44 magnum reloading

Yes, I have used 700x a bunch in the 44 mag. I only used it because I had the better part of an 8lb keg left over from my shotgun reloading days. I found some data for 700x in the little gray IMR/Hogdons/Win pamphlet, and from a few reloading forums.

I was trying 9 grains with the cast and was having horrible leading issues. That is when I started asking around for loads less then 9 grains, and a bunch of guys were telling me I would blow a cylinder if my load density was to low. Bruce (H4831) brought some sanity to the conversation and we walked those loads down from 9 grains to 2. 4-4.5 was best in my 629 with .429 hard cast.

I also loaded a bunch of jacketed 240s with 9.0 gr 700x that I shoot every other cylinder to blow some of the lead out from the cast. Not ideal, but works well enough for me.
 
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blacksmithden said:
+1 for everything Bruce said. I'll also add that I used magnum rifle primers (by mistake) in my 44 loads with no ill effects, or any noticable difference. I now use 10-13 grains of Unique in my 44 and nothing else. The only time I've ever had an ignition problem was when there was a problem with the powder dispenser on my Lee Pro 1000. The problem there was 2 out of 3 cycles, it wasn't throwing any powder. Got rid of the press due to numerous issues and I haven't had a single problem since.
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Agree. Kinda... I shot about 200 loads with 23.5gr H110 in an 1894 the other day. Non-magnum primers, it was -30 and I didn't have a single ignition problem. I worked up to this from 21.5gr H110 about a week ago also with non-magnum primers and noticed there was a bit of vertical stringing at 100 yards with the lowest charge. In a revolver it probably wouldn't be that noticeable.

When working down ball powders, normally I find there is a point where a magnum primer will eliminate the vertical stringing. Down past that, it would probably also reduce potential hangfires which I have seen with low doses of H335 and the like in rifles.

Worst thing that happened to me using rifle primers in place of pistol primers of any flavor was some fail to fires until they were recocked and struck again. I think the only real difference is the thickness of the cup, no?
 
thebigslide said:
I think the only real difference is the thickness of the cup, no?
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Pretty much. They do (are supposed to) burn hotter, but I think with most powders - especially fast pistol powders - it makes no difference at all. The main thing in pistol primers is the cup is thicker, thereby providing a higher safety margin in magnum handgun cartridges. In large magnum rifle cartridges, using s-l-o-w powders, like 7828, H1000 and RL25, it can (and often does) make a difference in performance.
 
Well the range trip told the tale. 44 mag worked great with 17.5 gr of 2400 and 240 SWC's and 240 XTP's. I tried out the 357 loaded with 4.9 gr of 700x, 158 gr Saeco swc's and federal 100 SP primers. Ended up with unburnt powder and embers blowing everywhere. Not quite what I'd expected.
 
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