.44 mag 300gr XTP accurate revolver loads?

[MikeChandler]

Has anybody worked up an accurate .44 mag load with the 300gr XTP .44 cal bullets? I've got 2400, Unique, N320, and IMR-4227 on hand, but I can get other powders.

Shooting with a Ruger Bisley SBH Hunter and a Freedom Arms M83.

Stout is okay by me.

Thanks!

 

[Nowata]

I also have a Bisley SBH Hunter in .44. What is accurate and safe in my gun may not be in your Hunter, however, within the confines of those powders you will find a combo that groups to your liking. My deer load is a 260gr. WFNGC from Montana Bullet Works at a pedestrian 1100fps, using Unique. The websites for those powders/companies will give start/max, and with a popular and successiveful bullet such as the XTP line, you will find lot's of info.
No shortcuts when it comes to safety(and things that blow up with shrapnel), but you have assembled the components for a very accurate combo...Good luck, Terry

 

[MikeChandler]

I also have a Bisley SBH Hunter in .44. What is accurate and safe in my gun may not be in your Hunter, however, within the confines of those powders you will find a combo that groups to your liking. My deer load is a 260gr. WFNGC from Montana Bullet Works at a pedestrian 1100fps, using Unique. The websites for those powders/companies will give start/max, and with a popular and successiveful bullet such as the XTP line, you will find lot's of info.
No shortcuts when it comes to safety(and things that blow up with shrapnel), but you have assembled the components for a very accurate combo...Good luck, Terry

Well, I was hoping to get some feedback from others who have used it regarding which powders seem to work best, etc, and if the recommended values are somewhat aenemic as they tend to be.

I have access to loaddata.com, I have the Gun-Guides for .44 magnum, and I have some bookbound loading manuals too.

Anyway, I am going to try the IMR4227 with this one, starting at 18gr. I'll let you know how it goes...

 

[Nowata]

excellent!! Woould like to hear your experience with that powder, as I have never used it. Good luck, and let's see some targets!

 

[WESHOOT2]

Best accuracy with sufficient velocity = AA9

Best velocity with sufficient accuracy = (my old lots of) W296

Best velocity = H110

Softest recoil with enough velocity and accuracy = N110

All loads get crimped firmly with the superior Redding Profile Crimp Die.

 

[steve b]

Will you be taking advantage of the lower crimp groove/cannelure ? I've a printed out article on a load worked up in a SBH using H110 or WW296, I forget which. I followed it, but stopped a grain short I believe. IMR4227 may be a good idea here. steve b

 

[MikeChandler]

Will you be taking advantage of the lower crimp groove/cannelure ? I've a printed out article on a load worked up in a SBH using H110 or WW296, I forget which. I followed it, but stopped a grain short I believe. IMR4227 may be a good idea here. steve b

Great question...

The Hodgdon load data for IMR-4227 has recommended COAL 1.600, which uses the top cannelure. They come out at 1.606 and pass the drop in test for either of my revolvers (the Hodgdon load data showing max of 1.610").

I'm starting at 18g so I should double check if it's compressed.

Which load manual/data recommends that lower crimp?

 

[Hammerdown77]

I'm starting at 18g so I should double check if it's compressed.

Might not be a bad thing, as some 4227 loads are compressed. Just depends on the load.

I'm using 22 grains under a 250 gr. lead bullet, and it is a smidge compressed.

 

[steve b]

The data didn't come from a manual. Its a reprint from a mag article. Ok, went downstairs to my lair... Author used a 4 5/8" SBH. He used Rem cases,CCI 350 primers, W296. At normal OAL, he found max at 20gr and got 1159fps. He then went to the lower cannelure, OAL 1.775". He started at 20gr and went up. At 22.5gr he matched the previous high velocity. He kept going up until he matched the previous max pressure. He found it at 25grs., that yielded him 1292fps.. I recall, that in my SBH and the RH that I had, I stopped at 24grs.. Should be a heck of a game load. I never had the occasion to put one into a deer. steve b

 

[steve b]

When I put forth the idea, on another forum, of doing the same thing in .357 using the 180Gr XTP,well folks were quite upset with my thoughts. YMMV ! steve b

 

[bigboredad]

When I was shooting .44's my best accuracy came from h110 and 20gr. not the fastest but was the most accurate

 

[Rumrunner]

I have had good luck with H-110. I dont have the Data in front of me but it was about 1 grain less then max. Shot good in Redhawk, TC 12" Encore, and 96/44.

 

[sailorb]

I have a .44 SBH Hunter as well. I have used 18.5 gr of H110 with a 300 gr Cast Precision LBT with great success. It gives around 1100 fps with great accuracy. I have tried up to 20 gr, but 18.5 is the best in my gun. I have used 18-18.5 gr of H110 with Hornady 300 gr XTPs and found them to be about as good, but not quite as accurate. I mostly load these as "bear be gone" loads, so I am partial to the hard cast loads.