Billy Jack
Member
I would like to hear from anyone that has actually chronographed there 44 mag loads using components as close as possible to what I am trying to workup.
I am working up a load for my 5.5" Redhawk to use on wild hogs and would like the load to be around 1200 - 1400 ft/sec.
I am using 2400 powder, CCI 300 primers, and a 260 gr WFN bullet ordered from Montana Bullet Works cast from an LBT .432" mould.
The test loads I shot today went from 18 gr of 2400 up to 21 gr of 2400, in 1/2 gr increments, (only 2 of each weight). Although the recoil increased somewhat as the powder load increased, it wasn't too bad, and the primers actually looked about the same from 18-21 gr. The primers were flattened about the same as I see shooting WWB 240gr SP from Wallmart. They are not showing a flattened primer that completely fills the primer pocket. In other words to me they just looked like normal pressure. Fired case extraction was easy. They all seem to shoot good and with my limited ability at accuracy they all shot in about the same sized group as if the cartridges had all been loaded the same. (about 4" at 25 yds using a bipod to steady my hand, but no sandbags, etc.). (With practice I will get better!)
I had hoped to see more defining differences in my test loads to lead me to the best, but that didn't happen.
My next move is to load up several of just a couple of loads and go back out and shoot to see which is most accurate and then use that to sight in the pistol.
To me it looks like I could easily be happy with anything from 18-21gr or maybe a tad more, BUT I really want to make sure I am at least 1200 fps and not over 1400 fps. Everything I read points to that velocity range in the heavy cast bullet being more deadly on hogs than faster or slower loads.
So I am looking for any clues as to velocity so I will know where to start with the powder charge.
I know it would be an easy task with a chonograph, but right now I just don't have the money to spend on it.
I am working up a load for my 5.5" Redhawk to use on wild hogs and would like the load to be around 1200 - 1400 ft/sec.
I am using 2400 powder, CCI 300 primers, and a 260 gr WFN bullet ordered from Montana Bullet Works cast from an LBT .432" mould.
The test loads I shot today went from 18 gr of 2400 up to 21 gr of 2400, in 1/2 gr increments, (only 2 of each weight). Although the recoil increased somewhat as the powder load increased, it wasn't too bad, and the primers actually looked about the same from 18-21 gr. The primers were flattened about the same as I see shooting WWB 240gr SP from Wallmart. They are not showing a flattened primer that completely fills the primer pocket. In other words to me they just looked like normal pressure. Fired case extraction was easy. They all seem to shoot good and with my limited ability at accuracy they all shot in about the same sized group as if the cartridges had all been loaded the same. (about 4" at 25 yds using a bipod to steady my hand, but no sandbags, etc.). (With practice I will get better!)
I had hoped to see more defining differences in my test loads to lead me to the best, but that didn't happen.
My next move is to load up several of just a couple of loads and go back out and shoot to see which is most accurate and then use that to sight in the pistol.
To me it looks like I could easily be happy with anything from 18-21gr or maybe a tad more, BUT I really want to make sure I am at least 1200 fps and not over 1400 fps. Everything I read points to that velocity range in the heavy cast bullet being more deadly on hogs than faster or slower loads.
So I am looking for any clues as to velocity so I will know where to start with the powder charge.
I know it would be an easy task with a chonograph, but right now I just don't have the money to spend on it.