Need some load info for .44 Mag

made the mistake of walking into a local gun store just to look. I seen just what I had been wanting for along time. Super Black Hawk.44 Mag with the 10" barrel. Very nice shape and the price didn't look to bad @ $299.00 I went back in today and they still had it. so I put 1/2 the money down on it and the rest when I pick it up on new years ev. just intime to make some noice for new years!!!!!

I want to use it for some hunting. I have been doing some hand loading for my Rifles but not any hand guns. I need some advise for some good hunting loads. anybody got some favs they might share ?


thanks,

dc

This might tickle your funny bone, since you have loaded rifle brass..
About 15 years ago I bought a Ruger Blackhawk 44 mag, and I too wanted to handload for it. Now I had done shotgun loads before but never rifle or pistol. So I bought a Sierra reload manual and the hardware to do it. So I preceded to load some shells, weighing each powder load. However when I pressed the bullet into the case the force needed to seat the bullet deformed the bullet top.. So I went back to the reloading shop and showed the owner a couple of the loads. He said it looked fine to him.. Next I went to the range and fired 3 rounds. Each one had a tremendous recoil... like the hand went straight overhead.. I quit and tried to extract the cases....no luck. Had to use a screwdriver to pound them out..
Here's what happened....... I had a new powder scale and I misread the powder weight, and was way over the recipe which was why the bullet wouldn't seat.... Probably most guns would of fractured,, not that Ruger 44.. Damn I was lucky..... God looks after the stupid I guess... Anyway get a Sierra or Hornady book they have proven loads.. I like the Sierra...
Here is another loading 'snaffu' I made.. My son in ND has a 7x57 and wanted me to load some 'hotter loads for him. So I did, sent them to him and he used them for deer.. Monster deer walks out, he squeezes trigger, 'click'. Jacks shell out squeezes again, 'click'...... He hadn't tested the loads prior to the hunt... Well seems like I had pressed the primer to far into the case and his firing pin couldn't strike it hard enough. I had used a hand press...... Live and learn... Buck walked away .

As far as factory loads go- the Federal 300 gr in 44 mag should be able to handle any hunting situation. Hold on though : )

thanks guys.

anybody got some ideas for bullets? I would think the 300 gr would be the best for hunting. what brands. I have allso noticed they make them in jacketed and non-jacketed. what is that all about?

thanks

dc

I'd highly recommend checking out reloading forums on:

http://beartoothbullets.com

http://sixgunner.com

You'll find exactly the information that you're looking for there.

45/70

The most accurate load to date that I use is as follows
240 grn nosler tmj-sil.
Win brass
Win pistol primers
And IMR 4227 powder I use22.6 grns and come off with the best performance of all with that if you want other grins let me know AIX. And be safe inspect every thing twice with pistols their less for giving.
you can e mail me if you like
jimwright_1@netzero.com

Aix,

thanks for the load. it will give me something to try. I might give you an e-mail with more questions. have you used that load for hunting or just on paper.

45/70 thanks for them web pages to look @


dc

Check your PM

Looks like you got the gun I've been wanting...Ruger Super Red (or black) Hawk 44mag with a 7-10 inch barrel.

Good luck on your new gun!

PS...if you don't like it...I'll buy it

kingfisher,

I found that web page the other day lots of great info.

thanks

dc

I have two loads for my .44. One is a full throttle hunting load and the other is a light paper punching load.

This time of year I'd "target" the light paper punching load and get used to the handgun before working up to full throttle loads.

Mine is a 245 grain cast bullet and enough shotgun powder to give a load that has about 700 fps for velocity. It's an accurate load that shoots around 1.5 inches at 25 yards and has recoil less than a .44 Special.

Using light recoil loads is a good way to get used to the gun and develop the proper trigger squeeze.... and also what constitutes a good sight picture and follow thru.