« previous next »
Pages: [1]   Go Down

Author Topic: Light Loads for 44 Mag  (Read 797 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline RamBlaster

  • Trade Count: (1)
  • Member
  • *
  • Posts: 15
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.
Logged

Offline Leftoverdj

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1398
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.
Logged
It is the duty of the good citizen to love his country and hate his gubmint.

Offline Flint

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1053
lite44
« 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.
Logged
Flint, SASS 976, NRA Life

Offline Savage

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4397
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.
Stay Safe,
Savage
Logged
An appeaser is one who feeds the crocodile hoping it will eat him last,

Offline Blackhawk44

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • A Real Regular
  • ****
  • Posts: 981
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.
Logged

Offline revolverman

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Member
  • *
  • Posts: 19
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
Logged

Offline EOD3

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Member
  • *
  • Posts: 58
  • Gender: Male
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.
Logged

Offline Plainsman

  • Trade Count: (5)
  • Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 302
  • Gender: Male
Look for...
« 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! :)
Logged
Plainsman :)

plainsmanscabin@yahoo.com

"Aim small, miss small!"

Offline ButlerFord45

  • Moderators
  • Trade Count: (10)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1992
  • Gender: Male
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.
Logged
Butler Ford
He who does not punish evil, commands it to be done.-Leonardo da Vinci
An armed society is a polite society-Robert A. Heinlein
Only the dead have seen the end of war- Plato
Lord, make my words as sweet as honey
tomorrow I may have to eat them- A lady's sweatshirt

Offline Leftoverdj

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1398
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.
Logged
It is the duty of the good citizen to love his country and hate his gubmint.

Offline Nobade

  • Trade Count: (2)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1927
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.
Logged
"Give me a lever long enough, and a place to stand, and I'll break the lever."

Offline Plainsman

  • Trade Count: (5)
  • Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 302
  • Gender: Male
Most recently...
« 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.
Logged
Plainsman :)

plainsmanscabin@yahoo.com

"Aim small, miss small!"
Pages: [1]   Go Up
« previous next »