so i am starting my journey into reloading....and just picked up a ruger sbh with a 5.5" barrel. im looking for a real easy going load for our southern whitetails. im gonna stick with the standard 240gr. bullet for now...probably in a jsp. i figure anything around 1000-1200fps will do dandy, especially since i will be using open sights and a long shot would be 60-70yrds.

anyone have a pet load like this?

Easy is a relative term but 22-23 grains of H110 and a WLP should do you well with most any 240 JHP or JSP.

Excuse my ignorance..whats wlp? Im thinking a primer?

That would be the Winchester Large Pistol primer, yes.

There is a load of data under the member services tab above, give it a look.

If you are getting a reloading "kit", it should come with a manual. Good reading.

You need to keep it below 1100fps so you don't run into The Transonic Problem.

Please....

found it s4s4u! thanks

686- that just further confused me....not even sure what i was reading

2400 might be another powder choice

I just read it and I have an idea of what it is talking about. The key is "some rifle bullets" in the article. It explains bullets tumbling at extended distances. Snipers and tarket shooters get around this by shooting longer hevier bullets.

Either the article is ignorant of handgunners or ???, but it dosnt talk about us. At the ranges most of us shoot it isnt even a problem with our SP's.

IMHO, Keith practiced quite a bit with his revolvers at extended distances out to 600 yards. I guess that big ol hunk of lead did all right...

Ps, is this for a 44??

yes 44

Seems to be a dearth of Remington bullets out there based on my usual sources. A 240 grain Remington soft point if you can find them over some 2400 will put meat on the table for you.

Standard & effective.


Here's a good manual for you that lists loads for revolvers as well as loads specifically for the Ruger and Contender.


http://www.midwayusa.com/product/823498/lyman-48th-edition-reloading-handbook-book

WVS329

I like a 240 XTP on 18.5 of 2400 and a CCI 350

I also like a cast SWC over 20 Gr of 2400 same primer CCI350

If you want to go 300 load the 300 XTP to a 1.700" OAL and use about 18 gr of 2400

also is there a powder/ load that will provide more than enough penetration and mild recoil?

That depends on how far away you intend to try and penetrate, and how much of it you wish to penetrate. The 44 Special loads will kill deer as far as most folks can shoot it accurately, off-hand. But there is no free lunch, the more you wanna make it hurt on the front end - the more its gonna hurt on the back end ;-)

no more than 50-60yrds...but i usually try for a direct shoulder hit:)

That (direct shoulder hit) can be a bad place to stick a bullet,
The large leg bone can be damn hard on bullets without enough weight or velocity to power on thru it. Yes you will break the bone but penetration can stop right there,or the bullet be deflected forward not doing much more damage. A high shoulder shot(4 to 6 inches below the back line) that disrupts the spine is another story. A hole thru the heart and bottom of the lungs is fatal even with lighter loads.The deer can go a hundred yds or so but not far. I keep a 1 1/2 in.piece of leg bone as a reminder(165 gr .308 sierra bullet at 80 yds. 14 in. 308 striker.
I searched for days, buck was seen a week later and 3/4 mi away still gimping along, all I have is a piece of bone and a bad memory.Even enough gun (with poor shot placement) isn't always fatal.

One of my pet loads that all three Rugers like is:
44sp brass
240gr Magtech bullet loaded on the second crimp line.
H110 powder.
AND CCI 350 MAG PRIMERS

With 25gr it is obtaining 1450fps and it isnt maxed out. I have taken it up to 27 gr with out any problems. It actually has more case capacity than a standard 44 mag case and was developed during accuracy research in my Rugers. FWIW...

thanks for the info guys! so is there any issues with using 44sp alot in a magnum revolver? i have heard in the past that shooting 38s in a 357 all the time can do some damage....might not even be true?!

No, there isnt, if you have ANY questions over it call Ruger...

You may have to clean out your cylinder if the mags become sticky being inserted or exerted, but I never have had a problem with it.

Damage? No, but you will eventually get a buildup of residues in the end of the chamber from the shorter cartridge that needs to be cleaned up or mags may not chanber.