.44 Mag Target Load with Clays?

[power167]

Never loaded the .44 before, nor used clays in anything other than a shotgun and have questions about a specific load for a Marlin 1894:

The bullet I'm using is Rainier .429 200gr FP plated, which the company says to treat as lead as far as data goes. The only data I can find for clays in .44 mag at this weight is a 200 gr LRNFP CAST in .430 diameter, with an OAL listed as 1.570" with a starting load at 4.2 and up to 6.4gr (topping out at ~1030 FPS and 20,200 CUP).

Should I follow this OAL and charge data? Probably leaning to the higher end of the charge range? All I'm looking for is a soft-recoiling and decently accurate load for casual range work. Don't care in the least about velocity or energy, just trying to use powder I already have on hand (i.e., clays) and have a good time with the steel swingers.

 

[GP100man]

power167

I`ve loaded many 250 gr. swc over 6gr. of CLAYS for revolvers !

It`s a very dense powder so be careful & inspect powder levels as ya go !

Clays would`nt be my first choice in a carbine , but it`ll make an ok plinkin load .

Clays is the most position insensitive powder I`ve had exp with !!!

Start low & go up, my cases got a little stiky going over 6gr.

 

[Col]

44mag load

my favorite target load for a 44 mag lead RNFP bullet through my 1894 marlin was 7.6 grns of unique.velocity was around the 1100 fps mark.this was a very mild recoil load and very accurite.
If a more speeder shot is required then I would use Alliant 2400 powder, about 18.5 grains

 

[zxcvbob]

If you have any Red Dot or Promo powder, it's perfect for what you want. You can use .45 Colt or .44 Special load data. (but not necessarily .45 Colt +P data) Sorry, I haven't tried Clays. I use International Clays for .38 Special wadcutters, and I have an unopened can of Universal Clays that I need to try...