Loading for 10 1/2" Ruger Super Blackhawk

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98s1lightning

98s1lightning

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Where should I start for powders for a 10 1/2" bbl blackhawk 44 mag. I'm looking for a "lower" recoil load to start out. I might try the starting load of alliant 300mp. I like it for max loads in my 357, and that powder is said to respond well to long barrels. I want more power than 44 special but not crazy violent loads. I'm also thinking of starting with the hornady XTP because it's available, affordable and suitable for hunting. Maybe start with 200gr bullets the 180's look short.
 
Unique, or Universal are great for those "not quite a magnums"

For top accuracy, I've had great luck with a near max charge of IMR4227, a 240gr XTP and a good firm roll crimp in my 44mags. Won't be quite as hot as 2400, H110/W296 or 300MP, but a magnum for sure.
 
I haven't tried HS-6 does it fill the case nice to prevent double charge?
How bout universal. Does it burn cleaner than unique. I'm not a fan on unique.
 
Another vote for IMR4227 for those not quite magnum loads. The other one to try if you are looking for case fill and low recoil with a lead bullet would be Trail Boss.
I have used all those above as well as Blue Dot, and Red Dot/promo with good results in 44 mag.
 
HS-6 burns very clean at 44mag pressures, fills the case well enough, and flows through a measure like water.

A tip on avoiding double charges.

After priming, put the cases in the block primer up, mouth down. When at the powder measure, pull one out, flip it and fill with powder and return it to the block.

Mouth up has powder already. Primer up has no powder.
 
I double triple check powder drops off a digital dispenser and only fill one case at a time then press bullet before filling next case, I just don't like to run powders that aren't ALSO easy to see by eye if your level is good.
 
I only use my electronic dispenser for rifle rounds with extruded powders. HS-6 flows through a measure so well, using a electronic dispenser with it would be a waste of my time. It throws perfectly through the measure and is a much faster operation.

But it'll be a 12 to 15 gr charge with 240 grain bullets. A double charge would be very easy to spot.
 
Cool thanks mrawesome. Think I should try the 200gr XTP or the Speer 210gr gold dot. I'm thinking 210 might be a sweet compromise. Or just go with the 240s?
 
I've got HS-6 and 240gr XTP's on the way.

Decided after much reading of people having penetration problems on game with the 200gr that I wouldn't bother with them and stick with the standard 240gr.
 
Mrawesome what are you running for primers with HS-6. I just read of a guy using CCI 350 magnum primers with HS-6 for cleaner burning results.
 
I will start at 12.0gr of HS-6 powder. I will make a cylinder full of 12.0, 12.2, 12.4, 12.6, 12.8, and 13.0 and see what I get over chrono. I'm shooting for 1225fps which equals 800 ft/lbs of energy. Hopefully that will be a sweet shooting load and I can bump up what I take into the woods a bit if I feel its necessary. (Bringing it up to 1375fps will equal 1000 ft/lbs of energy. That should be achievable and still be safely under max load) I'm excited to get going on this.
 
I use CCI 350's (magnum).

I don't buy into the magnum primer equals cleaner deal. Most powders get cleaner by increasing the charge weight thus increasing pressure.

Some powders are just filthy no matter the pressure however (Alliant powders).

I think you'll like your 240 and HS-6 combo. HS-6 has a nice "recoil impulse" to me. Plenty of power without the pain and blast of the slower powders.
 
Unique and IMR4227 would be good choices for the longer barrel, magnum primers not needed. As someone else mentioned, unless you just have to have jacketed bullets, cast bullets are fine for mid-range loads.
 
I had one of these. Normal 240 gr. magnum loads are easy to shoot. Now when you load and push 310gr loads fast, it is a little more to handle, but doable. If you have not shot one much, beware of the dragoon trigger guard. Put your little finger under the grip, and hold the grip with the next 2, and index finger on the trigger. The pistol will roll up with the shot, clearing any knuckles. If you have shot single actions much, then carry on.
I traded mine for a super redhawk with the 9 1/2" bbl. Heavier, standard magnum loads are like a .38 in a .357. Loads of fun to shoot at something that makes noise when hit. I like empty refrigerant cans, the 30 lb size.
Good luck and have fun.
 
I like Blue Dot for medium magnum loads, very clean and meters well . hdbiker
 
I’ve got a 10” Ruger SBH in 44 and love it. I have settled on Zero 240 JSP bullets, they are priced right and I can push them hard if I want to. I love 300 MP in my 44 rifle, and it also gives full magnum velocity in the handgun, but if you want a good medium recoil load I highly recommend BE86. It is not case-position sensitive and drops consistently from a volumetric powder measure. The only thing I don’t like about BE86 in 44mag is that it won’t cycle a Desert Eagle.
 
This load is both accurate, and surprisingly powerful in my 44 Magnum. One thousand feet per second seems sedate by 454 Casull standards, but it is plenty powerful on target.


S&W M629-4 Stainless, 5" Barrel

240 LSWC 8.5 grs Unique thrown, Midway Brass WLP
25-Nov-04 T = 58 °F

Ave Vel = 1023
Std Dev = 25
ES = 99
Low = 958
High = 1057
Number rounds = 30

4oiCm5W.jpg
 
mrawesome22-250 said:
The time I tried Blue Dot in 44mag, I was getting extreme pressure spikes at well below listed max charges.

It scared me. I only use Blue Dot in some heavy 20 guage loads now.
Click to expand...

My experience with Blue Dot was not positive. It leaded with magnum loads and cast bullets. Anything less than full power and the velocity spreads were too wide. It worked well with jacketed and full power magnum loads. I know there are more flexible powders around, 2400 is the classic 44 Magnum pistol powder, and it is still a good one for magnum cast and jacketed bullets.
 
mrawesome22-250 said:
300MP would be the wrong powder for medium loads. It will give you more velocity then H110.

I use HS-6 for moderate 44mag. Nice thump without the blast and recoil.
Click to expand...
I'm a bit late to this party, but I agree completely with this response.

A few years ago I was in another forum on which a poster was extolling the virtues of HS-6 for 44 Mag. He kept on over several months, do I finally broke down and tried it (me sitting on an 8 pound jug of HS-6 may have been part if the decision).

It works very well. The recoil impulse is much more agreeable than a faster powder (Unique, Universal, BE86), it flows wonderfully through a powder measure, and burns clean once beyond the start loads.

I strongly recommend HS-6 as a powder for non-maximum loads in 44 Mag, especially with 240+grain projectiles.

Edit to add:. I use Winchester Large Pistol Primers with HS-6
 
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