Super Redhawk 44 mag

[Hokie Hunter]

I am a new owner of this beautiful revolver. I plan to use it primarily for VA whitetail. I have decide on Hornady 240 grain JHP-XTP ammunition. I bought a few 100 rounds at a great price, but I can beat this by reloading. I have already purchased the bullets and primers. I would appreciate some advice on powder. I have been steered in the direction of Accurate #9, Winchester 296 or H-110. Any thoughts??

 

[Jimbo357mag]

W-296 and H-110 are the same powder. They are for full house loads and should not be reduced more than 5%. Accurate #9 is a good powder for the 44 magnum and I use a lot of it. My favorite load with it is Accurate #9 (15.0gr - 19.8gr) with the 240grXTP bullet and WLP primer. With a good strong gun you can go into the mid-20's for that extra ooopf. :shock:

...Jimbo

 

[Bucks Owin]

H110 and W-296 are close enough to be twins, but not "the same powder". I have data showing .5 gr less W296 than H110 at the same velocity. Linebaugh claims he gets the odd "slow lot" of H110 too. However, it's kinda splitting hairs for the most part...(And I like to tweak ol' Jimbo :wink: )

I agree, either one is the top choice for heavy loads..

 

[WESHOOT2]

For most top-end performance we use AA9, H110, and W296.
We ignite them with a Magnum primer (check SPECIFIC data for primer choice under AA9).
We load it for MAXIMUM performance in new sized cases ONLY, and use that fired brass for our more moderate practice ammo.
We crimp using the superior Redding Profile Crimp die to enhance accuracy and ballistic uniformity.

And we wear earplugs under our muffs so we don't develop a flich.

 

[Rick Courtright]

H110 and W-296 are close enough to be twins, but not "the same powder". I have data showing .5 gr less W296 than H110 at the same velocity.

Hi, Bucks

I agree they're not the same powder, IF you have older lots of either. My data echoes yours, showing slightly different charges and ballistics. (Kinda like the old Win 540 and HS-6 data: today, Hodgdon's says HS-6 is identical to the discontinued 540 and recipes are interchangeable. But older data says it wasn't always so. I've still got a fair amount of "real" 540, and prefer to use data specifically for it, from Winchester.)

However, if one checks Hodgdon's website data today, they show IDENTICAL loads and ballistics using either 296 or H-110! So methinks Jimbo's correct if referring to current stocks.

I kinda wish Hodgdon's wouldn't rebadge powders that USED to be (even ever so slightly) different and claim they're the same today. But I 'spose they figure we've all used up our old stocks?

That's one reason I think the advice given me years ago about using data developed about the same time your particular lot of powder was produced was, and still is, wise.

Rick C

 

[Lost Sheep]

I am a new owner of this beautiful revolver. I plan to use it primarily for VA whitetail. I have decide on Hornady 240 grain JHP-XTP ammunition. I bought a few 100 rounds at a great price, but I can beat this by reloading. I have already purchased the bullets and primers. I would appreciate some advice on powder. I have been steered in the direction of Accurate #9, Winchester 296 or H-110. Any thoughts??

From your previous posts, I see that you have a LOT of experience hunting, but want to point out that loading with black powder is very much different from smokeless. I discern from your history that you are new to cartridge reloading. If I am mistaken, please let me know.

So, a question that will generate food for thought.

Of the three powders you list, W-295 and H-110 are widely known as good for full-power loads, but not for reduced loads. (I don't know the reputation of Accurate #9, so will remain silent about it.) Reduced-power loads using W-296 or H-110 are dangerous. The reasons are complex and I won't go into them here. But reduced loads can produce unpredictable pressure spikes.

So, what I am suggesting is (please don't be offended if you have already thought of this-I am ignorant of your other thought processes, but read all your other posts on this forum and did not see) that you ask more general questions about the "How-to" of reloading and educate yourself about the substantial differences between your muzzle-loaders' internal ballistics and metallic cartridge internal ballistics.

Good luck, good hunting. Welcome to the forum and thanks for asking our advice.

Lost Sheep

P.S. My advice on powder for right now: Trail Boss. It is a voluminous powder and good for light to medium loads (originally marketed for the C.A.S.S. enthusiasts). Get some cast or plated bullets (that is, inexpensive) and make some ammunition (What kind of press are you using? just curious) just for the practice of operating the loader and getting the dimensions of your cartridges right. Punch some holes in paper for fun. Enjoy.

 

[gramps]

Hokie Hunter, You might also consider 2400. It is a fairly voluminous powder to keep from doubling. It also is used for medium to wild loads. Good luck
gramps

 

[WESHOOT2]

I suggest trying a pound of AA9 first.

It can develop superb accuracy.
It offers a very wide charge weight range.
It can be used at less than maximum.
It does not automatically require a Magnum primer.
It can be used under a wide variety of bullets that differ in construction, material, and weight.
It can make bullets go fast enough.
It can be used under very heavy-for-caliber bullets, too.
It is cleaner than 2400.

Accurate's data is among the very best available.