New Reloader Powder Questions

[DaisyCutter]

Last year I was given a single stage Lyman press, powder dispenser, .44 Mag dies, and hundreds of 210gr .44 JHPs.

I always wanted a .44 Mag, and wanted to reload for it.

I bought a Ruger Super Blackhawk a couple weeks ago.

I've been digesting reloading info for days now. It seems everyone cites a different "pet" powder for their reloads. The names Unique, W231, H110, 2400, etc are common. Most reloaders compare performance, accuracy, and cleanliness.

My question is whether any of the common powders offers a greater level of forgiveness than the others. Is there one which is more beginner friendly?

I've been a shooter for a couple decades. I worked in a metallurgy lab for a decade, mixing acid etchants, and using precision testing and measuring equipment.

I want to learn to reload correctly, most everything is straightforward... except powder. The choices are bewildering. I'd like to start simple, with the max safety margin. I presume a slow powder with a coarser grain and greater volume/weight ratio is preferable for a first timer?

I'm also looking for a good primer recommendation.

 

[sbrader]

DaisyCutter,
I will temper my comments with the fact that I know nothing about .44 Mag and I am a relatively new reloader myself. That said, I was advised to start with Unique for loads in my .40 S&W, 9mm and my wife's .38 Spl. It is very versatile and a safe powder due to it's burn rate and loft. It is in the middle of the road speed-wise, and it is pretty bulky, which makes double charging difficult in the .38 Spl case and impossible in the .40 and 9mm. I don't know if it is a good choice for .44 Mag and I am sure there are far more experienced folks who will chime in with input on that. My advice is to double-check and triple-check your information before you load. Information from users on the Internet may not be accurate or safe. Like Reagan said, "Trust but verify." The powder manufacturers all have excellent load data online.

Enjoy the addiction!

Scott

 

[loose noose]

When I shot Steel Silhoute with a handgun, I started out shooting a 240 grn hp bullet behind a near maximum load of Winchester 296 powder. Let me tell you this was a maximum load in a S&W model 29 with an 8&3/8" barrel, and it would rattle your molars. I believe if you start out wih Unique in a Ruger Super Black Hawk you should be realtively safe, and enjoy shooting it.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Unique is my "go to" poweder for nearly every handgun. It will do well in a .44 mag.

As far as primers go, I usually just buy them based on price and availability. I can't tell the difference in any of them as far as performance goes.

 

[NCsmitty]

Let's just go with the powders that you listed, although there are several more powders that will function well in the 44Mag.
H110/W296 are the same powders and will produce your top "magnum" performance in your SBH, but is a bit finicky by requiring a near max charge with a magnum primer, and a good crimp on the bullet to get consistent loads.

Alliant 2400 is a bit more forgiving, doesn't need a magnum primer, and has more flexibility in selecting a charge, but won't quite match H110 for peak performance.

Alliant's Unique has been around a long time but is relevant because it will provide medium power loads or lower power as needed, and works well for cast bullets.

W231/HP-38 are the same powders, and can give low to medium power loads that can be duplicated by a dozen other powders. they work better in the smaller cases because of their burn characteristics.
Powders are coated with burn deterrents that will alter their burn rates needed for different applications and bullet weights. Heavier bullets require slower burning powders and lighter charges because of the pressure spike to get the heavier bullets moving. Yes, inertia.

IMO, it's hard to beat Alliant 2400 for full power loads and Alliant Unique for medium power loads, especially cast bullets.

Reloading is all about attention to detail, and it never hurts to double check your powder drops by giving them a visual.

I use the online data bases from the powder manufacturer/distributors for most of my loads.

www.hodgdon.com

www.alliantpowder.com You'll note that Alliant lists only maximum loads, but in the instructions, you should drop 10% to start.



NCsmitty

 

[rcmodel]

IMO, it's hard to beat Alliant 2400 for full power loads and Alliant Unique for medium power loads,

What he said.

2400 for jacketed bullets & Unique for lead bullets.
That's all I have used in magnum calibers for about 50 years.

H-110 might give you another 60 FPS over 2400, but anything you shoot with it will not be able to tell the difference.

Plus, 2400 can be downloaded till it burns like charcoal safely if thats what you want to do.
Plus, it doesn't require mag primers.

And it was the original powder used in the .357 Mag and .44 Mag when they were invented.

rc

 

[DaisyCutter]

Exactly what I wanted to hear. I'm leaning toward the 2400 now, since I have hundreds of 210gr jacketed bullets with a lead hollow point (sjhp).

I intend to triple check. I'l be weighing my charges, and my charged brassas a double check. The brass may have a slight variation in weight, but if I use a mean weight I can ensure against a double charge or grossly insufficient charge. I'll weigh each finished cartridge as a triple check. I intend to be very cautious.

 

[rcmodel]

I'll weigh each finished cartridge as a triple check.

Thats a waste of time.

Get yourself a 50-round loading block.
Charge 50 cases with powder.

Look at them all and compare powder levels.

If all the same, set bullets in them and go to the loading press and seat them.

That precludes any possibility of an over-charge, under-charge, or no powder in one.

rc

 

[UKWildcatFan]

Yeah, I like not having to stock magnum primers for 2400. I don't have any right now and it's nice to not have to go buy some.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Even though I can't disagree with anything said about 2400 I still go a slightly different route. I use W296/H110 for full power magnum loads and since I already use HS-6 for several calibers and have it on hand I use it for downloading magnum calibers when I don't want top velocities. That works for me but like I said, there's nothing wrong with 2400 or even AA#9, 4227 or even Enforcer for that matter.

Unlike in the past there are many good powders for loading all calibers and many will do as good a job as the other. For the most part every company has powders that will do what the other company's powders will do. It's hard to fault any of the powders out there because all are of high quality. Unless you're using a powder way off on the burn rate there really isn't a bad choice these days...

 

[FROGO207]

I also like 2400 with the 44 MAG for standard loads. That said I also load with IMR 4227 for slightly lower power milder recoil loads. If you plan to use lead bullets in the future and want reduced recoil/power rounds for plinking I would try Trail Boss. These will shoot like mild 38 SPL loads with hardly any recoil. As you can see the option of reloading can really help you tune your ammo to the situation at hand along with the much lower cost over factory.