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I want to assemble some .44 Magnum rifle loads with Hornady XTP 200gr. and 240gr. using H110. Suggestions as to charge weights sought.
Originally Posted by gunswizard
I want to assemble some .44 Magnum rifle loads with Hornady XTP 200gr. and 240gr. using H110. Suggestions as to charge weights sought.
I typically use 23.5-24 grains under a 240. I can't remember how much for 200's, but it was very near max.
I didn't use H110 with 200 grain bullets. Depending on brass you'll be happy in the neighborhood of 24 grains with the 240.
https://www.hodgdonreloading.com/reloading-data-center?rdc=true&type=53
The 24 H110/240 XTP combo has been great for me in multiple revolvers.

I tried it in the one rifle I had but on a limited basis, settling in a 300 grain WFN GC and L'il gun for that. My rifle was a Ruger 77/44 with a 20 twist barrel so I leaned towards the heavies. As I recall, the XTP was fairly accurate but accuracy was somewhat of a relative thing with that rifle.

Later, I did some of the tricks known to help the 77/44, such as shimming the bolt, floating the barrel, and a Volquetrufbfg trigger (however it's spelled), but never re-shot the XTPs
I have used 23.5 grains H 110 under 240 XTP’s for at least 30 years for my revolvers, Ruger (original style) Carbine,and a friend’s 77/44 with great success.

Edit to add: CCI 350 primers and Starline brass.

Also, with my brass for magnum revolvers, when I get a new box of 500, I first trim them all to uniform length, then just hit the case mouths with the chamfer tool enough to take the burrs off. This makes it possible to put firm, consistent crimps, halfway up the cannelure.
Many thanks to all who contributed helpful info.
2400 is much better for 200gr bullets in the 44 mag. At least that’s my experience.
H-110/WW-296 are better suited for heavier bullets 240gr and up.
Originally Posted by m_stevenson
2400 is much better for 200gr bullets in the 44 mag. At least that’s my experience.
H-110/WW-296 are better suited for heavier bullets 240gr and up.

Agreed.

I loaded some 180 grain JHC Sierras on top of a max load of H110 and talk about muzzle flash and blast.
27.5 grains of H110 works great for the 200s.

But it is a terrible deer bullet. Hit ant bone and you are up schidt creek with a long track job.

If you want to go light, the 210 Gold Dot is a way better bullet. I'd also say the 240 Deep Curl outperforms the 240 XTP
Screamer 180 and 200gr stuff is for handguns IMHO, annoying but accuracy and lethality good.

Id stick to 240s in a rifle
Originally Posted by mathman
Originally Posted by m_stevenson
2400 is much better for 200gr bullets in the 44 mag. At least that’s my experience.
H-110/WW-296 are better suited for heavier bullets 240gr and up.

Agreed.

I loaded some 180 grain JHC Sierras on top of a max load of H110 and talk about muzzle flash and blast.

Yup. Exciting handgun load LOL. Erode forcing cone ( takes a while but a bud did his M29, so had to rebarrel ). Topstrap gets a line from em too. Big whoop

Blast and flash is bad. But accuracy has been great and deer didn't like em.

Most of my deer shot w 180s. Couple w 200s. Ruger and Smith wheelies.

240s w max ball powder were less annoying to shoot.

Dunno what im gonna do now, bad wrist, maybe bone replacement. Proly end up shooting 44 special.loads.

Have a SBH, wanted anothrr 629.....but not now.

Dont have a chrono but figured in a rifle i wouldnt shoot less than 240gr. Only deer i shot w 44 rifle was w a 66 fingergroove Ruger and used hard Norma factory load.
Whistled through at 65 yards, spine and shoulder hit ( was coming down a bit lf hill ). Deer backflipped and had all 4.legs up. Boom and a jump to white belly, kinda cool.
DRFT
I had AA#9 and WW296. Mostly ran the WW296.
Always compressed loads w all bullets.
Accuracy was great.......in handguns.

Cost, comfort and performance.....
Unless you are a hot rodder Id not run such loads.

Theres gotta be something more well.mannered, esp in a rifle.

I picked up two lbs of 296 and two of 2400 a couple.yrs ago. Currently dont have a .44 rifle.........yet LOL
Thought maybe 445 supermag 😎
I usually load 23-23.5gr under the 240s. If you look at the Hodgdon data, the velocity with 24gr is IIRC, about 75fps more than with 23gr, but the pressure is markedly higher. I figure the lowest load that gives good accuracy is what I want. Might be a bit easier on brass than the top load, which might matter at times.

After reading Brian Pearce’s article on primers in the 2015 Hodgdon Annual, I use standard LP primers since they work well in mild weather, and it simplifies things.
I run 24gr H110 behind a 240gr XTP. In a 20" Henry I get 1750fps.
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