44 mag reduced loads

[s.stimson]

Hi,

Up till recently I have been using a standard load for my 44 mag, however the regs at the range have changed due to complaints from locals and since I'm only using it for 25 metre I need to find something lighter, does anyone habe any suggested loads?

[physeptone]

Yes.
5.2gn Titegroup behind a 200g RNFP is what i am currently feeding a 16in Rossi.
Very light.

[TALL]

What ever powder you are using in 44 mag,
use a 44spl load in your mag case,
a good start point,
T

[Spray1Mark]

Hi,

Up till recently I have been using a standard load for my 44 mag, however the regs at the range have changed due to complaints from locals and since I'm only using it for 25 metre I need to find something lighter, does anyone habe any suggested loads?

Thats interesting, do you mean the range itself will not allow the use of full power loads or factory ammo now? or has the range certificate changed in terms of muzzle energy?

I presume it's all about reducing noise pollution then? are you using lead bullets currently and what length is the barrel? underlever or is it an LBR?

[s.stimson]

Cheers for the replys, the issue is all around minimising noise from the range, though I think it is the range owners setting the goalposts rather than a licence change, my marlin 1894 on full load does make somewhat of a boom in the former quarry. Yes currently using leads.

[Spray1Mark]

Cheers for the replys, the issue is all around minimising noise from the range, though I think it is the range owners setting the goalposts rather than a licence change, my marlin 1894 on full load does make somewhat of a boom in the former quarry. Yes currently using leads.

Yes makes sense, remember that when loading reduced loads don't go too light, secondary detonation can occur (although very rare) but also consider that the noise from the gun can be a lot to do with the type of propellant you use.

A fast burning powder that burns completely in the barrel will not continue to burn upon leaving the barrel( muzzle flash) and therefore in theory should be quieter if that is the goal.

Of course the faster burning pistol type powders also usually have a lower bulk density, meaning they fill up less of the case (back to the first point), perhaps try trailboss for this reason which is designed to give high bulk density specifically for light loads with lead bullets for cowboy action shooting.

As suggested earlier you may want to also consider using a .44 special cases from the outset.

[Simon_S]

Think ya better use the Mag case for light load

[Thegreg]

I've found 8.5gn of Unique behind a lead 240gn RNFP is a sweet shooting & accurate load.

It does make a slightly louder boom than if you load with 6.5gn or whatever, but I've found with .44 mag especially, unless you create enough pressure to seal the case in the chamber you get terrible fowling down the sides of the brass, which is a real sod to clean off.

Cheers
Greg