Author Topic: New to loading .44 Mag. ? Which Powder (Read 750 times)

hylander · « **on:** August 17, 2004, 03:01:38 PM »

I am new to the .44 Mag.
Would 296 or H-110 be better to load for
Rem. 240 JSP and 250 Hard Cast.

De41mag · « **Reply #1 on:** August 17, 2004, 03:30:19 PM »

hylander;

I would say that either or is a good bet for your 44. Both a very good powders.
All I can say is that in my neck of the woods, H-110 is easier to find than W-296.
But if that 250gr. cast bullet is not a gas-check I would lean toward 2400 by Alliant. To me cast bullets seem to perform better with the 2400. Been reloading handgun cartridges for 19yrs. now. Just my opinion though.
Keep us posted on what you choose and your results.

Dennis

KN · « **Reply #2 on:** August 17, 2004, 03:43:07 PM »

For the jacketed bullet H-110 / W296 is an excellent choice. Rumor is that they are the same powder but I don't know that for fact. Can't help you on the cast bullet, I don't load those. If you go with H110/W296 do not attempt to down load them. It is not suitable for reduced loads. KN

mikemayberry · « **Reply #3 on:** August 17, 2004, 04:15:36 PM »

I am just getting started reloading and did my first rounds last week. Selected 2400 for the .44 Mag since it was less pressure and enough powder in the range to nearly fill the case. Figured less like for a beginner to double charge.

Shot 50 rounds last weekend of the new loads and felt like it was smooth enough, not too dirty and showing to be accurate. I will go to the bench this week and see the details.

Basically loaded 16-17.8 gr. of 2400 behind the Hornady XTP. I am eager to learn from you guys that know more.

Mike

gdolby · « **Reply #4 on:** August 18, 2004, 07:27:27 PM »

I use 240 gr hornady xtp and H110 powder. very happy w/ performance and accuracy

Nobade · « **Reply #5 on:** August 19, 2004, 01:59:21 AM »

Yep, for full power you can't beat H110 or 296. Also VhitaVouri N110 is right in there. For almost full power with greater flexibility, 2400 or Blue Dot. For midrange stuff, Unique or Universal. For lighter loads, there's a bunch but my current favorite is Titegroup. That's the beauty of the .44 - you can use anything between Bullseye and 4227 in it, depending on what velocity level you want. Just make sure you stick to book loads, it's easy to get carried away with the faster powders.

Tom W. · « **Reply #6 on:** August 19, 2004, 04:58:39 PM »

I use H110 /296 or 2400, and use either a hard 240 gr. cast g/c or a 245 gr plain base. I have yet to see any leading. There is a host of other powders you can use, but as was mentioned earlier, stick with what the book says.

ajj · « **Reply #7 on:** August 20, 2004, 07:47:12 AM »

296 and H110 are the same powder, according to Hodgdon. Of course, there are lot to lot variations and the usual cautions apply to working up loads.

Catfish · « **Reply #8 on:** August 20, 2004, 01:26:02 PM »

If you have a .44 mag. with a strong action, like the Rugers, I would recomand at or near max. loads of Win 296, or the H-100. If not the same they are so close you cannot tell them appart, for the jacketed bullets or Hard cast gas checked bullets for hunting. For cast bullets for plinking I would recomand Bullseye. 5 to 6 grn. with a mag. primer. Not a real clean burning powder, but this loads have been very accurate in every gun I seen them fired in and 1 dry patch will clean the unburned powder out.