Wanting new powder for 44 Mag.

Randy1911 · November 6, 2009, 05:40 PM

I am want to try a different powder for my Ruger Super Redhawk in 44 Mag. I am currently using H-110. I know that it is very picky on how much you can vary the charge. I am getting about 5" groups off a rest @25 yds. I have tried 2400 and Unique. I am planning on using this gun for deer hunting this fall. I am shooting Hornady XTP 240 gr. bullets. I am open for suggestions.

Bailey Boat · November 6, 2009, 05:45 PM

I did some testing with my 629 not too long ago and had some sub 2" groups with Green Dot, Unique, HP 38 and 2400 using both 180 and 240 grain bullets. Velocities were in the "plinking" range of 1000 fps......

PS: I'm originally from Arkansas, around Hot Springs...... Small world....

rcmodel · November 6, 2009, 05:48 PM

5" off a rest at 25 yards is probably not caused by the the powder!

If you have already tried H110, 2400, and Unique, and it didn't shoot 240 XTP's quite well with one of them, something else is wrong.

rc

jem375 · November 6, 2009, 06:02 PM

He's right, if you can't group well with H110, WW296, 2400, or AA#9, sell the gun ...............

ranger335v · November 6, 2009, 06:19 PM

" I am open for suggestions"

Try another bullet. IF that won't work, sell the pistol.

rcmodel · November 6, 2009, 06:26 PM

If it won't shoot 240 XTP's real well, I doubt it will shoot anything else real well either.

They are the gold standard for accuracy in most any handgun caliber.

rc

uf-engineer · November 6, 2009, 06:28 PM

I use h110 & 2400 with 240gr xtp's. I have 1" groups out to 50 yards off the bench. My super redhawk is scoped.

Shoney · November 6, 2009, 06:28 PM

You guys are way to polite.

Just tell him the loose screw behind the pistol needs adjustment.

Randy1911 · November 6, 2009, 06:48 PM

I will see if I can find someone else to shoot the gun and elimate me out of the puzzle.

I have only had this pistol for a couple of months. I am going to try some different bullet weights as well.

**1911Tuner** · November 6, 2009, 06:55 PM

Check the chamber throats to see if they're undersized or vary more than .001 inch.

Walkalong · November 6, 2009, 07:50 PM

If AA #9 or N110 won't shoot with those XTP's, it's the driver or a gun problem.

Kernel · November 6, 2009, 08:29 PM

Quote:

I am want to try a different powder for my Ruger Super Redhawk in 44 Mag.

Try Hodgdon's Lil'Gun. It's putting up some pretty remarkable velocities. For top performance, I'd also encourage you to take full advantage of your Redhawk's generous cylinder length when developing handloads. This can have the effect of increasing powder capacity by as much as 20%. And by following proper handloading techniques, can increasing muzzle velocities by hundreds of fps.

Randy1911 · November 6, 2009, 09:16 PM

I will get some sandbags and try again. I am currently shooting off cross sticks for a rest since that is what I am going to take hunting. I will be the first one to admit that it could be me. My biggest problem is I don't have a shooting buddy to have try it out for me(my wife shoots but she can't handle the 44). I am going to do some loading tonight and try to get to the range tomorrow.

jbkebert · November 6, 2009, 09:46 PM

I load with lil-gun and my SPR loves it. Burns clean, accurate, hits hard its a good powder.

Ret.CWO · November 6, 2009, 09:52 PM

I have always used W296 for my power loads. 25 Grs. behind a 240 Gr. semi wad cutter. It is a MAX load. I use it in a Ruger Black Hawk 10 1/2 barrel and a Winchester 94A rifle. It's in the Winchester loading tables. Duplicates a factory load they sell. Has one heck of a wallop. Groups well at fifty yards with the 94A.

SlamFire1 · November 6, 2009, 09:59 PM

Quote:

I have always used W296 for my power loads.

W296 is the same powder as H110, only difference is the variability due to lot to lot differences.

I have used H110, 2400, AA#9 with many different 240 Jacketed bullets. All of these powders shoot well, but I prefer 2400 because you can cut the loads and still have excellent performance.

parisite · November 6, 2009, 10:10 PM

2400 & AA4100 are my 44 powders.

buck460XVR · November 6, 2009, 11:31 PM

My 629 loves 240 XTPs and H110/W296. Actually it likes any 240 grain bullet and H110/W296. If you've got a long pipe. you might like IMR4227. Aint quite as fast as H110/W296, but is accurate and doesn't have the narrow parameters.

ArchAngelCD · November 6, 2009, 11:44 PM

What do those 5" groups look like? Are they all over the place, strung vertically, strung horizontally or something else?

Like the others have said, the bullet and powders you have already tried should have produced much better accuracy. If you have shot other revolvers better I would check the barrel for copper fouling because that will ruin even the best efforts at accuracy. Also like said above, check the chamber throats and even the barrel diameter if all else fails.

Good luck finding the problem...

