.44mag 180gr load recipe?

[Kingcreek]

I thought I had grabbed a box of my favorite 240gr Hornady XTP and just found out I have 180gr XTP for the .44 mag. now I have to figure out a new load (or find somebody that wants these here 180s)
I have AA#7 and AA#9 and 296 and 231 and Unique on hand. any suggestions for a suitable powder and load. shooting em thru a 5.5" SW629 Classic and a Winchester 94-44 carbine.
Thanks!

 

[rcmodel]

http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

http://www.accuratepowder.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/accurate_load_data_3.5.pdf

rc

 

[gamestalker]

Go to Hogdon's loading pages that RC provided the link for. And if me, I would load that 296, or H110 actually, and load up some nice full house magnums to use those 180's up with. Don't reduce the minimum charge and use magnum primers with 296.

 

[NCsmitty]

I took my first handgun deer back a few decades ago using 180gr Sierra HP, under 22gr of 2400, shot from my Hawes single action. Accurate and exhibiting dependable expansion, I never cared too much for heavier weights that often zip through with little or no expansion at handgun velocities. Yes, the 240gr will make a hole through a deer, and the deer will usually expire at some point, but that 180gr bullet was my favorite.

You have Accurate #9 powder, and that compares quite well with Alliant 2400 burn rate. I never cared for H110/Win296 in my handgun loads, as I considered it too finicky. I only use H110 in my heavy 410 reloads.



NCsmitty

 

[gamestalker]

I'm on the same page as you NCsmitty, regarding the lighter bullets.

My Son dispatched a nice big mule last year with a .357 mag. snubby using 125 gr. XTP's and 296. He didn't actually intend to use that particular firearm for his deer, but the opportunity presented and the only thing he had a chance to grab was that snub S&W 66-5 on his hip. Even more amazing was he shot it at around 100 yds. and nailed it. It may well have been just a lucky shot, but the hole that bullet made when it exited had nothing to do with luck at all, just shear expansion and velocity made that baseball sized hole.

 

[Kingcreek]

Thanks!
accurate's data favors the #7 for the lighter bullets.
Hogden's shows 231 or 296 but the pressures are much higher in the 231 loading.

 

[zeke]

44 mag case, fed 150 primer, 180 jhp (Rem or Hdy), 11.0 grains unique, medium hard LFC. About 1250 from 4 in Mt Gun, about 1550 fps from 16 Marlin. Ex accuracy, but very different POI than 240 grainers in revolver.

231 also works, at about 9.5-10.5 grains.