No minimum charge listed

[7075-T7]

I've run into an issue with a bullet powder combination in that it doesn't have a minimum charge listed in the data.

Bullet: 240gr LSWC
Powder: 800X
Caliber: 44 Magnum

The maximum loading from Hodgdon is 13.4gr, but they don't list a minimum.
240 GR. LSWC CAST IMR 800-X .430" 1.620" --.-gr ----fps 13.4gr 1395fps 39,600 CUP

What would be a safe absolute minimum to start out at, I'm just looking for a nice plinking load. Thanks in advance.

 

[MtnCreek]

General rule is reduce by 10%. I have Zero exp w/ lead or 800x...

 

[243winxb]

10.5 gr. http://stevespages.com/page8a.htm

 

[Sam1911]

When a manufactuere specifically doesn't list a starting load -- and there's no accompanying note to "reduce by X% for starting loads" -- I take that to mean they only want you using THAT load. Some powders don't do well with reduced loadings.

I don't know anything about 800x, but looking at the Hodgdon chart (which lists starting loads for almost all powder and bullet combinations, but not ALL) I'd assume they're reccommending that ONE load, period.

 

[243winxb]

I have used 800X in different handguns, it does not flow well in my 2 powder measures. It can bridge. Great for shotguns. If load is to light it will be dirty and smoke more than normal. 700x & 800x produce lots of smoke when compared to Bullseye.

 

[Steve C]

Used to be most manuals only listed maximum loads and you where supposed to do the math and reduce by 10% for the start load. Occasionally you still run into that. Sometimes you have to look a bit for the notation. Unlike Sam1911 I figure a single load listed is a maximum load any you need to calculate the start load. Most manuals that want you to load at that level will have a note that says DNR or "do not reduce". There are only a few powders that are volume sensitive to the point where you only reduce by 3%, and that is H110 or W296 and a few others. The warnings are published in the manuals.

When you pick a powder it is a good idea to do a little research regarding its characteristics uses and do some load comparisons from different publications.

There is a great deal of difference between a "start load" and a "minimum load". The start load being a safe point to begin work up to avoid over pressure. While a minimum load would be the load at whci to go lighter would risk sticking a bullet in the bore. A .44 magnum for example can be sagely loaded down well below a 10% reduction to .44 special level without risk of sticking a bullet.

 

[NCsmitty]

I would consider a different powder for shooting your plinking loads. 800X is a dirty powder at anything under the max listed load, and 1395fps is not really a plinking load.

There are several Hodgdon and Alliant and Western powders (Accurate & Ramshot) that will give you what you want, and are clean burning too.

www.alliantpowder.com

www.hodgdon.com

www.accuratepowder.com

www.ramshot.com


NCsmitty

 

[Sam1911]

Unlike Sam1911 I figure a single load listed is a maximum load any you need to calculate the start load. Most manuals that want you to load at that level will have a note that says DNR or "do not reduce".

Understood, but in this case, Hodgdon gives something like 75 loads for .44 Mag and for almost all of them they do list a starting load. But there are several very conspicuous blanks in the "Startin Loads" column where they are deliberately choosing to not give a starting load.

It isn't because they forgot or were too lazy to fill in those 4 or 5 spots. They have some reason for only giving one load for that powder and bullet combination.

 

[D Rudd]

Direct from Hodgdon

For those loads listed where a starting load is not shown, start 10% below the suggested maximum load and then approach maximums carefully, watching for any sign of pressure (difficult extraction, cratered and flattened or blown primers, and unusual recoil). H110 and Winchester 296 loads should not be reduced more than 3%.

Dana

 

[mdi]

I'm not of the "hidden meaning" thinking, and if a load doesn't have a starting load it means reduce the given load by 10%, and I've read this in some manuals and web sites. Normal common sense safe thinking...

Also, for shooting lead in your .44, good bullet fit is essential to clean, leading free shooting. I suggest lead bullets be sized (or purchased) the same diameter as the cylinder throats (ie.; my Ruger has .431" throats so I size my lead bullets to .431" and get no leading). It's also helpful to know barrel groove diameter, but most modern revolvers will have a groove diameter smalletr than cylinder throat diameter (my Ruger groove diameter is .429"). This works with all my revolvers (5, .44 magnums, 2, .38 Specials, and one .357 Magnum). If yer shootin' the Mag. in a rifle then you'll need to slug the barrel, and size (or purchase) bullets .002" larger than froove diameter (my Puma has an oversize barrel, .431"-.432" so I have to use bullets at least .432" and better .433" to eliminate leading).

 

[7075-T7]

I'm trying 800X because I have a pound of it that I bought for use with 180gr XTP's and it seemed pretty clean. but I'm not a fan of it because it's terrible in my powder measure.

SteveC
It looks like Hodgdon has the .44 special of that load listed from 6.3gr to 7.0 gr.

I was trying to use it up for plinking with the cheaper lead loads, and load using some LEE dippers. I checked the ones that are close and come up with 9.3gr for the 1.1 and 12.4gr for the 1.3, slightly heavier than the chart says they should be. and the larger one is above the 10% reduction number.

 

[moxie]

Guys, PLEASE READ D Rudd's post #9 above!.

He gives the quote from the Hodgdon home page, which says when a starting load is not given, start 10% below the max load given. You can't just read the data and make up rules as you go. Read the "front matter." Lots of good info there.

 

[Sam1911]

He gives the quote from the Hodgdon home page,

Yup! The note IS on their site, just not on the page with the loads under discussion. If they say that's what they meant, that's what they mean!

 

[243winxb]

Powder or Shot Measure

7075-T7, A powder or shot measure can be made from a brass case & copper wire. A drop of solder in the flash hole will keep powder from sticking there. Pick a brass case close to the weight of the powder charge you need.A 25 acp case or larger. Trim the case length till you have the correct powder weight needed. You will need a propane torch, solder, flux & a scale.