Aside from the scam artists, I have done considerable testing of bullets and powders in the maximum. You did not mention your platform, revolver or single shot. Mine is a 14" CVA scout converted to Max. 4227, AA#9, 2400, 296/110 powders are best for bullets weighing less than 150 grains, in may application. 296/110 are probably the generic burn-rate-powder in 158 gain class bullets. However, I am convinced that true performance with the Max is realized with bullet ranging 180-200 grain. In my gun, cast 205 grain bullets can be shot almost as fast as jacketed 180s. With these loads, powders like Lil Gun, 11FS (AA1680) become most useful. The others are too fast for these weight bullets. In my powder pageant 11FS won. It was a little faster with a little less pressure than LilGun, but it was close. 1680 worked OK, but loads had to be compressed and I do not like the hear that crunch. My 14" single shot platform 205 grain cast bullets make over 2000 FPS with reasonable pressure with an appropriate amount of 11FS. Best of all, I could find 11FS for purchase. NOTE: ALL TESTING WAS DONE WITH CCI450 MAGNUM SMALL RIFLE PRIMERS. These are rifle level pressure so this is important. These loads far exceed a 44 mag in trajectory or energy. They also exceed any loading manual data. However, these are safe in my gun. Cases fall out of the chamber and primers remain round and not dimpled. Test at your own risk and do not listen to me. I do recommend 11FS powder in the Max with heavy bullets. More velocity, lower pressure, and less blast than the 296/100 series. Hope this helps.
