I have owned an alaskan 44 mag for about 4 years and still love the little gun. I have ran more 200 gr laser cast lead bullets from oregon trail down it's barrel than I care to count probably close to 5000 rounds . My most accurate go to load is 11 grs of unique with a 200 gr lead bullet, if I do my part my groups off sand bags at 25 yrds is about 2". If you look this load up in Lyman load manual it is running about 1000 fps but from a short 2 1/2" barrel it's probably around 850 fps I've never shot it across a crony. I also shoot alot of 44 specials through my alaskan if you go this route make sure you clean the rings out of your cylinder before switching back to 44 mags. I don't have that much experience with the jacketed bullets but I know the 240 is probably the most comonly shot weight. Both the powders you mention are made for moderate hot loads Blue dot has been given a black eye for pistol shooters as of a couple years ago the cold weather was giveing it extreme spreads and high preasure. Don't know if this helps, nice to see someone else owns the alaskan in 44 mag.
woods
