need some 44mag. loads

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What kind of 240gr cast bullet do you have ?
What are velocity are you after ?
 
Not too sure what a Ruger blackhawk cowboy is.
If it's a large frame standard Blackhawk it is safe with +P "Ruger-Only" loads.
If it one of the new model flat-tops, it isn't, and it should be used with standard pressure loads.

There is no "good 2400 load" in standard pressure .45 Colt.

The pressure runs too low for a good burn with 2400.

8.5 to 9.0 Unique with a 250 cast SWC will be a fun load, and kill anything that needs killing in either model Blackhawk though.

rc
 
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Try the 9.0 Unique load.

You could try 15.5 grains 2400, but it's gonna be dirty and leave a lot of unburned powder.

rc
 
Buy one pound of Unique and try it.
It will load 750+ rounds at 9.0 grains.

8 pounds of 2400 is enough for 3,750 rounds.
Even if you don't like it and have to use it anyway!!

rc
 
There is no "good 2400 load" in standard pressure .45 Colt.
I thought he asked about .44Mag loads? ;)

Unique would be a better powder choice for your chosen velocity range. I like a 240gr SWC over 10.0gr for most purposes.
 
Are you talking about the 5.5" Stainless SBH with a fluted cylinder?
I have one of those, and they handle all .44 Magnum loads.

If you are looking for some accurate cowboy loads, my advice would be to use Trail Boss with a Lead SWC. I use 7.0 to 7.3 grains of IMR Trail Boss, and it is a fun load to shoot. I try to shoot them outside mainly because they are kinda smokey, but they are accurate and fun to shoot. Load them to 1.620" and roll crimp with medium heavy to heavy crimp.

I have shot Unique out of my revolver, and I cannot get a good load from it. I think I push it to hard. I usually shoot 10.0 to 11.5 grains with a 240 grain bullet Jacket or Lead.

My favorite load for my 5.5" SBH is the Missouri Cast Bullet Co. 240 grain LSWC with 22.0 grains of IMR 4227, Win or CCI primers, Winchester brass. I can shoot apples off the poles at 50 yards with this load using the factory sights. I have changed my grip to a Hogue Mono Grip. I could hit anything with the SA cowboy grips. The cowboy grips look good, but it is hard to keep the gun under control for me. The Hogue grips make the revolver 10x more accurate for me.

One last load I like to shoot for flames and fun is the Hornady 240 grain XTP, Win brass, Win or CCI primer, and 20.5 grains of 2400. Man, it shoots flames, and hits hard. I have shot through steel plates at 50 yards with this load.

Have fun with the Ruger .44 Mag. I would trade mine or sell mine ever. I bought it the day my only son was born on 05/18/2010. The gun has never had a factory round through it. Only my hand loads.
 
I don't think Ruger makes a .44 Vaquero, at least not one that is in production right now. If it is a .44 Magnum it is a SBH if it is from current production, and can handle all .44 Magnum loads.

These are the .44 Magnum blued versions.

Look here: http://ruger.com/products/newModelSuperBlackhawkStandard/models.html

These are the Vaqueros, and they do not make a .44 Magnum in the Vaquero..

Look here: http://ruger.com/products/vaqueroBlued/models.html


Sounds like you have the same gun as me, but just blued instead of stainless. If that is the case, then all the loads I gave you are fine to shoot from your revolver.
Is your revolver of new manufacture? Or is it a used/older model? They did make a Vaquero in .44 Mag with fixed sights, but I would have to think that if it is a .44 Magnum Vaquero or not it would handle any .44 Magnum. It has to be able to shoot full loads because I do not know if it would be smart for Ruger to sell a .44 Mag Vaquero that wouldn't handle full loads. It might be a Vaquero model because of the fixed sights? That is a question for Ruger. I would call them and ask. They are great to speak with, and will answer any questions you have.

Someone else have any opinions?

It doesn't look like Ruger has a Vaquero in production now chamber for .44 Magnum. Just .38/.357 and .45 Colt. If it says "BLACKHACK" or "SUPER BLACKHAWK" then it is not a Vaquero. Also if it has adjustable rear sights it is indeed a revolver of the Blackhawk/SBH line as Vaqueros have fixed sights.
 
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I thought he asked about .44Mag loads?
And so he did!

I can see it clearly now!!

Must stop> Must get help!!

Please disregard all previous transmissions about Unique, .45 Colts, and all that other stuff I said. :eek:

rc
 
My dad and I would load 245 ish gr LSWC/GC with 20.0gr of 2400 for a 44 magnum Ruger Blackhawk the load was very accurate.
If your 240 cast lead "Mo. Bullet Co" bullet is 18 BHN or more you should be able to find a good load with 2400 I would try 17.0gr for starters.
You may find load data in a Lyman manual, I'm sure Elmer Keith had some luck with this bullet and powder combo.
 
There are no current Vaquero revolvers chambered in .44 Magnum. The only Bisley Magnum in blue is the 7.5" Blackhawk.

Is this a new revolver or used? Can you post a picture?
 
Blackhawk SA Revolver it`s as strong as they come until ya step up to a Super Blackhawk or some custom revolver.

Building a load with 2400 wll be intresting as ya go up the ladder , it`ll reach a point of accuacy (most of the time in upper loads & each revolver has it`s own)ya won`t believe!! STOP THERE as more pressure will only degragate accuracy.

#1 Redhawk is 21 gr., #2 is longer barreled & it`s favorite is 20.0gr.

To optimize your revolver for lead boolits you may need to check the cyl throats dia. to .001" over bore dia.

The easiest way is to slug your bore then send the slug & cyl. to Ruger Forum.com member CAS for measuremnts & reaming of the cyl.

Rugers are fameous for being undersized , mine were on #1 & it leaded & shot poorly with lead until I opened the throats.

Go slow , Be Carefull , Enjoy !!
 
Ruger produced .44Mag large frame Vaqueros up until they discontinued the model in 2005.

The mid-frame New Vaquero has only been produced in .357Mag, .44Spl and .45Colt. Plus .45 convertibles.
 
I get the following results with 2400 shooting a 240 grain hardcast bullet out of my 5.5 inch 44M Redhawk (at sea level in warm weather, 15 feet from muzzle) -

18.0 grains 2400 -> 1103 fps
19.0 grains 2400 -> 1199 fps
20.0 grains 2400 -> 1279 fps
 
17.5 2400 and the Lyman 429421 with alox/beeswax lube and cast of wheelweights is a pleasant load with enough punch. 20 grains is a good hunting load.
 
The picture posted above shows adjustable sights and I don't think Ruger ever produced a Vaquero with adjustable sights. I think that's a Blackhawk but if it is marked Vaquero on the side of the revolver that's what it is...

Very nice looking revolver BTW.
 
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