Favorite Loads of Unique in 44 mag?

[Lastmohecken]

On the "Unique Powder" thread as of late, I noted that I had recently come into a pretty good deal on Unique powder, so I have decided that I need to work up some good loads for my 44 mag revolvers, using Unique powder. I have used it some, but most of the time, I shot 2400, however, I am getting to where, I prefer a little bit lighter loads.
I know Unique is fairly popular on here. And the old Skeeter load is for the Special case. But I want to stay with 44 mag cases. Do you have a favorite load or loads for the 44 mag case, pushing a 240 grain, semi-wadcutter and or a 255 grain Keith bullet at 900 to 1000 fps or so. I have lots of 240's but I have been thinking about buying some the 255 Keith's from Montana Bullets, or maybe a heavier bullet still yet. But being a life long fan of Elmer Keith, I figure if he found that 255 grain bullet to be sufficient, then I figure it plenty good enough for my needs. Of course, I know he pushed them harder than I want to.

So, do you have a pet load that you really like?

[remshooter]

.44 mag cases . 8.0 gr. Unique .250 gr. Keith SWC out of a 4 in barrel it will do around 900 fps .nice soft shooting load .can shoot 200 rounds at a time ,dont bother me .never tried shooting more at a time
good thing is , this load hits in the same place my heavy 2400 load does .your miliage and gun may differ

[Walt]

My most frequently used Unique load in .44 mag is 10 grains under a 250 gr Keith style bullet (Lyman 429421 and RCBS 44-250-K are virtually identical) for a velocity of about 1150fps out of a 5" m629 Classic. It's a good load.

[Lastmohecken]

That's about what I was thinking 8 to 10 grains behind a 250 grain bullet. Maybe in the middle at about 9 to 9.5 grains. I have about five 44 mags, and I would like to find one load that all of them would shoot decently, but I guess that would have to be a compromise of sorts.

[Scott Tschirhart]

10 gr Unique with a 240-260 gr SWC is a good load.

But mostly I shoot a 250 gr Keith over 7.5 gr Unique in a .44 Special case. It goes about 950 fps in a 4 3/4 inch gun.

[Lastmohecken]

10 gr Unique with a 240-260 gr SWC is a good load.

But mostly I shoot a 250 gr Keith over 7.5 gr Unique in a .44 Special case. It goes about 950 fps in a 4 3/4 inch gun.

Yep, that sounds like a pretty comfortable load but still powerful enough for most things.

[piller]

The old gas operated Ruger .44 Mag carbine likes them hot. I have tried it with some commercial loads that will not cycle. Winchester white box barely does.

[Scott Tschirhart]

The old gas operated Ruger .44 Mag carbine likes them hot. I have tried it with some commercial loads that will not cycle. Winchester white box barely does.

My experience with those guns is you need a 240 gr jacketed bullet and a stout load of 296 or H110 to make them run smoothly.

One of the reasons I switched to an old pre-Remington Marlin levergun is that I can shoot anything out of it.

[samsi]

With increased powder prices and sporadic availability in recent years I've taken to using 44 Special loads and deep seating in magnum brass. As Scott mentioned the Skelton load of 7.5 Unique is a good one although I often bump it to 8 grains for a solid 1000+ fps.

The upside of using the magnum brass is that you don't get the carbon ring in the chamber and can switch loads at random without cleaning the cylinder as when going from Specials to Magnums.

[Lastmohecken]

With increased powder prices and sporadic availability in recent years I've taken to using 44 Special loads and deep seating in magnum brass. As Scott mentioned the Skelton load of 7.5 Unique is a good one although I often bump it to 8 grains for a solid 1000+ fps.

The upside of using the magnum brass is that you don't get the carbon ring in the chamber and can switch loads at random without cleaning the cylinder as when going from Specials to Magnums.

What bullet are you using when you deep seat them. I am assuming you're using a cast bullet and crimping it into the lead above the crimping groove.

