Help with .44spc/magnum loads

[ccjcc81]

I’m going to reload .44 spc/magnum for the first time, and I’m using a small revolver, so I want to keep the loads light. I’ve chosen the 200 gr Speer Gold Dot to load with first, and Speer’s reloading data shows that W231 can be used for special or magnum loadings with that bullet. The MAX for .44 special is 6.9 gr, and the STARTING load for .44 magnum is 8.9. I have some W231 and some HP38, so I won’t have to buy new powder if this will work.

Is it safe to operate between those two weights? I’m guessing it’s ok, but I thought I’d double check as I’m still new at this, and I’ve been reading that disastrous things happen when you mess around.

Also, can I use standard primers for both loads? Or do I need to step up to magnum primers at some point? Speer shows they used the same primer for both their .44 special and .44 magnum loads, so I’m assuming it’s ok. I’d rather just use standard primers if it’s not too dirty.

Thanks again for being an invaluable resource for newbs.

 

[Buck13]

If you load the max .44 Spl load in .44 Mag brass, you will get slightly lower pressure and velocity due to the larger case volume. As long as you don't double-charge a case, you will be fine. Going even lower, you would at some point run into the risk of sticking a bullet in the bore, and, more controversially, explore the alleged realm of "light load detonation." Search for that term if you want to read about something that generates a lot of dissension.

Going up into the region between the two tables is just going to give you an interpolated velocity between .44 Spl and .44 Mag intensity. I'm sure somebody out there is doing this every day.

I've never heard anyone say there is any reason ever to use a magnum primer with W231/HP38.

 

[redbullitt]

I would not use a mag primer for those. Basically you would just be loading 44 specials in a slightly longer case. I do it all the time in 357, and again no mag primers needed.

231 should be just fine, though I have personally not used your exact combination there. I doubt any kind of detonation is going to happen with 231. Generally that is suspected to happen with slow powders in small volumes if i remember correctly. 231 is a nice fast pistol powder, well suited to what you are doing I think.

As was mentioned, be aware of loading light and sticking a bullet since you are using jacketed. I would probably go for 6.0g and up, probably closer to 7.0 honestly. That should be a hot 44 special, but a very mild 44 mag. Doubt there is any chance of sticking a bullet and you should get decent case fill. Don't double charge!

 

[rg1]

Like mentioned, be extremely careful to not double charge using small charges of powder in large cases.

 

[joneb]

I've had good luck with middle loads, with suitable powders.
I down load 44 mag. for plated and lead bullets with powders suitable for either cartridge, for me I use powders closer to the middle burn rate like Unique, but for lighter loads W-231 should work well at the upper end of 44 spl data in 44 mag. cases.

 

[WestKentucky]

I did exactly (almost, I had hornady 200 gr xtp) what your talking about when I had my 44. It works, and you can build the loads up to whatever recoil/performance level you desire between starting and ending points on the charts if your using mag cases. Have fun.

 

[ccjcc81]

Thanks guys. Good info. I check each case on the loading block with a flashlight. If I double charge one, I'll catch it.

 

[ccjcc81]

I did exactly (almost, I had hornady 200 gr xtp) what your talking about when I had my 44. It works, and you can build the loads up to whatever recoil/performance level you desire between starting and ending points on the charts if your using mag cases. Have fun.

So, Gold Dot vs XTP, got an opinion on that?

 

[Walkalong]

Both good bullets, both expensive for plinking.

 

[TimSr]

Both good bullets, both expensive for plinking.

Agreed.

Really, if you are just looking at light plinking loads, a cast bullet is the way to go. Much less expensive, every bit as accurate, and you can load it lighter than a jacketed bullet. Missouri Bullet has a nice selection of BRN 12 "cowboy load" bullets for 44 that will suit your purpose perfectly. Cast bullets harder than that are for higher pressure magnum loads.

 

[onegunred]

I load the MissBulCo. cowboy #13 on top of 7.0gr of Universal. It fits in the loading range listed in the Hodgdon loading data. The load is very comfortable to shoot for extended range time. Also if I want I can load a 240 gr jacketed bullet with 9.5 gr of Univ. for a hunting load.

 

[ccjcc81]

I cast, but haven't picked up a decent .44 mold yet. I'm looking at a NOE with HP pins. I'm loading these GDs for SD/SHTF.

 

[RealGun]

I’m going to reload .44 spc/magnum for the first time, and I’m using a small revolver, so I want to keep the loads light. I’ve chosen the 200 gr Speer Gold Dot to load with first, and Speer’s reloading data shows that W231 can be used for special or magnum loadings with that bullet. The MAX for .44 special is 6.9 gr, and the STARTING load for .44 magnum is 8.9. I have some W231 and some HP38, so I won’t have to buy new powder if this will work.

Is it safe to operate between those two weights?<snip>

I think you will do well, as long as you mean using 44 Magnum cases.

 

[ccjcc81]

Could I use W231 for heavier bullets like this? I'm about to order a NOE mold for a 240 gr bullet, and I want to load it as a really light .44 mag as well. My Lyman manual doesn't use 231 for anything over 210 gr, cast or jacketed in Magnum. It does have a max load of 6.9 gr, 1,330 CUP for a 245 gr cast bullet in .44 special. If I can't stretch it, then fine, I'll buy a new powder, but I'd rather use 231.

Edit: According to my local powder salesman, and confimed on the Hogdgon website, 231 will do this with a 240 gr cast bullet. Looking good.

Thanks for the help guys.