.44 Magnum Powders And Bullets

BULLETS & BRASS

- Brian Pearce

Q: I am handloading for a Ruger New Model Super Blackhawk .44 Magnum with a 10.5-inch barrel. In selecting loading components and data, I would like to use Oregon Trail Laser-Cast, 240-grain SWC bullets with a target velocity of 1,000 to 1,200 fps.

My dilemma is that I have not found a load that appears to be compatible in any of the handloading reference materials that I have. In other words, their data is for much shorter barrels. What would the corresponding pressure be? Is there a general rule of thinking that guides in this case?

Now to my second question: I have a box of Hornady FTX 265-grain (part No. 4305) that I am hoping to use for hunting, but I may have obtained the cart before the horse because the overall length may be too long for this handgun no matter what. If that is the case, then the obvious choice to me would be to use the Speer 300-grain Plated SP or similar Hornady 300-grain XTP.

Can you suggest some points that I can use to get started correctly? I greatly appreciate your expertise and your articles. Thank you in advance for your assistance.

C. G., Klamath Falls OR A: Fully answering your first question would require a feature length article to discuss it with any degree of accuracy or reasonable insight. Interestingly, there has been very little data or information published on this subject. Suffice to say that when dealing with cast bullets (not applicable to jacketed bullets), common magnum revolver cartridges loaded with Alliant 2400, Accurate No. 9, Hodgdon H-110 and other powders with a similar burn rate, velocities will increase around 35 fps per inch of barrel.