I just got back from Birchwood today, man what a great day to spend at the range! I shot 100 test loads out of three 44 magnums, Redhawk 5.5", Redhawk 7.5", and S&W 629 Classic 6". Bullet I am using is Missouri Bullet Company 240gr Keith style only it has a bevel base. Brass Federal, primer Fed 150, powder recent production Unique. I started with 7gr, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, and 9.5. I was looking for a lighter load for general shooting maybe 900-1000fps.
I was really dissapointed with all these loads as the groups the three revolvers shot at 25 yards was anywhere from 3 to 5 inches and that from a sandbag rest. Three inches would be one of the better groups. I have used Unique for years, but honestly I am quite sick of using the stuff as it always seems dirty, meters worse than any other handgun powder I use (my RCBS or Lyman powder measure can vary by at least + or - 2 to 3 tenths of a grain using Unique). I know Unique is the old standby for many reloaders and many hold it near and dear to heart so I'm not trying to hurt any feelings. Just looking for something else to try.
I have a good load using 19gr of 2400 that will shoot good from all three revolvers. This load is about max for this bullet as I get just a small amount of leading with them after shooting several dozen. Tried 17gr 2400 and increased up to 19 and that was the most accurate load. Now I need to find a good universal mid-range load for them. Seems like there should be some time tested universal loads out there that have a proven track record for accuracy in a variety of 44 magnums. I have HS6 on hand and was thinking of giving it a go, also Titegroup, Power Pistol, H110, Win 296, Bullseye.
Anyone have a magic load out there they are willing to share. I keep reading posts on various forums of guys who can shoot 1 or 2 inch groups off hand at 25 yards and I can't seem to even get that from a sandbag rest except for my full power loads!!!
Cast Performance bullets shoot exceptionally well out of the Redhawks but are too expensive to practice with much. Maybe I should try a different cast bullet so I'm open to suggestions there also.
Thanks
I was really dissapointed with all these loads as the groups the three revolvers shot at 25 yards was anywhere from 3 to 5 inches and that from a sandbag rest. Three inches would be one of the better groups. I have used Unique for years, but honestly I am quite sick of using the stuff as it always seems dirty, meters worse than any other handgun powder I use (my RCBS or Lyman powder measure can vary by at least + or - 2 to 3 tenths of a grain using Unique). I know Unique is the old standby for many reloaders and many hold it near and dear to heart so I'm not trying to hurt any feelings. Just looking for something else to try.
I have a good load using 19gr of 2400 that will shoot good from all three revolvers. This load is about max for this bullet as I get just a small amount of leading with them after shooting several dozen. Tried 17gr 2400 and increased up to 19 and that was the most accurate load. Now I need to find a good universal mid-range load for them. Seems like there should be some time tested universal loads out there that have a proven track record for accuracy in a variety of 44 magnums. I have HS6 on hand and was thinking of giving it a go, also Titegroup, Power Pistol, H110, Win 296, Bullseye.
Anyone have a magic load out there they are willing to share. I keep reading posts on various forums of guys who can shoot 1 or 2 inch groups off hand at 25 yards and I can't seem to even get that from a sandbag rest except for my full power loads!!!
Cast Performance bullets shoot exceptionally well out of the Redhawks but are too expensive to practice with much. Maybe I should try a different cast bullet so I'm open to suggestions there also.
Thanks
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