Author Topic: Which Powder For .44 Mag.  (Read 1567 times)

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Offline hylander

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Which Powder For .44 Mag.
« on: January 31, 2005, 04:48:51 PM »
Howd'y I was wondering which Powder would be best for my .44 SBH
Loading 250gr. Kieth bullets.
H-110 which I have tried but not real happy with.
or 2400 which I havn't tried.
Looking for a Pig Load.
Should I go to a heavier bullet :?
Failure is not an option
Placer County, Calif.

Offline Veral

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Which Powder For .44 Mag.
« Reply #1 on: February 01, 2005, 04:36:51 PM »
H110 or 296 will normally get the highest possible velocity from the magnum revolvers, especially with heavyweight bullets.  It is easy on throats  too which is a real plus, whereas 2400 burns them out fast with stout loads.

  You don't need more weight for hogs, but a larger meplat is really critical for quick kills, as almost all socalled Keith bullets are not authentic.  If the meplat is not real close to .300 inch wide, the wound will be tiny even with full loads.  The LBT WFN in 280 gr is what I would reccomend, and will rip a 1 1/4 inch diameter wound straight through if starting speed is at least 1200-1300 fps.  Top end speed will be around 1450, same as your "Keith" 240 gr, the high velocity inspite of extra weight being due to superior bullet design.  

  You might like accurate #9 powder.  It is ball, so it burns cool, but lights up easier than H110 and burns somewhat faster, which means about 10% less powder is used.
Veral Smith

Offline Leadlum

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Which Powder For .44 Mag.
« Reply #2 on: February 10, 2005, 09:34:08 AM »
I`m using 13 and 14 grs of blue dot for my magnum cases. They run about 1150-1250 through my chrony. Thats with a RCBS 250 keith and CCI primers. Never shot a hog with them though.
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Offline Veral

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Which Powder For .44 Mag.
« Reply #3 on: February 13, 2005, 08:13:26 PM »
Your load will take a hog just fine, but you'll probably have some tracking with chest cavity hits.  Get the speed up to 1400 fps for best results, and Blue dot is too hot for that.  Best is get a WFN in 240, 260, or 280 grains and shoot it over the same load.  The hogs will promptly roll over and allow you to start skinning.
Veral Smith