[Galloway]

I use the same 8.2 ish gr lee dipper of unique for both 45 colt and 44 mag works perfect for my needs, roughly 800 and 900 fps in short barrels

[samsi]

With increased powder prices and sporadic availability in recent years I've taken to using 44 Special loads and deep seating in magnum brass. As Scott mentioned the Skelton load of 7.5 Unique is a good one although I often bump it to 8 grains for a solid 1000+ fps.

The upside of using the magnum brass is that you don't get the carbon ring in the chamber and can switch loads at random without cleaning the cylinder as when going from Specials to Magnums.

What bullet are you using when you deep seat them. I am assuming you're using a cast bullet and crimping it into the lead above the crimping groove.

A Magma 240 swc or the Lyman or RCBS Keith bullet. Seat it to 44 Special OAL and apply a light roll crimp over the front band. The forward band with be a bit below the case mouth.

[Malamute]

In the early 80s when I got my first Smith 29, Remington had a medium powered factory load with 240 gr lead bullet at 1000 fps. I dont know if I ever actually saw any of those factory loads in person, but the level sounded good. 9 grs Unique seemed to be the charge that achieved that, and over the years since Ive shot vastly more of that load than all others combined in 44 mags. I used the home cast bullets with old school Lyman Alox lube (not to be confused with the later lee liquid alox) at first, then when more decent commercially cast bullets were showing up, I shot a lot of 240 gr swc commercial cast with whatever marginal quality lube they used. In the browning 92 I use the same charge with 200 gr fp lead bullet for a mild load of around 1200-ish fps in the carbine barrel.

That medium level load was noticeably flatter shooting than 44 spl loads, and quite a lot less kick than full power 44 mag loads, the Keith load of 22 grs 2400 with Lyman 429421 bullet cast from wheel weights, about 250 grs. Ive hit the old 300 yard 18x36: plate near Sedona, 5 for 6 kneeling, and first round hit and a couple follow-up hits on a coyote at a hair under 200 yards just out of flagstaff. The coyote went down to each hit, until about 3 when it stopped getting up. Ive also hit a coyote 3 times with a 30-06 with some questionable 125 gr HP bullets. They can be tenacious at times. In general shooting its no problem shooting a couple hundred rounds of the 9 gr loads without it bothering me.

[Lastmohecken]

With increased powder prices and sporadic availability in recent years I've taken to using 44 Special loads and deep seating in magnum brass. As Scott mentioned the Skelton load of 7.5 Unique is a good one although I often bump it to 8 grains for a solid 1000+ fps.

The upside of using the magnum brass is that you don't get the carbon ring in the chamber and can switch loads at random without cleaning the cylinder as when going from Specials to Magnums.

What bullet are you using when you deep seat them. I am assuming you're using a cast bullet and crimping it into the lead above the crimping groove.

A Magma 240 swc or the Lyman or RCBS Keith bullet. Seat it to 44 Special OAL and apply a light roll crimp over the front band. The forward band with be a bit below the case mouth.

Thank you, samsi, for the reply.

[Lastmohecken]

In the early 80s when I got my first Smith 29, Remington had a medium powered factory load with 240 gr lead bullet at 1000 fps. I dont know if I ever actually saw any of those factory loads in person, but the level sounded good. 9 grs Unique seemed to be the charge that achieved that, and over the years since Ive shot vastly more of that load than all others combined in 44 mags. I used the home cast bullets with old school Lyman Alox lube (not to be confused with the later lee liquid alox) at first, then when more decent commercially cast bullets were showing up, I shot a lot of 240 gr swc commercial cast with whatever marginal quality lube they used. In the browning 92 I use the same charge with 200 gr fp lead bullet for a mild load of around 1200-ish fps in the carbine barrel.

