44 Magnum

[Hondo 60]

I have a Ruger Redhawk in 44 Mag that I want to reload.

I have Hornady 240 gr XTP-HP # 44200
And I have Tite Group, Universal, Lil Gun & AA5.

None of my manuals (other than Lee) have load data that intersect.
(and Lee never lists which 240 gr bullet)

Hornady doesn't use any of my powders.
Lyman doesn't use Hornady 240 gr XTPs
Hodgdon's website only has data for a NOSLER 240 gr jacketed

Any help with loads especially for Tite Group, AA5 or Lil Gun would be appreciated.
Also, if you have a source for your data - I'd REALLY like that too.

Just trying to stay safe as I added a new caliber to my collection.

 

[Walkalong]

Hodgdon will have .44 Mag Lil' Gun data on their website. You can use their .44 Spl Universal data as well. You can also use AA #5 .44 Spl data from Accurate's website. I wouldn't recommend Titegroup, but some folks use it.

 

[Hondo 60]

Walkalong - Hodgdon only has data for a Nosler 240 gr.
Do you think the bearing surface is close enough to Hornady's 240 gr XTP-HP?

 

[Gryffydd]

If you crimp an XTP in the groove what's the OAL compared to the OAL of the Nosler loads they list? Odds are you'll be fine using the Nosler data.

 

[Hondo 60]

Both are at 1.600

Ok, I'll work some up.
Hopefully I can get to the range in the morning.

 

[GJgo]

I loaded up a whooole bunch w/ Lil' Gun before I figured out that it's real hard on the throat. Oops. I'd stick to 110/296.

 

[Chip1wa]

Hard on the Throat? Nubie 44 reloader here as well and am all ears about being hard on the Throat..please explain if you could.

I've only used Lil Gun with the very same XTP's mentioned earlier.

Thanks,
Dirty

 

[Gryffydd]

My experience with Lil'Gun is limited to the fact that my gun is noticeably hotter to the touch after 25 or so rounds than with similarly performing loads using H110/W296.

There have been various rumors about it being hard on throats, but I haven't seen anything definitive yet.

 

[Hondo 60]

I've heard of issues with S&W K-frames, but never with a Ruger.
So I'm interested in this too.

 

[beatledog7]

Getting set to load some #44200s with 2400, 19 grains to start, in Starline brass. I'll let you know....

 

[GJgo]

I've personally noticed abnormal top strap cutting & throat pitting when using LG in a S&W 460 mag after about 100 rounds, and in a S&W 44 mag after about 400 rounds. Obvious visual wear in both cases. Those were expensive guns, I'm done with that powder. YMMV, FWIW, etc... Google it, I'm not the lone ranger here.

 

[Walkalong]

Walkalong - Hodgdon only has data for a Nosler 240 gr.
Do you think the bearing surface is close enough to Hornady's 240 gr XTP-HP?

240 Gr XTP....... Nosler 240 Gr JHP

Both are at 1.600

I always log the length of a bullet as well as the diameter. That way I can tell if one seats deeper than the other. From the looks of the pics the cannelure appears very close to the same as far as how deep the bullet will seat when crimped in the cannelure, but the only way to be sure is to measure it. In my opinion you will be fine using the Nosler data. You can always stop a couple of tenths short of max for a buffer.

 

[evan price]

I've loaded up to 9.5 grains of Titegroup with 240-grain JHPs in my 44 mag. iirc 10.0 is the max or thereabouts. Titegroup is not the best powder for full strength and velocity 44 Magnums, however, but it's great for plinking with. This is because it will exceed pressure before hitting top speeds. A slower powder will get you the top speeds, 2400, 110/296, #9, 4227, etc.

 

[buck460XVR]

I load .44 caliber 240 gr Nosler JHPs/JSPs, SpeerJHPs and XTPs with the exact same load recipes. They even shoot similar outta my 629s and .44 carbines. I too quit using Lil' Gun in Revolvers due to high temps and forcing cone erosion. My best loads with these bullets has been with H110/W296 and IMR4227.