« previous next »
Pages: [1]   Go Down

Author Topic: 44 Mag Load Question  (Read 611 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline gingus

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Member
  • *
  • Posts: 13
44 Mag Load Question
« on: October 27, 2009, 03:16:04 PM »
I have read (maybe on this site) that win 296 should not be downloaded by more than 3%. Looking at the Hornady manual for 44 Mag for the 14" TC Contender it gives a minimum load of 24.0 and a maximum of 25.5 grains of 296 in a Hornady case under a 240 grain XTP and WLP primer. If my calculation is correct at 3% max reduction of 296, it would be a minimum load of 24.7 grains. Is the .7 grain difference of concern? Lyman shows H-110 at 22.5 starting and 23.5 maximum. This is my first foray into loading for my 12" 44 Mag encore pistol and it has me nervous. Any assistance to ease my mind? What are your suggestions? Thanks, Gingus
Logged

Offline Bob Tobergte

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (1)
  • Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 29
  • Gender: Male
Re: 44 Mag Load Question
« Reply #1 on: October 31, 2009, 07:01:25 AM »
  I shoot 24 grs w296 behind 240 gr XTP in a 10" Contender with 'NO' problems. As a matter of fact, I use this load in my Redhawk, 96/44 carbine & a H&R barrel that I, regretably, sold. No complaints at all.
    Sure cut down on experimentin for my use.
   
Logged
Bob Tobergte


   I finally understand why they make chocolate & vanilla

Offline MePlat

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • A Real Regular
  • ****
  • Posts: 601
Re: 44 Mag Load Question
« Reply #2 on: October 31, 2009, 08:15:06 AM »
I'd say if that makes you nervous then Speer's data will make you go all to pieces.  240 Gr bullet start 22 grains and max 24 grains.
That is an 8.3 percent reduction.  Don't sweat it use the data worked up by that manufacturer for their bullet.
Oh yes for their 300 gr bullet they use a 10.3 percent grain reduction for their start load.
This using W296.
Logged
You Know Me.  I Don't Have a Clue

Offline Graybeard

  • Administrator
  • Trade Count: (69)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 27109
  • Gender: Male
Re: 44 Mag Load Question
« Reply #3 on: October 31, 2009, 11:13:52 AM »
Not sure about that data but 24.0 grains is generally considered to be THE STANDARD LOAD with 240 grain bullets. I've seen data go as high as 24.5 and seen folks say they have seen data go as high as 25.0 and some use that.

I don't think I've seen a manual personally list 25.5 grains with a 240 grain bullet and don't think I'd personally use that with a jacketed but. In fact I've yet to find a reason to use more or less than 24.0 grains with ANY 240 grain bullet cast or jacketed.

That has become my defacto standard at which I begin with any and all 240 grain bullets and seldom do I need to change it to get excellent accuracy. I've owned a lot of different .44 magnum handguns and rifles and have yet to find one that will not shoot that load accurately.
Logged


Bill aka the Graybeard
President, Graybeard Outdoor Enterprises
256-435-1125

I am not a lawyer and do not give legal advice.

Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life anyone who believes in Him will have everlasting life!

Offline Lone Star

  • Reformed Gunwriter
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2361
  • Gender: Male
Re: 44 Mag Load Question
« Reply #4 on: October 31, 2009, 01:11:53 PM »
Current Sierra and Hornady data show 24.8 grains with 240s as maximum.  In their Third Edition, Hornady went as high as 25.0 grains as maximum.  Hodgdon's maximum is 24.0 grains with the H110/W296 twins.  I couldn't find data hotter than 25.0 grains, but it may exhist in older sources.  Personally, 23 grains (Hodgdon's start load) is plenty for me.  If I want lower velocities, there are far better powders like 2400, H4227 or BlueDot.



.
Logged
Pages: [1]   Go Up
« previous next »