That medium level load was noticeably flatter shooting than 44 spl loads, and quite a lot less kick than full power 44 mag loads, the Keith load of 22 grs 2400 with Lyman 429421 bullet cast from wheel weights, about 250 grs. Ive hit the old 300 yard 18x36: plate near Sedona, 5 for 6 kneeling, and first round hit and a couple follow-up hits on a coyote at a hair under 200 yards just out of flagstaff. The coyote went down to each hit, until about 3 when it stopped getting up. Ive also hit a coyote 3 times with a 30-06 with some questionable 125 gr HP bullets. They can be tenacious at times. In general shooting its no problem shooting a couple hundred rounds of the 9 gr loads without it bothering me.

I just noticed this post, tonight.
It just so happens that I ended up reloading some 240 grain Keith style SWC's with 9 gr's of Unique, late this afternoon. Actually, it was after dark, before I got them loaded and I just couldn't wait till tomorrow to try a few out. I walked out in my field, and shot at a 10 inch gong, at about 50 yards. My gong is painted white, so I could see it in contrast against my sights with a Dewalt light held between my legs for illumination. I was shooting my 4-4/8" barrel Bisley. My gun must really like this load, because I practically never missed that gong at fifty yards. It feels like a nice solid load but very comfortable. I don't have a crony, so according to your numbers, I guess I am getting around 1000 fps. I wanted to try 10 grains of Unique, but I wanted to work up to it gradually, so 9grs was my first load. I will have to check this 9gr load out in my other 44's.

[EdinCT]

I filed my 44 Mag Bisley's sights to 9 gr of Unique and a 250 grain Lyman swc. It's a great load.

[Lastmohecken]

9 grains is probably enough for about anything I need to do. I worked up and shot some loads up to 10 grains of Unique behind a 240 gr. cast bullet, SWC. All loads between 9 and 10 grains shot pretty good, even at 90 yards for me today. But I am getting some leading in the barrels of 3 different 44 mag revolvers I shot today. So, I am wondering if my bullets are too soft, or wrong diameter, measuring .431 with dial calipers. I am shooting commercial hard cast and they say extra hard cast on the box, but no brindle values. The same brand of cast bullets never leads in my 45's, but I am shooting lighter loads. I may need to order some better bullets from somewhere like Montana Bullets, after slugging the bores and checking chamber throats.

[samsi]

9 grains is probably enough for about anything I need to do. I worked up and shot some loads up to 10 grains of Unique behind a 240 gr. cast bullet, SWC. All loads between 9 and 10 grains shot pretty good, even at 90 yards for me today. But I am getting some leading in the barrels of 3 different 44 mag revolvers I shot today. So, I am wondering if my bullets are too soft, or wrong diameter, measuring .431 with dial calipers. I am shooting commercial hard cast and they say extra hard cast on the box, but no brindle values. The same brand of cast bullets never leads in my 45's, but I am shooting lighter loads. I may need to order some better bullets from somewhere like Montana Bullets, after slugging the bores and checking chamber throats.

Commercial hard cast with a bevel base bullet is going to lead somewhat, that Unique load isn't producing enough pressure to upset the bullet and even then the bevel prevents a really good seal. I rarely use magma type 240's anymore for that reason, and the two I will use, but with moderate loads, are both coated. The Hytek coated from Missouri Bullet and the ones from Bear Creek Supply

Matt's 255 Keith is a good flat base number of appropriate hardness, they're my go-to for an accurate load unless I've got some home-cast on hand.

[Keith D]

9-10 grains Unique is a very fun load in my Marlin 1894 20" barrel. Nice in a Super Blackhawk Bisley Hunter, too. That Hunter model is heavy with 7.5" barrel and very accurate. I hate recoil anymore so Unique is a good all-around powder.

[Malamute]

9 grains is probably enough for about anything I need to do. I worked up and shot some loads up to 10 grains of Unique behind a 240 gr. cast bullet, SWC. All loads between 9 and 10 grains shot pretty good, even at 90 yards for me today. But I am getting some leading in the barrels of 3 different 44 mag revolvers I shot today. So, I am wondering if my bullets are too soft, or wrong diameter, measuring .431 with dial calipers. I am shooting commercial hard cast and they say extra hard cast on the box, but no brindle values. The same brand of cast bullets never leads in my 45's, but I am shooting lighter loads. I may need to order some better bullets from somewhere like Montana Bullets, after slugging the bores and checking chamber throats.

