What do you think of this .44 magnum load?

[Surefire]

As a pure defensive load, what do you think of this:

http://www.dakotaammo.net/Self-Defe...RBON-Self-Defense-JHP/SD44M165-20/100/Product

619 ft-lbs is a very mild .44 magnum load, almost like a very heavy .44 special load instead (many .44 magnum loads can exceed 1,000 ft-lbs energy). At this bullet weight, sectional density, and velocity, it shouldn't have huge over-penetration problems, correct?

Has anybody tested / used this load?

Thinking about trying this in my Redhawk (5.5"), or Alaskan.

 

[bluetopper]

If you're worried about over penetration, 165gr @ 1300fps is gonna go clean through somebody for sure no matter where they are hit.

In my 3 inch barreled 44 Mag I load a 240 gr SWC to about 850fps, mine will go over penetrate also and it makes a nice cheap practice round too but of course I reload.

 

[CraigC]

I would imagine that load would do terrible things to flesh. Unless it's got a really tough jacket, I don't think overpenetration will be an issue.

 

[Surefire]

This load seems to have only slightly more energy than the very hot .357 loads (such as Cor Bons 200 grain .357 magnum), uses a lighter bullet (165 grains vs. 200), and has a larger diameter bullet (.429) -- which should result in less penetration.

Muzzle energy is even less than some 10mm loads.

It seems impressive without being an overkill -- as the 900 ft-lbs+ .44 magnum loads IMO are.

I've already bought the .44 special version of this load-- but seriously thinking of at least trying the .44 magnum version as well.

 

[buck460XVR]

IMHO.......At almost $2 a pop, it should have heat seeking capabilities.

 

[dairycreek]

I have several 44 mag. revos and I love to develop loads for them that go up and down the power/velocity scale. I have developed loads that are pretty much like the one the OP highlighted in his post. Lots of fun to shoot and play around with but my personal problem is thinking of the 44 mag as a self defense load - anytime anywhere I have 44 mag revos in 3", 4", 5.5" barrels and IMHO none of them is a first class self defense weapon. Sorry, that's just me.

 

[gofastman]

I personally think a .44mag Glaser Silver Slug would be acceptable, I really don't like the idea of a frangible bullet, but a .44 mag is one caliber i would consider them in.

I think that company uses Sierra JHP's, I'm not sure they are a bad slug, but I have never heard any rave reviews of them either

 

[hardluk1]

If they make it in 44 the powerball load would work. Of course you could line the bad guys up several deep and use the regular ammo. Take a look at the better 44 special loads, a 200gr bullet at 900 to 1000ft per and 400ft lb's should work well for defence work.

 

[RugRev]

Shot some in a 629 Mtn. Gun. Sort of like shooting 125 gr JHP's in a medium frame .357. One could get fast follow up shots and recoil was not great. Might be the .44 version of the 125 gr .357 but at less velocity and penetration. As I recall the difference in velocity of the Corbon .44 Sp. vs. .44 Mag load is only 50 fps so don't imagine there would be a noticeable difference in recoil.

 

[Surefire]

^I think the velocity difference is 250 fps.

Cor Bon .44 special at around 1050, and .44 magnum version at 1300.

Still, with a 165 grain bullet, both of these are mild loads.

I would expect the 44 magnum version to have recoil similar to a 10mm load (most 10mm ammo is also at under 700 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, and bullet weights are close -- 165 grain for this load with 10mm loads often at about 180 grains).


I just bought some of this ammo and will report on it. I hope it is what I want -- more power than a .44 special, but on the weaker side of .44 magnum. Since I also bought the .44 special version of this Cor-Bon load, I will also shoot them side by side to get an idea of recoil difference.

 

[Buck Snort]

dairycreek wrote: "I have 44 mag revos in 3", 4", 5.5" barrels and IMHO none of them is a first class self defense weapon."

Well, there's always the 458 Winchester Magnum!!

 

[Surefire]

The verdict

I compared 3 loads today in my new Alaskan.

Cor Bon .44 special 165 grain. Easy to shoot this load accurately, and recoil is in the light .38 special range.

Cor Bon .44 magnum 165 grain (as this thread is about). Moderate recoil -- like a hot loaded .357 magnum. A pleasure to shoot, and I managed good groups out to 25 yards. The recoil was mild enough where I could have easily fired 150 rounds if I had it (the ammo is expensive so I only went through 2 twenty round boxes). It is loud though, and I think this would be a factor indoors.

Finally, I tried a JSP 240 grain load. This load had a little more recoil than the 165 grain Cor Bon .44 magnum, but was still a pleasure to shoot. I got good groups with this one too. I fired a full 100 rounds -- 2 boxes of 50 rounds.

The Alaskan surprised me by how well it handles .44 magnum recoil. To be fair, I'm sure the bigger 300-320 grain loads designed for larger animals will have more bite to them -- I'll plan to try some next.

