Hi, I have some AA#9 powder on hand; I know that this is a good load for full power .44 magnum loads, however I recently bought a 1894 marlin carbine, and the cast bullets that I am planning on reloading for it can lead the barrel if pushed past 1500 fps. Is it possible to download AA#9 to a level where this would not happen?
AA#9 in light/mid range .44 magnum load?
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Maj Dad
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To start, if you use hard-cast (≥ 18 BHN) bullets you won't have to worry too much up to around 1800 fps or so, especially if you use gas checks. AA#9 has a range of charge weights, so if you use the starting load, you should be fine. Downloading it much beyond the starting load will likely cause incomplete ignition and possibly squib loads, so I would be cautious. I would also recommend that you get a pound of 2400 or Unique (or one of the similar powders) - I know that is not much help considering the state of powder availability, but they are better suited for lighter loads...
But look over the Accurate site: http://www.accuratepowder.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/accurate_load_data_3.5.pdf : the starting loads of #9 will likely keep your velocity below 1500 fps even with the additional barrel length of a rifle. If you follow the manual, you will be o.k.
But look over the Accurate site: http://www.accuratepowder.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/accurate_load_data_3.5.pdf : the starting loads of #9 will likely keep your velocity below 1500 fps even with the additional barrel length of a rifle. If you follow the manual, you will be o.k.
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
Maybe not? Maybe too?
What bullet weight are you talking about??
Lyman lists a AA #9 starting load with a 240 grain bullet of 18.2 grains giving 1,560 out of a 20" carbine.
You might be able to go a little lower.
rc
What bullet weight are you talking about??
Lyman lists a AA #9 starting load with a 240 grain bullet of 18.2 grains giving 1,560 out of a 20" carbine.
You might be able to go a little lower.
rc
I am using 185 grain bullets.. I know that is light for .44 but honestly I had only intended to use them for plinking at the range or target shooting so I didn't think to get a heavier bullet. Mea culpa I know. I did look at the data and it looks like I might be able to squeak by with the minimum load though. Is it safe to download at all with this powder or am I risking lodging a bullet in my barrel
Assuming your Marlin has Microgroove rifling, you are likely to run into issues with cast bullets vis a vis accuracy even if you keep the speed down. Microgroove barrels are not the most tolerant accuracy wise with cast or lead bullets due to a variety of factors. The generally accepted limit to maintain accuracy is 1600 fps; not taking into account bullet to bore fit, specific hardness, etc.
While AA#9 downloads a bit better than H110 / W296, you really want to go to a faster powder especially with those lightweight bullets. AA#9 will leave a fair amount of unburned powder reside when you get too low on pressure; go lower and you will get squib loads.
While AA#9 downloads a bit better than H110 / W296, you really want to go to a faster powder especially with those lightweight bullets. AA#9 will leave a fair amount of unburned powder reside when you get too low on pressure; go lower and you will get squib loads.
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
+1
It might have worked with heavy bullets.
But it isn't at all a good idea with that light for caliber bullets.
rc
It might have worked with heavy bullets.
But it isn't at all a good idea with that light for caliber bullets.
rc
Got any other powders handy? If your cast can't handle much over 1500 fps, they are on the soft side. You really want something faster to drive them properly. Pretty much anything from Bullseye to Herco speed powders come to mind. Even AA#7 would be a little slow for what you are asking for although it is better suited. What you need is a powder that will give around 1000-1200 fps. out of a hand gun.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
I agree, do you have any other powders available? If so, which powders do you have?
When going for lower pressure rounds a faster powder will perform better, especially with lighter bullets. If you like Accurate powders five AA#7 a try or even AA#5 with that light a bullet.
It's hard to give recommendation without knowing what powders you have available to you right now.
When going for lower pressure rounds a faster powder will perform better, especially with lighter bullets. If you like Accurate powders five AA#7 a try or even AA#5 with that light a bullet.
It's hard to give recommendation without knowing what powders you have available to you right now.
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