Powder Test: Win231 in .44 Mag

[doc540]

Goal: low powered (.44 Special) accuracy for 50 yd silhouette matches

Why .44 Mag and not .44 Special? Brass is more available around here

Loaded up Win231 last night and tested it this morning.

60 degrees, light wind

Disclaimer: Limited marksmanship skills

Revolver: 629 Classic with top port
Optics: Matchdot w/Leupold quick release rings
Mount: Warne Maxima Multi-Sight System (modified front sight for irons)


(sighted in using 7.0gr Unique...shot 10 test shots)

Second round of targets


Conclusions:
1. All loads would work ok for 50yd silhouette shooting
2. Better shooting skills would tighten all the groups
3. Reloading and testing bullets and powder is fun
4. Old pro's will soon set straight a rookie like myself

 

[JoeDaddy]

Just my .02 but I'd be tickled pink with those groups. That is some fine shooting Doc.

 

[doc540]

Well, thanks, JD, but shooting a 629 from a rest is like shooting a rifle at 50yds.

With practice I should be able to get all 5 to touch.

And I'm no marksman by any stretch.

 

[GP100man]

With a scope off the bench try a cross with electrical tape , when the hairs disappear trip the trigger.

I get considerably better groups useing this than a round dot .

Still good shootin !!

 

[BSA1]

231 is a favorite in 9mm, 38 Spl. and 45 ACP but I don't use it in large capacity cases such as 44 Magnum and 45 Colt as I have had inconsistent ignition. My belief is small charges of 231 are position sensitive in such a large volume case.

 

[wardor]

I switched to True Blue from W231 just for a little more punch (I only keep 1 powder around for my pistols). But nice shooting on that 5.5gr charge. I'd say try +/- 0.1 of a grain and go at it again. Has to be a super light load though.

 

[oldpapps]

My 'wimp' load is 5.6g of 231. 240g LSWC, LP primers for 634 FPS and 652 FPS from 6 and 6 1/2 inch barrels (average from 36 shots each).

My grand daughters love this load. I've been loading it ever since they dropped the old Olin WW230 powder. (Oh my, I have aged myself!) Soft and smooth for me.

PS. I only use mag brass.

 

[BBQJOE]

My standard 44 light load is 6.0 +/- unique with a 240 cast swc.
I can shoot it all day long.

 

[doc540]

5.5gr W231 averages 740fps

I think that's the load I'll stick with since I was trying for something similar to .44 Special.

Guess I'll end up getting my man card cancelled.