Rifle powders in 44 magnum

I'd like to experiment with rifle powders in 44 magnum to lower velocities while maintaining a full case to keep my cast bullets happy. I did find pressure-tested loading data for IMR powders in one of their old reloading data handouts, but am interested in hearing from anyone else that may have done this. I have a 629-2 Mountain "Revolver" that's pretty unpleasant to shoot and want to tone it down a bit. I've tried the usual Bullseye, Red Dot, & Unique reduced loads, but I get some ferocious leading that's a nuisance to remove. I did cross-post this topic on Single-Actions(.)com, so don't be surprised if you see it twice.

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I have used WC680 with heavy jacketed loads and have yet to experiment with cast lead to any degree. It does very well with Hornady 300 grainers.

You should not be getting leading with the powders mentioned if cylinder barrel diameters are in proper size agreement.

Does the whole barrel lead?

What size bullets?

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We have .432 throats with a .430 barrel. My goals are for 900 FPS +/-. It's a neat gun, but I need to find a load that won't rip up my trigger finger, the way it does now. I want to slow the recoil impulse a bit to see if it makes a difference. 680 might do it, but I already have a lot of faster rifle powders from my lever action days.

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I had the same leading problem with reduced loads in one of my old models. I was told to use a softer cast bullet than the ones I was using and it cleared the problems. I cannot remember if Creeker or Aaron B. had the bullets but one of those two guys got me squared away. Good Shooting to you.

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I did cast up some really soft 250 gr SWCs that I had lying around, but haven't fired any yet. My average hardness is about 16 for the really hard stuff, and my softer alloy runs about 11-12. I need to get some sort of utility from this revolver, we don't keep safe queens around here, although it is quite purty.

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...but I've done some similar things in .45 Colt with heavy cast bullets and it worked just fine. I suspect that you will be pleased with 4198 for such loads.

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I've had good results with AA#9 for reducing recoil & clean burning.

~JM~

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4198 looked like the most logical choice from the data I've acquired so far.

Thanks Glen

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...bulks up well, and performs nicely in reduced loads.

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it myself and never tried the rifle powders. Let us know how it works out if you try it.

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I use Trail Boss with good results.

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If you have leading with reduced loads then it is not because of using faster burning powders. The only reason I can think of to have leading with light loads is having bullets that are too small for your barrel and/or cylinder throats. Faster powders should actually give you an advantage by causing the bullets to expand to fit the cylinder throats.

You didn't say what your reduced loads were but anywhere from 8 to 10 grains of Unique with 240 grain bullets should be a good load.

The .44mag has been used with rifle powders from the very beginning because 2400 is actually called a rifle powder. I have read recommendations for using H4227 in .44mag loads and I found that it produces loads that seem significantly milder than similar loads with 2400 or 296.

Try some loads with 10 grains of Unique. If those are not too much recoil for you then try H4227. If 10 grains of Unique are too much then try 8 grains.

Another thing you can do to reduce recoil is to go down to 180 or 200 grain bullets.

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for my heavy hunting loads in scoped Redhawk 44M. 330 gr CB and all the H4227 that'll fit in the case. 2 elk so far...a big bull and a large cow.

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