Hi folks, with non-lead becoming more of a thing, I'm looking to develop a non-lead load for my 20" barrelled .44 Mag lever action.

Looks like I'll be using 200gr Barnes XPB and for velocity seems the thing to go for is either Lil'gun or Enforcer (Plus they tend to be stocked here - when anything is).

Question:
Which of these 2 powders for non-lead 44 mag lever action hunting loads

Choices:
Lil'gun
Enforcer

 

I don't know Enforcer. I have used Lil'gun in the 44mag in the lever and the Desert Eagle. It worked.

Heard rumblings about hi temp with lil'gun but it may be internet lore.

Using a Rossi model 923 in 45Colt Shooting 300 grain GC'd cast bullets I've had good accuracy 20 - 22 grains of H-110, Mag primers.

Of the two choices, I would use Lil' Gun powder. If you can find Win. 296, I would recommend trying it also. 296 is my favorite powder for heavy loads in the .44 Magnum and .45 Colt, both handgun and rifle.

I still shoot 2400 for heavy 44 mag loads.

Yes, 2400 is still the best and has been for years in both pistol and rifle..IMO..

I agree with the 2400 loads as well as H110. I've used both with great results. The H110 gave a touch more velocity.

I have several 44 mag rifles and a couple of pistols and of the two powders listed it would hands down be Lil'Gun.
Like arkypete my best powder for the 44 mag (& 45 Colt) has been H110 (especially with heavy bullets) although one pistol and one rifle seems to prefer 2400. The next 44 mag I buy may prefer Green Dot or something like that, who knows. lol.

Steve.........

I'll second lil'gun, especially for 240 and heavyer bullets. Good hard crimp also.
It gives high vel with less pressure.
If you fire fast, it does seem like the barrel gets hot quicker then other powders. but it's not a varmint rifle. You wont be shooting 500 rounds at PD's in an afternoon.

Thanks folks, looks like it it Lil'gun next.

Scrummy

Enforcer is known as AA-4100 when it's in an accurate bottle.
it's western powders slightly [very slightly] faster version of 2400.
meaning it uses about .2 to .5grs. less for the same pressure and velocity as 2400 has.

I would be interested in LEVEREVOLUTION, in the smaller rounds such as the 41 and 44 mags and 45 Long Colt.. Anyone got any input in this...I have no idea how or if it would work, but its the berries in the 30-30, 25-45, 32 special and a few others..

Well folks,

Quest 44 mag load development continues and thinking about the growing issues of requirements for non-toxic bullets I thought about a way of trying to make the old .44 a bit more eco-friendly. Couldn't get the Barnes XPB here for love nor money so I bought some bullets from the S African company, Peregrine.

I'm picking up some Viht N105 and Hodgdon Lil'gun on Sunday for to try with these chaps.



Left 180gr Hog (Flying ashtray hollow point)
Centre Nosler 240 gr JSP for comparison
Right 205gr VRG (Plunger to initiate expansion)

N105 is for the 180gr Hog, the Lil'gun for the 205gr VRG3

I will keep everyone posted.

Question folks, does Lil'gun need a magnum primer?

(I have some Federal 155s which I can use)

Scrummy

Doesn't seem to make much of a difference in side by side testing I conducted in my guns.

Steve........

Many thanks. I have both so might try some side by side

Don't rule out 4227 it works great in the 44 and 45 Colt but lil gun will give better velocities probably.