The lube may be more the question than "better bullets". Most commercial lubes are more oriented to not getting things sticky than how good of a lube they actually are. Linebaugh called most commercial bullet lubes "crayons", he also said most "hard cast" commercial bullets were too hard. Many either order special lubes if available, or melt the lube out and re-lube with better lubes. I cast Lyman 429421 bullets from straight wheel weights and used old school Lyman Alox (stick lube, not the lee liquid stuff) and had little to no leading at full 44 mag velocities in a Smith 29. Lubes like SPG meant for black powder often work well with smokeless, just more gooey to handle, and cost a bit more if ordered that way because of the hassle factor. Javalina lube was also liked back in the day, not sure how it stacks up today. Some places will sell cast bullets unlubed so you can use whatever you want.

I havent cast much in a while, but still have some Lyman Alox stick lube and bought more recently. Many dont know or recall Lyman Alox stick lube, only knowing the lee liquid type, which may be fine also. Ive used it on some stuff, and it may be the simple way to lube or re-lube bullets in todays world. You may try a very light coat of the Lee liuquid alox on top of your commercial cast bullets with the old lube still on them just to simplify. Wouldnt cost much to try. Most experienced users say most people try to use way more of it than required. Some people thin it a bit with mineral spirits. Makes it last longer and helps give very light coats on the bullets. A plastic food container with lid makes a good smaller volume tool to apply, and put the lid on when done so it doesnt petrify.

[samsi]

That's a good tip on the Lee liquid Alox. I bought some old .357/158 swc's that were stored in a shed forever and all the lube had dried and crumbled off. I put them in a quart size freezer bag with a dollop of LLA thinned with mineral spirits. Knead the bag of bullets to distribute the lube and spread on wax paper to dry. I shot them all up in 38 Specials.

[Lastmohecken]

Thanks, Fellows
For all of the tips. These bullets I am using right now, might be too hard to upset. And I understand about the beveled bases. I have a lot of these bullets so I need to figure out how to use them if possible. And it's not like I can't use them, they don't shoot half bad, just leading more than I like. The have a good looking lube on them, but maybe I need to add a lube coating to the existing lube.

Could It be that backing off to 8.5 or 8.7 grains of unique would help? However, I have read that if the bullet is too hard slowing it down won't help.

[samsi]

If you want to slow it down I'd definitely try deep-seating. Try 6 to 6.5 grains at an OAL of 1.5" with the 240, that should give you 850 to 900-ish. 45 ACP-like ballistics.

[wolfdog]

9 grains under 240 cast from wheel weights has served me well for years.

[Lastmohecken]

If you want to slow it down I'd definitely try deep-seating. Try 6 to 6.5 grains at an OAL of 1.5" with the 240, that should give you 850 to 900-ish. 45 ACP-like ballistics.

I may try that, I need to do a little measuring and see where my bullets hit on the end of the brass at that length. I am sure that would be a really sweet shooting, load with very comfortable recoil.

[Lastmohecken]

9 grains under 240 cast from wheel weights has served me well for years.

I do like 9 grains as far a recoil goes, and it seems to shoot pretty good, and the bullets carry good out to 90 yards at least, good reasonably flat trajectory based on my limited experience with that load.

Are your cast bullets flat based or beveled for easy loading?

[wolfdog]

They are flat base. I have an old Lyman m1 expander that makes starting bullets easy.

[samsi]

If you want to slow it down I'd definitely try deep-seating. Try 6 to 6.5 grains at an OAL of 1.5" with the 240, that should give you 850 to 900-ish. 45 ACP-like ballistics.

