load for universal and 310 gr. hardcast 44 mag.

[Gallahad]

I have found 1 load searching the web, 7.2 gr. unique, for 950 ish fps. I tried the load with universal, and using an oregon trail 310 gr. flatnose gaschecked bullet, I got mild recoil, no pressure signs, some leading in the barrel, and I don't have a crono, so I dont know the velocity. I have no published max loads for this combo, and am looking for some help determining a cutoff point, and possibly getting a speed with the most minimal leading. slugs are .430, gun is a super blackhawk 4 5/8" barrel. Thanks

[45-70.gov]

if you are getting leading   with that slow bullit
check for barrel constriction where it is screwed into the frame


pust a slug through a few times if it get tighter next to the cylender
fire lap it.....rugers  are bad about that


also check the cylender throats

[Bigeasy]

Gallahad
 
Check out the attached link.  Universal is a good midrange powder, but not designed for maximum velocities with heavy bullets in a 44 mag.  2400, 296, H-110 would be better suited for that.  Hodgdon lists 10 grains of Universal as a max load using a 325 grain lead SWC, so your 7.2 grain load is safe.
 
Leading - Like 45/70 said, could be oversized throats, constriction where the barrel screws into the frame, rough bore, etc...  Often times a softer bullet will "slug up", or down, as needed at moderate velocities and minimize leading.  I have owned quite a few revolvers that leaded to some extent, no matter what I did or tried.  As long as it is not severe, and the loads shoot accurately, I can live with it.  Leading in the forcing cone, beginning of the barrel usually indicate a less then optimal bullet fit, leading at the end of the barrel usually indicates bullet lube failure.
 
http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp
 
Larry

[Gallahad]

Thanks for the info, it is happening from the forcing con & about halfway down the barrel, but is not bad at all. I had originally considered going with a 431 bullet, and probably should have. I have no desire to push any speed limits. looking for @ 950-1000 fps. Thats plenty for deer, and will push through a black bear inside of 20 paces if need be. could  stepping up to 8 gr. help the leading, or make it worse? may or may not have a result on accuracy too. btw, I have tried the h110 and lil gun, and 2400, and found that I had unburnt powder problems and a stuck bullet once. much heavier PERCIEVED recoil for me with the slower powders in a handgun. fell in love with unique & 44 loads when I had a virginian dragoon. universal meters better sooooo.

[carlsflh]

for mild 310g loads i use a lee 310 gc hard cast behind 7.5 grains of trailboss i get around 800fps. i've been useing trailboss for all my light cast loads.it's a little smokey but meters well and it's so bulky you can't overcharge it .