Enough W296 for .44mag?

[Sport45]

A few weeks ago I loaded some .44mag with 26.5 grains of W296 under a 200grain XTP. The loadbook I was using, Speer #9 (1974), gave a range of 25.2 to 27.2 so I though I was okay. Since then I've picked up a Lyman Pistol and Revolver Handbook, Third edition, and it's telling me that the minimum charge for 296 under a 200gr Jacketed HP is 27.0 grains with a maximum charge of 28.3 grains. Oddly enough, both books state the same maximum velocity of 1493 fps. Should I pull the bullets and recharge them with more 296? I'm currently about 6.5% below the maximum charge according to the newer book and I've read that 296 isn't supposed to be reduced by more than 3%. Any insight will be appreciated.

 

[YodaVader]

The best source for reloading data for a specific bullet is the manufacturers actual published reloading manual. You stated reloading the 200 XTP which is a Hornady bullet which also was not even on the market in 1974.

My 4th Edition Hornady Handbook listed as a 3rd printing - 1993 has the 200 grain XTP listed for 44 Magnum and 296:

25.5gr 1400fps
26.3gr 1450fps
27.0gr 1500fps
27.8gr 1550fps

The test gun was a 7.5" Ruger Super Blackhawk. Your load easily falls into the range specified for the 200 XTP according to the 4th Edition Hornady manual I have in front of me. So , I would just enjoy shooting the reloads.

 

[LHB1]

Sport,
I would think your loads would be OK. Wouldn't change them if it were me. This advice reflects my opinion only and is guaranteed to be worth what it cost.

Good shooting and be safe.
LB

 

[Mal H]

I agree. That load will give you a nice booming round with that bullet.

As I understand it (and have always loaded with W296/H110), the "do not exceed 3% reduction" means 3% below the minimum load. So even if 27 grains is the minimum (that seems like a high min to me), the "minimum" minimum would be around 26.2 grains.

 

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

Sport45,

I agree with what everyone else here has said.

Something else that occurs to me though, is that you simply picked a load out of the book and loaded it up and shot it, which is fine. But, were you to start at the minimum suggested load and work your way up in half grain increments loading 10 rounds of each powder weight, you may very well find a load that shoots much more accurate in your particular firearm.

Record the powder weight, keep the 10 rounds lots together and take them to the range with a load book to record your results. I've done this in every firearm I own and found it well worth the time and effort to do so and test out. I then have loads custom tuned to my firearms. Hence, they shoot more accurately.

just a thought,

Dave

 

[Bullet]

Mal H Quote – “As I understand it (and have always loaded with W296/H110), the "do not exceed 3% reduction" means 3% below the minimum load. So even if 27 grains is the minimum (that seems like a high min to me), the "minimum" minimum would be around 26.2 grains.”

Since Hodgdon only lists the MAX powder charge and says to only reduce by 3%. I assume they mean from MAX, but I’ve heard others make the same statement as above. Now you’ve made me curious. I think I’ll call Hodgdon today and report back what they say.

 

[Mal H]

Good point, Bullet. I'm curious as to what they have to say also.

I checked the Hodgdon manual (#26, I don't have a more recent one). They do list a starting load for W296 there: 200 gr. JSP, 26.0 gr. start, 27.0 gr. max. (Same for H110)

Personally, I have never liked using Hodgdon for load data, either their manuals or their website. They don't include enough information for my satisfaction for any caliber.

 

[Al Norris]

This is interesting. I just looked up the data in the Hornady 6th edition and they don't even list W296 for the 200gr XTP! They do list the following, however:

H110 w/WLP, same test gun as posted by YodaVader:
25.8gr 1300fps
27.3gr 1400fps
28.7gr 1500fps

I offer the above, only because depending upon who you read, H110 and W296 are the same powder. Or not... Sheesh!

 

[YodaVader]

I e-mailed Hodgdon back in 2004 asking about 296 and H110 and it appears they are made at the same facility. This was their response:

It is indeed true. The powder is made by General Dynamics in the St. Marks Powder facility in St. Marks, Fl. Some is sent to us and some sent to Winchester.

Mike Daly
Customer Satisfaction Manager
Hodgdon Powder Company/ IMR Powder Company

It is still interesting how the H110 loads listed by Al and the 296 loads by me differ quite a bit to achieve the same velocity. Different lots of powder , primers and brass all contribute. Possibly Hodgdon and Winchester make changes to the base stock bulk powder after it arrrives??

Al , I have looked in the newest Hornady manual and like you mention, some of the older loads are no longer listed.

 

[Bullet]

I talked to Hodgdon and they said their listed load for H110 on their web page is the MAX load and if you reduce it by 3% you have the Minimum load. I have reduced slow powders in the past (before the warnings) and stuck bullets in the barrel using listed loads at that time.

Since then I’ve never went below 3% of Max and never had stuck bullets again.

 

[Sport45]

Thanks!

The best source for reloading data for a specific bullet is the manufacturers actual published reloading manual.

Thanks YodaVader for the bullet specific data. It looks like I'm well within the safe published data for this bullet. Thanks to everyone that chipped in. I'll let you know if these give any trouble.

DaveInFloweryBranchGA said,

Something else that occurs to me though, is that you simply picked a load out of the book and loaded it up and shot it, which is fine. But, were you to start at the minimum suggested load and work your way up in half grain increments loading 10 rounds of each powder weight, you may very well find a load that shoots much more accurate in your particular firearm.

I agree with this completely. At least for now though, handguns with just about any load are much more accurate than me. I haven't seen charge weight affect my shooting accuracy (95+% offhand, 'cause it's more fun that way). Maybe when I'm better. I do see accuracy shift with charge weight when shooting rifles from the bench. Thanks!

 

[Gunrunner]

Sport45, one of the loads I use in my M29's is the 200gr XTP over 26gs of W296 lit by a F155 primer. Never had any problems with 'em and accuracy has been very good.

Your loads should work fine.