Home Forums Reloading Handgun Reloading Powder for a .44 spl. and 300 gr. cast with a gas check..

I wanted load up a few 300 gr. case bullets with a gas check in my .44 spl cases.. They would be used in 44 mag. pistols, I hoped to use Unique.. Perhaps the project is not a good one.. Suggestions..

Why are you opting to use 44 Spl cases? If the COL is near the COL of a Magnum loaded round, you can use the same powder charge for the same performance (I've done that, but not with 300gr bullets). If your loaded rounds are shorter, less powder will produce similar pressure. What level of performance are you after? You can load 2400 for heavier "light magnum" loads in Spl brass, or you can load Unique for a pleasant shooter. Of course, you could do the same in Mag brass....

Hunt, I have aton of 44 spl. brass and in the process of selling the mag. brass. I am not after a super load.. Just something that would serve as bear protection if I need to resort to a 6 gun.. No griz here, but often spend time in nw Wyoming or Montana.. Just thought the 300 gr. would drive a little deeper than say a 250.. Although John Linebaugh told me a 250 at 900 to 1000fps will drive though an elk broadside.. Just a whim I guess.

as HuntnShoot asked, what are you hoping to achieve?
240-250 grains seem most common.
i recall very few 44 special loads with bullets over 250 grains.
if there were loads with heavier bullets, they were not at "typical" 44 special pressure.

I'd save 6 or 12 of your mag cases for "protection"...

Thanks for the imput.. I never saw 300 gr. loads for the special either that is why I asked.. I could use the mag. brass, doubt I sell it all, but other than this project I seldom use it.. Again thanks..

WCH, The only powder I've seen recommended and have used in the 44spcl with 300 grn WFNGC's is H-110 at 15.5 grns. A handfull in a flat top blackhawk, but maybe worth a try in a 44 mag revolver?

Byron

I was on the CastBoolits forum when someone was asking a similar question, and someone who was pals with John Linebaugh said they'd ask him what he thought. John's thoughts were that if your target velocity was much under 1000fps with the 300's and up, it would be better to step down in bullet weight and shoot them at 1000fps for serious utility loads. I take that as good advice, coming from someone with more experience than I have.

So that is what I'd recommend to you: load up some 250's at 1000 or a bit more in the Spl cases and use them with confidence. You won't be lacking in penetration.

the link listed below may offer some information of interest to you

https://www.handloadermagazine.com/44-s-w-special-p

Thanks..