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Post by marcruger on Dec 18, 2023 16:08:33 GMT -5
Hello Folks,
Does anyone use Unique in 44 Magnum cases to duplicate 44 Special loads?
I would like to replicate the 44 Special "accuracy" load in the Lyman Cast Bullet manual, but using 44 Magnum cases.
The 44 Special load is 6.9 grains of Unique under a 245 grain cast LSWC. Mid 700fps velocity.
I don't see a Unique starting load for 44 Magnum listed that low, but it could just be that manual.
If using Unique in Magnum cases is unsafe I would like to hear.
Many thanks in advance. Marc
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Post by Encore64 on Dec 18, 2023 16:13:03 GMT -5
Look at similar loads for the 44-40 WCF. The capacity of the 44-40 is slightly more than the 44 Magnum.
Should give you a nearly perfect starting point...
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Post by blackmamba on Dec 18, 2023 18:16:53 GMT -5
Or you can simply deep-seat the SWC over the ogive to the same length as the 44 Special accuracy load and use the same charge of Unique.
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gnappi
.375 Atomic
Posts: 1,611
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Post by gnappi on Dec 19, 2023 7:25:41 GMT -5
Waaayyy back for some reason I can't fathom today, I've used loads below minimum listed charges for Unique in my .44 mag SBH and Redhawk. I'd not had what was called "secondary detonation" or insufficient power to cause bore blockage by the bullet or a squib type load. Today I'm more mindful of info found in manuals and on the web, less stingy with powder and far less likely to experiment than I used to be :-)
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Post by rjm52 on Dec 19, 2023 8:30:44 GMT -5
8.0 in a Magnum case will run about the same velocity as 7.0 in a Special case. Best to use a chronograph if you want to make sure. When I was a commercial reloader I used 9.0 for the target grade load which was around 900 fps for LE qualifications.
In .41 Magnum, 8.0 grains of Unique runs a 210 grain bullet at 950 fps/4" replicating the original 210 LSWC POLICE factory load. 7.0 in a Special case does about the same.
In using Unique I suggest using a HEAVY crimp. People complain all the time how "dirty" Unique is...and they have hardly any crimp at all...
As to the above mention of "secondary detonation", from what I have read that is one of the nice things about Unique vs. what Bullseye became famous for, it doesn't flashover with low volume loads. It is one of the favorite powder for cast bullet rifle shooters in low velocity loads.
That's why it's called "Unique"...it is...
Bob
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Post by rjm52 on Dec 19, 2023 8:51:43 GMT -5
ps...just checked LoadData.com and they have loads down to 6.5 grains of Unique with a 240 Hornady swaged bullet...
720 fps from a 7.5" Ruger Super Blackhawk.
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Post by z1r on Dec 19, 2023 10:47:34 GMT -5
8.0 in a Magnum case will run about the same velocity as 7.0 in a Special case. Best to use a chronograph if you want to make sure. When I was a commercial reloader I used 9.0 for the target grade load which was around 900 fps for LE qualifications. In .41 Magnum, 8.0 grains of Unique runs a 210 grain bullet at 950 fps/4" replicating the original 210 LSWC POLICE factory load. 7.0 in a Special case does about the same. In using Unique I suggest using a HEAVY crimp. People complain all the time how "dirty" Unique is...and they have hardly any crimp at all... As to the above mention of "secondary detonation", from what I have read that is one of the nice things about Unique vs. what Bullseye became famous for, it doesn't flashover with low volume loads. It is one of the favorite powder for cast bullet rifle shooters in low velocity loads. That's why it's called "Unique"...it is... Bob This, I used to use 7.5 grains of Unique and a cast 250 gr SWC for probably 75% of my 44 mag loads when I started reloading for it in 1987. I never got around to chronographing those loads despite being chronograph crazy back then, lol. Guess it didn't matter because they were crazy accurate and I had no trouble breaking clay pigeons at 75 yards with great regularity. |
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Post by bradshaw on Dec 19, 2023 11:53:42 GMT -5
Hello Folks, Does anyone use Unique in 44 Magnum cases to duplicate 44 Special loads? I would like to replicate the 44 Special "accuracy" load in the Lyman Cast Bullet manual, but using 44 Magnum cases. The 44 Special load is 6.9 grains of Unique under a 245 grain cast LSWC. Mid 700fps velocity. Many thanks in advance. Marc ***** No problem. I began to DEEP SEAT cast bullets in mag cases for .38 Special and .44 Special loads sixty years ago. Works great and simplifes revolver cleaning. David Bradshaw |
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Post by ridenshoot on Dec 19, 2023 17:09:29 GMT -5
This is not an exact duplicate of what you are asking but it is information that you can ponder at your leisure. This is a print out from my chrono of an 8.0 grain Unique load with a 250 (actual weight give or take a few tenths) grain LSWC, (Lyman 429421 mold). Shot from a Smith and Wesson Mountain Gun, 4 inch barrel.  |
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