Chrono of 44 loads

[silverado]

Does anyone here shoot 44 mag with w296 and use a chronograph? Lyman lists my load (240 grain boolit with 23 grains of w296) around 1200 fps. My lee manual lists about 1400 fps using j word boolits. I would guess my boolits travel at least 1400 based on printed data. Thanks guys.

[Larry Gibson]

Lyman's test barrel is 4". Unsure what Lee used. What's your revolver barrel length.?

Larry Gibson

[silverado]

7.5 inch

[Wally]

Yes, you get 1,400 FPS+ with that load in a 7.5" Ruger SBHK...however I have found the spread is terrible, so I don't use 296. 2400 is better and I have used 17.0 grains of Blue Dot.... With Blue Dot it is best not to use it when the temperature is at or below freezing.

Not sure what you are looking for...with a .44 Caliber 240~250 grain bullet and 10.0 grains of Unique you get just over 1,100 FPS..very accurate and you use a lot less powder. Another favorite is 8.0 grains of Promo.

[Larry Gibson]

Agree that 296/H110 is not the best powder for use with PB'd 240 cast in the 44 Magnum. Not enough mass to the bullet for consistent ignition given the throat jump in revolvers (works fine in a Contender). Both powders work very well with heavier cast though. H110 is my go to powder for my 270 gr 429460HPs. And as mentioned the velocity with the 7.5" barrel will be 1400+ but with a very large ES. Also if you use that load I caution you to not attempt to shoot the next round if there is a "click" but no "bang". Even if you can cock the revolver do not. Odds are there is a bullet stuck in the barrel from incomplete ignition of the powder.

As mentioned by Wally 2400 powder (18.5 - 22 gr) and Bluedot (16 - 17.5 gr) are the best powders for 240 gr cast. With either you can get into the 1400 fps range w/o problems.

Larry Gibson

[silverado]

Believe me if I could get some 231 I would be using that...it was my go to for 38 special untill I ran out and managed to come across a 4 pound jug of 296. I do believe it is pretty accurate for me with 310 grain lee boolits using 17.8 grains of powder.

[silverado]

If there is a click and no bang.....
Funny story a couple years ago I know some dummy who was shooting 9mm and that happened at an indoor gun range so there were lots of booms going on. The action opened but would not fully return to battery. After cycling the slide several time unsuccessfully the weapon was taken apart, and low and behold.... The dreaded dud round was stuck maybe half the length of a boolit into the barrel.... talk about lucky...