44mag powder?

[ljnowell]

OP, my advice is to use Alliant 2400. It's the only magnum handgun powder I use. It's also the "original" 44 magnum powder used by Elmer.

I use it in 45 colt, 44, 41, and 357 magnum.

 

[MovedWest]

I've tried more than enough powders in the .44 caliber to make my mind up as to what I personally like. I tried 4227, but the loads I came up with were compressed loads and that gave me inconsistency. I've never tried H110 or W296 due to the narrow load window.

I've settled on 2400 for the big stuff - I load it under 200, 220, 240, and 300gr bullets with awesome results. In my Winchester 92, I get 1750fps with 22.0gr of 2400 with a Sierra 220gr FPJ - and I stay in the black at 100 yards with iron sights. That's also a comfortable, accurate load from my Super Blackhawks. For the lighter stuff like HD, target loads, and league shooting, I use Unique. I use that in both 44 mag and 44 spl also with great results. Both powders give great flexibility and reliability.

Both powders for all loads like standard primers. There's no need to use magnum primers unless you can't find standard. If you do use magnum primers, you need to reduce the load or you may have problems.

Most importantly, be careful who you take load advice from. Even here. Be safe.

-MW

 

[Axis II]

Can't find 2400 local at several shops and even online. Can't afford the hazmat and shipping charges if I did. I'll try the 4227 and see what happens. Deer seasons a ways away so I got time to test.

 

[ssyoumans]

H110/W296 are great powders for the 44 and 357 mags but you might also look at A2400. I like it because it can be safely down-loaded somewhat and often I don't want a full house, romper stomper load. It's versatile enough to use it for medium to hot loads. One of the classic 44 mag loads is 24gr of 2400 with a 240gr bullet.

Seems way too hot. Alliant lists 21.0gr as max with a 240gr bullet. I would start closer to 19gr.
Lyman list 20.5, Alliant 21.0, Hornady 21.2gr as max.

As always, use PUBLISHED data and work up loads carefully.

 

[billybob44]

H110/W296 are great powders for the 44 and 357 mags but you might also look at A2400. I like it because it can be safely down-loaded somewhat and often I don't want a full house, romper stomper load. It's versatile enough to use it for medium to hot loads. One of the classic 44 mag loads is 24gr of 2400 with a 240gr bullet.

"One of the classic 44 mag loads is 24gr of 2400 with a 240gr bullet"
^^^^^BAD DATA THERE!!
Good way to damage a .44 right there..
Max load listed for a 240gr. projectile using Alliant 2400 powder is 21.0 GRAINS!!

The 200gr. projectile list up to 24 grains of Alliant 2400 for MAX LOADS..

Not wise to recommend wrong data to a new handloader (Or anyone else, as far as that goes)....Bill.

 

[ljnowell]

Can't find 2400 local at several shops and even online. Can't afford the hazmat and shipping charges if I did. I'll try the 4227 and see what happens. Deer seasons a ways away so I got time to test.

That sounds like a good reason to use 4227! It's a good choice I just find it dirtier than 2400. You will do fine with it.

 

[Airman Basic]

Another vote for 4227. I use 24 -25 grains with an RCBS 245 grain SWC. Yes, you can get it in there. It is compressed. Don't think you can stuff an overload in a 44 case. Or 41 or 357, for that matter. Maybe 45 Colt, too.