I may try that, I need to do a little measuring and see where my bullets hit on the end of the brass at that length. I am sure that would be a really sweet shooting, load with very comfortable recoil.

They come out like this, 1.5" OAL with a magma type 240. These are put up with 5.5 HP38 for 850 fps.

IMG_20260718_112744749.jpg

[Lastmohecken]

If you want to slow it down I'd definitely try deep-seating. Try 6 to 6.5 grains at an OAL of 1.5" with the 240, that should give you 850 to 900-ish. 45 ACP-like ballistics.

I may try that, I need to do a little measuring and see where my bullets hit on the end of the brass at that length. I am sure that would be a really sweet shooting, load with very comfortable recoil.

They come out like this, 1.5" OAL with a magma type 240. These are put up with 5.5 HP38 for 850 fps.

IMG_20260718_112744749.jpg

Ok, Thanks for the picture, that clears it up for me. I did load a handful just like that trying to get that 1.5", now I see how you did it. I did the same thing, but I just didn't feel comfortable with the crimp over the edge like that, so I backed off about .060 for a 1.560 length or something like that, where the lead band extended past the case mouth just ever so slightly, and loaded it with the 6.5 grains of Unique. They actually shot pretty darned good, and I shot a 12 shot about a 3" group on paper at about 25 yards but discounting a few flyers it was more like a 2" group so and off of a less than real solid rest.

I am thinking about creeping up on 7 grains of Unique and shoot several groups as I go. This was with my 4-5/8" Bisley Ruger.

[samsi]

Yeah, it seems odd at first but it hasn't caused any problems. I first tried it with 200swc's in 45 Colt, that one's in the Speer manual. I think JimT has mentioned his dad using 17 grains of 2400 with the Keith bullet deep-seated and I tried that, it worked fine with accuracy equal or better than 10 grains of Unique with the bullet crimped in the groove.

[Lastmohecken]

Yeah, it seems odd at first but it hasn't caused any problems. I first tried it with 200swc's in 45 Colt, that one's in the Speer manual. I think JimT has mentioned his dad using 17 grains of 2400 with the Keith bullet deep-seated and I tried that, it worked fine with accuracy equal or better than 10 grains of Unique with the bullet crimped in the groove.

Wow, I will have to look that up in some of my old Speer manuals.

[Lastmohecken]

Done some more loading and shooting today. And I am locked in a little bit, because I already have quite a few components to use, and I want to make them work for me. I have lots of 44 mag brass, tons of Unique and lots of 240 grain cast bullets that I want to utilize. I decided after experimentation and research that Skeeter's pet load of 7.5 grains in the Special case is just a really nice load. So, I deep seated those 240 and roll crimped over the top band and got the OAL down to 1.505. I think this is my load, for the 240 grain bullets I have on hand. I was shooting them out of Ruger Bisley with 4-5/8" barrel today, and I am just pretty happy with it. Here's a picture of a 12 shot group I shot with that load today at 25 yards. I used a old target that I had shot with some 30 cal bullets so you will see some smaller holes here and there, but the bigger holes of the 44 are pretty easy to identify. I shot these while resting my arms over the bed of my side by side, which was pretty solid, but maybe not as solid as a bench rest.

I was using a 6 O'clock hold on the bull, so it is hitting a little high at 25 yards. If I could I would crank the rear sight down, a little, but it bottomed out now. I do wish those front sights on a couple of my Ruger's were just a tad taller.

Skeeter Load, 44mag shorter to special.jpg

[Lastmohecken]

I also could hit a 10 inch gong at 80 yards, most of the time with a dead-on hold with this load. That's probably about as good as I can do. By deep seating the bullets in the case, down to 44 Special OAL, so, I should be duplicating the old Special, Skeeter load, pretty close. I find this load to be just pretty darned sweet shooting, but I think I am probably still close to 900 fps, but without a chronograph, it's hard to verify. I think my brother in law has one, so I may see if I can test a few loads on it.