GRIZ22 · November 6, 2009, 11:56 PM

I have always used W296 for my power loads. 25 Grs. behind a 240 Gr. semi wad cutter.

I guess I'm only slightly more conservative as I use 24 grains. I use Unique for mild to slightly warm loads. I shoot cast bullets almost exclusively.

MichaelK · November 7, 2009, 01:54 AM

My standard 44 magnum load is Lyman's 245 grain 429421 bullet pushed by 16.0 grains of Blue Dot.

Sport45 · November 7, 2009, 02:04 AM

Anybody tried Ramshot Enforcer for magnum loads yet?

From the little I've seen it looks like it would fall somewhere between 2400 and H110/W296 in velocity.

243winxb · November 7, 2009, 10:06 AM

Are you using a Magnum primer?

NCsmitty · November 7, 2009, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Are you using a Magnum primer?

Good point, 243winxb. H110/Win296 absolutely needs a hot primer for consistent ignition, which usually translates into target consistency.
Whether this is the reason for the less than stellar target performance remains to be discovered.

NCsmitty

Ky Larry · November 7, 2009, 11:11 AM

My Model 29 likes 240gr Nosler JHP's,PMC LP Mag primers, and 19.2gr of AA#9. I use a slightly more snug crimp on warm loads than I use on my plinking loads. It seems to improve consistency. Keep us posted.

November 6, 2009, 05:40 PM	#1
Randy1911 Member Join Date: March 15, 2009 Location: Arkansas Posts: 357	Wanting new powder for 44 Mag.(UPDATED) I am want to try a different powder for my Ruger Super Redhawk in 44 Mag. I am currently using H-110. I know that it is very picky on how much you can vary the charge. I am getting about 5" groups off a rest @25 yds. I have tried 2400 and Unique. I am planning on using this gun for deer hunting this fall. I am shooting Hornady XTP 240 gr. bullets. I am open for suggestions. __________________ NRA Member 26 year Reloader Last edited by Randy1911; November 8, 2009 at 08:26 PM.

November 6, 2009, 05:48 PM	#3
rcmodel Member Join Date: September 17, 2007 Location: Eastern KS Posts: 16,785	5" off a rest at 25 yards is probably not caused by the the powder! If you have already tried H110, 2400, and Unique, and it didn't shoot 240 XTP's quite well with one of them, something else is wrong. rc __________________ If you don't belong to the NRA Don't come whining about it when the next Gun Control Act gets passed!

November 6, 2009, 06:02 PM	#4
jem375 Member Join Date: January 4, 2003 Location: Minnesota Posts: 920	He's right, if you can't group well with H110, WW296, 2400, or AA#9, sell the gun ............... __________________ NRA Life Member

November 6, 2009, 06:26 PM	#6
rcmodel Member Join Date: September 17, 2007 Location: Eastern KS Posts: 16,785	If it won't shoot 240 XTP's real well, I doubt it will shoot anything else real well either. They are the gold standard for accuracy in most any handgun caliber. rc __________________ If you don't belong to the NRA Don't come whining about it when the next Gun Control Act gets passed!

November 6, 2009, 06:28 PM	#8
Shoney Member Join Date: January 1, 2003 Location: Transplanted away from MT Posts: 1,252	You guys are way to polite. Just tell him the loose screw behind the pistol needs adjustment. __________________ I pledge allegiance to the Flag - - -, and to the Republic for which it stands….Our Forefathers were brilliant for giving us a Republic, not a democracy! Do you know the difference??? and WHY?http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissue...les.asp?id=111

November 6, 2009, 05:45 PM	#2
Bailey Boat Member Join Date: September 30, 2007 Location: Concord, NC Posts: 308	I did some testing with my 629 not too long ago and had some sub 2" groups with Green Dot, Unique, HP 38 and 2400 using both 180 and 240 grain bullets. Velocities were in the "plinking" range of 1000 fps...... PS: I'm originally from Arkansas, around Hot Springs...... Small world....

November 6, 2009, 06:19 PM	#5
ranger335v Member Join Date: December 3, 2006 Posts: 1,535	" I am open for suggestions" Try another bullet. IF that won't work, sell the pistol.

November 6, 2009, 06:28 PM	#7
uf-engineer Member Join Date: May 6, 2009 Posts: 31	I use h110 & 2400 with 240gr xtp's. I have 1" groups out to 50 yards off the bench. My super redhawk is scoped.

