Reduced Loads for the .44 Magnum.

Well, somebody suggested instead of getting a .44 SPL, I should just make reduced loads for my .S&W Mountain Gun and treat it like a .44 Spl.

Check out at the big brain on Brad!!!

So, enter the 250gr RFHP bullet from Matt's Bullets.



Next to a 200gr Speer Gold Dot factory load.

That cast bullet is pretty freaking awesome! The cavity is MONSTROUS and still 250gr!

My target velocity was 800-900 fps. If I could get them to operate in that threshold from a 4" barrel, I would be happy. As a base line, I chronographed the .44 Spl GD load and it clocked 762fps.



The first load of 7.0gr TB sucked as to accuracy and the velocity was sub 800 fps. So, we weren't off to a good start.

Next load of 7.5gr TB was right on the money! 825fps and a 1.4" group! Now, we were talking.

Final load of 8.0gr TB was nice on velocity at 858 fps, but the accuracy went away again.



So, the winner is 7.5gr Trail Boss and the 250gr RFHP.



Tomorrow, I'll hit the range with that load and some gallons of water. See how well the bullet expands at that velocity and compare it's penetration to some other loads I've tested. Stay tuned..............

I really like the looks of that cast hollow point. Do you think they would work on deer?

I just bought some of the hp's from Matt's my plan is the use them in a 44 special for deer this season.

I used 8 grains of Unique for a reduced .44 load and a 240 gr. flat nosed cast bullet for silhouettes. This load would topple the ram at 110 yds and do so with moderate recoil. Didn't chrono the load but I am pretty sure you could get 8 - 900 FPS

I'm not sure. The manufacturer recommends keeping the velocity to .44 Spl loads, so no pushing it past 1,000 fps I don't suspect.

I'll let you know the water jug results this afternoon.

I know water isn't the best test media. But, it's cheap, easy, and repeatable for comparing to known hunting loads.

You get to be our test subject, then. Please post your results.

Science!!!

I purchases some of these as well for my 44 Special. I couldn't get a good group out of them at all yesterday. I was shooting around 3" at 25 yards. I've got some more loaded up to play with. Anxious to see your results.

Brenden

Accuracy is assuredly not as good as I've had with other bullets I've used. But, acceptable for my intended purpose and usage.

If they perform well today..........

For what it's worth, I put a heavy crimp on them.

Whether that is good or bad, I'm unsure.

I applied a heavy crimp to mine as well. It's hard to beat a good Keith bullet. Running the Keith's with the old Skeeter load produces good results out of my 4.5" Blackhawk.

I did manage to shoot a very good group with the 255 Cast Performance over 8 grains of Unique. This will be my deer hunting load until I get Matt's Bullets figured out.

If my old standby load had a little more "umph" to it I would consider it. Like you, I'd be happy with 8-900 fps. I don't need much, but I'd like some!

Brenden

The results are in!

Set up 10 bottles.........just in case.........at 7 yards.

Slo-Motion Video

http://vid26.photobucket.com/albums/c106/lovinmycaitlynn/Shooting/IMG_2461_zpsr2eceshi.mp4

So, how many jugs did it penetrate?

3

It broke the back of the third. Leaving a dent and a crack for water to flow out of. Then, fell to the bottom of the third gallon jug.





Not as dramatic as a faster moving bullet by any means. But, it expanded, penetrated, and didn't blow through a ton of jugs (over penetrate).







It expanded to .808" in diameter and retained 100% of it's weight.



Zeroed the gun for 25 yards and called it good.



I could probably push the bullets faster and approach the 1,000 fps mark. But, it'll probably start leading my barrel and recoil will assuredly increase.

For a low recoil round that won't excessively penetrate but do it's job..............I think we have a winner.

That'll work.

Thanks for sharing Zee. That's the kind of performance I like to see. I'll play some more with mine and see what I can come up with.

Brenden

I loaded up some more rounds tonight. Put 8.5gr Trail Boss in them this time. Starting to compress the powder now. So, this will likely be it.



Just want to see what the accuracy and velocity are with this load. I suspect around 900 fps and accuracy is anyone's guess.

Will find out tomorrow.

8.5 grains of Trail Boss WINS!!!!

Video:
http://vid26.photobucket.com/albums/c106...zpsssucnjar.mp4









Stats:
Weight = 250gr
Length =.754" Long

7.5gr load
825 fps
Penetrated: 3 Gallons
Expanded: .808"
Length: .516"
Weight Retention: 100%
Accuracy: 1.4"

8.5gr load
918 fps
Penetrated: 3 Gallons
Expanded: .831"
Length: .473"
Weight Retention: 100%
Accuracy: 1.6"
The 8.5gr load gained almost 100 fps on the previous load. It penetrated the same number of jugs, but left a larger crack in the back of the 3rd than the previous load. It expanded more, but retained 100% of it's weight. Accuracy, while the numbers say differently, I believe it is the most accurate load. Two rounds were right next to each other in the paster.........and I shanked the 3rd round to open the group up. Dang-it!

It's clearly the winner all round. I've found my reduced load for the .44 mag mountain Gun..........


(8.5gr on the left / 7.5gr on the right)

Good stuff! Glad you found something that seems to work well. I've got to wait until this weekend to test mine again.

Did it appear to have any leading issues at 900 fps?

Brenden

I can see a little smear here and there. But, nothing that shouldn't clean up relatively easy. I've seen MUCH worse before. Comparatively..........this is cake.

And.......just for good measure........I had to compare my load to the much vaunted 200gr Speer Gold Dot .44 Spl load. It's SCIENCE!!!

Video
http://vid26.photobucket.com/albums/c106...zpsqnh4j6wr.mp4









Stats:

Velocity: 762 fps
Penetration: 3 Gallons
Expansion: .670"
Weight Retention: 100%

Speer (left) / 8.5gr load (center) / 7.5gr load (right)








All shot into the same media at the same distance, from the same gun.

The impact of the Special load was much less dramatic than the two reduced Mag loads. Penetration was the same, but the Special load did not break the back of the 3rd jug as the two Mag loads had done. Weight retention was the same in that all loads retained 100% of their weight. But, expansion was minimal with the Special load as opposed to the Mags.

All good stuff! I got a bunch of these to try in the lowly .44Colt. I'd really like to try them on a broadside shot on a nice sized doe this season.

I would love the see the results.

Belay that.......I NEED to see the results!

You have your mission.............come back with your shield..........or on it.





:-)

Isn't science fun! I like photo 2 and 3 , one has two bottle tops in the air. The other has all three caps going skyward, Neat photo!

Without a doubt! If we can't learn.........why do it?

I'll definitely report back if I manage to poke a hole in an unsuspecting critter with that bullet.

I may be able to post results in a few weeks with the 44 Special. I've got an awesome load worked up with the 255 Cast Performance WFN in front of 8 grains of Unique.

I plan to test some more Matt's Bullets this weekend. I hope I can get them shooting, as I believe they are a great bullet. Judging by your results, they will make the river run red.

I love the 44 Special. Everyone should own one. Hopefully I can get a deer in range and touch one off.

Brenden