44 sp loads in SRH

[161]

Went out today for a little while before it got real hot. Ended up 100 degrees in the shade at my house this afternoon. Shot some LEE 240 TL over 6.5 gr of Unique. I've been shooting at a 10X10 steel I beam at 100 yards with the SRH and the 310 LEE over a near max book load of 2400. The steel is sitting on a old log and the 310s always knock it off in 3 hit. The 44 sp loads were a pleasant change, had to hold a little higher but the steel stayed put. Going to load some more of those. Just plain fun to shoot. I can't say I enjoy the 310 2400 load but it would put the hurt on most anything that needs shootin.

[smkummer]

Its a whole lot funner when you shoot loads that have the power you actually need rather than what you believe you must have. 30 some years ago when I shot a down loaded 44 magnum in my ruger SBH and noticed I was actually able to hit a target for the first time, it was so much more enjoyable than all the max. loads that I thought I had to load for the gun. If the army requirement for the 45 Colt was to shoot through a horse at 100 yards and a 250 grain bullet with a muzzle velocity of 850 FPS was all that was needed for that, when then would you need more than that? I shoot the a lot of the the skeeter recommended load for the 44 special and that was 7.5 grains unique behind the 245 Kieth bullet for a velocity of about 900 FPS. It exceeds current SAMMI specs for the 44 special but my Colt SAA shoots it just fine. As usual just my .02 and happy shooting

[bigboredad]

which book are you using to get your near max load of 2400? just curious cause they all seem to have a different idea of what is a max load.
you also may want to try ramshot enforcer it is a touch slower than 2400 but I think its more accurate and easier on the shooter. those lighter loads like you said sure can be a nice change and you don't have to walk as much big bonus and the sound of lead on stee is music to my ears

[161]

which book are you using to get your near max load of 2400? just curious cause they all seem to have a different idea of what is a max load.
you also may want to try ramshot enforcer it is a touch slower than 2400 but I think its more accurate and easier on the shooter. those lighter loads like you said sure can be a nice change and you don't have to walk as much big bonus and the sound of lead on stee is music to my ears

Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook
4th Edition

[44man]

Unique is a good powder and I just stuck with 7 gr with a 240 gr. I never really noticed much change by working loads, they all shot great.
The big problem I have with light loads is the need to take a wheel barrow full of loads to the range! :holysheep

[gray wolf]

A wheel barrow full --
Hey ! that's a good thing Yes [ ] NO [ ]

[Stick_man]

Hey ! that's a good thing Yes [X ] NO [ ]


Definitely yes. And the problem is...???

[Salmoneye]

I was shooting Alox lubed TL430-240-SWC over 7gr of Red Dot yesterday...

Accuracy sucked in both my SBH and Marlin 1894S...

Going to have to determine why...

http://img.auctiva.com/imgdata/1/4/4/6/8/9/webimg/399913451_tp.jpg

They were cast soft at about 247gr, and .431"...No leading, but lousy accuracy...

[44man]

Definitely yes. And the problem is...???
I cry when I watch the lead pile go down! :veryconfu

[dmize]

My oldest son is using that bullet in his Flattop Blackhawk over 8.8 of Power Pistol that I put together for him, VERY VERY accurate and no leading. He is 18 and learning so I went for accuracy and low recoil.
I also load the 357 158 TL for my 13 year old in his Flattop,with no leading but are loaded to 38 Special levels.
My advice to you is to enjoy the fun and easy shooting and end the day with 2 cylinders of the heavy stuff to keep your edge.
And yea 44 it does suck to watch the lead pile shrink at times,but the smile on an kids face with a bullet riddled pie plate makes it easier.
And considering velocities they are cast 50/50 ww/pb and ac.

[monge]

I was thinking of using my 44sp to hunt dear , there is always does under my tree stand when Im waiting for that big buck. thinking of taking one at short range with a 44sp pistol Do you guys think 800-900 fps and 240grs will do the job?

[bigboredad]

the reason I have a pile of lead is to have fun sending down the pipe then just make a new pile of lead just part of the fun. Why have it if you don't use it and why use it if it isn't fun

[dmize]

Just put it behind the shoulder break the shot and go get your deer.

[161]

Just came home from the range the 6.5 of Unique and the 240 LEE TL ran 900 FPS. 6.5 Unique with the Lee 310 ran 800 FPS. A lot more fun to shoot and I admit easier to fit the steal at 100 yards. Shot the GP100 also with the LEE 158 TL and PB Gas Checks made from pop cans with 2400. 100 yards is just easy with the 357.