Author Topic: Powder subsitute for 2400 for .44 mag (Read 788 times)

Carroll B · « **on:** August 16, 2004, 06:41:14 AM »

I've been loading 2400 for my 44 mag pistol, my Marlin 1984 chambered for the 44 mag, and also for my 357 mag pistol. One of my friends got to me the other day when we were shooting. He ask me if I was shooting black powder because of all the smoke from the 44 mag loads in my Ruger SRH.

I'm loading a cast 268 grain Keith style behind 19 grains of 2400. For the Marlin I load 20 grains of 2400 and a copper plated bullet to cut down on the leading in the micro-grove barrel. What powder will give me about the same results, with less smoke and dirt on the revolver?

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #1 on:** August 16, 2004, 12:58:52 PM »

aa9 is a little slower but close hs7 is close but just a tad faster. Both are real clean.

Questor · « **Reply #2 on:** August 16, 2004, 01:12:01 PM »

If you plan to shoot full power loads, Winchester 296. I think the smoke may be from the lube. I don't get a lot of smoke from 2400. It can't be used for reduced loads, though.

TNrifleman · « **Reply #3 on:** August 16, 2004, 01:38:39 PM »

H110 and Lil Gun from Hodgdon both are excellent in the 44 Magnum.

Bullseye · « **Reply #4 on:** August 16, 2004, 05:51:48 PM »

I get good accuracy with less flash and blast from IMR 4227. It does leave some unburnt powder in the barrel but the outside of the gun stays much cleaner. Velocity is a little less than with 110 or 296 but I cannot stand the blast and flash with those powders.

Graybeard · « **Reply #5 on:** August 16, 2004, 05:52:26 PM »

Smoke is probably more from lube than powder. H2400 is an excellent powder for the magnum handgun rounds. H110/W296 is a slightly superior powder. H4227 is nearly equal to H2400 and in a rifle might be better.

Carroll B · « **Reply #6 on:** August 17, 2004, 12:24:48 AM »

I never considered that the smoke might be from the lube. I lube with the green pistol lube from RCBS. Since I would like to use the same powder for the 44 as well as the 357 I might try some unique since I have it for 9mm. My loading books also list 4227 for both the 357 and 44 loads. Thanks for the input.

Flash · « **Reply #7 on:** August 17, 2004, 02:44:49 PM »

I think you'll find that unique is dirtier yet. H380 is a nice powder for light to moderate loads and clean too. as stated by GB, 296...which in my opinion IS H110 are both good powders for full house loads with a clean burn. I always had unburnt yellow stull left behind when I shot with 2400 in my Super Red Hawk.......didn't like it at all!!

Graybeard · « **Reply #8 on:** August 17, 2004, 04:31:24 PM »

Quote

I think you'll find that unique is dirtier yet. H380 is a nice powder for light to moderate loads and clean too.

H380?

?

Not a pistol powder.

Flash · « **Reply #9 on:** August 18, 2004, 12:48:17 AM »

Oh gosh, what have I done? Thanks for the correction GB.....HP38 is what I use and for some reason, H380 came out in text. I feel like a complete idiot. Yes, H380 is a rifle powder and for my 22-250 but the HP38 is my first choice for moderate loads and again, much cleaner than Unique.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #10 on:** August 18, 2004, 01:30:10 AM »

I use 2400 for my 44MAG also. I found a very accurate load and just won't switch. The W296 and Lil Gun I use in my 500MAG.

HWooldridge · « **Reply #11 on:** August 18, 2004, 01:14:39 PM »

I did a lot of trial and error years ago with 44 Mag and lead bullets and eventually settled on Blue Dot for all my loads. I like 296 with jacketed bullets but Blue Dot gave me better accuracy with the Keith style 250 gr slug.

jbtazgrabber · « **Reply #12 on:** August 18, 2004, 01:45:20 PM »

ill give a nod also to imr 4227 i shoot 357mags and maxs. 44 mags and445 suppermag ialso use in my sks before i sold it i used unique for lead bullets in 38s 44 specials.