Hot loaded 44 magnum question
- Thread starter aliceminer
- Start date
"...isn't magnum already max loaded?..." Nope. There are starting loads for magnums too. The term is really a marketing term. Usually means a cartridge that normally runs at higher velocities with a larger case and pressures than a like bulleted cartridge.
The .357 Magnum case, for example, is 1/10" longer than a .38 Special case. Runs at higher velocities and pressure. Using Hodgdon Titegroup, 5.8 grains gives 1108 fps and 24,900 CUP with a 158 grain LSWC vs 3.8 grains giving 920fps and 15,400 CUP for the same bullet in the .38 Special. These are max loads for the powder and would be considered to be hot loads for that powder. Has nothing to do with the .357 being called a magnum though.
There are other powders that give higher velocities and pressures with jacketed bullets.
The .357 Magnum case, for example, is 1/10" longer than a .38 Special case. Runs at higher velocities and pressure. Using Hodgdon Titegroup, 5.8 grains gives 1108 fps and 24,900 CUP with a 158 grain LSWC vs 3.8 grains giving 920fps and 15,400 CUP for the same bullet in the .38 Special. These are max loads for the powder and would be considered to be hot loads for that powder. Has nothing to do with the .357 being called a magnum though.
There are other powders that give higher velocities and pressures with jacketed bullets.
No.
".44 Remington Magnum" is only the name given to a cartridge designed by Elmer Keith in the 50s. The word "magnum" doesn't refer to a specific powder charge, it was only used in the name to signify that the case is longer than its parent case, the .44 Special.
Like every other cartridge, the .44 Mag has a range of loads that fall within its specifications. You can easily load a batch of lower-power .44 Mag if you don't want to beat your gun up too badly, or if you're taking a novice out shooting. It's still a .44 Mag, even though it's reduced power.
When someone says a cartridge is loaded "hot", it means it's loaded at (or over) the cartridge's specified maximum pressure. That said, any cartridge can be loaded "hot", because "hot" is relative to the given cartridge's specifications. You can load a "hot" 9mm cartridge, just like you can load a "hot" .500S&W cartridge, it's all relative.
44 magnum is probably the most versatile round in existance. You can load anywhere from 180gr all the way up to 350 gr bullets, at anywhere from very slow velocities, to rounds that kill on one end and wound on the other. Just because it's a magnum cartridge, doesn't mean you can't load it down considerably. Lots of people even just use 44 special loads in 44 magnum cases. I prefer to load what you'd definitely call "hot loads." H110 is a great powder for max loads in all the big magnum revolver cartridges. One of the best things about it, is it requires the case to pretty much be full of powder, which means you can't double charge it. Of course, as with any round, it'll only take so much pressure. Once you go beyond the limits, bad things happen very quickly, even the strongest Super Blackhawk, won't take very kindly to a double charge of Unique.
Alright, I'm confused...
I noticed that the suggested max load grains for H110 is almost twice as much compared to Unique. Velocity and CUP are basically the same. So, what kind of jollies do I get when using H110? I'm just thinking 2x more powder = 2x more $$$. I know I'm missing something here due to lack of reloading brain matter.
Reload book also says to use magnum primers vs standard large primers. So what if I use standard large primer instead?
I noticed that the suggested max load grains for H110 is almost twice as much compared to Unique. Velocity and CUP are basically the same. So, what kind of jollies do I get when using H110? I'm just thinking 2x more powder = 2x more $$$. I know I'm missing something here due to lack of reloading brain matter.
Reload book also says to use magnum primers vs standard large primers. So what if I use standard large primer instead?
Slow powders magnum primers . Hornady has a ballistic chart for energy.
All depends on the firearm and accuray wanted. Different powders different bullets different primers. All will change impact point.
It would be best get a good book then read MD SMITH on reloading. With 44 mag read articles on Elmer Kieth.
Unique is a faster powder than 296. There are powder burn rate charts out there on the web.
There are so many articles published on the 44 mag it would be life times to read most of them.
An old rule once was big case slow powder small case fast powder.
Best load I have used..Winchester Brass Win large pistol ( standard and magnum ) primer.
WINCHESTER 296 23 GRAINS. 240 grain jacketed soft point. Fired in a lever action rifle.
All depends on the firearm and accuray wanted. Different powders different bullets different primers. All will change impact point.
It would be best get a good book then read MD SMITH on reloading. With 44 mag read articles on Elmer Kieth.
Unique is a faster powder than 296. There are powder burn rate charts out there on the web.
There are so many articles published on the 44 mag it would be life times to read most of them.
An old rule once was big case slow powder small case fast powder.
Best load I have used..Winchester Brass Win large pistol ( standard and magnum ) primer.
WINCHESTER 296 23 GRAINS. 240 grain jacketed soft point. Fired in a lever action rifle.
Besides being able to get higher maximum velocities than with Unique, H110/W296 also makes it impossible to double charge a .44 Magnum case. I don't know if it's true or not, but some people claim that a load using a slower burning powder is less prone to leading than a load using a faster burning powder.
Where are you getting your info? A quick look at one of my reloading manuals shows that a max load of H110 pushes a 240gr lead bullet at 1560fps whereas a max load of Unique only yields velocities of 1255fps.
You're right about one thing though, using H110 is more expensive, but it's definitely worth it. On top of getting higher velocities, using slow-burning powders in magnum cartridges really changes the overall feel. I find fast-burning powders in magnum cartridges uncomfortable, makes for sharper recoil. Slow-burning powders also make a bigger boom, more impressive fireball etc.
