Haven't done anything with the .44 lately so I picked these up to try them. Kevin has increased the loadings and found a 245gr FMJ from some MFG. They will be some of the strongest if they pan out and I hope Kevin continues with some 300gr + loads soon! The 180gr is rated 1700 FPS and the 245gr at 1450 FPS.

Hmm....are they safe to shoot out of a Smith model 629?

I wrote to Intercooler last night in a PM, those velocities are shown as starting loads in the Hodgdon annual manual 2012, so they should be safe depending on which powder Underwood brings them to life with.  H-110/296 are shown with lower pressures as compared to Lil'Gun for each and still in the safe range with either powder.

The only cartridges I have seen were Buffalo Bore that warned against the use in S&W 29/629, they were developed for the BFR guns and Rugers. Infact the Buffalo Bore 340gr LFN GCHard Cast Intercooler sent for pull-down I sent back to him afterwards because I didn't want to go against the warning and test them in my S&W mod. 29. 

Thanks Shadow, that's the load I was thinking of.

So this is the low end? Wow÷

I wouldn't say they are low end, but some of the data is shown with higher velocities for those bullet weights...

Quote from: 4949shooter on September 28 2013 09:31:54 AM MDT
Hmm....are they safe to shoot out of a Smith model 629?

I hope so. That's about where my regular loads start, and go north from there. M29, 8-3/8" and SBH 7.5". IMR4227, H110/W296 and R7 powder for the big guys (285 gr. +). No problem for the 629, but not ideal for short barrels. If you have a companion rifle, 4227 and R7 is best. Kevin is doing well, for store-bought stuff.

What's the most extreme .44 Magnum loading you have seen?

I thought Garrett's Hammerhead was: http://www.garrettcartridges.com/44hammerheadplusp.html  until I shot the Buffalo Bore 340's. I'm wondering if anyone out there has something even more EXTREME?

Here is the Spec to work within;  These are two different methods to measure by
44 Magnum the SAAMI industry MAP is listed as 36,000 psi
44 Magnum the SAAMI industry MAP is listed as 43,500 CUP

Garret's loading is listed as;
330-gr SuperHardCast Long-Hammerhead at 1400-fps from 7.5" barrel;
1275-fps from 4" barrel

RECOMMENDED FOR USE ONLY IN RUGER REDHAWK, SUPER REDHAWK, TAURUS RAGING BULL, DAN WESSON, AND CUSTOM SINGLE-ACTION LONG-CYLINDERED REVOLVERS BUILT BY HAMILTON BOWEN, GARY REEDER, AND JOHN GALLAGHER.  THIS AMMO IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR USE IN ANY REVOLVER WITH A BARREL LENGTH OF LESS THAN 4-INCHES.  THIS AMMO IS TOO LONG FOR USE IN RIFLES.


Example of loading data;
Hodgdon's data for the 330gr. BTB LFN GC  COAL 1.730" stops short of these pressure ranges at about 39,000 CUP

IMR4227    20.7 gr (compressed) @ 1278 fps 34,200 CUP
H-110/296 20.8 gr @ 1350 fps 38,800 CUP
Lil'Gun       19.0 @ 1332 fps 38,000 CUP
LongShot   11.3 gr @ 1158 fps 38,700 CUP
HS-6         13.6 gr @ 1202 fps 39.000 CUP

Anyone with a commercial offering loaded hotter than the two listed?

Not that I know of but Buffalo Bore and Garrett seem to be catering to the heavily built guns with full power loadings.  But remember these particular bullets are long (like those 357 cast 180 Silhouette) which by design stick outside the casing and not all cylinders or rifle actions can cycle them...  If you place one in the rifle as a single, if not shot, it will not eject properly.
That is what happens with those 357 cast 180 Silhouette in my Marlin.

Even though those heavier revolvers with better steels are capable of shooting this ammo, then can still be beat up and battered over time.

Arriving today. All revolver shooting today for a change.

Ruger Redhawk 7.5" barrel
1390, 1389, 1412, 1364, 1387. Average = 1388.4 FPS/ 1049 LBS. Didn't hit the rating on any of them and plan on calling Kevin tomorrow.

Ruger Redhawk 7.5" barrel
1699, 1750, 1746, 1716, 1704. Average = 1723 FPS/ 1187 LBS. These are smokers!

I replied to your e-mail you sent, it may answer the velocity issues for the 245 FMJ's.
The 180 looking great!