Which powder for 6" barrel

[Spokerider]

Wondering which powder you would pick from my list of what I have, for this gun and bullet choice.

TC Encore 44 mag pistol, 6 barrel, 330gr hard cast bullets.

H110
Lil'Gun
Trail Boss
HS6
W231

Looking for a "medium" load, something around 1000fps, and easy on the wrist. Which of these powders will be most efficient and not burn the hair off of my arm, lol.

I use a full case of Lil'gun for my 44 mag carbine, and it thumps pretty good with these heavies.

[MtGun44]

HS6 is the best fit from your list, but I'd use Unique, about 9 gr or a bit more.
Don't reduce loads on H110, it gets squirrely. W231 will be about at it's pressure
max to reach 1000, or may not even go that far before pressure maxes.
Trail Boss, I don't know much about.

If you want easy on the wrist, drop back to a 250 Keith, that 330 is adding
a lot to your recoil and for no benefit if you are killing cardboard.

Bill

[bobthenailer]

Of the powders you have listed i woud use 231 first and HS6 as a second choice !
I personaly use Tightgroup or BE for straight wall pistol rounds for loads from 800 to 1,100 fps with all normal bullet weights in the 38, 357, 44 mag , 454 casull with excellent results. just keep a eye out for a possiblity of a double charge of powder !

[kenyerian]

"If you want easy on the wrist, drop back to a 250 Keith, that 330 is adding
a lot to your recoil and for no benefit if you are killing cardboard" Mtgun44 is right about the 250 Keith. Great boolit, less recoil and your lead goes a lot farther when you're casting.

[fecmech]

For cardboard killing I would suggest going even further to a 215 SWC or the 200 Lee RNFP. Same size hole in the paper with way less action on the hand.

[44man]

Now fellas, 6" is fine for H110 and 296 with a .44. Might be the best accuracy with a 330 gr. I would use 21.5 gr with a standard primer.
Dump Lil-Gun, too hot burning.
Fast powders do not work with heavy boolits, the boolit must come up to speed and spin.
I don't like short barrels but 6" is my minimum and will work.

[bradh]

I'm with 44MAN 100%.

[paul h]

I agree that for best accuracy H-110 is going to most likely be the top fuel. However, having chronoed a 4 5/8" sbh, 7 1/2" sbh and 10" contender with identical 300 gr cast loads and interpolating for the 6" barrel, your velocity is going to be 1200+fps, likely just south of 1300.

I never loaded heavy cast bullets in the 44 mag to medium levels so can't comment on what powder is best. 2400 would be worth considering based on my results using it in other chamberings.

As others have said, if you want milder recoil, you need a lighter bullet, or drop the velocity way down to 700 fps.