44 mag "Thumper" load data

[country85]

I just got my lee 310 grain mold in the mail and am catching heck trying to find a load with unique for it. I have seen starting loads from 6.5 to 7.5. One of my good friends said that I could go to 9 grains and seat in the deepest crimp groove, is this too much? they are going to be shot out of a NEF handi rifle, I know these boolits wont stabilize very well with unique but these are just plinking loads.

[chboats]

There are no yes and no answers. Like all reloading start low and work up. Then gun will tell you when you reach max. Every gun is different even the same model. What will work in one may be too hot in another.

Carl

[paul h]

I don't know what a max charge is with unique and a 310 gr bullet, but just be aware that when you use faster powders with heavy bullets, pressures can rise quickly. If you're looking for plinking loads, I'd say your 6.5-7.5 grains is the right ballpark. If you want to push the bullets faster, then go to a slower powder, 2400 of H-110. Then again, if you're looking for plinker loads, I'd suggest a 240-250gr bullet.

[country85]

Thanks Paul, yea I'm just loading for plinking right now. As soon as I get some gas checks I've got a pound of H110 waiting. I load my 245 SWC boolits with 7.2 grains of unique and they get pretty good out of my handi rifle, I have never used 2400, would you recommend it over H110 for full power loads?

[paul h]

H-110 is my favorite powder for full power heavy for caliber bullets in big bore magnum revolvers, so for the 310 gr I'd say stick with H-110, it'll give you top velocity and accuracy.

2400's advantage is that it can be safely downloaded, and I prefer it for lighter bullets. It's also my favorite top end powder in the 357 magnum.

[Moonie]

Unique is a great powder but I'd use something slower with a boolit that heavy.

[country85]

Thanks ya'll. I loaded up 5 rounds with 6.8 grains of unique and am going to see how they do. Once I get my gas checks and sizer die I won't be worried, I'll just use H110, I need to push these puppies 1300 fps and over to get them to stabilize in my handi rifle any way, so I figure H 110 will do it. Any one shoot these with H 110 with no gas check?

[Moonie]

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=65035

[TCLouis]

When you get around to the H-110 and Lee 310, try 18.5 grains. The book says you can use more, but I have never had a load in a 44 that exceeded the accuracy of the 18.5 with the 310 grain Lee.

That said I seem to remember the velocity being around 1100 fps for that load out of a 9.5" SRH.

Boolits lubed with 50:50 and with Gas Checks

[country85]

Thanks TC, did you run them with or with out gas checks?