powder question?

[bassmatt]

I have never done any reloading, but will be starting soon. My question is I am between 2 powders for my 44mag pistol and 44mag rifle. Which powder is cleaner to shoot and work with? Reddot or Unique. What are the pro's and con's of each? Or should I look into a different powder all together?
Thanks for the help,
Matt

 

[coorslight]

I don't have any experience with either, I use Hodgdon H110, or for light loads, Titegroup with good success.

 

[hammer24]

Unique. Much more versatile and wider loading range. Are these plinking rounds you're building? I would advise a slower powder if you want to push the velocity. I use H110 or 2400. You can get snappy loads from Unique, but there are better powders if you want to raise the velocity.

Will you be hunting with these loads?

Oh an READ, READ, READ. Tons of info out there for the reloader. Get a few reloading manuals and stay within their recommendations.

 

[Fishersjohn48]

Here is a great resource. http://www.handloads.com/ Lots of good info but as with all data cross check your data with other references. Have fun and be safe.

 

[Broom_jm]

Of those two, I would choose Unique. Red Dot, for all its virtues, is a very fast-burning powder that I would prefer to avoid in a magnum round like the 44. I reload for the 44 Magnum with Power Pistol for lighter loads and H110 for the full-throttle hunting stuff. I'm very happy with the performance I get from both. I do not worry about how "clean" a powder burns because I clean my guns after I shoot. I choose powders based on the performance they give, not how clean they burn, relative to another powder.

 

[bassmatt]

hammer,
Yes I will be hunting with this gun any suggestions?

 

[kludge]

For hunting I would use 2400.

 

[4TheResistance]

i would also go with 2400, its a little cheaper than h110 butt still packe a good punch and you should have no problem throwing them at 1300fps or more with 240gr. lead bullets

 

[Broom_jm]

I'm partial to the 240gr XTP bullets, for hunting. I've shot a number of deer with them, and the 200gr version, with very good results. Also, they're not prohibitively expensive, unless you're casting your own lead bullets.

 

[kludge]

Agreed. XTP's are a great bullet at a good price.

 

[SSGSAD]

hammer,
Yes I will be hunting with this gun any suggestions?

I use Blue Dot, for my Marlin .44 Mag., with BOTH 180 gr JHP, and 240 JHP, slower burn, lots of Velocity, and accurate...

 

[bigmich]

I would use unique very versitle powder but it is a little dirty