AA#5 in 44 special Ruger

[running iron]

I was reloading for my new 44 special Blackhawk and tried some AA#5 with a Sierra 210 JHP. I tried 7.5 grs. Unique with the 240 SWC, it shot good and so did 231 with 5.5 grs. 240 SWC to match factory load. I could not really get any good groups until I shot 6 grs. of 231 with a 215 gr. SWC. That's when I started getting holes touching holes. Then I could adjust my sights. When I moved up to some defensive loads, 9.9 grs. of AA#5 with a Sierra 210 gr. J.H.P.. This load went into the same hole, best load so far. Tried 8.8 grs. of Unique with the same 210 bullet and the Unique had more recoil and was not as accurate for me. I've never used AA#5 and was very impressed with it. I saw this powder listed in many books so when I couldn't find Unique or 231 I thought I'd try the AA#5 and am glad I did.

 

[Walkalong]

AA #5 is a good all around powder. It works well for many things. AA #2 is another favorite with me.

 

[rcmodel]

my new 44 special Blackhawk

Tell us more?

I didn't know Ruger ever made a .44 Special Blackhawk.

Oh wait, I just remembered Lipsey's .44 Specials last year.

rc

 

[running iron]

Yes it is one of the Lipsey ones, 4 5/8. And I will try the AA#2. It sure meters nice compared to Unique. Maybe it doesn't matter if Unique is off a little with some loads, but having each load with the exact same amount of powder in each case can't hurt for accuracy.

 

[Walkalong]

AA #2 is very position insensitive, which helps in big cases, it meters like a dream, and gives very good ES & SD numbers. It will leave 99% burnt little gray balls if the pressure is too low.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I tried AA#5 in .38 Special +P rounds, .45 Auto rounds and will soon try it in .45 Colt rounds. I like the first 2 and I'm sure the 45 Colt rounds will be good too. It's a very accurate powder, I'm guessing it's because the grains are so small which aids in even burning of the powder.