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Author Topic: Light Loads for 44 Mag  (Read 798 times)

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Offline RamBlaster

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Light Loads for 44 Mag
« on: November 17, 2003, 03:57:32 AM »
I am looking for some light loads for a 44 mag.  Is it safe to use loads listed for the 44 Special in 44 mag cases?  Thanks.
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Offline Leftoverdj

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Light Loads for 44 Mag
« Reply #1 on: November 17, 2003, 04:21:05 AM »
Generally.  Any of the faster powders it is. Should you run across a load calling for H-110 or WW-296 (and I don't know that there are any.), don't try it. Unique, Blue Dot, Universal, anything in that range is fine.
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Offline Flint

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« Reply #2 on: November 17, 2003, 06:41:46 AM »
You could try about 5.0 to 6.0 gr of Hogdon's Titegroup.  Check Hogdon's website for Cowboy loads.
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Offline Savage

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Light Loads for 44 Mag
« Reply #3 on: November 17, 2003, 11:52:24 AM »
I use 5.2grs of Bullseye in 44mag cases with 240gr cast bullets and Winchester large pistol primers. Easily makes IDPA power factor. Nice mild load. Very consistent.
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Offline Blackhawk44

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Light Loads for 44 Mag
« Reply #4 on: November 17, 2003, 01:32:42 PM »
With 240gr cast, use 4.5-5gr Bullseye for target and practice.  8.5gr Unique for around 950fps and power equal to 45Colt for just walking the pasture.
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Offline revolverman

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Light Loads for 44 Mag
« Reply #5 on: November 17, 2003, 04:40:26 PM »
I use 4.3 grains of clays behind a 240 gr cast.  Very mild, and VERY accurate in my Super Blackhawk
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Offline EOD3

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Light Loads for 44 Mag
« Reply #6 on: November 18, 2003, 10:22:32 AM »
I use 5.0 grains of Titegroup under a 200 grain lead bullet.  A jacketed bullet might need a bit more.
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Offline Plainsman

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« Reply #7 on: November 28, 2003, 03:28:13 PM »
HP-38 or W-231 light loads esp. with a 240 gr LSWC.  I use these often for plinking rounds, awesome for light fun! :)
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Offline ButlerFord45

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Light Loads for 44 Mag
« Reply #8 on: November 29, 2003, 01:34:37 AM »
"Is it safe to use loads listed for the 44 Special in 44 mag cases?"

Considered to be a bad idea.  The difference in case capacity can change the way the powder reacts, even though some loads may overlap in similar cartridges.  This is paraphrased on my part, but I did read it out of one of the loading manuals.  

Hodgen's web site has reloading information.  Find the "Cowboy Action" load tables.   Some of the other powder companys have "Cowboy" information as well, but I have used quite a bit out of the Hodgen site.

Accurate Arms XMP 5744  runs a little dirty, but gives you pretty good case density with light loads.  Accurate also has an online reloading manual with cowboy loads.
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Offline Leftoverdj

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Light Loads for 44 Mag
« Reply #9 on: November 29, 2003, 06:07:59 AM »
I'm gonna stick by my earlier post.

As long as you stick with the powders faster than Blue Dot, you can safely use .44 Special data with lead bullets in .44 Mag cases. Lead bullets because jacket bullets may stick in the bore at severely reduced velocities. You will lose a little velocity from the .44 Special case but the difference should not be more than 100 fps.
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Offline Nobade

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Light Loads for 44 Mag
« Reply #10 on: November 29, 2003, 06:10:24 AM »
Hard to beat 8.5gr. Unique and a #429421 in either the revolver or Ruger bolt gun.
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Offline Plainsman

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« Reply #11 on: November 29, 2003, 11:30:20 AM »
I've seen where the same thing can be said of the .444 Marlin.  As long as you are careful, .44 spl and .44 mag loads can be used in the .444 Marlin cases as well.  I thought it sounded rather extreme but most of the loads can be found if you look for them.
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