Hello! I am new to reloading and have a question, probably a dumb question. I am going through the load data included with my new lee dies (44 mag)and trying to piece together the available components in my area. Here is what i have so far, regarding powder...5.5 gr of HP38 OR 19.4 gr of IMR4227. Considering the velocity is slightly greater with the HP38 and I would be using around 75% less powder, wouldn't that be the smartest way to go? Keep in mind, I am using the ammo for plinking only and it will be fired out of a Henry Mare's Leg. The bullets I am considering are lead, as it is readily available and by far cheaper here. Is there something I am missing here? If you have other recommendations or feel I am going down the wrong path in any way, please speak up. Safety is my number one concern. I appreciate any input.
Thanks in advance, from Canada!

Welcome!!

Guys are going to ask what weight bullet. I've never heard of HP38. Sorry.

Nothing wrong with loads that use less powder provided they properly fill the case. Using real light fast powders increase the chance of a double charge or the powder lying on the side.

Thanks Ramrod!
Bullets are 240 gr lead.
HP38 is made by Hodgdon.

If you're just plinking that will work well. But when I load for my 44 magnum I load to magnum energy levels which means Win 296 or H110 powders.

For lead bullets and plinking 8.5 to 9.0 grains of Unique is a well known and used load. Its my favorite for many thousand 44 mag rounds.

You have correctly and logically done the math, so from an economics standpoint, you are right.
But there is a downside; the potential for double charges. Be careful.

quote:

HP38 is made by Hodgdon

Got it.

That almost looks like and apple to orange comparison. The P38 loaded to about 11,000 and the 4227 to 18,000.
Yes the p38 would use less powder. BUT it is loading to only about a 30% fill rate. Double charge you are at or above max.

I would not risk it for a few cents per round. I've lost track of how much Unigue or Herco I've used behind lead pullets in mine.

I appreciate all of your time. The potential to accidentally double charge had crossed my mind.
I guess it wont hurt to double check other available powders in my area before opening my wallet.

Thanks again!

Nothing wrong with using any listed load you want to; just remember that some powders are not idiot proof; others are; Not saying you are an idiot.

Frist off use common sense and check your casings after putting powder in them.

10s of millions for rounds have been loaded with powders that one could double charge with out trouble.

As with anything be careful and reload.

quote:

10s of millions for rounds have been loaded with powders that one could double charge with out trouble.

You are 100% correct. I did it for years. Then that one day I had a double charge of I believe red dot in my 38. While no damage was done it got my attention.

If you want to use a powder that can double charge simply be careful. Or simply use one that fills the case better and no worry. For me the few cents per round is simply insurance.

As dpcd no reason to not use a listed load. Just take extra care if you don't fill the case. Safe not sorry.

Don't care what pistol powder I use. I drop loads in a shell holder full(50) then double and triple check. Just takes an extra few seconds.

Yeah, you've all got me thinking and you're right, mistakes can happen. I'm far better off playin it safe. If not, I can already see myself stressing every time I pull the trigger, lol. After all, this is supposed to be an enjoyable hobby.
Thx all!!!

quote:

Don't care what pistol powder I use. I drop loads in a shell holder full(50) then double and triple check. Just takes an extra few seconds.

I even check my rifle loads in the block before seating the bullets just to make sure every thing looks right.

Mistakes don't "happen". They are always caused by carelessness.
It is easy to look in the block and see how much powder is in there; like P dog says. Not the rapper P dog.
Until you are confident in what you are doing, just use factory loads.

HP38 is the same powder as WW231, so if you see data for it, they interchange. HP38/WW231 is a fast powder designed more for cartridges such as the 38Spl & 45ACP. It can be used in the 44 Mag, but there is a lot of air in the cartridge and possibility of mistakes are high, as noted by several above.

I shoot only 200gr. RNFP bullets in my .44 Magnum, long ago these two loads became my go to loads. 7.5gr. Unique (the Skeeter Skelton load for the .44 Special) works well in the .44 Magnum and for more power 9.0gr. Unique. I have shot these two loads for more than 20 yrs. now with complete satisfaction.

I shooting 240 coated lead with 5gr of Unique for an indoor range load in a Marlin rifle.

For the Desert Eagle I use a heavy charge of imr4227 or H110/ww296 with 240 JSP/JHP

Lil gun also works

Since I am feeling windy, you must remember all this goes back to the Colt Walker. Colt was making .36s for gentlemen and Col. Walker came from TX (Republic of TX) to request a handgun for the Tx rangers, a gun that would knock a man off a horse and if you missed, mess up the horse bigtime. Approx. 40 grains of black powder and a ball generating almost the power of todays .357 magnums. Col. Walker died in battle before the guns were delivered, but they worked and he is very favorably remembered. When the "cartridge" became legal, patent expired in 1873, Colt offered the .45 Long Colt with this load, better bullet in a cartridge.

There was also a .44 Colt and a .41...

Keith brought the smokeless powders and +P loading to the .44 Special and when the factories approved, .44 Magnum.

Fast shotgun/pistol powders are capable of the black powder pressure, approx. 15k lup. As said they don't use much space and double charges are a concern. The slower powders, in rifles for sure, give somewhat greater performance. Your Mare's Leg is a compromise.

Working the Magnum at full pressure, 45K CUP last I knew and case life is less and kick is more. Fun but expensive. This is why the .45ACP (the Walker performance in a smaller case with faster smokeless powder, circa 1911) is the highly rated combat load. It kicks but can be controlled and knocks targets down.

Killing power, should you decide to hunt with this machine, a big heavy bullet making a hole all the way thru, or almost and the creature dies. A bit more velocity makes hitting at a distance a bit easier. Lead bullets usually "lead" more too. Up close, the big heavy bullet is going deep and tearing things up at any velocity. Even if a person were in armor, it will knock them down. It is all compromise and you have to find you balance. For plinking the light loads mentioned are plenty. For confronting the big bears, or impressing friends, factory magnums are louder. Luck. Happy Holidays. Happy Trails.