Need ideas on some load charges... .44 magnum

[supv26]

I was digging today and found around 500 240 grain lead SWC in .44 cal. I also found a box of 44 mag brass and a set of RCBS dies in my cabinet. Funny how I collect things and forget I have them..........
Anyway, I also have some Alliant 2400 and some IMR 4227 just dying to be put into these 44 mag cases.
My Hornady book shows 11.7 gr of 2400 as a start load.
My Lee book shows 18.6 gr of Herc 2400 as start. (is HERC 2400 alliant 2400?)

Lee also shows 22.0 gr of IMR 4227 as start (shows that for max too??)

Do these sound about right? The IMR data seems a bit excess to me. I ususally go with 10% under and work up or if there is a quite a range for min and max I go in the middle somewhere.

[Maven]

supv26, Take a look at Alliant's site, www.alliantpowder.com specifically the data for 240gr. and 250gr. SWC's in the .44mag.

[Blammer]

I'd suggest you get a current reloading book.

17 to 20gr of 2400 is what my book has for 240gr in 44 remington magnum.

[supv26]

Thanks for the information guys. I do admit that both my reloading manuals are old. I did look at the Alliant web site for the 240 gr lswc and they didn't show 2400. I see they do show it for other bullet types and weight.

I also have in my notes that if you do not see a charge for your bullet that you are using to go to the next bullet weight up. is this still right?

[jforwel]

Updated load book advice is good. To answer your first two questions, Hercules was bought by Alliant and the powder is the same. Of course there are always lot to lot variations. And normally, in my experience, a load of IMR4227 will have a slightly higher charge weight than 2400 and usually a bit lower velocity. Both are good powders for magnums.

Since most charges for a heavier bullet are less than for a lighter bullet your last statement/question is correct.

[Le Loup Solitaire]

I use 4227 for my heavier loadings with an H&G #503 250 grains SWC. Usually I load 17-18 grains. Its an old Elmer keith load for the 44 Special, and it packs plenty of power in the Mag. The Dupont tables of some time ago listed the max for this bullet weight in the 44 Mag as 23 grains of 4227. I tried it once but it was pretty difficult to control for bullseye shooting; was tiring as and tends to encourage flinching. More training and determination could overcome that, but life was better with 17-18 grains as listed above, unless of course you are engaged in hunting or serious social encounters. Make sure that you use an adequate roll crimp on the rounds, not necessarily a heavy one, but enough to keep the bullet from moving forward. Accuracy is good and there is no room for double charges. LLS

[supv26]

I loaded up 12 cartridges with 20 grains of IMR4227 and will shoot them tomorrow. This is not quite 10% under maximum shown in the tables.

You are correct on not being able to do a double charge with this powder. 20 grains almost fills the entire case. Maximum is 22 grains and that would be compressed if you were to load that.

[supv26]

Those 12 rounds operated perfectly! Not as much recoil as I was expecting and no unburned powder either. The barrel was squeaky clean also!!!! They grouped a little high at 25 yards compared to some factory stuff I had.

20 Grains of IMR4227 is great for a 240 grain lswc .44 magnum! I am at my press now making more!!!!!