Alliant 2400 and 44 magnum

[kaboom]

Hello all,

I got a full tub of alliant 2400 and don't want it to go to waste, but I can not find any load data in the lee book and all I have found online ( mostly American reloading sites) is 22 gr upwards for big game.

Does anyone use this powder got any load data for 44 mag with a 240 gr cast bullet, just a light load ( or as light a load as this powder will allow)for plinking to use the tub up,

Cheers all

[mag44uk]

Lyman list a starting load of 18.5gns with 240gn lead bullet for 1574fps out of a 20 inch barrel.
Max is 20.6gns for 1686fps. This is for 44 magnum.
They do list a 44 special pistol load. 10 gns starting and 12,5gn max for a 245gn rn bullets.
Maybe 12gns in a 44 mag case would work?

[zanes]

Speer 13th lists 240gr lead with 11.0-11.7gr of 2400 for a velocity of 735-799fps out a 3" barrel as a 44 special load, or 12.0-13.0gr behind a 250gr lead for 856-965 FPS out a 5.5" barrel. Lyman 49th broadly similar.

Those velocities are similar to those listed to those given for mild loads of N320 which are a favourite of mine. Special loads in a magnum case is very standard gallery rifle practice.

Note as a slower powder you'll be using roughly twice as much as you would of N320, bullseye etc. Personally I'd sell the 2400 and buy some faster powder if light loads are what you're after. Or do a straight swap for another tub.

As usual, cross check my post with others to make sure I've not made a mistake.

[kaboom]

should of added its for a Taurus lbp

[lightning22]

If you do end up moving it on, it’s also quite popular with those of use running cast through old military rifles.

[kaboom]

its not a sealed tub so would preferer to use myself

[aris]

Here is the Hornady 10th edition load data. For some reason don't list your powder for unjacketed 240gn bullets.
Possibly due to safe velocities?

[kaboom]

it looks like being around the 18 -19 gr mark with all the info i have found think i might just store it until my curiosity gets the better of me that could be a big bang though

[flanker]

Here is the Hornady 10th edition load data. For some reason don't list your powder for unjacketed 240gn bullets.
Possibly due to safe velocities?

That's a useful source, does it have anything on Hodgdon Longshot with a lead bullet for 44mag? Somebody gave me a free bottle, and I don't want to waste it either

[zanes]

That's a useful source, does it have anything on Hodgdon Longshot with a lead bullet for 44mag? Somebody gave me a free bottle, and I don't want to waste it either

Hodgdon's site has it here https://shop.hodgdon.com/hodgdon/hodgdon-longshot

Listed for 240gr jacketed in an 8.3" pistol barrel:
Manufacturer Hodgdon
Powder Longshot
Bullet Diam. 0.4290"
C.O.L 1.6000"
Starting Load
Grs. 11.0
Vel. (ft/s) 1,249
Pressure 29,400 PSI
Maximum Load
Grs. 12.1
Vel. (ft/s) 1,331
Pressure 34,500 PSI

Note this will be well in excess of most (IME) indoor range limits.

[aspen]

I use 2400 in my .444 Marlin with both jacketed and cast bullets 19grs works well for gallery shooting .
2400 is great in a big case as it is not case sensitive so works well using a little in a big case. its popular with the 45-70 boys as well.

[aris]

That's a useful source, does it have anything on Hodgdon Longshot with a lead bullet for 44mag? Somebody gave me a free bottle, and I don't want to waste it either

The Hornady book doesn't have it.

[Richard52]

Hello all,

I got a full tub of alliant 2400 and don't want it to go to waste, but I can not find any load data in the lee book and all I have found online ( mostly American reloading sites) is 22 gr upwards for big game.

Does anyone use this powder got any load data for 44 mag with a 240 gr cast bullet, just a light load ( or as light a load as this powder will allow)for plinking to use the tub up,

Cheers all

I've had good success with 21gns 2400 behind a 240gn jacketed bullet using my Marlin. I'm not sure if this qualifies as a 'light' load though!

Another good use for 2400 is for a light .303 load - 18gns 2400 behind a gas-checked lead bullet. Works well at 200yds, and won't knacker an old gun!

[dodgyrog]

Hello all,

I got a full tub of alliant 2400 and don't want it to go to waste, but I can not find any load data in the lee book and all I have found online ( mostly American reloading sites) is 22 gr upwards for big game.

Does anyone use this powder got any load data for 44 mag with a 240 gr cast bullet, just a light load ( or as light a load as this powder will allow)for plinking to use the tub up,

Cheers all

2400 is not suited to light loads. Elmer Keith came up with the 22gr load for 2400 and he never liked low power loads.
If you want lower power loads you'll need a faster powder eg Red Dot or Viht 320 IMHO

[Black Beard]

If you are concerned about going too low, 44-40 cases have a larger capacity so the minimum load for them with the same bullet should avoid any detonation problems. Don't use the maximum load as it will be higher pressure in the .44mag case and some 44-40 loads are very high.