Really impressed with reduced .44Mag load

[NuJudge]

7.5gr 231 and a 429421, with a CCI Large Pistol, in mixed cases. I got groups under 1.5 inches at 50 feet offhand. I used NRA lube, so it was a little smokey, but for groups like that, I can handle some smoke!

I don't believe Unique ever gave me any groups like that.

CDD

[lathesmith]

I was never able to get any decent grouping from my wheelguns with 231 in 45 Colt. It only seemed to work good in 38 special. Sounds like you found a sweet spot though, I may have to give it a try in one of my 44's.
lathesmith

[oldhickory]

Sounds like a winner!...I'll have to give that one a try.:drinks:

[ebner glocken]

7.2-7.5 grains of 231 work great with that bullet cast out of WW. For the .45 colt try closer to 8 grains till groups start comming together. The lube I have always used has bee javelena. As you said you can handle a little smoke for groups like that.

Ebner

[bishopgrandpa]

6.8 gr of 231 out of my 71/2" blackhawk does a fine job. Better out of my brother's anaconda 51/2". 11/2" @ 25yds. Using RCBS 245 RFN.

[9.3X62AL]

I've played around some with 7.0-8.0 grains of WW-231 in the 44 Mag with both #429421 and a Lee 240 SWC. The load really tames the 44 Mag recoil in a S&W, and is downright docile in the Redhawk. The lighter loads using Bullseye, WW-231, and a range of other shotshell powders are a joy in most revolvers--easy on the operator, stingy with powder, and usually quite accurate.

[lathesmith]

Bullseye or even Red Dot is different story--I have always been able to get just about any wheelgun I've ever had to group with these, especially Bullseye. It is really the only powder I have found that I can make some really reduced loads that still group very well--I'm talking about 700 fps or so out of my SBH hunter. These are very pleasant to shoot, and as Al said very economical. About the only downside is they are at times a little dirty, because of the low pressure, but for 44 mag "gallery" loads I can live with this. BTW, these same light loads shoot great out of my 99/44 carbine--plenty of punch, and of course I only use soft lead, and never have to worry about a stuck slug in the bore, either.
lathesmith

[Shuz]

7.5gr 231 and a 429421, with a CCI Large Pistol, in mixed cases. I got groups under 1.5 inches at 50 feet offhand. I used NRA lube, so it was a little smokey, but for groups like that, I can handle some smoke!

I don't believe Unique ever gave me any groups like that.

CDD

Did you chronograph the 7.5g 231 and 429421 load? Just curious. I have a lb of 231 I took in on a "deal" a few years ago, and have never tried it yet.--Shuz

[fecmech]

Shuz--not exactly what you want but in the ballpark. 7.0/231/207 gr Lee SWC in .44 sp cases and fired out of a 7.5" SBH gave me 945 fps. I find 7 grs of 231 very accurate in my .44 with both the Lee and 429421 although I've never chrono'd the 429421.