44 mag subsonic load

[koulikov]

Hello,

I am looking for a safe 44 mag subsonic load (powder volume >30%) with 240 gr bullet and vithavuori powder. It will be shoot in a 20 inch barrel.

I know the 300 gr is a good choice but I don't find them in my country and I have read that you need a good twist barrel to stabilize this heavy bullet.

Thanks for your advice.

 

[243winxb]

44 Special DATA http://www.handloads.org/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=44%20Special&Weight=240&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source= Data for 44 Special. For a Jacketed bullet in 44 magnum you would want to use a little more powder. Just a guess 7.0 gr. N320. You should be able to get close using the burn rate chart by comparing other powders. http://www.vihtavuori-lapua.com/pdfs/Burning-Rate-Chart.pdf Use this data at your own risk.

 

[koulikov]

Thanks for the informations, I will do some test with this base.

 

[RidgwayCO]

Interesting problem, in that you also have to worry about sticking a bullet in that long bore at such low velocities.

I used QuickLOAD to do some calculations for what you need. Assuming .44 Magnum in a 20" barrel, large pistol primer, and Speer 240gr JSP loaded to a 1.585" OAL, the following amounts of VihtaVuori pistol powders are computed to give about 1000 fps. I would expect a 240gr lead bullet to give lower pressures and therefore lower velocities. The number in parenthesis is the percent of the available case capacity that is filled.

N310 - 5.2gr (37%)
N320 - 5.5gr (39%)
N330 - 5.9gr (38%)
N340 - 6.1gr (38%)
N350 - 7.0gr (40%)
3N37 - 7.0gr (38%)

All will be completely burned in the barrel (except N350 and 3N37, which will be 98% burned).

As always, QuickLOAD is software, not the gospel. Use this information to slowly and safely workup to the load you are looking for.

 

[koulikov]

Very accurate data with this QuickLoad. I think I will go for the N340 load.

Thanks again.

 

[OLD DOMENION]

My 44 mag subsonic load is:
240 grain bulett; 5.0 grains of UNIQUE
Since you want a "lite load" go to your ".44 Special" section of your reloading manual.

 

[.38 Special]

Sounds like he's in Europe, where VV is often the only powder available.