But for my needs, the 2 Cor Bon loads appear to be perfect. I think the .44 special version is a better choice indoors due to the lower noise levels. In a remote location though, I think that .44 magnum load may be a good trail gun choice.

 

[batmann]

Surefire's results echo mine for the Alaskan and my Smith Mountain Gun. I have used the 165 gr loads in both the .44 Spl and .44 Mag and they are my primary SD loads. My new stainles Ruger Flattop in .44 Spl will use the 165 gr HP as well.
Cor-Bon does use a flash surpressent powder that does help with the muzzle flash. Expensive? Yes, but they do work and are probably the best SD load for a .44 M

 

[Ric]

How about POI?
I would think the 165 grain would hit lower?

 

[Cheesemaker]

My favorite - 44 Mag or 454/45 Colt (in an Alaskan) - 300Gr @ 800-850 fps....will knock stuff down.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

As a pure defensive load, what do you think of this:

I think they are very expensive and depending upon what you are defending against, they are probably too powerful for SD on the streets...

 

[Surefire]

^

There are 10 mm loads and .45 ACP loads that produce roughly nearly the same muzzle energy. Yet I rarely hear people say a .45 acp is too much for defense.

http://www.dakotaammo.net/Self-Defe...ORBON-Self-Defense-JHP/SD45165-20/100/Product

I realize the .45 acp will penetrate slightly less due to the larger surface area of the caliber if bullet weights and velocities are equal, but at these energy levels these loads (10mm, .45 acp, and this .44 magnum load) are not that far off in muzzle energy.

http://www.dakotaammo.net/Self-Defe...egBON-Self-Defense-JHP/SD10150-20/100/Product

I certainly agree the .44 special is better indoors, and on urban streets, but for trail work (away from an urban area) IMO this .44 magnum load is mild.

 

[Hammerdown77]

I wouldn't worry too much about muzzle energy numbers, as they don't really mean anything when it comes time to shoot something. I'd be mostly concerned with penetration, and whether the load shot to POA in my gun. The rest is just internet debate.

Something with similar ballistics to the .45 Auto or .45 Colt (or properly loaded .44 Special) should be perfect. Those rounds have been effectively killing bad guys for more than a century.

 

[GP100man]

2 holes a bleedin is better than 1 !!

Just kiddin the worst i`ve seen the inside of a deer was after being shot with a 140gr. seira game king & 4 of the deer had the slug under the skin on the off side ,all shot between 35-50yds, the load was all the AA#9 allowed by the book out of a 6" tube.

The 44s blew thru & thru

 

[mesinge2]

I carry a 240gr. Magnum in my 3" 44 and it clocked at just over 1000fps. I figure it is a little bit faster than a 45 ACP+P out of my 5" barrel 1911 and about the same bullet weight.

 

[Prosser]

Surefire:

I think it's a waste of money. Someone tested a 44 magnum 185 grain, at about 1550 fps. The combination of soft, thin jacket, and high velocity dumped all the energy into a block of gelatin, without over penetration.

Try

www.brassfetcher.com

for the results:

My lil .475, using a 275 grain bullet, at 1560 fps, opens up to 2 bore size. I'm not concerned with over penetration, since even 2 bore rifles need a LOT of bullet weight to penetrate well.

In fact, my 'experts' tell me the 275 grain .475 bullet will blow a 4" hole in a hog, but not penetrate enough...

Great for deer, if you don't want much food to eat.

 

[IV Troop]

Sounds like fancy packaging and good advertising. I really do not see what that load will do that a 240 grain cast SWC at 850 to 1000 will not. The whole overpenetration thing is grossly overblown. Yes it is an issue, but very, very rarely.

Looking at it from a financial perspective: $2 a pop= $200 for 100 rounds. I can load one heck of a lot of cast SWCs for $200. I have not done the math, but using my existing brass, I doubt my handloads cost me more than 15 to 20 cents a piece.

With that in mind though, if it floats your boat, paddle away!

 

[caskenette]

What powder do you use with the 240 SWC 6.5 of Red Dot with a hard crimp gives me 850 fps from 5" 629 . I'm looking for a load for Titegroup at 850 fps .
Anyone got one ? New to your forum

 

[rhoggman]

Looks like a colossal rip-off to me. Once I really got into reloading stuff like this amazes me. If I cast bullets from free lead I can make 1500 rounds for about $70.

 

[Cop Bob]

It's a bit pricey... but it should preform well. At 1300 it should expand reliably, and not over penetrate.. Recoil would be manageable as well I would imagine..

My question would be, what is the rate of burn on the powder, ref to muzzle flash.

If you hand load there are better options... But I do like the bullet weight, I would want to shove it out a little quicker...(less penetration, better terminal results) and that is VERY doable with the right powder. I can think of several that would get you there..

Feel free to PM me.... I have done a lot with light bullets in the 44...