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Need Bullseye Load for 44mag

travis3travis3 Member Posts: 341 ✭✭✭
edited March 2008 in Ask the Experts
Does anyone have a good midrange load using Bullseye Powder and a 240gr to 255gr cast bullet? Somewhere in the 850fps to 1000fps neighborhood.
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Comments

  • perry shooterperry shooter Member Posts: 17,105 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    hello Travis 13 I have loaded Thousand of rounds of pistol ammo every year with BULLS-EYE powder. I believe in using what is available BUT I think their are better choices of powder then Bulls-eye for the 44 Mag something with a slower burn rate . Either that or use 44 special cases the large case capacity of the 44 mag with small amount of powder for 850-1000 FPS 5.5 grains - 6.5 grains Is far from my first choice. Your Mileage may vary.
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  • travis3travis3 Member Posts: 341 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thank you for the help. I was given over 3lb of Bullseye and was hoping to use it in the 44mag with the 240gr and 255gr cast bullets that I make. Would it be better to increase the FPS with this powder in the 44mag? If so can you suggest a starting load? Thanks again.
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  • gotstolefromgotstolefrom Member Posts: 1,479 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    No, don't try and heat up the load with bullseye. Yes, you may have a life-time supply of bullseye...but probably not for 44 mag.

    I've loaded 44 mag for a (many) years, and Perry Shooter gave you x-ring advice. (Yes, I may be an old fart, but why should you repeat my mistakes ?)

    I've worked up the 'sweet load' for pistols and rifles, and the faster powders (Bullseye, 231, etc.) are usually not the choice loads. The small amount of powder in that large case is a recognized problem, the degree of problem is debated. I would just say it isn't consistent...and consistency is why I hand-load.

    If you want to load it, it is perfectly fine within the limits of the powder....You will not likely get the best groups, but they may be just fine for what you want.

    If I'm going to load 44 mag, I want punch and performance. For me, that comes from the slower/progressive burning powders (IMR 4227 ~ 23gr, 255gr Kieth SWC).

    ENJOY !
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  • dcs shootersdcs shooters Member Posts: 10,870 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I've been loading 44mag. for over 30yrs. and never used Bullseye. There just is too much air space left in the case. Like Perryshooter said if you want to use it, get some 44spl. cases. Or you could go to the trouble of using some filler on top of the powder.
    I would see if I could find someone to trade for a powder I could use.
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  • travis3travis3 Member Posts: 341 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    How about Unique powder? Would this better for my need? I also have 1 lb of win 231 on hand.
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  • bpostbpost Member Posts: 32,669 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by travis3
    How about Unique powder? Would this better for my need? I also have 1 lb of win 231 on hand.


    Unique will load a decent mid range plinking round for the 44 mag.; I would save the bullseye for your yet to be acquired pistols in 45 ACP or .38 special loads.

    I feel that even 231 is a tad fast for the 44 mag also; but to be sure look in the 48th edition of the cast bullet handbook for lead bullet loads and the recommended powders for the round.
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  • 5mmgunguy5mmgunguy Member Posts: 3,092 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Unique would work better than either bullseye or 231. They are both a little fast burning for the 44 Mag. If you use Unique start at about 6 grains and go up slowly...7.5 grs will be max.
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  • travis3travis3 Member Posts: 341 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thanks for everyones help. I will get a lb of Unique. I did go to the Alliant Powder web site they list 9.8gr with a 240gr lead bullet of Bullseye for the 44mag.
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  • Hawk CarseHawk Carse Member Posts: 4,383 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Some old guy name of Elmer Keith said 5 grains of Bullseye was a nice light target load for his 250 gr SWC in .44 Magnum. It would not be doing 850 - 1000 fps, though, more like 750 - 800.

    I would not push it, even though they show heavier loads. The only gun ever demolished on our range was blown up by loading near full charge .357 Magnums with Bull and probably double charging a load.
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  • dcs shootersdcs shooters Member Posts: 10,870 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Don't use the 231 either, for the same reason as Bullseye. Unique or something with the same burn rate is your best bet.
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  • givettegivette Member Posts: 10,886 ✭
    edited November -1
    .44 Remington Magnum:

    250 gr. cast (w/gas check) #2 alloy Lyman bullet 429244. Large pistol (non magnum) primer.

    Bullseye: from 4.0gr (647FPS) to 6.0gr absolute max (858FPS)
    Unique: from 7.0gr (819FPS) to 11.0gr absolute max (1200FPS).

    test pistol: S&W M29 61/2" barrel [Lyman Reloading Manual 44th Edition]*

    *Note: many new powders are now available for reloading since publication of this manual. Joe
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