.44 Magnum rifle loads with H2400?

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Wardo1974

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I recently acquired a Rossi 24" .44 magnum rifle.

I also have a large supply of Hercules (not Alliant) 2400 powder in unopened cans I inherited, and I had hoped to put together a plinking load with this powder and cast bullets - so loads not fast enough to lead the bore. I already know I can load some hot ones with this powder...it's practice rounds I'm after with it now.

I am having trouble finding reduced loads with this powder...most guys talk about Elmer Keith's classic load in a pistol, or other preferred handgun loads, usually from 19-22 grains.

I wanted 1200-1500 fps with a 240 grain lead bullet. 1.) Could/should I use 2400 for that application? 2.) If so, does anyone have a recommended charge that could get me there? Loads erring on the slow side would be appreciated.

I wondered if 15 grains would do it, but I am also concerned about the powder filling the entire case. Any load charts/data/advice is appreciated.
 
re

Thanks Canuck, I appreciate your load data, but my priority is finding a low-speed load for all the 2400 I have...I really have no other application for it so I'm hoping somebody's got some loads in the range I'm looking for.
 
Her-2400 makes a darn good light .45-70 load if you're interested. 19.5 grains under a 405 grain bullet gets around 1250 fps in my gun. As a matter of fact, it makes a fine reduced-charge powder for quite a few rifle cartridges.
 
15 grains sounds like a reasonable starting point to work from. 2400 is more amenable to reduced charge loads than some other powders like H-100/W296.
 
Max jacketed load is 20-21gn depending on where you look for a 240gn jacketed bullet. I would start at about 17.5gn and see what you get. If you are worried about case fill then I would add some cream of wheat before seating. If you have good lube and a good mid hard alloy mix your bullets will be fine at 1600fps.

Try a dozen or two at 18gn of powder and see what you get. Should be your starting load right around there anyway. If it leads you will know pretty quick.
 
2400 powder

My old lyman manual lists start load at 16gr max 24gr with 240gr lead bullet This is with Hercoles powder good luck
 
Like you've been told, 2400 is not good at lower velocities, as you get too much unburned powder and too much variation in velocity.
The classic load of 22 grains of Hercules 2400, with 240 bullet is a pretty hot load. 20 grains is accurate and not too much lower in velocity.
I would load 20 grains and go plinking.
You mentioned lead, but velocity, from maximum load down, has very little to do with leading the barrel.
 
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