Win231 Powder Test - .44 Mag

[doc540]

Goal: low powered (.44 Special) accuracy for 50 yd silhouette matches

Why .44 Mag and not .44 Special? Brass is more available around here

Loaded up Win231 last night and tested it this morning.

60 degrees, light wind

Disclaimer: Limited marksmanship skills :)

Revolver: 629 Classic with top port
Optics: Matchdot w/Leupold quick release rings
Mount: Warne Maxima Multi-Sight System (modified front sight for irons)


(sighted in using 7.0gr Unique...shot 10 test shots)

Second round of targets


Conclusions:
1. All loads would work ok for 50yd silhouette shooting
2. Better shooting skills would tighten all the groups
3. Reloading and testing bullets and powder is fun
4. Old pro's will soon set straight a rookie like myself ;)

[Jumping Frog]

I've tried shooting my 629 off a front rest like that and had problems with the gas from the front of the cylinder cutting any bags that are out front. I really have not been able to develop a good bench solution. How is your front rest working?

BTW, another advantage of shooting light loads in .44 Rem Mag cases instead of .44 Special cases is you won't get the same cylinder fouling.

[mr surveyor]

I've tried shooting my 629 off a front rest like that and had problems with the gas from the front of the cylinder cutting any bags that are out front. I really have not been able to develop a good bench solution. How is your front rest working?

BTW, another advantage of shooting light loads in .44 Rem Mag cases instead of .44 Special cases is you won't get the same cylinder fouling.

exactly!

Trail Boss is your friend

[doc540]

I've tried shooting my 629 off a front rest like that and had problems with the gas from the front of the cylinder cutting any bags that are out front. I really have not been able to develop a good bench solution. How is your front rest working?

BTW, another advantage of shooting light loads in .44 Rem Mag cases instead of .44 Special cases is you won't get the same cylinder fouling.

If I pay close attention I can keep the bag far enough away from the cylinder so it doesn't get damaged.

just a Rube Goldberg affair to get a general idea of which loads work best

then it's standing, offhand, single action from 50yds

[Jumping Frog]

just a Rube Goldberg affair to get a general idea of which loads work best

That is exactly why I'd like to dial in a good bench rest solution. I've tried about 20 different powder/charge/bullet combinations so far, and best accuracy is an important part of dialing in the best load.

[doc540]

5.5gr W231 averages 740fps

I think that's the load I'll stick with since I was trying for something similar to .44 Special.

Guess I'll end up getting my man card cancelled.

[mr surveyor]

Doc

You still oughta try some TrailBoss for those light loads. In .44 mag brass with a 240 gr swc over 7 gr of TB, it's a pussycat feeling load that still moves about 850fps. You can load them down some too from what I hear, although I've stuck myself at the 7 gr load. In my SRH, the 7 gr TB loads are like shooting light .38 spl loads in a jframe.

surv

edit to add: with a group like that at 50 yards, I think your man card is still safe.

[doc540]

If I ever see any TrailBoss, I sure will try some.
thnx

[Iunnrais]

I'll give another encouragement for Trailboss. I worked up a very similar load to Mr Surveyor for my 629 and have been really enjoying them.

[The Annoyed Man]

I just want everyone to know that I saw a picture of the top of doc540's head, and it nearly blinded me.....and it was in the shade:
http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/edu156_3.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; last picture at the bottom of the page....

[doc540]

I just want everyone to know that I saw a picture of the top of doc540's head, and it nearly blinded me.....and it was in the shade:
http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/edu156_3.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; last picture at the bottom of the page....

Shaved it on a 4th of July: "LET FREEDOM SHINE"!!