.44 Loads

Crow · Rookie Member Joined: Dec 27, 2008 Posts: 24

Okay I got a new .44 mag ruger super blackhawk with a 7.5" barrel. Very Happy

I'm set on Hornady HP-XTP 240g bullets for the deer. What powders do yall recommend and what size primers does it take. May the discussion begin Shooting

Vince · Posted: Sat May 02, 2009 3:30 am Post subject: Re: .44 Loads

Large Pistol Primers Crow...and I'd certainly be looking at Winchester 296 as the powder.

Read the warnings on the powder container...It IS NOT a powder you load down...stick religiously to the recommended loads.

I'm sure that there are others here who have their favourite, pet loads for the .44 Magnum...bring it on guys. Very Happy

Cheers, Vince

SingleShotLover · Posted: Sat May 02, 2009 4:38 am Post subject: Re: .44 Loads

WW 296 is a very good powder for jacketed bullets in the .44 (as is H 110 which is the exact same powder out of the same spout with the Hodgdon name). I would recommend Large Pistol Magnum primers for best performance if using either one though. Alliant 2400 is another great powder for the .44, particularly with cast bullets, but use only regular Large Pistol Primers with 2400 (per experience and the manufacturer's recommendation). It doesn't require the magnum primer's hot flame and actually shows degraded performance with hot primers.

If you choose 2400, remember that it is a tad bit hotter than it used to be so old Elmer Keith's favorite recipe of 22 grains under a 250-grain cast bullet is a little hot. Back that off to 20 to 21 grains for the same velocity. Check your load data for other bullets and make sure the data is recent.

Good luck and be safe.

Joe Boleo · Posted: Sat May 02, 2009 8:29 am Post subject: Re: .44 Loads

I agree with Vince on the primer size. My best reloads have been with Unique or IMR4227. Take care...
Joe

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Sat May 02, 2009 9:27 am Post subject: Re: .44 Loads

Take a look at the Hodgdon "Annual Manual". The fastest powder listed for 240 grain bullets is Hodgdon Lil'Gun.

TRBLSHTR · Posted: Sat May 02, 2009 7:43 pm Post subject: Re: .44 Loads

I've used 2400,296,and h110 for heavy loads,and unique for lighter loads duplicating 44 special velocities.Stick to the information in the newer reloading manuals as it is the latest data to go with the reformulated powders like 2400 and will give the best safety factor for reloads. Sniper

Crow · Rookie Member Joined: Dec 27, 2008 Posts: 24

Okay thanks for all the info but what powders are going to give me the best bang for my buck because I'm going to be ordering off line and don't want to pay another 20 bucks for one pound so im going to get 4-8 pounds. So I want to be sure of my powder, give me something I can't go wrong with. As far as deer hunting should I go with 240 or 300 grain HP-XTP bullets, again thanks

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Sun May 03, 2009 6:35 am Post subject: Re: .44 Loads

You might want to look at the Speer 270 grain Gold Dot bullet too.

chambered221 · Posted: Sun May 03, 2009 11:16 am Post subject: Re: .44 Loads

You can’t go wrong with either W296 or H110 !!!

Standard or mag primers work just fine. Shooting in bitter cold weather opt for the mags.

I know guys that have taken deer with all weights available in the XTP.
It’s a personal choice, they all work well, pick the one you think you need.

Crow · Rookie Member Joined: Dec 27, 2008 Posts: 24

Thanks chambered221 I'm going to go with H110. Thanks again