44 Magnum loads

[garnerboy]

I've just started loading for my Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter. I wanted to know if 17 grains of 2400 under a 255 grain Keith style bullet would be good for deer? I have seen that Keith loaded these with 22 grains of 2400 but I feel this is over kill. I'm looking to get around 1000 fps.

[winelover]

Deer aren't bullet proof. Lesser loads/calibers have killed boatloads of deer. Think poachers. How does that load shoot for you in hunting situations? Off hand or using makeshift rests? Confidence in your ability, from practice, is what's the most important.

That being said, I wouldn't hesitate to use that load on deer. Providing, the bullet isn't cast of a hard alloy (<10 BHN) and distances are limited to 50-60 yards. Correct bullet placement is the key.

BTW, welcome to the madness.

Winelover

[Tatume]

Excellent load, assuming your SBH Hunter is chambered in 44 Rem Mag (mine is 45 Colt). Anything reasonably close to and less than or equal to Alliant's published max is good with 2400. Personally, I recommend 90%, which in the case of the 44 Rem Mag would be 18 gr.

https://www.alliantpowder.com/reload...rs/index.aspx&

[44MAG#1]

garnerboy. PM sent.

[Thumbcocker]

I killed several with a Keith over 18.5 of 2400

[Norske]

2400 has been changed since Elmer published his data of 22gr 2400 and a 245gr bullet. 20 gr of new 2400 = Elmer's 22 gr, so cut 10% from any data from the "old days."
According to Quickload, your powder/bullet combo is a low pressure load and the bullet speed should be a lot higher than 1000fps, even from a 7 1/2" barrel.

[JoeJames]

For a load that doesn't bother me at all, I shoot 7 grains of Unique under an Oregon Trail .431" 240 grain laser cast boolit - runs about 1150 fps in my Rossi R92 carbine. It is quite accurate.

[garnerboy]

Thanks for the info. I shot my gun with the above load and didn't lead much but not very accurate either. Maybe I will try more powder and see if it settles down.

[ABJ]

I have noticed in my Redhawk, increments of 2/10ths and adjusting crimps can make a lot of difference in accuracy. I have some H-4227 left over and a little less recoil than 2400, but 2400 delivered top notch accuracy. I'm at work and don't have my load notes but remember it's pretty close to current Max load.
Tony

[cowboy4evr]

I need to clear up a misconception , " that 2400 has changed " ! I contacted the powder co. and asked that very question . His response was " not to our knowledge " . He went on to add that if they changed it , they would have to. change the name to " 2300 or 2500 etc " as powder making is tightly regulated . He told me they still had the original batch they had to match up to , give or take a 4% lot to lot variation that the feds allow . If you had a bottle that was 3-4% slower burn rate ( which meets specs) and you were loading a max charge . Then bought a new bottle , used the same load and now experienced over pressure (cases stuck in cylinder etc)it's probably because the new bottle is 3-4% faster burn rate . You have just experienced a 6-8% change in burn rate . Remember , when getting a new bottle of your favorite powder it is always advisable to work up to your preferred load slowly . Start low and work up . People get hung up on the idea that it has changed because someone told them that they had read it somewhere but didn't remember where etc . That is not proof . I have just gave you proof that it has not changed . It came straight from the powder co themselves . Regards, Paul

[Larry Gibson]

cowboy4evr

Excellent post. I have posted actual pressure test results comparing Hercules 2400 to Alliant 2400 in several different cartridges showing, other than lot to lot variation, there is no change/difference. Myths, especially when some writer states them in a magazine, are hard to dispel, even with facts.

[44MAG#1]

I believe the 44 Rem Mag pressure specification is what changed.

When did it change?

[Tatume]

I believe it was the maximum pressure specification that changed. I don't know when, but:

44 Magnum pressure spec Speer #11: 43,500 CUP
44 Magnum pressure spec current SAAMI: 36,000 PSI (40,000 CUP)

[44MAG#1]

I believe it was the maximum pressure specification that changed. I don't know when, but:

44 Magnum pressure spec Speer #11: 43,500 CUP
44 Magnum pressure spec current SAAMI: 36,000 PSI (40,000 CUP)

Is the 43500 CUPthe actual average or the max allowable individual in a test string? The MPSM IS STILL 43200 CUP. That is what one needs to know.
Elmer Keith called CUP by the term PSI to. Of course both are pressure. Plus we have better more sophisticated measuring systems now too.
Who can actually say? Has anyone called SAAMI to find out? Would they even be able to answer the question now? Not saying they couldn't give an answer but would it be an accurate answer? Many years have passed.
Plus Mr Keith said his "Keith Load" averaged around 34000 PSI actually CUP, Peizo Transducer method wasn't used back then, by HP Whites labs so any of this really is not too relative as to whether the pressure has been changed or not.
Normal loading precautions and methods need to be exercised regardless.
This is just all in my opinion only but based on some investigation and reloading for around 49 years.
There are lot to lot variations in 2400 as they are in other powders. I posted chrono results on three lots of 2400 sometime back but they were picked apart so I deleted them.
Any way have a good day

[winelover]

Over the last forty five years, I burn't up many eight pound jug of 2400 powder in my Rugers. Never noticed any significant differences in those lots. Still wouldn't hesitate to use the Keith load. Still don't hesitate to use magnum primers, that were recommended, years ago. YMMV. I use 2400 for all my 44 and 357 loadings, as well as, Ruger only 45 Colt loads.

Winelover

[Larry Gibson]

I've pressure tested the RCBS 44-250-K bullet (253 to 257 gr fully dressed depending on alloy) with both Hercules and Alliant 2400. The average psi for a 10 shot test runs 34 - 36,000 psi, mostly hovering right around 35,000 psi which is the SAAMI MAP.

Have acquired a nice 4 cavity Lyman 429421 mould but haven't got around to casting any yet. When I do I will pressure test them with Alliant 2400.

[Tatume]

I've pressure tested the RCBS 44-250-K bullet (253 to 257 gr fully dressed depending on alloy) with both Hercules and Alliant 2400. The average psi for a 10 shot test runs 34 - 36,000 psi, mostly hovering right around 35,000 psi which is the SAAMI MAP.

Was the charge 20 or 22 gr?

[Larry Gibson]

22 gr

[Iowa Fox]

If your thinking about 1000 fps don't overlook unique. 9 grains will kill white tails one shot deader than a mackerel.

[444ttd]

my ruger sbh really likes the 44 special(instead of the magnum) and 255gr keith under 7.5gr of unique. it kills deer with authority.