I never risk going outside the manuals but...

[bigoledude]

My daughter-in-law showed up a week ago with an unopened 4-pound cannister of "Bullseye".  She wanted to know if I had room for it now.  I wanted to do a little dance-jig!!

After hurricane Katrina destroyed everything we owned, I bought some more reloading equipment.  Living in a little travel trailer, we didn't have enough room to store much so my son held this powder for me.   

All of my other stuff we kept in a storage container.  Thieves broke in and stole everything we had in there.  All of our reloading stuff, furniture and appliances, everything!  The few guns I had replaced were in the trailer with me, thank God!

Our house is finally finished.  Now, I am trying to slowly buy some used reloading equipment and, would like to first reload for my Redhawk and Marlin 1894, both in .44mag.  With these two back in action, I could hunt and spend some range time.  I could have two guns back in action with one set of dies, one bullet, and one caliber of brass etc..

Question;  Using the "Bullseye", is there a decent fast load for the .44s that I could use safely with a 240gr. to 255gr bullet?  If not, I'll just have to use the "Bullseye" for my .45acp Springfield 1911.  Why couldn't it have been some "Unique" or "2400"?  But hey, I ain't complaining!

[kynardsj]

9 1/2 grains of Bullseye behind a 240 gr SWC will give you about 1175 fps. 8.9 grains behind a 240 gr JHP will give you about 1215 fps. Although these numbers are from the MD Smith reloading pages I would back off a bit and work up to these loads as you know that Bullseye is a fast burning powder. I would expect the recoil from these will be somewhat snappy.

[JustaShooter]

Alliant currently lists 6gr Bullseye MAX for a 240gr LSWC in the .44 Mag (@ 894fps), but does not list any Bullseye loads for the 250gr Keith nor do they list any Bullseye loads for jacketed bullets in any weight. 

However, handloads.com (http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=44%20Magnum&Weight=All&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source=) lists some of the older Alliant data (from before they started using Speer's data) and it shows some pretty stout looking Bullseye loads for jacketed bullets.

Also, Hornady shows 7.1gr Bullseye MAX for their 240 GR LSWC @1000fps.

Finally, I saw some Bullseye data for the 44 special while looking these up, don't know if those might be helpful.

Just a Shooter

[Graybeard]

Simple answer NO. Bullseye is not really a magnum powder and while useful in them it isn't for FAST loads that you asked about. Just stick to book max loads for it as pressures with this powder climb REALLY FAST when you add just a wee tiny bit extra. There is a major concern with double charges using it also as you can most times easily fit two and some times three max charges into a case without over flow. Do add an extra step to your loading process and triple not double check to insure no double charges.

Otherwise it's a fine powder and while not used by me in .44 magnum it is one of my favorites for the .357 magnum with light bullets and is in fact my number one choice for 125s in the .357.

[stimpylu32]

For what your going for , Bullseye is not the powder to use , granted it does work well for a low to mid-level load but not as a top-end speed demon .

Use the Bullseye for range loads and pick up a pound 2400 or H110 for the hunting ammo .

stimpy

[Oldshooter]

Use the Bullseye for range loads and pick up a pound 2400 or H110 for the hunting ammo .

Yea, and if you find some 2400 go buy a lotto ticket, cause its your lucky day Pard!!!!!

[LaOtto222]

I just recently picked some Bullseye. I bought it for Hornady HBWC bullets of 148 grains. I get 770 fps with 2.6 grains and about 900 fps with 3.0. I use it in 38 Special cases in my Handi for plinking and pest control in the back yard. I use Unique for plinking loads in my 44 Mags. 7.5 grains of it works real good with 240 - 255 grain Kieth style lead bullets. I worked up that load many years ago and have not tried any thing else. Good Luck and Good Shooting

[mechanic]

Be extra careful with this powder, as a full charge will almost be invisible in a 44 mag case.  When I shoot Bullseye, (I do a lot in 38 and 380), I weigh each charge, load one case, and move it to a seperate load block.  Then I use a flashlight and give them one last look before I seat the bullet.  As stated, you could use this for low power loads, but in that big a case, bad things could happen if you are not careful.  JMHO

[rawhidekid]

If you are looking for a safer powder for cast reloading, look at the Trail Boss powder.  It was specificaly designed for filling large cases so you will not inadvertantly double charge without spilling over the case.  It is mild shooting and relativly clean.  You can find load data at the IMR web sight.  Have a nice day, oh, that mention of looking in cases as a last step with a flash light is excelent advice.

[45-70.gov]

i  was  given  8  pounds  of bullseye....2 kegs

keg  make  9 thousand  38s  at  3 grains     180 wfn

i  load  8 grains  behind  280  wfn  in  44  mag.......seems  mild  but  bet it will  kills  most things
6 grains  in  357......

been  15  years  trying  to  burn  this stuff  up

i  like the powder
just  don't  hot  rod  it
and  don't  use  my loads  with out  outside convermation  that it is safe