Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Guns and Ammo => Topic started by: elkslayer069 on May 17, 2012, 06:05:23 PM

Title: .44 mag
Post by: elkslayer069 on May 17, 2012, 06:05:23 PM: Hey guys i just picked up a ruger super redhawk. I'm going to reload for it but i have never reloaded pistol rounds before and was wondering what powders you would recommend based on performace and availability. Also any preferred bullet choices or tips on reloading the round in general would be a great help. Thanks Caleb
Title: Re: .44 mag
Post by: Fl0und3rz on May 17, 2012, 06:08:08 PM: AA2400 for heavy loads. Unique for plinkers.
Title: Re: .44 mag
Post by: Huntbear on May 17, 2012, 06:09:26 PM: H110 is the bomb for that gun.. ;) :tup: :tup:

What do yoiu want to do with it? Hunt bear? deer? elk? target practice?

For Bear and Elk I recommend the Sierra 300 gr. JSP. Make sure you talk to the Sierra guys for COAL since your Ruger Cylinder is longer and can accomodate the bullet seated out where it belongs, which means more room for powder... :tup:

Deer sized game? Any of the 240 gr. JHP, but I love the Hornady XTP's. Very Accurate in my Redhawk.

Lazer Cast hard cast bullets for plinking loads..
Title: Re: .44 mag
Post by: CP on May 17, 2012, 06:15:24 PM: I'd use these for anything, target shooting to elk :

http://www.missouribullet.com/details.php?prodId=103&category=5&secondary=12&keywords=
Title: Re: .44 mag
Post by: carpsniperg2 on May 17, 2012, 06:18:42 PM: I love h110 in most all my handguns. As far as bullets I have hunted a lot more then the avg joe with a handgun. I have shot more then a couple animals with them as well. I have had good luck with the xtp's and also like the golddot hollow points as well. They are a little more solid and really hit hard. I have had a few of the xtps come apart a little to much to use them on really big game like bears and elk. Mid sized game they work just fine.
Title: Re: .44 mag
Post by: elkslayer069 on May 17, 2012, 06:46:15 PM: Thanks guys i plan on using it for everything stated above id really like to get a deer with it this year.
Title: Re: .44 mag
Post by: Biggerhammer on May 17, 2012, 07:11:58 PM: H110 :tup:
Title: Re: .44 mag
Post by: elkslayer069 on May 17, 2012, 07:14:30 PM: So do you crimp the rounds or??? :dunno: like i said i have never reloaded pistol rounds at all i probably reload 400-500 rifle rounds every two weeks is it the same steps? Do you have to lube the cases with them being a straight walled case?
Title: Re: .44 mag
Post by: smdave on May 17, 2012, 07:16:32 PM: Quote from: elkslayer069 on May 17, 2012, 07:14:30 PM
So do you crimp the rounds or??? :dunno: like i said i have never reloaded pistol rounds at all i probably reload 400-500 rifle rounds every two weeks is it the same steps? Do you have to lube the cases with them being a straight walled case?

Yes lube, unless you have Carbide dies.
Title: Re: .44 mag
Post by: JLS on May 17, 2012, 07:16:59 PM: My .44 die is a carbide die, no lube needed. I would definitely crimp them.
Title: Re: .44 mag
Post by: Huntbear on May 17, 2012, 07:29:37 PM: Carbide Dies

Do a good crimp...
Title: Re: .44 mag
Post by: 700xcr on May 17, 2012, 07:34:36 PM: These are the loads I loaded up in my Ruger Super Redhawk 44mag.
7.5grs. of Universla Clays powder with a Oregon Trails 200gr. Laser Cast bullet (target load)
24.5grs. of WW296 powder with a Hornady XTP 240gr. (deer load)
21.5grs. of WW296 powder with a 320gr. Cast perfomance (bear load)
Target load using CCI300 primers and Hunting loads using CCI 350 mag. primers.
Title: Re: .44 mag
Post by: 300rum on May 17, 2012, 07:37:26 PM: I always lube pistol rounds, even with carbide dies, it just makes things go smoother and faster. Hornady's One Shot spray lube is the best, just spray it on, let it set for a minute or two and load.

Yes you want to crimp, especially with a revolver that has a lot of recoil. You don't want a bullet unseating itself and locking up the cylinder. If you have a bullet with a cannelure, don't worry about OAL, just "bend" the case mouth into the cannelure. I preffer reloading revolver bullets with a cannelure for the reason.

When you go out to test your rounds, load up a cylinder, fire a few rounds and then check your unfired rounds to make sure that they are still seated in the cannelure.
Title: Re: .44 mag
Post by: high country on May 17, 2012, 08:33:25 PM: I am a 296 guy myself. If using quick powders.....unique, clays, etc.....be very cautious and weigh occasional loads......the difference a grain or two can be bad news.
Title: Re: .44 mag
Post by: elkslayer069 on May 19, 2012, 05:59:51 PM: Alright so i got a load all worked up and shooting good but the trigger is so dang hard to pull do they make spring kits for the super redhawk or am i stuck with using my warn winch to shoot? Thanks Caleb
Title: Re: .44 mag
Post by: C-Money on May 19, 2012, 07:05:34 PM: WW296 is a great powder. Alliant 2400 runs a bit dirty, but works well.
Title: Re: .44 mag
Post by: netcoyote on May 19, 2012, 07:32:23 PM: Quote
Alright so i got a load all worked up and shooting good but the trigger is so dang hard to pull do they make spring kits for the super redhawk or am i stuck with using my warn winch to shoot? Thanks Caleb

You can get the reduced power springs from Midway.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/351363/wolff-shooters-spring-pack-ruger-super-redhawk-reduced-power (http://www.midwayusa.com/product/351363/wolff-shooters-spring-pack-ruger-super-redhawk-reduced-power)