Need powder puff load .44 mag

[ghh3rd]

I'm looking for a load suggestion for a 'powder puff' load for my Ruger SBH .44 mag under either a 245 or 265 gr boolit. The kids want to use the mag handgun, but have quickly tired from its kick.

I was thinking of 2400 powder, but if someone has a different suggestion, I'm all ears.

By the way, should I expect the POA to shift significantly up to 25 yds?

Thanks

Randy

[wiljen]

I'd just use 44 special data and the lightest boolit you have for the 44. that should produce a nice soft load.

[the_ursus]

Consult your reloading manual but Unique in the neighborhood of 8 grains for the 245gr slug makes a good plinker.

I've also used 7grains of Bullseye with the 245gr with good enough accuracy for cans at 25yds.

(note, my 245's come out 253 with lube and gas check)

[AlaskaMike]

Trail Boss would be ideal for this, although I've used 6 grains of Clays with 200 grain Lasercast RNFPs for light plinkers with good results. Personally, I'd stick with powders like 231 or faster.

You might want to use .44 special brass because they'll be a little more efficient with light powder charges.

Mike

[cptinjeff]

Consult your reloading manual but Unique in the neighborhood of 8 grains for the 245gr slug makes a good plinker.

)

YES!! 8.0-9.5g unique will most likely be a keeper!

Since you have two boolits to try you will just have to try em and see how the POI shifts. Hopefully with a least one of your boolits the change will only be a couple of inches vertically. It all depends on your current load, bbl length, and other factors I don't understand fully. So you will have to just have to try it and see.

[45 2.1]

7.0 gr. of Green Dot........... give it a try...........you'll be surprised how nice and accurate it is, and suitable for kids (I believe).

[MtGun44]

Those 7-8 gr of Unique will be a good bit of a thump for a kid. I'd be much more
inclined to use a 180 gr and about 4 gr to 5 gr of Titegroup or Bullseye or Red Dot, something
fast and very insensitive to position in the case. Make it very light, the kid will NOT miss
recoil and blast, and WILL enjoy it more if it is like a popgun. Less is more in this case.

Bill

[Lead Fred]

I think we used 11gr green dot with a 240gr FN and it was boring at 1100fps

[Doc Highwall]

I agree with MtGun44 on less is more. I would be inclined to try some Trailboss or use this as an excuse too get a 22lr revolver and pistol.

[Tom-ADC]

Check http://www.alliantpowder.com under hangun data and Unique powder there are some reall nice loads there, I shoot the 225 gr cast bullet with 11 grs of Unique.
In my Marlin 1894 this is a fun plinking load and very accurate.

[ghh3rd]

Doc, I agree that .22's are great for kids (have some - kids and .22's) but they want to use the BIG GUN. Only problem with the BIG GUN is the big recoil My 12yr old son was getting interested in what I was doing in the garage (casting/loading) and even cast about 50 '38's, but never loaded them with me.... unfortunately XBox 360 came around. Now he's interested in my 44 Mag, so I want to start him off light and see if he wants to spend more time with me casting and or loading his own.

[buck1]

I broke my hand years ago. I shot a 240 gr boolit over the starting load of 2400 for a 44 spl. in a redhawk. I CANT RECALL the charge! 10-12 gr of 2400 or something like that. It shot well and mild. LOOK IT UP it should be easy to find.

[buck1]

""unfortunately XBox 360 came around""

I HEARD THAT ONE!

[AZ-Stew]

First, reduce boolit weight. Use 180 - 200 grains at most.

Second, use .44 Spl. brass to make best use of the powder. Magnum brass requires more powder to achieve the same velocity as book-listed .44 Spl. loads.

Third, study your manuals for a powder that gives the velocity you want with the smallest charge. Powder weight adds to the projectile weight when computing recoil.

Those three things together will give you the lightest recoil.

Regards,

Stew

[Tom-ADC]

I agree with the chief, I also have a 205 gr swc I cast up years ago very nice in the 44 spl or mag
ghh3rd PM me your address and I'll send you a hundred or so to try out.

[sundog]

yeppers, Green Dot and a 200 grainer.

[JIMinPHX]

The older Speer manuals (like #11) used to list gallery loads that used a lead round ball & a small charge of fast powder, like 231 or Bullseye. They were real powder puffs. I think that muzzle velocity was around 650fps when I tried them.

[Doc Highwall]

Try this link. http://www.castpics.net/ and look under under articles contributed by members.

[Dick Dastardly]

44 Cal Mav Dutchman Big Lube®LLC boolit over a compressed charge of FFFg Holy Black. It won't jar yer hand, it'll shoot great all day and it gives a true "Old West" feeling.

Come to the Darkside friend. The rewards are great.

DD-DLoS

[stubshaft]

I agree with MtGun44 on less is more. I would be inclined to try some Trailboss or use this as an excuse too get a 22lr revolver and pistol.

+3 On using TrailBoss. No chance of double charging and you can't overload it.