44 Mag. Powder Choices / Reduced Loads

[Scott_N]

Can anyone recommend a good powder choice for some reduced 44 Mag. loads? I picked up a SS 5.5" Ruger Redhawk on the weekend, and I'd like to start with some loads that are more comfortable to shoot than full power loads. This is my first wheel gun so I'm not sure where to start and most of my reloading manuals are a little bit dated or don't have reduced load data.

 

[John Y Cannuck]

Try using 44-40 loads. 44-40 case capacity is a bit larger than 44 mag, so your velocities will likely be higher, but you won't even aproach minimum 44 mag pressures.

 

[Johnn Peterson]

What bullets are you planning on using, cast or jacketed and what weight? And, if possible, how much of a reduced load do you have in mind? If you're really stuck, PM me your e-mail address and I'll scan and send something that may be of help. There is good amount of info in the following manuals I have and you may find it useful to pick up a couple of them, The Lyman 48th Edition Reloading Handbook, The Lyman 3rd Edition Pistol & Revolver Handbook, and The Lyman 3rd edition Cast Bullet Handbook. In addition, I also have and still use a tattered copy of The Lyman 1st Edition Handbook of Cast Bullets.

 

[ben hunchak]

The std. powder for red. loads in large sixguns is ALLIANT "UNIQUE".....from 8 to 12 grs. with a 240 gr. cast bullet........800fps to 1200fps. in the .44 Mag.

 

[SandRoad]

You might also want to try Trail Boss powder. It is designed as a bulky powder for reduced loads. For loads, try looking up Cowboy Action loads as they are light loads.

 

[beretta boy]

Found 8 gr. of Unique both very accurate and comfortable to shoot
in my S & W Mod. 29 behind a Lyman 429421. ( 240 gr. Keith SWC)

 

[t-star]

you can also use 44 special loads- i run about 7.5-8 grains of 231, which is a little warm for the 44 special, but well below the 44mag's 11 grain , both under a 240 grain lswc

 

[Johnn Peterson]

I have to agree with ben hunchak. Unique is a very versatile powder in a number of handgun cartridges, especially in the more mid range loads. With some of the really light indoor loads I'd opt for Bullseye and with the really heavy 'stuff', 2400, IMR 4227 and H110. However, Unique is capeable of cover almost the whole spectrum of loads.

 

[IM_Lugger]

I'd say go with 180-200gr bullets...

I found a 245gr CMJ bullet over 10gr of Herco to be fairly mind for a magnum load...

I've been shooting magnum loads, but will start downloading to .44spl specs, I found that 245gr Frontier bullet can be seated deep enough to match .44spl OAL...I will be using IMR 4756 powder.