Revisiting the .44 Magnum

[Jeff Higgins]

After a lifetime of shooting and hunting with various .44 mag revolvers, I have come to a point where I feel as though I was somewhat "forced" to make a change. I am abandoning my go-to powder, and the one with which Elmer Keith originally developed this cartridge, the old Hercules (now Alliant) 2400. I am switching over to Winchester 296. This will be for use with the classic 250 grain semi wadcutter "Keith" bullet, which I cast from wheel weights in an RCBS mold, #44-250K. I've used W-W 296 for my heavy 300 grain loads, but have always preferred the tried and true 2400 for my "standard" .44 mag loads. Well, it's time to move on.

Alliant Tech Systems has simply gotten too big for their britches. They appear to me to have abandoned their commitment to hand loaders, chasing the big military contracts in preference to us. As a result, their sporting powders have become an afterthought. Very, very spotty availability, and completely unreasonable pricing when available. Screw 'em. I'm gone. I hope they learn their lesson...

The good news is that I'm able to replicate my old load when switching to 296. I've always considered it a "heavy bullet" (300 grains and up in the .44 mag) powder only, with it being markedly less flexible than 2400. I have used 2400 in everything from the .44 mag with standard weight bullets to "hot", but still safe in Colt Peacemaker, .45 Colt loads. Winchester, however, is adamant that we shall not reduce their published loads, lest we risk a "squib" load. That, and 296 requires a magnum primer, heavy roll crimp, and lots of bullet pull. It's hard to ignite. 2400 is far more forgiving. But, alas, just too expensive now and hardly ever available. I'm squirreling away my last pound for use in those "hot" .45 Colt loads, since there really is nothing else suitable.

Anyway, spent the morning at the range with my two hunting .44 mag revolvers. The single action is my Virginian Dragoon, purchased as soon as I turned 21. It's been my companion on every trip I have ever made to Alaska, plus several other western states. It's killed a wide variety of game. The double action is an old nickel plated Model 29. I only bought it because it was pretty, it just jumped off the table at me at a gun show some 20 years ago. Not as well traveled as the Dragoon, and I do prefer to hunt with single actions, but I really do like this gun. Nothing to choose between the two accuracy wise, so I would be happy bringing either one afield.

[id10t]

I need to figure out reloading straight wall stuff. Already got dies, but I've never loaded pistol only bottle neck rifle.

Here's my 44. 1963 vintage (first year production).

[Jeff Higgins]

You will have no trouble. There is really only one additional step that requires another die, that of flaring the case mouth. Make sure you get a carbide sizing die so you don't have to lube cases. That in and of itself is a very nice departure from bottle necked cases. Other than those two things, you are already doing everything else you need to do when you reload your bottle necked stuff.

On another note, I have to admit that pounding away with a couple of .44 mag revolvers today was not a whole lot of fun. I've gotten soft in my old age, and rheumatoid arthritis is taking its toll on my hands. I put maybe 4-5 cylinders through each, just to verify zero with the new powder, and called it a day. For the life of me, I don't know how I used to shoot so much of this stuff. Give me my standard .45 Colt, .38 Special, and the like any day. Unless I'm actually hunting, or something is hunting me.