S&W mod.29 44 mag. 8 3/8" brl. Looking for a light target load. The powder Accurate#7 bullet 240gr. SWC lead & 210gr. Gold Dot. Haven't shot it in 12+ years, just got the itch to get back into it again. Revolver is in like new condition, items listed is what I have in the safe. Looking for some suggestions. Thank You
44 Mag Target Load
- Thread starter cw308
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FrankenMauser
New member
CAUTION: The following post includes loading data beyond or not covered by currently published maximums for this cartridge. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The Firing Line, nor the staff of TFL assume any liability for any damage or injury resulting from use of this information.
My 240 gr SWC target/plinking load (.44 Mag brass - not .44 Special) uses 5.5 gr Titegroup for an intimidating 743 fps from a 6.5" barrel (or ~770 fps from a 7.5" barrel).
Equivalent performance with AA #7 would require a powder charge of about 10.4 gr, with the bullet seated in the typical fashion at a COAL of close to 1.610. And the extra barrel length should bump velocity by about 60 fps.
Chamber pressure will be low, so don't be surprised if the revolver is a sooty, nasty mess.
It has been so long since I loaded jacketed bullets in .44 Mag, that I'm not even going to touch on data for the 210 gr GDs. My best advice is to consult several reloading manuals (that's what I would do).
My 240 gr SWC target/plinking load (.44 Mag brass - not .44 Special) uses 5.5 gr Titegroup for an intimidating 743 fps from a 6.5" barrel (or ~770 fps from a 7.5" barrel).
Equivalent performance with AA #7 would require a powder charge of about 10.4 gr, with the bullet seated in the typical fashion at a COAL of close to 1.610. And the extra barrel length should bump velocity by about 60 fps.
Chamber pressure will be low, so don't be surprised if the revolver is a sooty, nasty mess.
It has been so long since I loaded jacketed bullets in .44 Mag, that I'm not even going to touch on data for the 210 gr GDs. My best advice is to consult several reloading manuals (that's what I would do).
I’ve used Accurate #7 in the 44 Magnum, and it works very well for loads 100-200 fps below the maximums that can be achieved with slower powders like #9 and H110. So if that’s what you’re after, #7 is a good choice.
When I think of large bore target loads, my mind goes to velocities of no more than 1000 fps or so. For those velocity levels from the 44 Mag., I’d look at something faster like #2, #5, Unique, W231, etc.
When I think of large bore target loads, my mind goes to velocities of no more than 1000 fps or so. For those velocity levels from the 44 Mag., I’d look at something faster like #2, #5, Unique, W231, etc.
Years ago I tried starting loads listed for AA#7 in 45 colt with a 250 gr lead bullet. This should be similar to what you want to do with 44 mag. I experienced lots of unburned powder dropping onto the bench. I had a pound to use up so I kept going up to about 3% below max before I got a complete burn. The loads were pretty warm at that point.
When I got tired of massive recoil and deafening muzzle blast I tried using .44 Special loads in .44 Magnum brass. I did not use H110/W296 or other "Magnum" powders, just regular .44 Special powders and loads. Quite pleasant shooting and no bloody fingers (Ruger Super Backhawk w/square trigger guard)...
I load a 'wimp' loading. It is very soft and very enjoyable to shoot as well as being more accurate than I am.
Using mag length brass, standard LP primers, lead 240 grain .430 bullets and 5.6 grains of 231/HP38. I get 650 FPS or there abouts from both my 6 1/2 inch Model 29 and 6 inch Model 29.
My kids grew up shooting this load. I would like to say that I loaded it so 'wimpy' because of them but it predates them.
Enjoy
Using mag length brass, standard LP primers, lead 240 grain .430 bullets and 5.6 grains of 231/HP38. I get 650 FPS or there abouts from both my 6 1/2 inch Model 29 and 6 inch Model 29.
My kids grew up shooting this load. I would like to say that I loaded it so 'wimpy' because of them but it predates them.
Enjoy
"...just regular .44 Special powders and loads..." Yep. Just like you would .38 Special loads in .357 cases. Even 2.5 to 2.8 of Bullseye with a 148 grain WC works just fine out of .357 cases.
There are no AA #7 .44 Special loads on Accurate's site though. The cast Mag loads aren't much lighter than jacketed either. Changing powder an option?
There are no AA #7 .44 Special loads on Accurate's site though. The cast Mag loads aren't much lighter than jacketed either. Changing powder an option?
