GR8_Outdoorsman
Single-Sixer
I'm just getting back into reloading after taking a break for several years and I'd like some advice from you guys on reloading the .44 Magnum cartridge. I have three very different guns that I'll be shooting these reloads in and I'd really like to use the same ammo for all of them. I will be shooting these reloads in a Ruger Alaskan, Super Redhawk 9.5" barrel and a lever action 96/44.
As far as my hunting round, I think that I've found what I want to start with. That will be the Hornady XTP 300 grain over a load of H110 or W296. I'll start with the minimal load recommendation and work my way up from there to see what shoots best in my guns.
My question revolves around a good target load that I can use in each of these guns. If possible, I'd like to give a hard cast SWC 240 grain a shot, but I don't want to lead up my barrels. I'm looking for light recoil and lower cost to shoot as much as possible. So here's a few questions that I have around these loads:
1) Should I plan to use the H110 or W296 powder at the minimal recommended levels? I've read that some feel using these slower burning powders at a higher volume helps greatly in the amount of lead left in the barrels. This slower burning powder should be fine for the 9.5" RH and 96/44, but will it cause any issues in the short barrel of the Alaskan?
2) What diameter bullet should I look for to start with? I see them in .430, .431 and I believe I saw .429 as well.
3) LOL,,,, Should I give up on lead rounds all together and just shoot jacketed ammo?!
As far as my hunting round, I think that I've found what I want to start with. That will be the Hornady XTP 300 grain over a load of H110 or W296. I'll start with the minimal load recommendation and work my way up from there to see what shoots best in my guns.
My question revolves around a good target load that I can use in each of these guns. If possible, I'd like to give a hard cast SWC 240 grain a shot, but I don't want to lead up my barrels. I'm looking for light recoil and lower cost to shoot as much as possible. So here's a few questions that I have around these loads:
1) Should I plan to use the H110 or W296 powder at the minimal recommended levels? I've read that some feel using these slower burning powders at a higher volume helps greatly in the amount of lead left in the barrels. This slower burning powder should be fine for the 9.5" RH and 96/44, but will it cause any issues in the short barrel of the Alaskan?
2) What diameter bullet should I look for to start with? I see them in .430, .431 and I believe I saw .429 as well.
3) LOL,,,, Should I give up on lead rounds all together and just shoot jacketed ammo?!