Jword data vs cast data?

[texaswoodworker]

I'm wanting to work up a load for my 44 mag rifle using H110 and hard cast 240gr bullets. I checked and IMR list data for a 24gr JHP, but not a LSWC. They list the starting load for the JHP as 23.0 grs with a velocity of 1,413 FPS out of an 8" barrel. The max load is 24.0 grs at 1,522 FPS. Could I use this data as is? If I need to reduce, how much should I reduce it by? I have heard H110 does not like to be reduced much at all, and works best at max loads.

Thanks

[Bullwolf]

Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook 4th edition lists in the handgun section for 44 Magnum:

Lyman #429667 (240 grain cast) 1.645 OAL
Using H110 powder
Start 22.5 - Velocity = 1204 (C.U.P. 31,800)
MAX 23.5 - Velocity = 1266 (C.U.P. 35,700)

and using a heavier 245 grain boolit

Lyman #429421 (245 grain cast) 1.710 OAL
Using H110 powder
Start 24.0 - Velocity = 1218 FPS (C.U.P. 31,900)
MAX 25.0 - Velocity = 1301 FPS (C.U.P. 35,300)

Test barrel is a 4 inch universal receiver.
----------------------------------------------------------
In the Rifle section for 44 Magnum:

Lyman #429667 (240 grain cast) 1.645 OAL
Using H110 powder
Start 22.5 - Velocity = 1709 FPS (No C.U.P. or PSI data)
MAX 23.5 - Velocity = 1765 FPS (No C.U.P. or PSI data)

and using a heavier 250 grain boolit

Lyman #429640 (250 grain cast) 1.610 OAL
Using H110 powder
Start 20.9 - Velocity = 1511 FPS (No C.U.P. or PSI data)
MAX 23.0 - Velocity = 1540 FPS (No C.U.P. or PSI data)

Test rifle is a 18 inch Winchester Model 94.
------------------------------------------------------------------

So I would say a start load around 22 grains would be safe and acceptable with a 240 grain cast SWC, and then work your way up to a theoretical MAX of 23-24 grains using a similar loaded cartridge OAL. (Over All Length)


- Bullwolf

[texaswoodworker]

Awesome! Thanks for the data. The 240gr LSWC rifle load should make a good hunting round. :)

[Tatume]

I'm wanting to work up a load for my 44 mag rifle using H110 and hard cast 240gr bullets. I checked and IMR list data for a 240gr JHP, but not a LSWC. They list the starting load for the JHP as 23.0 grs with a velocity of 1,413 FPS out of an 8" barrel. The max load is 24.0 grs at 1,522 FPS. Could I use this data as is?

Yes, you may use these data, particularly the starting load. However, unless you're shooting a gas check bullet that is fairly hard and well fitted to your chamber throats, you may not find them to be satisfactory.


If I need to reduce, how much should I reduce it by? I have heard H110 does not like to be reduced much at all, and works best at max loads.

Do not reduce H110/W296 data; they are optimized and will very likely perform poorly if reduced. These powders, and Accurate No. 9 as well, need to operate in high pressure, or ignition will be poor.

Take care, Tom

[Hickok]

Awesome! Thanks for the data. The 240gr LSWC rifle load should make a good hunting round. :)Indeed it is. I use the Keith SWC in both my handguns and Winchester 94 .44 mag. These boolits shoot through deer and black bear like the animals are made of tissue paper! Nice thumb size exit holes.

[JSnover]

I'm wanting to work up a load for my 44 mag rifle using H110 and hard cast 240gr bullets. I checked and IMR list data for a 24gr JHP, but not a LSWC.
Thanks
The manufacturers are more interested in jacketed bullets. I finally got tired of asking for load data and bought the Lee and Lyman manuals. They don't have everything but they're more cast-friendly than most.

[RED333]

A very good source for cast data, from people the shoot cast.
http://castpics.net/dpl/index.php/reloaders-reference/cast-bullet-data-lookup

[mdi]

No offence intended, but if your source of info. does not include .44 magnum, 240 LSWC loads, you need to get a better source. I usually suggest a Lyman 49th Edition Reloading Handbook, which gives data for both jacketed and cast. For a great cast lead bullet text and load manual, the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook is hard to beat (if you can find a 3rd Edition get that one, but if not a 4th will do quite well. The "how to" section in the 3rd is much better for a new caster/loader of cast bullets, but the 4th has a bit more data).