Calculating Min/Max Pistol Caliber Loads

[OldMike]

In a previous post I had asked about shooting 44 mag in the pistol caliber class. After realizing that there is no getting around it, I have decided to pull out all of my reloading stuff, set it up and start reloading for 44 mag.

Now, though, I am not exactly what I should be 'shooting' for in my loads. I have read through the threads where members have given loading information for some different calibers, and I am trying to get a handle on exactly what I need to be looking for.

I am sure there are a lot of members here who have been doing this for quite some time, and have it down to a science. So I am wondering if there is some kind of formula I can use in determining what my minimum and max loads should look like for pistol caliber class. Is there a formula similar to knockdown power that can be used to determine if a load is within a certain 'guideline' where it would not damage targets?

I'm looking at using 240gr RNFP bullets. I'm trying to determine what the maximum velocity would be that would put me in a safe zone, where I wouldn't go to a club and start ruining targets. Ideally I would like to have one load for CPTR, but if I need to have separate loads for turkeys and/or rams, I'm okay with that. I just don't know what I can get away with in regards to velocity, that would allow me to be confident.

If anyone has example loads for 44 mag, that would be great. Even better, though, would be some kind of formula or guideline that I could follow (such as FPE, Taylor Knockdown, etc.) that would let me know where I stand regardless of weight of bullet or caliber. I'm surprised the NRA rules don't have some kind of guideline for what they would consider to be 'safe' or within spec.

I feel like its the chicken or the egg problem. I don't want to go to a shoot until I sight in and practice with a load. But I don't know if I will be using a 'safe' load until I go (and possibly get asked to sit aside if the rounds are too hot). In the last thread I posted some recommended 44 Special level loads or Cowboy loads. Out of a handgun Ultramax Cowboy 44 Mag 240gr loads show a velocity of 750 fps. From what I have read this uses a small amount of fast burning powder, which might now really correlate to much higher velocity out of a 24" barrel. I would also imagine that shooting a load that has a velocity of 750 fps, might be crazy trying to sight it in at 100 meters. I'm not sure though, since I never tried.

How should I go about starting to find loads to begin sighting in with and loading for my first shoot?

Thanks for any thoughts - I'm a little confused on how to get started with this...

[Ramslammer]

G'Day
I have a 24" Marlin that my Nephew and step son use. I have found that 8grns of Trail boss with a 200grn flat nose is good for pistol cartridge. There is one setting for CPT and one for Rams. Also they use this load in Rifle for Chickens and Pigs and 22.5of 4227 with a 255gr gas check bullet for Turkeys and Rams. The same setting for pistol Rams works for full size Turkeys with the 255gr load and another setting for Rams. So there is only three settings for all matches so it makes it simple to use.
Juddy

[dgslyr]

In my Marlin 44 mag I use 9 grs. of Unique and whatever bullet I have.I like 200 grs.,jacketed or cast the best but have used 240's and 255 gr. cast.Cast bullets have to be .431(ok) or.432 (best) for my gun.I have some 240 gr. Nosler's loaded now,they average 1199 fps.I have them zeroed at 75 yds.They drop about 3 3/8 inches at 100 yds.The won't hurt the chickens but you might have to go look for them.I use a 6 o'clock hold on the chickens and pigs.Cover the turkeys body with the bead and hold about half a bead high for the rams.Another plus is that they have almost no recoil.You may get different results but it's a place to start.

[44 mag]

A friend that i shoot with has a marlin 24 inch and shoots 8 grns of unique with 180 grn remington bulk bullets.Works well for him as he is a master and tough to beat.Also those bullets are cheap.

[edgehit]

You want to use the lightest bullet possible. It doesn't take much to knock over the pistol cartridge targets. In fact, a 22lr will reliably knock over all but the Ram target.

but why a 44mag? Is this all you have? Seems to me that you take a bit more of a beating when a 25-20, 32-30, 32H&R, or 22wmr will be a lot easier and cheaper to shoot.

[OldMike]

You want to use the lightest bullet possible. It doesn't take much to knock over the pistol cartridge targets. In fact, a 22lr will reliably knock over all but the Ram target.

but why a 44mag? Is this all you have? Seems to me that you take a bit more of a beating when a 25-20, 32-30, 32H&R, or 22wmr will be a lot easier and cheaper to shoot.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions - it gives me a great reference for what I am looking for.

I am deciding to use 44 mag because that is what I normally shoot. It is the same gun that I hunt with, and usually have with me, so I figure I might as well shoot and practice with the rifle I usually use for everything...

[Another Dang 9]

everyone who I shoot with that shoots a 44 mag uses 44 special cases for pistol cart class. the reduced case with reduced powder gives better results. if you are using the gun for CLA go with the normal cases and normal powder charges. you won't have to worry which one is for which class either.

[kemo sabe]

In my 24" Rossi 92 ss .44 mag, I use 7 grs. Titegroup behind the 240 rnfp Laser cast @ 1150 fps on everything except the full size rams. On full size rams I use the same bullet with 20 grs. of Alliant 2400 @ 1650 fps. Have not damaged any targets with either load and as far as I know, have knocked down every full sized ram that I have hit. The small chickens sometimes get hurled about 15' but not dented to amount to anything. This rifle's 7.5 lbs does a good job of absorbing recoil.

[glen ring]

Mike

I think it's great that you compete with the same gun you hunt with. I think that this sport has greatly improved my rifle shooting in a very practical way. My wife and I don't hunt anymore, but there's no doubt that she could drill a pig or deer every time from 75 yards with her 30-30 and I know I'm a much better shot since I took up this sport a couple of years ago. Like they say, Beware the man that shoots only one gun and I'm sure you'll see your proficiency with it grow rapidly.