Just started reloading 44 mag

[scottrussell]

And lovin it !! I have started with H110 powder and 240 gr. xtp's. At 20.7 grains mt redhawk likes it but not sure i have the right primer ( cci 300 ) I am seeing what appears to be unburnt flecks in the cylinders and barrel, not alot but some here and there. I loaded up 24.2 grains of the H110 and still see the same. Normal or room for improvement? Also got some 300 xtp's on the way to work up a mean hog whackin load lookin forward to playin with them and seeing what my six banger likes.

 

[UltimateReloader]

You need magnum primers for that load. Try CCI 350 primers. Winchester WLP work well for me (dual purpose) for that load. Also, with h-110 don't back off below 90%

 

[JimKirk]

It is recommend to use Magnum primers with ball powders, which H110 is. However as you have witnessed, they will go bang with standard primers. If I were to use this load in cold weather, I would defiantly use Magnum primers. When you switch to Magnums, back off and work back up with your charges weight.

Jimmy K

 

[scottrussell]

From all i have read i kinda thought i was on the light side for the powder charge and the primer....glad i asked! Thanks for the input

 

[bluetopper]

2400 powder is a lot more versatile and forgiving.

 

[flipajig]

2400 for me started with it and was happy so why change.

 

[publiuss]

Always mag. primers with H110.

 

[HisDivineShadow]

I am about to start this as well, but I really wanted to use Alliants 2400 since it can be used for both 44 special and magnum loadings, and it uses more than equivalent powders, which I like since it reduces chances of double charging.

All I got access to in Finland is Vihtavuori though, N110 seems like its fine for magnum but no loadings can be found there for special loads, so I would have to use say N350 for special. Or can you use N110 for special loadings, there are no recipes for it on VVs website.

Also I wonder if this N32C or Tin Star can be used for either Magnum or Special loadings.

 

[Boxhead]

You are using a manufacturers handloading manual or website for data right?

 

[HisDivineShadow]

Yeah here you can find the official load data for VV powders, straight from the makers:
http://www.lapua.com/index.php?id=1180

.44spl
http://www.lapua.com/fileadmin/user_upload/Relodata/Handgun/.44S_WSpecial.jpg

.44mag
http://www.lapua.com/fileadmin/user_upload/Relodata/Handgun/.44RemingtonMagnum.jpg

 

[Walkalong]

I like AA #9 & N110 in .44 Mag. A WLP primer lights off either one just fine.

All I got access to in Finland is Vihtavuori though, N110 seems like its fine for magnum but no loadings can be found there for special loads.

N110 is great in .44 Mag, but if you want one to load both with, get some N340. You will give up velocity in .44 Mag though. N320 is really good in .44 Spl, so some N320 & N110 would serve you very well for both.

 

[buck460XVR]

!

I have started with H110 powder and 240 gr. xtp's. At 20.7 grains mt redhawk likes it but not sure i have the right primer ( cci 300 ) I am seeing what appears to be unburnt flecks in the cylinders and barrel, not alot but some here and there. I loaded up 24.2 grains of the H110 and still see the same.

Are you saying you went from a minimum load to a maximum load without working up? Jumping 3.5 gr of H110/W296 in one step is not a wise thing, even in a Ruger. Most manuals strongly recommend using magnum primers with H110/W296...... what did yours say? It probably also urged you to use a heavy crimp with H110/W296 to aid in consistent ignition, eh? I've found H110 and 240gr XTPs to be an accurate combo outta the .44mag.

 

[scottrussell]

Yes i worked up...slowly as this is a new game. Didn't feel the need to go any higher than 24.2. I like the the 20.7 it is running around 1170 on my chrono and yes i believe the crimp is tight. Lot of info here thank you.

 

[Steve in PA]

I've been reloading .44mag for years and H110 with 240gr XTP's are what I use for my hunting loads, however Hodgdon lists 24.0gr as being the max load. I use CCI 350's.

 

[scottrussell]

This manual thing is a little confusing, mine states that for hornady 240 hp-xtp, min charge is 20.7 and max is 24.8 ( H110 powder ) I stayed low due to my primers being cci 300, i did work up to a hot load to see if i was still seeing flecks. i am confident that my issue is the primer with this powder. I will play with the trail boss powder and lead untill i get the right primers ( cci350 or WLP ) Once get the right primers and start up again i will surely come up with more more questions...you folks are a huge help !

 

[scottrussell]

Latest update. pet hunting load is 24.2 h110. hornady 240 grain xtp. i am using WLP primers and they really havent shown much differance compared to the cci 300's. On the graph i am consistant around 1350 to 1380 fps.
I have loaded and shot around 700 shells and haven't had any problems yet!
Anyone looking for a very fun to shoot and very clean load for a 44 mag then i would highly recommend 7.3 grains of trail boss under a 240 gr. lswc. This is very accurate out of my SRH and runs about 850 t0 900 FPS. very mild recoil and alot of fun.

 

[RidgwayCO]

HisDivineShadow, some preliminary work I'm doing with QuickLOAD indicates that VV N105 may be very good for hunting loads in the .44 Special using the Leadheads 255gr Keith bullet. These will be fired from either a Freedom Arms Model 97 (5-1/2" barrel) or a S&W M624 (6-1/2" barrel). Also, N105 could prove to be excellent in the .44 Special with heavyweight (290-300gr) lead bullets. So many projects, so little time...

 

[Eb1]

Anyone looking for a very fun to shoot and very clean load for a 44 mag then i would highly recommend 7.3 grains of trail boss under a 240 gr. lswc. This is very accurate out of my SRH and runs about 850 t0 900 FPS. very mild recoil and alot of fun.

I am shooting 7.0 grains, but will jump to the 7.3 next time around. Very accurate, and a hoot to shoot with Missouri Bullets Company's 240 grain (Keith). For a high-medium load, and probably my hunting load. I am shooting 18.5 grains 2400 with the same bullet from above. I haven't chrony'd them yet, but they are accurate.
I have shot 240 XTPs with 10.2 grains Unique, and they did quite well also. I love loading the 44 Magnum. I haven't shot factory loads out of my Super Blackhawk 5.5" barrel yet. I don't know if I will, but it would be nice to have a baseline for accuracy I guess, or I could just keep working at finding the right load and shooting. Shooting the 44 Magnum in a lot of fun, and I can't believe I let so many years go by without one.