November 6, 2009, 06:48 PM	#9
Randy1911 Member Join Date: March 15, 2009 Location: Arkansas Posts: 357	Thanks Guys I will see if I can find someone else to shoot the gun and elimate me out of the puzzle. I have only had this pistol for a couple of months. I am going to try some different bullet weights as well. __________________ NRA Member 26 year Reloader

November 6, 2009, 06:55 PM	#10
1911Tuner Moderator Join Date: May 22, 2003 Location: Lexington,North Carolina...or thereabouts Posts: 12,485	Check the chamber throats to see if they're undersized or vary more than .001 inch. __________________ If your front porch collapses and kills more than five dogs...You just might be a redneck. Speak kindly to me, beloved master. Revel in my unconditional love, and give me every minute that you can spare, for my time with you is short. --Your faithful dog http://www.collierescue.net/available/index.html

November 6, 2009, 07:50 PM	#11
Walkalong Member Join Date: November 20, 2006 Location: Alabama Posts: 12,845	If AA #9 or N110 won't shoot with those XTP's, it's the driver or a gun problem. __________________ Help turn the tide of Socialism. Taking control of the House and Senate from them is key in 2010. Finish the job in 2012.

November 6, 2009, 09:16 PM	#13
Randy1911 Member Join Date: March 15, 2009 Location: Arkansas Posts: 357	I will get some sandbags and try again. I am currently shooting off cross sticks for a rest since that is what I am going to take hunting. I will be the first one to admit that it could be me. My biggest problem is I don't have a shooting buddy to have try it out for me(my wife shoots but she can't handle the 44). I am going to do some loading tonight and try to get to the range tomorrow. __________________ NRA Member 26 year Reloader

November 6, 2009, 09:46 PM	#14
jbkebert Member Join Date: January 30, 2009 Location: Kansas Posts: 926	I load with lil-gun and my SPR loves it. Burns clean, accurate, hits hard its a good powder. __________________ "Going to war without the French is like going deer hunting without an accordian." Jed Babbin

November 6, 2009, 09:52 PM	#15
Ret.CWO Member Join Date: October 4, 2009 Posts: 30	I have always used W296 for my power loads. 25 Grs. behind a 240 Gr. semi wad cutter. It is a MAX load. I use it in a Ruger Black Hawk 10 1/2 barrel and a Winchester 94A rifle. It's in the Winchester loading tables. Duplicates a factory load they sell. Has one heck of a wallop. Groups well at fifty yards with the 94A.

November 6, 2009, 10:10 PM	#17
parisite Member Join Date: December 17, 2005 Location: NE Texas Posts: 1,344	2400 & AA4100 are my 44 powders.

November 6, 2009, 11:31 PM	#18
buck460XVR Member Join Date: February 6, 2007 Posts: 785	My 629 loves 240 XTPs and H110/W296. Actually it likes any 240 grain bullet and H110/W296. If you've got a long pipe. you might like IMR4227. Aint quite as fast as H110/W296, but is accurate and doesn't have the narrow parameters. __________________ Guns are like Harleys and women.....you can never have too many.

November 6, 2009, 11:44 PM	#19
ArchAngelCD Member Join Date: November 25, 2006 Location: PA, USA Posts: 6,367	What do those 5" groups look like? Are they all over the place, strung vertically, strung horizontally or something else? Like the others have said, the bullet and powders you have already tried should have produced much better accuracy. If you have shot other revolvers better I would check the barrel for copper fouling because that will ruin even the best efforts at accuracy. Also like said above, check the chamber throats and even the barrel diameter if all else fails. Good luck finding the problem... __________________ Remember boys and girls, gun control only prevents law abiding Americans from owning guns because the Bad Guys don’t obey the laws, no matter how restrictive or lenient the laws are!

November 6, 2009, 11:56 PM	#20
GRIZ22 Member Join Date: November 4, 2006 Posts: 2,787	I have always used W296 for my power loads. 25 Grs. behind a 240 Gr. semi wad cutter. I guess I'm only slightly more conservative as I use 24 grains. I use Unique for mild to slightly warm loads. I shoot cast bullets almost exclusively.

November 7, 2009, 01:54 AM	#21
MichaelK Member Join Date: October 27, 2009 Posts: 57	My standard 44 magnum load is Lyman's 245 grain 429421 bullet pushed by 16.0 grains of Blue Dot.

November 7, 2009, 02:04 AM	#22
Sport45 Member Join Date: March 5, 2004 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 1,115	Anybody tried Ramshot Enforcer for magnum loads yet? From the little I've seen it looks like it would fall somewhere between 2400 and H110/W296 in velocity. __________________ Proud owner of a Ruger Redhawk, S&W 36, S&W 19-5, Sig 226, Colt 1991a1, Springfield 1911a1, SA XD45ACP, Dan Wesson 15-2, Ruger 22/45, Iver Johnson Target Sealed 8, and a few rifles and shotguns.

November 7, 2009, 10:06 AM	#23
243winxb Member Join Date: July 8, 2004 Location: USA Posts: 1,685	Are you using a Magnum primer?

November 7, 2009, 11:11 AM	#25
Ky Larry Member Join Date: May 22, 2003 Location: Ky Posts: 1,862	My Model 29 likes 240gr Nosler JHP's,PMC LP Mag primers, and 19.2gr of AA#9. I use a slightly more snug crimp on warm loads than I use on my plinking loads. It seems to improve consistency. Keep us posted. __________________ "Suppose you were a congressman. Now,suppose you were an idiot. But I repeat myself." Mark Twain

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