doc540 Posted March 27, 2013 Share Posted March 27, 2013 Goal: low powered (.44 Special) accuracy for 50 yd silhouette matches Why .44 Mag and not .44 Special? Brass is more available around here Loaded up Win231 last night and tested it this morning. 60 degrees, light wind Disclaimer: Limited marksmanship skills Revolver: 629 Classic with top port Optics: Matchdot w/Leupold quick release rings Mount: Warne Maxima Multi-Sight System (modified front sight for irons) (sighted in using 7.0gr Unique...shot 10 test shots) Second round of targets Conclusions: 1. All loads would work ok for 50yd silhouette shooting 2. Better shooting skills would tighten all the groups 3. Reloading and testing bullets and powder is fun 4. Old pro's will soon set straight a rookie like myself Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
midget Posted March 27, 2013 Share Posted March 27, 2013 Did you happen to get velocities for these loads? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doc540 Posted March 27, 2013 Author Share Posted March 27, 2013 No, I didn't set up my graph, but might if the weather holds thru tomorrow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve RA Posted March 27, 2013 Share Posted March 27, 2013 Think I'd chrono the 5.5 load, if it has enough velocity to go 50 yds, it looks like the best group by far. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doc540 Posted March 28, 2013 Author Share Posted March 28, 2013 Will try to chrono tomorrow. Loaded up some more 5.5 this afternoon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
midget Posted March 28, 2013 Share Posted March 28, 2013 I'm hoping these chrono well. I am looking for a new hunting load for my 44 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Youngeyes Posted March 28, 2013 Share Posted March 28, 2013 If you want better accuracy then use a 240 GR XTP bullet with 10.5 gr unique. You'll get about 1150 fps and very tight groups. I don't use 231 in 44mag so I can't say how well it would work.I might give it a try. (insert normal legal disclaimer BS here). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Youngeyes Posted March 28, 2013 Share Posted March 28, 2013 (edited) I'm hoping these chrono well. I am looking for a new hunting load for my 44 I don't think a LSWC would make the best hunting bullet. Edited March 28, 2013 by Youngeyes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amerflyer48 Posted March 28, 2013 Share Posted March 28, 2013 I'm hoping these chrono well. I am looking for a new hunting load for my 44 I don't think a LSWC would make the best hunting bullet. Elmer Keith and a lot of Buffalo hunters would disagree with you the big flat meplat is pretty disruptive to soft tissue and they penetrate very well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
midget Posted March 28, 2013 Share Posted March 28, 2013 I will likely continue to use the XTP's I am using now, but I am interested in seeing the performance of 231. I use 231 for my 45 and H110 for 44s and would like to be able to consolidate powder if possible. I'm hoping these chrono well. I am looking for a new hunting load for my 44 I don't think a LSWC would make the best hunting bullet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Youngeyes Posted March 28, 2013 Share Posted March 28, 2013 I'm hoping these chrono well. I am looking for a new hunting load for my 44 I don't think a LSWC would make the best hunting bullet. Elmer Keith and a lot of Buffalo hunters would disagree with you the big flat meplat is pretty disruptive to soft tissue and they penetrate very well. After further study I find that you are correct, Sir. Thanks for the catch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve RA Posted March 28, 2013 Share Posted March 28, 2013 I doubt the 5.5gr load would be good for hunting, imagine the velocity would be a little slow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anachronism Posted March 29, 2013 Share Posted March 29, 2013 I'd expect maybe 750- 800 FPS from that combination in magnum brass. Tops. It'll be interesting to see where it ends up though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doc540 Posted March 29, 2013 Author Share Posted March 29, 2013 5.5gr W231 averages 740fps I think that's the load I'll stick with since I was trying for something similar to .44 Special. Guess I'll end up getting my man card cancelled. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Phil Posted March 29, 2013 Share Posted March 29, 2013 If you hold the gun sideways and kind of fling the bullets out (you know, like they do in the movies ) you would probably get better velocity and maybe a bit more accuracy... Just a thought. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve RA Posted March 29, 2013 Share Posted March 29, 2013 Not bad, stick with that until you can find something to beat it ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doc540 Posted March 30, 2013 Author Share Posted March 30, 2013 Factoring in my limited shooting skills, I couldn't determine a significant accuracy difference in several loads I tried from 5.0 to 8.0. So, it doesn't make sense to me to waste extra (hard-to-find) powder for higher velocities when 5.5 appears to do the job of shooting accurately and knocking down the plates. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nevada ron Posted March 31, 2013 Share Posted March 31, 2013 Sure looks like fun shooting. If you are trying to kill that piece of paper I would use that very accurate load of w231. Why beat up the gun with target practice, I think bullet placement is very important. I have a Classic Dx in 44 mag with 8 3/8 inch barrel that I have shot mostly low practice/target loads. It shoots great. When up in the mountains I use my 4 inch S&W model 29 loaded with hand loaded 310 grain lead bullets loaded hot to mag velocity and 240 grain molly bullets loaded with 6.7 grains unique for target and practice. I shot league with both a 45acp and a 44 mag both using w231 as powder and it was excellent. If I remember correctly my 44 mag load was just a little more stout than yours and used bear creek molly bullets mostly. That load was extremely accurate. Keep having fun and when needed use the heavier loads for the 44 mag. But just for fun and training I think it's kinder on your guns to use the lighter loads. keep shooting Nevada Ron "An unarmed man can only flee from evil, and evil is not overcome by fleeing from it." Jeff Cooper Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockets Posted July 24, 2013 Share Posted July 24, 2013 Any advantages using 44spl cases over the 44 mag? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doc540 Posted July 24, 2013 Author Share Posted July 24, 2013 Any advantages using 44spl cases over the 44 mag? I'm not experienced enough to answer that. I use 44mag brass because it was more plentiful and the cylinder chambers are easier to keep clean. Maybe a veteran reloader can add more info. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockets Posted July 24, 2013 Share Posted July 24, 2013 (edited) Any advantages using 44spl cases over the 44 mag? I'm not experienced enough to answer that. I use 44mag brass because it was more plentiful and the cylinder chambers are easier to keep clean. Maybe a veteran reloader can add more info. That's what I use as well. I read somewhere it has something to do with the way the powder fills the case. I hear some guys add a little cornmeal to fill the case. Edited July 24, 2013 by Rockets Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NuJudge Posted July 28, 2013 Share Posted July 28, 2013 Using a Lyman 429421, I have found a load recommended on the Cast Boolit forum to be delightful. Seven point five grains produces excellent results. I only shoot Bowling Pins with it, but when I hit a pin, even when I don't hit the center of mass, it goes off the table. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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