New 44 magnum load

[DynaBMan]

I usually shoot the 240 XTP out of my 7.5 Redhawk. It does a great job for me. However, I have a friend that wants me to shoot some of his reloads. They are a 250 LBT LFN bullet over 20 grains of WC820 with a Federal 150 primer. Does anyone have any idea what kind of muzzle velocity they would have and how they would perform, as compared to the XTP? I have never shot cast bullets from my 44. Thanks for any comments or ideas you might have.

 

[snuffy]

I would NOT do it! First, WC-820 is a surplus powder that has a reputation for being all over the place for burning rates. Some of it acts like WW-296, some like AA#9. Second, I won't shoot someone else's loads in my guns unless I had supervision over the process.

It's your revolver, your face and hands, but not me or my 44.

 

[Ol` Joe]

I would NOT do it! First, WC-820 is a surplus powder that has a reputation for being all over the place for burning rates. Some of it acts like WW-296, some like AA#9. Second, I won't shoot someone else's loads in my guns unless I had supervision over the process.

It's your revolver, your face and hands, but not me or my 44.

Ditto...................

 

[DynaBMan]

Thanks for the replies. I just talked to my local gunsmith and he has confirmed what you have stated about the WC820 powder. I had also read that online, but I reckon I just wanted to confirm. I think I will just stick to my factory 240 XTP bullets for hunting and the 180 JSP Remington for plinking around. That is, until I can get my own reloader and set up shop again. I used to load a 240 XTP over 21 grains of W296 in my SBH and it was very accurate.

 

[snuffy]

Just to clarify what I said about WC-820 powder. It is a military powder made for use in the M-1 carbine. Some of it is pull-down, some is new powder. But it IS NOT cannister grade powder. By that meaning made to have the same burn rate from batch to batch.

It is inexpensive, about half what other powders cost. In the hands of an experienced handloader, one with a chronograph and an accurate way to measure, it CAN be a less costly powder for use in magnum handguns. It's a fine ball powder, so it flows well through a measure.

The lot I have is faster than WW-296 and slower than #9, BUT since I know that, I make allowance for it in charge weight.

 

[DynaBMan]

Just to clarify what I said about WC-820 powder. It is a military powder made for use in the M-1 carbine. Some of it is pull-down, some is new powder. But it IS NOT cannister grade powder. By that meaning made to have the same burn rate from batch to batch.

It is inexpensive, about half what other powders cost. In the hands of an experienced handloader, one with a chronograph and an accurate way to measure, it CAN be a less costly powder for use in magnum handguns. It's a fine ball powder, so it flows well through a measure.

The lot I have is faster than WW-296 and slower than #9, BUT since I know that, I make allowance for it in charge weight.

I understand. I did take the reloads back to my friend and he told me he would help me reload my own, if I want. I will just have to get the 296 powder and the XTP bullets. I would really like to try the load I mentioned above in my Redhawk and see how it shoots. If it is anything like the SBH I used to own, I couldn't ask for more.

Thanks again for your reply.