.44 magnum powder?

[Guest Mugster]

Looking for a .44 mag powder with good reduced load properties. Loading for a 4" S&W 629. Most of what I have is powder for .45/9mm self loaders.

I shot some 240 grainers loaded with a minimum charge of accurate #2 that did pretty good...running about 1050 fps. Think that was 9.0gr. Might try a minimum charge of #5 next. Haven't done any accuracy testing. If I could drop that down to 900ish and get decent accuracy...be a comfortable plinking load. Like to stay with the magnum cases...I have no special brass.

[Westwindmike]

For my .44 cowboy action shooting loads, I ran 5.7gr of Accurate #5 behind a 210 gr RNFP Cast bullet. It was a nice mild load and shot to point of aim in my Ruger Vaquero and Marlin Cowboy rifle. YMMV.

[musicman]

I actually really like HP38/Winchester 231 for mild .44 target loads. BUllseye has worked well for me too. 2400 can also be reduced without worries, unlike H110. I actually tried 4 different loads with 2400 and Berry's plated flat points today. The lowest were below even 44 special levels, and I stopped about 1gr under max. They all shot very well and I would be fine with any of the loads. The only thing about 2400 is that it leaves a lot of burnt powder in the case/cylinder/barrell.

Unique can work for reduced loads, too. Oh, and Titegroup, too. Heck, lots of stuff! I hope you find what you're looking for, and happy shootin'!

[Guest Mugster]

Thanks for the replies.

From what I've seen surfing around, I think I'll stick with AA#5 and herco. I think anything loaded as slow as .44 special the brass probably doesn't seal very well and you'll soot up. The herco should fill the case a little better. I got a couple pounds of it left over from my dove killing days.

This Smith 4" is a beast with full house .44 mag loads. The blast would be horrific using H110 I think. It's also not that heavy. I got it because I could not get a .45 acp revolver for the price and setup I wanted. But I'd be happy with .45 acp +P strength loads. 240 @900-1000ish.

Found this article on the multiple guns a .44 mag can be. One of the best reloading reads I've seen in awhile:

http://www.handgunsmag.com/ammunition/44mag_081005/index.html