Intermediate area between "Special" and "Magnum?"

[Legionnaire]

Looking at Alliant's website, I see a .44 Spl load of 13 grains of 2400 behind a 250 grain cast (Keith) bullet. The .44 Mag load for the same bullet/powder is 20 grains. Assuming a "starting" load 10% below the published load would suggest a starting load for the .44 Mag with this bullet/powder around 18 grains. I'm interested in down-loading some .44 Mag cases to .44 Spl velocities, and assume that it would be fine to load them with 13 grains.

How about the intermediate region between the 13 grain (max?) Spl load and the 18 grain "starting" Mag load ... say 15-16 grains? Problem here? I can't see why there would be, but wisdom comes from many counselors. What say you?

 

[Walkalong]

I load "intermediate" loads in .357 brass (125's @ 1300 FPS)

As long as it is in .44 Mag brass, and under max .44 Mag data, you'll be fine.

 

[ants]

I've been loading 44 Special loads in 44 Mag cases since about 1970.

But I usually don't use 2400. That powder is great at magnum pressures. But I get excellent performance from 231 and Unique and other medium-slow powders in softer loads.

 

[Walkalong]

Excellent point.

Some powders do not download well. In general, the powders good for full bore .44 loads (W-296, 2400, AA #9, N110) are not the best choice for downloading more than a little bit. For medium level .44 Mag or .44 Spl velocities in .44 Mag brass, somewhat fast to medium burn speed powders are best.

 

[Jim Watson]

A guy here kept reducing his load of 2400 trying to get down to CAS velocities. All it gave him was a dirty, erratic mess.
Unique is the old standard for intermediate power loads, although there are others similar now.

 

[rcmodel]

2400 is not going to do what you want to do at reduced load levels.

7.5 grains Unique / Keith LSWC bullet is the classic old standard "Skeeter Skelton" .44 Spl. load.
It puts out around 950 - 1,000 FPS depending on gun & barrel length.

Try it. You will like it.

rc

 

[Legionnaire]

Understand the observation on slow powders, and that 2400 is slower than others. Just found it interesting that Alliant lists both Spl and Mag loads with that powder. I originally thought I'd try to settle on one powder for both Spl and mag loads, but I'm seeing that that makes less sense than I originally thought. Guess I'll be looking for some Unique!

Appreciate the feedback!

 

[Ed Harris]

In .44 Magnum Ruger Super Blackhawk with 5-1/2" barrel

Saeco #441 (260-grain Keith SWC)
5 grs. Bullseye ~ 700 f.p.s. - DO NOT REDUCE!
6 grs. Bullseye ~ 800 f.p.s.
7 grs. Bullseye ~ 900 f.p.s.
8 grs. Bullseye ~ 1050 f.p.s.

With Remington 240-gr. SJHP
8 grs. Bullseye ~ 1000 f.p.s.

 

[ants]

Holy crap, Legionaire.

You just got advice from Walkalong, rc model, Jim Watson, and Ed "Eds Red" Harris all in one thread!!!!

 

[Legionnaire]

Impressive, ain't it?

 

[Griz44]

I download my 44 mags using titegroup powder. It was designed for use in cases that are not full, and ignites very nicely regardless of powder position and fill in the case. Seems to burn great at 44 special power with my home cast lead or under full power with 300 grain XTPs in the nose cone. Just be careful because it would be easy to double charge.

 

[Walkalong]

using titegroup powder. It was designed for use in cases that are not full, and ignites very nicely regardless of powder position and fill in the case

It was touted to be position insensitive when it came out, so I bought some. My tests showed otherwise. It's nothing special in the "position insensitive" department.

 

[Legionnaire]

Just kicking this thread to say "Thanks" to all those who helped me out almost two years ago now. I was a newbie to reloading then, and the feedback on this thread was very helpful.

I'm still playing with intermediate loads in both .357 and .44, and thanks to the excellent advice from this group, I'm using 2400 for magnum loadings, Unique for intermediate loads, and Trail Boss for light loads. It has been fun and educational. This past weekend I loaded up another 250 .357 cases and thought of this thread.

So thanks again, one and all!