I was wondering if I could safely load W231 in a 44mag behind a 180gr Hornady XTP. I have looked all over for load data and have come to the conclusion that it would be possible, though there is no data that I can find from any manufacture including winchester for a 180gr bullet.

I have a large supply of W231 and a bunch of large pistol primers and wanted to see if I could load some good plinking loads. I was thinking 11.5-12.5 sounded about right for min and max loads. It looks to be extremly close to HP-38 across the bullet weight spectrum and though you generally shouldn't I was thinking I could use HP-38 data for W231 in 44mag. Any advice would be appreciated.

Alsmost identical burning rate to Buuleseye. Anyway Quickload says max is about 13 grains at 1419 fps and 33383 PSI. For a 44 special load try 6 grains. 850 fps and under 9k PSI.

.44 Magnum:
W-231 From 8.0 grains to 13.0 grains
CCI-350 Primer

.44 Special:
W-231 From 5.5 grains to 7.5 grains
CCI-350 Primer

I use WW231 under a 240 gr SWC @ 875 fps or so (from a 4 inch barrel) for practice, plinking, and the occasional whitetail doe. Works great. I don't mess with maximum loads using the fast powders; that's what H110/WW296 is for.

quote:

Originally posted by nordrseta:
I don't mess with maximum loads using the fast powders; that's what H110/WW296 is for.

+1, on that!

i use 8.5 grains of unique behind a lance cast bullett