.44 ma Load Help Please!

[mallardsx2]

I cast a bunch of .44 bullets with my new lee bullet mold code number TL430-240-SWC .

I have
- hodgdon lilgun powder
-magnum winchester primers
-Remington Brass
-240Gr cast bullets cast from lee model TL430-240-SWC cast

Its the bullet with the 6 bands around the bottom for lubrication. The bullets are coated in the lee bullet lube that that midway sells. I was wondering if anyone knew a good starting load for this combination. Relativley new to rifle and pistol reloading can anyone tell me why the powder charge seems so much lower with cast lead???


Thanks!

[Blammer]

I don't know of any loads for Lilgun and the 44 magnum.

as far as lower powder charges in the 44 I guess it depends on the type of bullet your shooting.

I shoot a 250gr cast bullet, no gas check at 1350 fps out of my 44mag, so I really don't see what you're saying as far as lower charge with cast lead.

[Hunter 24095]

I have used lilgun in my 44 SBH but prefer H110 for my hunting loads go to Hodgdon's web site and look at the load data there They have lilgun listed in there data for the 44.

[anachronism]

Lil Gun would work better with a heavier bullet. It seems to appreciate some resistance while it burns.

http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

[fredj338]

WHat mallard means about lower charges I believe is in ref. to the same jacketed bullets wts. SOme will say there is less friction, so you need less powder, but if you look @ most pressure data, the same vel. are being met w/ sim. pressures, so that tells me the bullet being 0.001" larger & obturating to better seal the bore is what allows for sim. pressure & vel. with less powder. Moly coated bullets are a good example of bullets w/ less friction than there plain copper cousins. It takes more powder to reach the same vel. & pressures as bare copper.
I find dropping powder charge wts. for jacketed bullets by 5% gives about the same vel. & probably pressure. In doubt, back off 10% & work up. A chronograph helps.

[Lloyd Smale]

I dont use it in handguns anymore. It is a very hot burning powder and is prone to wearing out forcing cones. I use it in the 3220 and 32 mags in rifles but thats about it now. It is a powder that like 110 and wc820/aa9 should be run at full pressure to work well. I lost almost a full keg of it in the fire and to be honest i doubt ill replace it.

[mallardsx2]

I guess what I am saying is that the
Load for the
240 GR. NOS JHP
Hodgdon Lil'Gun .429" 1.600" 22.5 1465 30,100 CUP 24.5 1582 38,100 CUP

This load calls for 22.5 thru 24.5 grains

but can I switch bullets from a 240GrJHP to a cast bullet and expect the same results or should I back off the powder charge and expect the same results from this powder.

[Jumping Frog]

I guess what I am saying is that the
Load for the
240 GR. NOS JHP
Hodgdon Lil'Gun .429" 1.600" 22.5 1465 30,100 CUP 24.5 1582 38,100 CUP

This load calls for 22.5 thru 24.5 grains

but can I switch bullets from a 240GrJHP to a cast bullet and expect the same results or should I back off the powder charge and expect the same results from this powder.
And what we are saying is instead of trying to derive your own load based upon jacketed bullet data, why not choose a published load for CAST LSWC? You cannot accurately "guesstimate" what powder amount your should "adjust" to adapt a published JHP load to work with cast lead.

Just look at the powders that Hodgdon's publishes both JHP and cast lead:

IMR 4227
=> NOS JHP 24.0 gr max load
=> LSWC CAST 22.0C gr max load
2.0 grains difference, one load is compressed.

IMR 800-X
=> NOS JHP 14.2 gr max load
=> LSWC CAST 13.4 gr max load
0.8 grains difference

Winchester AutoComp
=> NOS JHP 11.5 gr max load
=> LSWC CAST 8.0 gr max load
3.5 grains difference

Hodgdon Universal
=> NOS JHP 10.2 gr max load
=> LSWC CAST 10.2 gr max load
0.0 grains difference

Winchester 231/Hodgdon HP-38
=> NOS JHP 11.0 gr max load
=> LSWC CAST 11.0 gr max load
0.0 grains difference

Hodgdon Titegroup
=> NOS JHP 10.0 gr max load
=> LSWC CAST 10.0 gr max load
0.0 grains difference

So in these six powders, three powders have the same max load for both JHP and LSWC CAST. The other three powders vary in max charge by 0.8 to 3.5 grains. How in the world can you "make up" a number for a different powder?

For 240 GR. LSWC CAST, Hodgdon lists the following powders in order of descending velocity:

IMR 800-X (max 1395 fps)
Winchester 231/Hodgdon HP-38 (max 1334 fps)
IMR 4227 (max 1310 fps)
Hodgdon Titegroup (max 1288 fps)
Hodgdon Universal (max 1276 fps)
IMR SR 7625 (max 1190 fps)
IMR 700-X (max 1185 fps)
Winchester AutoComp (max 996 fps)
IMR Trail Boss (max 917 fps)

I'd choose one and run with it. . . .

[geargnasher]

Thanks Jumping Frog, you saved me a lot of typing! :drinks:

Mallardsx2, go buy a better powder for your application as has been suggested and save the Li'l Gun for subgauge.

Gear

[Slow Elk 45/70]

I agree, the best way out of your predicament is to go buy some powder.

You can use jacketed information if you need to or want to for the 44 mag.....if you do , start with the starting load and work up ,

As stated you won't find any info on lil'gun for anything under 325gr in this caliber with cast boolits, not that I have seen anyway.
A couple more powders for your list: 2400 and Unique lots of loads out there for these.

[mallardsx2]

The reason I ask this is I saw the load and got the wrong powder and I wanted to know if it would work.

Thanks!

[Larry Gibson]

The reason I ask this is I saw the load and got the wrong powder and I wanted to know if it would work.

Thanks!

Will it work?

The answer is no.

Also with that Lee TL bullet you will be much better served with mid range .44 loads. I suggest working up with Unique from 7.5 gr to 10 gr in 1/2 gr increments. Shoot 12 shot groups and clean after each test load checking the cylinder throats and barrel for leading. I use that bullet myself for my .44 Special and mid range .44 Magnum loads. It works very well if not pushed to hard.

Larry Gibson

[mdi]

Lyman 49th Edition Reloading Handbook, Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook, Modern Reloading by Richard Lee, Hodgdon's 2009 Annual Manual plus any newer manuals by Speer, Hornady, Sierra, etc. Get 'em. Read 'em. No need to experiment! Plenty of loads available that are proven and SAFE.:mrgreen:

Reloading/Handloading is a very rewarding and fun part of shooting, and it turns into a hobby itself! Go slow and be safe, and most importantly, have fun.:Fire: