Light 44 mag rifle loads

[stringnut]

Just picked up a Ruger No 1 in 44 mag. As everyone knows ammo is pretty tough to get. Looking for some recommendations for a soft shooting (1200-1400fps) cast bullet loads. Have access to some 240 gr cast in the 18 bhn range. No gas checks. Have Bullseye and 2400 sitting around the house. Haven't loaded any 44 mag in 20 years or more. Never did much with cast.

I have obtained some jacketed for full power loads. A full charge of 296 or 2400 should be perfect. Just looking for some fun to shoot loads without using up all of my jacketed bullets.

 

[frankmako]

For a lite load 9 gr of unique works great for the 240 cast lead bullets.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I agree on Unique. 9-10 gr will get the velocity you want.

 

[stringnut]

May have to pick up a pound of Unique. Trying not to go anywhere to buy powder. The only close place that might have some in stock is a 2-3 hour wait to get in. Someone told me he only waited an hour, but, he is known prevaricator. The shelves at Bass Pro are always stripped. They charge at least 10 dollars more a pound than anyone else.The next closest place is 120 miles away and I won't be going past there for at least 3 weeks.

Trying to get by on what I have for now!

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Well, in that case I'd look in my manual for data for the 2400 I had on hand.

 

[mdi]

My Lyman manual lists 18.5-20.6 gr. of 2400 for a cast, 240 gr bullet. A beginning load is listed at 1,100 fps in a handgun and 1,574 fps out of a 20" barrel and that isn't too heavy, especially in a rifle. If you are going to shoot lead bullets in your rifle, slug the barrel and mic your bullets. SAAMI spec for 44 Mag. rifle groove diameters is .431" while handgun specs are .429" groove diameter. Bullet diameter differences might make a difference in accuracy and leading...

 

[Riomouse911]

If you want to try Bullseye you could go with a starting load of 7.5 to 8.0 gr and see how that shoots. I’ve seen max loads listed in the 9.0 g to 9.8 gr area (Lee data for a hard cast). Hornady and Speer list a max Bullseye charge of 6.0 for the really soft-swaged lead bullets (12 BH and under)

Since your bullets are 18 BH you want to avoid really soft loads. With the softies the base won’t obturate enough and the gas blow by will lead your barrel.

Stay safe.

 

[stringnut]

Well, in that case I'd look in my manual for data for the 2400 I had on hand.

I would have to walk downstairs
Have done some cast bullet loading in the past . Sometimes it takes a bit to find something that works. Just trying to do it the lazy way right now! Between handling my dad's estate, having two houses, and work time is a bit tight. If I could find any I would try some ( I hate to say this) factory ammo.

Actually dad's passing is how I purchased the rifle. My brother and I each purchased a rifle out of the cash dad kept around the house. Pop was a hunter and fisherman all his life and would approve of the use of his spending cash. Thanks Dad and miss you always!!!

 

[Old Stumpy]

Looking at my Lyman 48th Reloading manual, I would say that 17 grains of 2400 with the average 240 grain lead bullet should give you what you want. The starting load of 18.5 grains would be around 1500 FPS, but I have shot 17 grains of 2400 before in a Marlin 1894 and a Ruger Super Blackhawk.

 

[stringnut]

Haven't worked with 2400 before. Some manuals say magnum and others do not. What has everyone's experience been. Going to check out the Aliant site a d see what the manufacturer says.

 

[Old Stumpy]

Haven't worked with 2400 before. Some manuals say magnum and others do not. What has everyone's experience been.

While it is most commonly associated with .357 and .44 magnum loads, it is also used in standard loadings.
Lyman lists 12 to 15 grains for .44-40 loads with a 200 grain cast lead bullet, for group 1 weaker lever actions, resulting in pressures less than 13,000 CUP.
For .45 Colt revolver, with a 240 - 250 grain JHP, 14.8 to 16.5 grains is listed for standard velocities.
No loads with cast bullets for .45 Colt are listed using 2400 though.
For .44 Special 11.4 to 13.5 grains is listed for a 245 grain lead bullet for 704 FPS - 797 FPS in a revolver.

 

[stringnut]

Alliant lists no magnum primers for 2400. From what everybody has been saying here, and what I have found, I should be able to get by with what I have on hand. May not be perfect.
I found a couple of dozen soft 240 gr. Going go try them over 6.0 grs of Bullseye. They either will shoot well, or ,lead like crazy and spray all over. Hard cast should be here by the end of the week.

 

[greyling22]

A lot of load data is for handguns. Expect another 200fps or so from the rifle.
I'm using 10.3 grn of Longshot for a powder with a 240 cast bullet. Packs a pretty good whallop on a turtle.

 

[PapaG]

17.5/2400 has been my go to load with the 429421 bullet for nearly fifty years. Used in several Supers, a DW, 29-2, Win 94, Marlin 94 and a Handi. Comfortable, accurate and little leading. Mostly wheelweight metal.

 

[Charlie98]

Although this is NOT an exact comparison, 17grn 2400 under a 240grn .41MAG cast bullet gives me 1520fps out of my 20" Marlin, probably be a little less out of your .44... which sounds about what you are looking for.

I would also suggest Unique... it's excellent for mid-range loads out of a rifle... ~1200fps'ish

I will be curious to see what shakes out with your Bullseye loads... make sure you update us, please.

 

[LUCKYDAWG13]

One more for 17gr of 2400 i use this load in my RSBH also a big fan of 7.5 gr of Unique

 

[stringnut]

First experiment with 240gr 18 bhn lead bullets. Used 17 gr 2400. Only had time to shoot 15 at 25 yards. Took a few to get in the bull. Shot 3 groups 3 shots and all could be covered with quarter. No signs of bullet yaw and no sign of leading yet. May have hit my plinking load on the first try.
Need to check accuracy at longer range.

 

[748]

I loaded some 240gr lead on top of 6gr of unique. They popped pretty softy.
But I only shot them 25ft or so, my gun has 1:20 twist and they didn't appear to be trying to keyhole.
9 to 10 gr is my hot 44spl, soft 44mag load for 180gr bullets.

also a big fan of 7.5 gr of Unique

Next time I load more I will probably bump it up to 7gr. Or switch to less of something faster burning like WST.