Posted By: Mech 8
44 Special JHP hunting load? - 04/24/2021 4:19 PM
My supply of 240 grain cast bullets is very low and I would like to reserve them for my standard load using 5.0 grains of HP38 for plinking and target shooting. I have an ample supply of Rem 240 grain SJHP's and would like to develop a hunting load running about 1100 fps give or take. The primary firearm will be a FA M97 with a 5 1/2 inch barrel but they might also be used in S&W M624's with a 4 and 6 1/2(?) inch barrel. I have the following powders that might be suitable: Universal, HS6, Longshot, 2400, AA9, Power Pistol, Lil Gun, W296, and IMR4227. If anyone else has gone down this path I would love to hear about their findings and/or their favorite loads. With all of the shortages and price gouging I'm just trying to save some time and money by using someone else's research. I also have some Hornady 240 grain XTPs that I could use, but figured the Rems would probably work better at my target velocity. Intended game is deer and smaller feral hogs. Thanks in advance for your input.
Posted By: KYODE
Re: 44 Special JHP hunting load? - 04/25/2021 3:29 PM
Please list ALL 44 special loads! Ive not found a great load for my 4 5/8” ruger flat top yet. Worked bottom to top with universal and 240gr acme hytek coated cast. Ive tried a couple with 2400. Just not found super accurate id like to see yet but only get to tinker occasionally.
Posted By: Mech 8
Re: 44 Special JHP hunting load? - 04/25/2021 5:47 PM
Good reading. Thanks for the link!
Posted By: Brenden
Re: 44 Special JHP hunting load? - 04/25/2021 8:46 PM
My 4 5/8" flat top is picky with cast. I did really well with the following. Most of these are pretty warm
260 wfn from Montana bullet works with 15.5 grains of 2400
6.0 grains of unique with a 240 plated slug
200 grain nosler jhp with 9 grains of unique. Same for the 200 hornady- right at 1115 fps.
Used a 240 keith style from someone, can't remember the maker. It and 7 grains of unique or 13-14 grains of 2400 did ok as well.
It seems to love the 200 nosler or hornady the best. If I'd true the throats, cast would do a lot better.
Posted By: wvhitman
Re: 44 Special JHP hunting load? - 04/25/2021 11:39 PM
I've taken a bunch of deer with the Rem. HP. It's softer than most bullets and does great on deer.
I use them in my Anaconda Ruger Redhawk, never a .44 Sp., but I'm sure they'll work great in it.
Posted By: jamesfromjersey
Re: 44 Special JHP hunting load? - 04/25/2021 11:49 PM
Way back I used 17.5grs of 2400 in a S&W 44 spec.....
Posted By: Willicd76
Re: 44 Special JHP hunting load? - 04/26/2021 3:41 PM
For magnum velocities, id stick with 2400 and H110/w296. I run a 240 cast at almost 1100fps out of a 4 5/8 flat top with a universal "equivalent" but i think the slower powders will be easier on the gun.