44 Magnum

The_Shadow · April 30 2013 09:16:09 AM MDT

I recently bought the Lyman Devastator 44 mold
44 Caliber 250 grain (Single Cavity) Gas Check
Mould # 429640
Mould Part # 2650640
Top Punch # 649
Top Punch Part # 2786778

The bottom bullet is the RCBS 2-Cavity Bullet Mold 429-240-SIL 44 Caliber (430 Diameter) 240 Grain Silhouette Gas Check.

I load these using 16.2 grains of Blue Dot, I sent Intercooler a few to test the velocity and he showed 1436, 1455, 1415, 1456, 1456, 1512, 1457, 1459. Average = 1455.75 FPS/ 1223.20 LBS. Ruger Redhawk 7.5" barrel.

Form my S&W Mod 29 they are very accurate and reach out there...

RMM · April 30 2013 09:42:37 AM MDT

Very nice! This summer I'm planning on working up some 44 mag. AA #9 loads using 320 gr. WFNGC slugs. The gun is a 7.5" Super Redhawk. Factory data says I should be able to get 1,200+ fps.

The_Shadow · April 30 2013 10:09:37 AM MDT

The Hodgddon 2012 Annual shows some good data using various powders, Lil'Gun being one that is being used by the heavy hitters. Looking over the Pull-downs from the various manufactures has shown some interesting info as well.

I still need to test these for velocity from the carbine just to get some numbers, but they do shoot very well from the Marlin Lever also.

RMM · April 30 2013 10:52:05 AM MDT

If I can get 1250 fps with a 320 gr slug (1100+ fpe) that will be enough for its intended use. Although some of the slower powders can probably get a little more velocity I already have some AA#9. I am also planning on working up some 180 gr WFNGC in 357 mag with AA#9.

By all accounts the Super Redhawk can handle some very stout loads (read: way above book) but I don't see any need to push it that far for the purpose of this load. Quick follow up shots are more important to me than a little more speed.

I will also have access to a nice chronograph this summer so I will post the results of my various workups (10mm, 9mm, 357 mag., 44 mag., and 300 ultra mag).

Intercooler · May 01 2013 03:51:15 AM MDT

Here is what we have found in some of the .44's so far. The different weight tabs are located at the bottom:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ak5OC6bPsjO8dFlJSEh0WWctdThTRGlpaFljS2x4VlE#gid=5

PBR did outstanding with #9!

BTW PBR has some of those screaming 240's in stock today.

RMM · May 01 2013 10:56:14 AM MDT

Quote from: Intercooler on May 01 2013 03:51:15 AM MDT
Here is what we have found in some of the .44's so far. The different weight tabs are located at the bottom:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ak5OC6bPsjO8dFlJSEh0WWctdThTRGlpaFljS2x4VlE#gid=5

PBR did outstanding with #9!

BTW PBR has some of those screaming 240's in stock today.

Thanks for the link! From what I've seen there isn't too much to be gained with the 320 gr. bullets from going to a much slower powder than AA#9 in the 44 mag. Probably around 100 fps (which with a heavy hardcast already moving fast doesn't mean too much to me). The 4100 loads (and the AA#9) have a bit more room to grow pressure wise, but I'm not sure how much case capacity there is left. The Hodgdon factory loads are a bit "hotter" pressure wise and loaded longer vs. the Accurate loads.

***CROSS CHECK WITH FACTORY SHEETS BEFORE USING THIS DATA***
***ALWAYS WORK UP TO THESE LOADS***
MAX Accurate arms data:
Primer: WIN WLP
No. 9 320 CP WFNGC 16.3 1,216 34,626 PSI 1.665 COAL
4100 320 CP WLNGC 18.1 1,297 31,796 PSI 1.695 COAL

MAX Hodgdon Data:
Primer: Remington 2 1/2 Case: Winchester
Longshot 325 LFNGC 11.8 1195 38,700 CUP 1.730 COAL
Lil'Gun 325 LFNGC 20.0 1360 38,600 CUP 1.730 COAL

Intercooler · May 01 2013 04:23:56 PM MDT

Actually it was H-110. I was thinking 10mm ${$default_embarrassed_smiley}$

The Buffalo Bore 340's I did today smoked.

RMM · May 01 2013 04:25:43 PM MDT

Quote from: Intercooler on May 01 2013 04:23:56 PM MDT
Actually it was H-110. I was thinking 10mm ${$default_embarrassed_smiley}$

The Buffalo Bore 340's I did today smoked.

What did they chrono? I've been looking at that load for years... could never bring myself to buy it. It is like a 44 mag +p+.

Intercooler · May 01 2013 07:25:19 PM MDT

1410 FPS average and 1500 LBS

Randominator · May 18 2013 08:43:54 AM MDT

That is a good looking bullet. I like the RCBS too.
I recently started casting the 310 grain LEE FNGC. The accuracy is better than any jacketed or lead bullet I have tried before.

The_Shadow · May 18 2013 02:09:10 PM MDT

Randominator, I could drive them faster using other powders but the Blue Dot has provided some great accuracy and very clean performance. The 260 Gr Lyman Devastators are newer to me but my recent testing was great using the same loads as the 240 RCBS Sil.

What kind of loads are you running with the LEE 310 FNGC's?

The_Shadow · June 10 2013 08:07:41 PM MDT

Loaded a few 44 Mag's with the Lyman Devastators 260gr cast HP w/gas checks over 22.4 grains of IMR4227 with CCI350 primers, should be around 1350 fps to 1380 fps +/- As a side note: The powder is from 1979 & primers are 1988

Ramjet · June 23 2013 08:35:17 PM MDT

I shoot this same bullet 8 BNH at around 1000 FPS out of my Nickel plated model 29 and it cut small varmints in half . Never found need to run it faster.

REDLINE · June 24 2013 04:14:31 AM MDT

Quote from: Ramjet on June 23 2013 08:35:17 PM MDTNever found need to run it faster.

There has to be a need? ${$default_grin_smiley}$

RMM · July 22 2013 12:16:47 PM MDT

Last weekend I got a few shots over the chrono:

44 Magnum
Brass: WW Super
Primer: CCI-350
7.5" SRH

240 Gr. Powerbond Plated (plinking load ${$default_laugh_smiley}$ )
11.0 gr. Longshot - 1175 FPS average - ~735 ft. lbs
Very light crimp on cannelure line.

320 Gr. DT Hardcast
16.3 gr. AA #9 (book max) - 1300 FPS average - ~1200 ft. lbs.
Heavy roll crimp on cannelure line.
No visible leading after 8 shots.

The 320 gr. loads although stout didn't recoil excessively which should allow for follow up shots. I am happy with this load and will let it be.