Working up a load for 44 mag.

This is for Ruger Redhawk and a Ruger 3 screw Super Blackhawk.

The bullet: Berry's 220 grain standard plated flat point; max velocity (according the Berry's) = 1250 fps.

Berry's website specifies to use cast bullet data for load data.

I'm using 2400 powder.

I cannot find 220 grain cast bullet load data, but in the Lyman Pistol and Revolver Handbook (copyright 1978) it has 215 grain cast with 2400. Starting load: 20 grains for 986 fps. (Max: 25 grains; 1310 fps.)

The bullets are plated with no cannelure and I've used them many times for several calibers. They're fine at low velocities with a nominal crimp.

I'm asking the brain trust because I'm using data for 215 cast while I'll actually be shooting 220 grain plated.

Thnx

I've always used 22.0 gr. 2400 with a 250 gr. Keith style bullet. Mold is supposed to cast a 240 gr. bullet but it comes out at 250 gr. in my alloy. It could be just me but the 25.0 gr. charge for the 215 gr. bullet does sound a bit steep.

I can't help you with plated bullets as I only shoot my own home cast bullets.
Paul B.

The Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook #4 lists a 225 grain cast bullet with a 19.5 grain starting load for 2400 giving 1160 FPS. The max charge is listed as 21.5 grains for 1242 FPS. Normally, using a bullet a few grains heavier than the nominal weight listed in the handbook will not yield catastrophic results - unless you're really pushing the envelope to begin with.

I've shot a lot of Berry's bullets in the past. Plated bullets don't like a roll crimp,, so I'd look hard at making sure you just add enough crimp to remove any "flair" to prevent the roll crimp from cutting into the plating.
As for loads,, your 5 grain difference in bullet weight isn't going to be a big issue,, as long as you start low & work up.
I've used 2400 powder a lot,, and I have used it with confidence AND good data.

My suggestion would be to double check starting load info from more than just one source. ESPECIALLY look at a more modern data source than the 1978 manual.
I know a lot of people use internet load data,, but the printed manuals are a much better source of data. Manuals are CHEAP as compared to a blown up gun, or worse,, an injured person.

I would stick to 1000 fps or less. When I tried to push the 10mm, 41 and 357 plated bullets faster than that they either keyholed, 10mm, or stripped the plating off while entering the forcing cone leaving a ring of plating in the forcing cone. As stated before don't over crimp or the will tumble which has also been my experience.

I have shot vast quantities of their bullets. I would load it under 1000 fps, and use a mild taper crimp. As another poster stated, a heavy roll crimp will not play well with these bullets. The bullet is not bad, but is simply not made for use in a full throttle load in this caliber.

PinnedAndRecessed said:

This is for Ruger Redhawk and a Ruger 3 screw Super Blackhawk.

The bullet: Berry's 220 grain standard plated flat point; max velocity (according the Berry's) = 1250 fps.

Berry's website specifies to use cast bullet data for load data.

I'm using 2400 powder.

I cannot find 220 grain cast bullet load data, but in the Lyman Pistol and Revolver Handbook (copyright 1978) it has 215 grain cast with 2400. Starting load: 20 grains for 986 fps. (Max: 25 grains; 1310 fps.)

The bullets are plated with no cannelure and I've used them many times for several calibers. They're fine at low velocities with a nominal crimp.

I'm asking the brain trust because I'm using data for 215 cast while I'll actually be shooting 220 grain plated.

Thnx

Click to expand...

5gr is close enough for Government Cheese. You could probably adjust 2.5% without an issue.

Start low and work up. The chronograph will tell you where you want to be. No guessing involved. 19.0gr sounds like a reasonable place to start. Work up or down from the results. 2400 is very forgiving on the low side -- unlike h110/W296. For myself, I've never loaded that light a bullet. I just shoot plain jane 240gr SWCs which is all I've ever needed/tested. With 2400, I started at 16.0gr with that bullet up to 20.0gr. Standard primer 'should' be used in my experience.