I have a 629 8-8/3" that comes out of the safe one or two times a year. But I also have a 629 Classic 5" that sees more range time.
I have AA#7, but have never loaded 44 Mag with it. AA#7 is still a pretty big powder for "target" 44 Mag. If you plan on de-tuning your rounds to soften up the recoil and to just punch holes in paper, I'd recommend sticking with the 240's. The heavier weight will help keep the somewhat slow burning #7 in balance and running clean/consistent.
I too am working on making some softer 44 Mag rounds. Yes, they'll be punching holes in paper, but my primary motivation is just less recoil. These days, WOT barn-burning 44 Mag rounds are just a now-n-then novelty thing. Hand-punishing recoil just doesn't quite have the charm it used to
But for me, I'm sticking with a 240 JSP, and using HS-6. I just loaded the first rounds (two groups of 6) to begin the work up (In my 31 years of loading, I have never used HS-6 for 44 Mag). I'll go up 'till I start seeing flattening primers, then back down 0.4 grains or so for the final recipe. I'll likely post as a Range Report.
I have AA#7, but have never loaded 44 Mag with it. AA#7 is still a pretty big powder for "target" 44 Mag. If you plan on de-tuning your rounds to soften up the recoil and to just punch holes in paper, I'd recommend sticking with the 240's. The heavier weight will help keep the somewhat slow burning #7 in balance and running clean/consistent.
I too am working on making some softer 44 Mag rounds. Yes, they'll be punching holes in paper, but my primary motivation is just less recoil. These days, WOT barn-burning 44 Mag rounds are just a now-n-then novelty thing. Hand-punishing recoil just doesn't quite have the charm it used to
But for me, I'm sticking with a 240 JSP, and using HS-6. I just loaded the first rounds (two groups of 6) to begin the work up (In my 31 years of loading, I have never used HS-6 for 44 Mag). I'll go up 'till I start seeing flattening primers, then back down 0.4 grains or so for the final recipe. I'll likely post as a Range Report.
CAUTION: The following post includes loading data beyond or not covered by currently published maximums for this cartridge. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The Firing Line, nor the staff of TFL assume any liability for any damage or injury resulting from use of this information.
13.0 gr of #7 with a 240 gr swc was very accurate from my Ruger SBH. Consistent 1050 fps from a 6" barrel. Haven't used it for a few years, don't remember it being dirty.
I think #7 has changed once or twice over the years.
13.0 gr of #7 with a 240 gr swc was very accurate from my Ruger SBH. Consistent 1050 fps from a 6" barrel. Haven't used it for a few years, don't remember it being dirty.
I think #7 has changed once or twice over the years.
Think you would be better off sticking to the old standbys 240gr SWC with 8.0gr. of Unique or 8.0gr of Universal clays (clays meters better) gives me 1000 fps. out of a 6" 629.
Very accurate with just enough punch to make it comfortable to shoot.
I like AA#7 but relagate it to semi's 10mm in particular.
Very accurate with just enough punch to make it comfortable to shoot.
I like AA#7 but relagate it to semi's 10mm in particular.
I just want to use up the AA#7 powder 1/2 lb. left, then order a powder suited for the 44 mag. Now I'm just getting back into shooting the revolver after its been in the safe sleeping for many years. Time to get busy. Going to try 14.5 gr. under a 240 L SWC bullet , must have 500 to use. There traveling down a 8 3/8" barrel so l guess it will be pretty messy. Hoppe's #9 will be on overtime .
AA#7 is well suited for use in Magnums. It won't give you TOP velocity but will get you near the top. It does like to be run hard but also downloads fairly well. If you want to be in the 85-95% throttle range it is a good choice. If you want 44 Special loads, it is the wrong powder.
totaldla, l trim all cases to the same measurement so crimping will be the same on all my loads. I set my seating die to the same seating height, then back out the seating plug, lower the die to give me the crimp desired, lock in position lower seated plug to the top of the bullet, then all my bullets are sized & crimped to the same measurement. You don't trim you brass to the same OAL when crimp is warranted?
reloader28
New member
I trim all mine to about the shortest case length. That makes a way more consistant load in my opinion whether I'm crimping or or just taking the flare out.
When I dont trim them the same, I can feel a difference in the recoil and see a difference on the chrono and target.
I do only trim them a couple times in the life of the brass.
When I dont trim them the same, I can feel a difference in the recoil and see a difference on the chrono and target.
I do only trim them a couple times in the life of the brass.