in my SRH. I've hunted (and shot) in single digits.

 

[Hunt480]

No problems here using H110 in my SRH. I've hunted (and shot) in single digits.[/QUOT

Although we did'nt make it to single digits. Just in the teens. Had no problem with 2400 or H110 in 44 & 480 loads.

 

[buck460XVR]

I've used H110/W296 for years in temps to below zero. This year I took a coupla shots at snowshoes during a late season antlerless hunt when it was -5. Noticed when I put the empties back in the cartridge box that the primers were flattened a little less than the rounds I practiced with when it was 50 out. Altho it didn't seem to affect accuracy, I'm gonna do some chrono testing when I get a chance. Altho it doesn't produce the velocity of H110/W286, I've been having good results with IMR4227. It shoots better for me than 2400, is as accurate as H110/W296(in my gun) and I have been told it's less sensitive to extreme temps.

 

[zxcvbob]

I just mentioned the Blue Dot because its pressure goes UP when it gets cold (that's very unusual.) That can be a rude surprise if you're loading at the bleeding edge already.

 

[Jesse Heywood]

If you have a chrono, do some testing. Load a few of each powder. Keep half of them warm, let half get thoroughly cold. And post the results.

 

[depoloni]

44 Magnum - Nosler 240 grain JHP

Caliber- Bullet- BW- Diam.- Case- Primer- Powder- Grains- FPS- K.E.- TKO- FPS/Gr.- OAL- Lead- Firearm- BBL- Temp.- BHN- Notes-

44 Mag JHP- 240- 0.429- Rem- WLP- H-110- 24.0- 1372- 1003- 20.18- 57.17- 1.604"- n/a- R. Bull- 8.5"P- ~60F- n/a- Most Accurate, fired 4/12/2008
44 Mag JHP- 240- 0.429- Fed- WLP- H-110- 24.0- 1391- 1031- 20.46- 57.96- 1.604"- - R. Bull- 8.5"P- ~60F- - Most Accurate, fired 5/15/2008
44 Mag JHP- 240- 0.429- Fed- WLP- H-110- 24.0- 1610- 1381- 23.68- 67.08- 1.604- - R. Bull- 8.5"P- ~94F- - HOT WEATHER MAX!!!!


Not saying, just saying. YMMV. H-110 (W296) IS the most accurate powder by a (statistical) margin. And we're talking "warm" versus "hot" testing, not "cool" versus "cold" testing. But it showed me something. I love using 2400 as well, particularly where cast or GC-cast is concerned.

Incidentally while I don't load that "hotter weather max" load, I back it off because if nothing else it shoots much higher (lol), cases were only slightly snugger in the chambers than otherwise.

Oh yeah, fired in an 8-1/2" Taurus Raging Bull 44mag. Ported obviously.

 

[john wall]

I have gone exclusively to Accurate #9 for Magnum level chores. Accurate humbly calls it the "best 44 Magnum powder made." They may be right.

Also, unlike 296/H110, it can be throttled down slightly with good results.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

If you are using H110/W296 and you like it don't worry about the cold. (unless it's -20) Since you are always supposed to use a Magnum primer with H110/W296 you should have no ignition problems in moderate cold weather. I shoot .357 Magnum ammo all year round loaded with W296 without any issues.

 

[MovedWest]

2400 has a reputation for performing well in various temps. I use it in all my loads that I expect to carry in below freezing weather.

The thing to consider though is the primer. I can't speak for other primer manufacturers, but CCI 300's don't like the cold as well as CCI 350's. I load my 240 and 300gr XTP's with 2400 and CCI 350's for that very reason. Make sure to adjust the load for the increased ignition of the magnum primer if you use them though.

-MW

 

[Jumping Frog]

Thanks people for the responses. I think I'll chrono both in the cold weather. Then I'll chrono again in warm weather and take a look at the data.

(BTW, I am using LPM primers for the H110, as everyone should.)