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Thread: 44 mag /265 cast loads?

  1. #1
    Boolit Master



    atr's Avatar
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    44 mag /265 cast loads?

    can any of you give me some suggestions for loading 265 gr cast in 44 mag
    I have, Unique, Bullseye, 2400 and 4227
    looking for velocity around 1000-1100 fps
    thanks
    atr
    Death to every foe and traitor and hurrah, my boys, for freedom !

  2. #2
    Boolit Grand Master


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    Length of barrel?
    Larry Gibson

    “Deficient observation is merely a form of ignorance and responsible for the many morbid notions and foolish ideas prevailing.”
    ― Nikola Tesla

  3. #3
    Boolit Grand Master Bazoo's Avatar
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    I've been using the ranchdog TL432-265-RF in magnum cases with 5.5 bullseye for a heavy special loading. I don't know what velocity they run but they hit close to the same POI as my other loads, which is what I was after.

  4. #4
    Boolit Grand Master Outpost75's Avatar
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    I've had good results with Saeco #441 and 16 grains of #2400 in my 4-inch S&W 29-2

    Attachment 279153
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  5. #5
    Boolit Master
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    19 grains 4227

  6. #6
    Boolit Master
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    This powder is not on your list ...... HS6!

    Slower than Unique, faster than 2400, a spherical powder that people have you could trade for. It would put a smile on your face and give you right around 1050 FPS at 25,000 psi (perfect for cast) and an SD in single digits out of a 4” Smith with about 12 gr of powder.

    The best upper medium field load I know off.

    Three44s
    Quote Originally Posted by Bret4207

    “There is more to this than dumping lead in a hole.”

  7. #7
    Boolit Master
    405grain's Avatar
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    I second that on HS6. I've been shooting 13.0 grains of HS6 with the 245 grain RCBS swc in both a 4" S&W 629 and a 10.5" super blackhawk for many years. I was using this load before powder coating was a thing, but PC just makes it better. It's more than a 44 special, but less than a 44 magnum - just right for medium loads.

  8. #8
    Boolit Master
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    Lee Precision data for a 265 jacketed bullet over HS 6. Barrel length not specified.
    Starting load 10 grains. 1004 fps.
    Max load 13.5 grains, 33,600 cup, 1287 fps.

    HS 6 has been my go to powder recently for .44 mag working cast loads in my Super Blackhawk.

  9. #9
    Boolit Master
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    Sixteen grains of 2400 is very accurate in my 44 magnum Marlin carbine, with NOE's version of the 265 RNFP. Five grains of Unique is used with that bullet in my CA 44 Special Bulldog.

    Winelover

  10. #10
    Boolit Master
    DHDeal's Avatar
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    As others have stated, HS-6 is my favorite medium load powder. I have a 265 grain 44 caliber mold from Accurate and it shoots well in all of my 44's (Special and Magnum) especially with HS-6.

    Since HS-6 is not one of the powders you listed, I'd look hard at the Unique. I bet it will work fine as it has worked for a lot of people for many years. Start slightly above the "Skeeter" load and probably stop when accuracy is where you want it (10ish grains?).

  11. #11
    Boolit Buddy
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    12.0 gr of HS6 is superbly accurate in my 629 Classic 6˝" with a 265 SWC GC @ 1.68" OAL.

  12. #12
    Boolit Buddy
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    Assuming a handgun load, using the powders you listed, I like 4227. In my Redhawk it is the most accurate and softest recoil in that speed range. But to be honest, I could make any of those work and have. Not a bad choice with any of them. Some of the other guys listed HS-6 and I agree, also a good choice.
    Tony

  13. #13
    Boolit Master



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    Yes it is for a hand gun...with a 7-1/2 barrel.
    I've got some good information here and you have given me something to consider regarding HS6 powder which I have never used.

    thanks guys
    atr
    Death to every foe and traitor and hurrah, my boys, for freedom !

  14. #14
    Boolit Bub HeavyLoad's Avatar
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    I all so use 16gr. of 2400 with my (NOE) 285gr Keith and 300gr silhouette. They are both good accurate loads
    Last edited by HeavyLoad; 03-16-2021 at 05:35 AM.

  15. #15
    Boolit Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by HeavyLoad View Post
    I all so use 16gr. of 2400 with my 285gr Keith and 300gr silhouette. They are both good accurate loads
    I agree when the boolit weight approaches or exceeds 300 gr.

    Three44s
    Quote Originally Posted by Bret4207

    “There is more to this than dumping lead in a hole.”

  16. #16
    Boolit Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by atr View Post
    Yes it is for a hand gun...with a 7-1/2 barrel.
    I've got some good information here and you have given me something to consider regarding HS6 powder which I have never used.

    thanks guys
    atr
    In a 7.5” barrel I get 1176 FPS with 11.8 gr of HS6 behind the RCBS 250K (1066 FPS from a four inch barrel).

    Three44s
    Quote Originally Posted by Bret4207

    “There is more to this than dumping lead in a hole.”

  17. #17
    Boolit Buddy
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    Using a 240-260 gr cast bullet . I have found great favor using Blue Dot powder . I use about 14 grs or a little less depending on the bullet design ( length of shank ) . Larry Gibson , a few yrs ago did a comparison of the old Blue Dot vs the new . He was using a Keith style swc . It was interesting the results he obtained as he increased the load . Maybe he will come back and repost that test . WSF is my " Unique " replacement but when I want more power , I go to Blue Dot . Like others have said HS6 works well too .

  18. #18
    Boolit Mold
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    44 Mag I like Rim Rock 260 HC 18gr 2400, 8.5 to 10 gr Unique.

    Lots of info here/ http://sixguns.com/BookOfThe44/bot44c41.htm

  19. #19
    Boolit Master
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    Powder has been showing up finally but so far none from Alliant. Unique and 2400 are no where to be found. I particularly miss Unique because it has a pleasing recoil impulse compared to many other powders. I did manage to get 8 lbs. of HS 6 last fall and it works well with heavier boolits in .44 and .357 as long as you keep the loads on the stiffer side so it burns clean. If you powder coat your boolits you can use the magnum powders like 296 and 110. A alloy with a BHN of 12 seems to handle those higher pressures without trouble in my .44s.

  20. #20
    Boolit Master derek45's Avatar
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    10gr Unique
    9gr Universal
    win231 / hp38
    HS6
    power pistol
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BR Bench Rest M Magnum RN Round Nose
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