What is a good hunting handload for my Blackhawk? I load 240 gr TCFP over 20.5gr of 2400 with CCI large pistol primers, which is a real gas for blowing things up, but I assume that it probably isn't a very effective combination for taking a deer.
What bullet weight and type is a good starting base?
Would you recommend a different powder? At the moment I have 2400, Red Dot and I may have a little Unique left.
Or should I just buy hunting ammo. I would rather reload and save some money if at all possible, I just need to know the difference between target shooting and accurately and humanely taking a deer.
Do you need a pile of punch to do it? Or can I tone it down to be sure that shot placement will be as absolute as possible.
How much power do you need to kill a deer at 100 yards. Or is the distance out of the question with a revolver?
I guess I have many questions and there isn't anyone that I know who hunts with a handgun.
But I'm pumped about it, my wife says obsessed.....I disagree.

I am having good luck with H110 and a 240 SWCBB out of my 2 SBH’s.

Sending you a PM

my 44mag load is 21.0gr of 2400 with a 240gr hornady xtp. 2400 is a good 44 powder. it's not the cleanest, but if it shoots good, who cares. just find the bullet you want to use.

I am a 2400 die hard-- I use it in everyting from 38spl to 44 mag and have even used it in the 454 and 480
To me by far the easiest powder to load with--it can be loaded down without issue--or you can stoke it up pretty good.

However If it is heat you want and heat only go 296 or H100

I use the Unique on my M&P of 1905 38 special loads with wad cutters.
My Dad gave me some Red Dot that seemed pretty nice in the 357 BH. But I love the 2400 in the 357 mag and 44 mag Blackhawks.
Is the H110 a cleaner burning powder? I've never tried it, used the 2400 loved it and have been loyal to it.

H110 is also dirty, but a great powder for magnums. Im using 24grs and a 240 XTP.

To be quite honest I have never been able to determine what "clean" was--or is??

Cast bullets make clean look dirty and what is "dirty"

you got me

I like terms like sub 1" at 100 yds

For us engineer types we can put that on a drawing--

I like sub 1" myself, and I can relate to the engineer types and drawings also. My wife draws them and I read and assemble accordingly, with minor build changes in the field.

Right on Bug!

I use more 296 than anything else, and cast bullets almost exclusively nowadays and I don't find either particularly dirty. Do you cast your own? Are they soft bullets? Sorry, just trying to understand this statement!

Anyhow, your 240 grain load shouldn't have any trouble taking deer as long as you do your part.

H110 and W296 are cleaner burning in my loads than 2400.I had never tried 2400 until 2 years ago and was disappointed by how much dirtier it was,but it is still a good magnum/accurate powder.

I will have to weigh in this discussion in favor of 2400. I use it with jacketed bullets for my 41s, 44s, and 454s. I like it, even though 110/296 will produce more velocity. I feel I have more flexibility with 2400 and have been very happy with the accuracy that I have been able to get from these loads. When I go the the heavier bullets (270 gr or more) in the 44, I use 110.

any velocity gains would have to be minimal. i got 1500fps with my 21.0gr load of 2400 with the 240.....7 1/2" barrel.

Whit, I think he is saying he just likes shooting what is accurate.

I guess from the stand point of a revolver is going to get dirty no matter what you put down it, shoot what is accurate because you have to clean it either way.

Hey, I was just asking! It wasn't clear to me.

Thats fine, the last time I tried walking on water I got wet! LOL

Whit, I don't cast them, I buy Missouri Bullet company bullets, with a brinell hardness of 18.
And thanks for the input, I've never used anything but 2400, red dot and unique powders. I think that I should expand my reloading stock.

I was getting similar velocities in my handloads.

Whit,
I don't cast them, I buy Missouri Bullet company bullets, with a brinell hardness of 18.
And thanks for the input, I've never used anything but 2400, red dot and unique powders. I think that I should expand my reloading stock.

I also much prefer H-110/296

always shot 2400 behind cast and some say that its dirty. so i just tried unique and found it about the same. try real black powder now that's dirty.

Yes Sir! I cut my teath on FF black powder in a 54cal long rifle!!

LOL! That's for sure!

Has anyone tried 4227? The '10 Hodgdon manual has an article by Bart Skelton, saying good things about it. Accurate, powerful, and clean?

I used it a couple of decades ago, but liked 2400 better. I pretty much use nothing but 296 now.

I have tried 4227 in the 454--work great--requires a good Mag primer and a very good crimp

I've never used a mag primer, my Dad steered me away from them and didn't really give a reason other than you don't need them. What would one use them for, I assume a powder other than my current stock.

Be careful, which 4227?, I used to use 24 grains of IMR 4227- tried a different load of H4227 they were ok, for me they shot better than 2400 in my 29-2. But... there was an article once(i have copies) about loading 300 gr xtp's in the second canelure over big doses of 296 or H110- had to be done in blackhawks or redhawks, the smith cylinder wasn't long enough- guess I will have to hunt that information up and get back to you.

There is only one, now. Hodgdon marketed both for a time and decided there was need for only one as they were so close, so IMR4227 is all they make.

My Super Blackhawk groups best with 300gr xtp's and H110. 20+ grains/mag primers and it shoots better than anything else I put through it. I use nothing but this load in my ruger anymore.