how much pressure will new 44 super blackhawk withstand??

[adirondacker]

i have a new model s-blkhwk in 44 mag.i have been shooting some hot handloads through it.22.5 grns of 2400 with a 240 grn xtp.some flatened primers and hard extractions.are these loads to hot for this revolver?i use this load in the my ruger carbines with no problem.i have a few hundred rounds loaded,was hoping to shoot the same load.any input would be appreciated,thanx adker

[safetysheriff]

are the chambers rough in that revolver?   if so, extraction will tend towards being difficult with hot loads........if not outright difficult.

flattening primers?    did you work up loads in a reasonable manner?

you only gain a little bit for that last 'significant abuse' that we sometimes heap upon our firearms.  i load many of mine stoutly...........but not so that i'll damage a revolver i don't think!

back off a little and practice your shooting more; and you'll take home more game that way if you get close enough to the 'critter'.

good hunting to you,

ss' 

[adirondacker]

these loads in my rifle show little to no pressure signs.i was just hoping to be able to use the same load. the cylinders are not too bad,i only had a couple cases stick,some of my brass has been loaded numerous times.i guess though for safety sake i need to work up a reduced load for it.i had been shooting cast bullets all summer but a friend of mine wants to borrow it to carry on a bear hunt.so i thought i would try some of these xtp loads to see how they shot.last year he took my 480 but the client did his part on the bear and there was no need for a back-up shot.they put on a lot of miles with the dogs so most of the guides only carry a handgun.thanks for the input,adker

[454PB]

Every firearm is an individual when it comes to pressure. Your SBH is telling you that the pressure is too high. I own six .44 magnums, and have learned what recipes can be used with which .44. I think you need to do the same with your rifle and revolver.

Many years ago, the classic load for .44 magnum was a 250 gr. cast SWC and 22 gr. of 2400. I don't use 2400 anymore, but from what I've read, it's a faster burning powder today and the charge needs to be reduced.

[Graybeard]

That load is way too hot using today's 2400 powder. Drop it back to about 20.0 grains and you will be at about max for today's powder. If you continue to load it as you are eventually something is gonna give and you, the gun and maybe innocent bystanders are gonna get injured.

22.0 grains was the old standard load using the old 2400 powder but with a LEAD not jacketed bullet. Today's book max is usually considered to be 20.0 grains again with a cast bullet. So even at 20.0 you're a bit high using the jacketed bullet.

[Mauser]

Now don't go and try to test this!!!  But I read an article written by, I think, John? Linebaugh, wherein he says that the Ruger single action 44s blow up at around 80,000 CUP.  Correct me if I'm wrong, but the SAAMI pressure limit for the 44 Mag is around 38,000 CUP.  The article was really about the 45 Colt and what the Ruger Blackhawk would withstand pressure-wise in 45 Colt.  He says the 45 Colt Blackhawk, with less metal than the 44 Mag, blows up at around 64,000 CUP.  His theory was that it is safe to shoot 45 Colt loads (in Blackhawks only) that go (up to) 30,000 to 32,000 CUP. 

Again, we kids should not try this at home!!!

[adirondacker]

thanks,i've started using a lighter cast bullet load,no problems.if i need a bigger bank i'll haul out the 480 lol.thanks again,adker