Ruger 50th Anniversary .44 shoots well

[Larry Gibson]

In earlier tests the 9 gr load of Unique under the RCBS 429-250 (Keith SWC) appeared to have real promise at 1050 fps for a 5 shot string. That load (8 1/2 to 9 gr of Unique witha 240/250 SWC) has always proven to be a good performer and good "all around" load in .44 magnums. I had cast about 130 of them out of an alloy of 3 lbs range lead and 1 lb linotype a couple weeks ago and they have a BHN of 9.6. I sized them .429 and lubed them with Javelina and then loaded them on a Dillon Square Deal B.

The photo speaks for itself and that 1.6" twice around the cylinder (12 shots) group is about as good as it gets anymore with my tired old eyes and shakey hands. It was shot from a bench at 25 yards over sand bags. Velocity was 1066 fps with an SD of 15 and an ES of 62 fps.

In the earlier tests 22 gr of the old and new 2400 went 1337 fps and 1331 fps respectively with no excessive pressure signs. I can't seem to tell the difference betwee the old and new 2400s that everyone reports. I have tested them both in two .357s, two .32 H&Rs and now two .44 Magnums along with cast loads in a M1903A1. Equal charges in all have given equal velocities with no signs of excessive pressure. I will cast some of these 429-250s of a little harder alloy and work back up to 22 gr of the new 2400 (I'm now out of the old).

Anyways, so far it looks like I've got a good "all around" load that is easy to shoot and has excellent accuracy.

Larry Gibson

[Bucks Owin]

Looking good Larry!

[ddixie884]

Yeah, cool. Thanx........

[Texas by God]

9 grains of Unique is a great load for 210 gr SWC bullets in .41 Magnum as well. I've used it as my " fall back on" load since I was young and handsome......

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[marlin39a]

Come on, guys… a 15 yr old thread?

[Texas by God]

Come on, guys… a 15 yr old thread?Haha, didn't check the date.
Oh well, that's what I'd have said 15 years ago anyway!

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[Larry Gibson]

"...come on, man...."

Just cause it's 15 years old doesn't mean the load and the Ruger still don't shoot as well....

[murf205]

Larry , I am surprised that only 3 lbs of range scrap and 1lb of lino only yielded 9.6 BHN. What did you measure it with. I guess the surprise part on my behalf is because I have had so much success with range scrap +1% tin at quite a bit higher velocities. Ir I am just lucky, I'll take it and be happy.

BTW, good threads are always a good read whether old or new. IMHO

[white eagle]

so where's the picture?
Kidding
Your rite Larry its good then it should be good now

[Larry Gibson]

Larry , I am surprised that only 3 lbs of range scrap and 1lb of lino only yielded 9.6 BHN. What did you measure it with. I guess the surprise part on my behalf is because I have had so much success with range scrap +1% tin at quite a bit higher velocities. Ir I am just lucky, I'll take it and be happy.

BTW, good threads are always a good read whether old or new. IMHO

Those were BHN measured using the Lee tool in a micro-scope stand. I also questioned those after measuring them. They, the 150 bullets, were given to me to "test" in my Ruger and checking with the caster later found he had misspoke. He actually was using 9 lbs of scrap [gotten off an indoor range where a lot of 22LR and swaged bullets were used on] to 3 lbs of lead, a 3-1 mix. That then explains the low end BHN. He subsequently has been adding 2% tin which has upped the BHN of his alloy {I measured it for him] to 12 - 13. He said he is getting much better accuracy with magnum loads in his Super BH.......

[Larry Gibson]

so where's the picture?
Kidding
Your rite Larry its good then it should be good now

I think this is the picture(?);

285833

[danmat]

Glad it was brought back, I missed it somehow.
When searching for new load info I always put Larrys at the top of the list, he has saved me lots of time and money during these shortages testing loads, always seem to get me in the ballpark.
Thanks Larry much appreciated.

[Char-Gar]

I bought a Ruger 3 screw 44 Mag in 1963. The 240 Keith bullet over 9/Unique was the load I settled on. Today, I tend toward 10/grains of Unique, but really that is more horses than I need.

[murf205]

Char-Gar, your right about needing more horse power . A 429421 cast out of 20-1 at 950-1050 fps will shoot through a LOT of bone and muscle completely. It took a bunch of birthdays to realize that I was only making deeper holes in the ground on the other side. Now if I had to get a bear off my case, I'd have to up the horses a bit!