44 Magnum Bullet/Powder Recommendations

[bluejay75]

To summarize some general advice, I will probably be loading either 240 gr XTP or 225 XPB with H110 for a hunting load.

I'm not going to worry about loading 44 Special.

For general target shooting for the 44 Mag Henry, I plan on getting a 240 gr SWC (checking for feeding issues before going all in) and loading with one of the current powders currently available to me that I likely will also soon be using for 357 Magnum and maybe 38 Special when I get my revolver: Autocomp, HP-38, CFE Pistol or Titegroup. I'm relatively new to reloading pistol and I don't have any experience with any of those powders. Of those, is there a favorite or a least favorite?

Cast bullets offer less resistance than jacketed bullets. There aren’t too many plain base 240 grain cast bullets that can make the ride down a rifle barrel with a full charge of H110. You will definitely need a GC and coated bullet in 240 and still might have issues. Go heavy on the cast if you’re wanting to use H110 and a plain base bullet. The bullet in the link will work. 20-21.5 H110. Make a few dummy rounds to work out overall length. Just keep going deeper into the case with the bullet until they cycle and collet crimp wherever that spot is.

Or go ahead and stock the CFE Pistol or HP38/ W231 for the 240 Cast bullets.

https://missouribullet.com/details.php?prodId=461&category=5

 

[d31tc]

Cast bullets offer less resistance than jacketed bullets. There aren’t too many plain base 240 grain cast bullets that can make the ride down a rifle barrel with a full charge of H110. You will definitely need a GC and coated bullet in 240 and still might have issues. Go heavy on the cast if you’re wanting to use H110 and a plain base bullet. The bullet in the link will work. 20-21.5 H110. Make a few dummy rounds to work out overall length. Just keep going deeper into the case with the bullet until they cycle and collet crimp wherever that spot is.

Or go ahead and stock the CFE Pistol or HP38/ W231 for the 240 Cast bullets.

https://missouribullet.com/details.php?prodId=461&category=5

All good to know. I have a saying, "You don't know you're in a minefield until someone hits a mine." In other words, "You don't know what you don't know."

I won't be shooting too many hunting loads and, when I do, I'm planning on using the XTP or XPB when using H110. All other loads I'll be shooting just for fun (I guess hunting is fun, but more "serious") will be with other suitable powders mentioned in the previous posts. Would there be any issues with CFE Pistol or HP38/W231 and with the bullets in your link (Missouri Bullets Hammer) or AJC1's link (Missouri Bullets Elmer K)?

 

[Steve51]

Is there a reason not to shoot SWC in the Henry lever rifle, besides potential feeding issues?

No reason that I am aware of. A lot of people shoot SWC bullets in lever rifles, I am just not one of them.

 

[derek45]

240gr JHP or SWC if it feeds them

roll crimp

win231/HP-38 for mild

HS6, universal, unique, power pistol for warm loads

H110/win296 or 2400 for max loads

 

[BushMaster-15]

.44 Mag bullets for paper punching I'd go plated . Photo shows 200 gr. plated ,225 gr. HP has copper gas check .
Can't find 225 gr. lead HP any more and IF you want to send full power down the tube Plated or jacketed is the ONLY way to fly ,IMO .

My Pistols prefer IMR 4227 for accuracy and as stated 296 for full house loads . Target with MY shooting glasses is IMR 4227 ,POWDER makes a difference . 7.5" Ruger Super Red Hawk with a 2.5 X20 Simmons scope .
That rig is #35 years young and has served ME very well over the decades Buehler or Buhler scope mount , is SOLID and hasn't moved in #35+ years .