Short barrell .44 mag load

[AK Eggy]

Has anyone here worked up a short barrel (2") load for .44 mag 240 grain Hornady XTP HP? I haven't been able to find any load data for such a short barrel with this bullet. I don't know enough about selecting powders in relation to C.U.P., burn rates, bullet weights, etc. so I'm kind of stumped right now. Another question I have is how do you find out the ideal velocity of a given projectile to ensure proper expansion and penetration?

I don't mean to sound lazy, and I'm not afraid of working up to a load (watching for sign of excess pressures, etc.), but I truly don't know where to stary here. I use Unique for a short barrel .38, but kind find any data for this powder and .44 mag. With the cost of components and my only 1 year of experience loading, I don't want to waste a bunch of money or end up hurting my self or gun.

Not looking for someone to hand me something, just get me started in the right direction.

Thanks for any help you can offer.

 

[rcmodel]

Whatever powder gives the highest velocity in a long barrel will also give the highest velocity in a short barrel.

In the .44 Magnum, that would be H110, N110, WW296, 2400, etc.

If you want less flash & blast with 200 - 300 FPS less velocity, use a faster powder like Unique, WW231, Titegroup, etc.

As for finding the ideal velocity?
Bullet manufactures design JHP bullets to expand at the expected velocity of the calibers the bullets are made for.

If you use .44 Mag load data for the 240 XTP, that bullet will perform reasonably well at starting load levels, and exceptionally well at MAX load levels.

BTW: Recommended velocity for the Hornady 240 XTP is 900 - 1,800 FPS.
Just don't expect a lot of expansion at 900 FPS, and do expect a lot at 1,800!

rc

 

[JimKirk]

MAX LOADS! From Hodgdon Web Site: 240 Gr Bullet

Win 296 24.0 grs.

H 110 24.0 grs.

800X 14.2 grs.

IMR 4227 24.0 grs.

Lil'Gun 24.5 grs.

Jimmy K

 

[X-Rap]

I'm working up a load for a 454 Alaskan using H110 and 2400. It has a 2.5" barrel so I'll let you know how that works.
I have LiL gun and 4227 too so I might give them a try.

 

[AK Eggy]

Oooops

I was thinking that with the slower burning powders like H110, the bullet would be out of the barrel before pressure was up thereby keeping velocity lower. That's why I was thinking of using Unique, thinking that the powder would fully burn before the bullet left the barrel, getting the pressure higher and getting velocity up.

Or...once the bullet jumps the gap from the cylinder to the barrel, is it game over as far as pressure is concerned?

Like I said, I'm new to this so I truly appreciate the help you guys offer.

I like working with H110 better than Unique so that'd be good for me...

 

[warnerwh]

There is so much pressure there so fast that you only lose a bit of pressure. A longer barrel will give you higher velocity. The fact that a slow burning powder gives the highest velocity is correct. It seems like most people do not know this and recommend a fast burning powder for a short barrel. Also with H110 or 296 you can only load 3% below maximum load of about 24 grains for a 240 grain bullet.