.44mag loads

[6MT]

I've been using H-110 for a nice load for my Marlin 1894 for some time now. But I just sold all of my stash (9+ pounds) of H-110. I was wondering whether anyone has tried the very fast burning TiteGroup powder for their .44mag loads.

I am looking at trying a load of around 8gr for the 240gr plated Campro bullet with large pistol magnum primers. Am I on the right track, or am I a loony tune? I realize that the popular loading with this round is a much slower powder (such as H-110). But I am wondering whether anyone has tried it with TiteGroup....(?).

The only info I can find about this is for 240gr cast bullets with TiteGroup. Around 6 to 10 grains with maximum velocities of just over 1400fps. But I will be using plated bullets, so a bit more is warranted (I think).

Any help is appreciated.

Andy 6MT

[barsik]

do you need mag primers for fast burn powder? might raise pressure into danger zone.

[6MT]

Originally Posted by barsik

do you need mag primers for fast burn powder? might raise pressure into danger zone.

Well, I use the LP magnum primer with the H-110 load. I also use SP magnum primers for all of my .357mag loads. That's why I'll be starting relatively conservative on the load (around 8gr of TiteGroup).

[lance]

I found load data on the campro Web site.
Titegroup group 9- 10 grains
Large pistol magnum primer
COL 1.610 in.
This is a great target load. Works well in lever guns and revolver.

[6MT]

Originally Posted by lance

I found load data on the campro Web site.
Titegroup group 9- 10 grains
Large pistol magnum primer
COL 1.610 in.
This is a great target load. Works well in lever guns and revolver.

Thanks for that!

I was kind of talked out of trying this until you posted. I looked myself because I never thought of looking on the Campro site.

I've been notified that TG at max charge wouldn't give any where near the same velocities as H-110 or some of the other slower burning powders.

I think I'll load up a dozen or so at 9.5gr and see how it works.

Andy 6MT

[kayaker]

Haven't used Titegroup, but W231 works well for 200-240 plated bullets

[lance]

I have loaded titegroup for campro bullets in .357 .44 mag and 45 colt. They are lite loads but seem to be very good.

[interior_mike]

Well i've been playing with titewad in 44 spl loads. Lee lists a max load of 10.0 grs titegroup w/ 240 gr cast lead at 1288 fps 34560 PSI

[brewster29]

Originally Posted by barsik

do you need mag primers for fast burn powder? might raise pressure into danger zone.

Magnum pistol primers are designed to handle higher pressure as well as increase ignition. They are built with heavier cups. They may or may not increase operating pressure.

Light "popgun" loads have been used for ages in 44 mag with standard primers but they are designed for operating pressure in the 20,000 cup range vs 43,500 cup for magnums. Most older manuals had a section of sub 1000 fps loadings for 44 mag.

My take is that they won't hurt anything and may save your face in the event of a double charge of fast powder.

[6MT]

I settled on 9.2gr of TiteGroup to try with the 240gr Campro's this weekend. I rolled up a dozen rounds and will chrony them too.

[brewster29]

This is from Hodgdon's site. Note operating pressures are quite high with Titegroup, hence magnum primers are needed.

[6MT]

I'm using magnum primers.

[6MT]

Ok, I settled on 9.3gr of TiteGroup with CCI-550 large pistol magnum primers. (Up a tenth of. Grain from the test.) I had some LabRadar issues, so no recorded speeds. I’m stupid for forgetting to set the projectile weight….duh!

The temperature was right at the freezing point, fyi.

They felt really good. Seemed to have good energy at 100m, as they hit the steel pretty good. Recoil was manageable. And no pressure signs. I gauged the fired brass in a case gauge afterwards. They were not tight (a good sign). (The range pick-up once fired factory cases I found were very tight in the gauge. Just as a comparison.)

Accuracy was very good. I was ringing the 5” steel at 100m (supported).

So it looks like H110 will be reduced to my second choice powder for the .44mag load for the Marlin 1894.

[lance]

Good to hear. They work great for the price for me.

[Jeff/1911]

H110 is a very good choice, although I still enjoy using good ole' 2400.