Power Pistol in the 44 Remington Magnum

[Bob Bethune]

I'm looking at the following recipe for a 44 Mag Blackhawk revolver
and a 44 Mag Winchester Model 94 Legacy:

Any of several kinds of range brass (Federal, Remington, Winchester,
CBC)
15 grains Power Pistol
180 grain Hornday JHP/XTP
Winchester WLP or CCI 300 primers

This would be a maximum load.

I have data that 14.9 grains of Power Pistol delivered 34,000 psi. By
comparison, 11.5 grains Titegroup behind the same bullet, primer
unknown, delivered 38,400 psi. I've actually used that load, so I know
my guns can take it.

I'm not seeing lots of data on Power Pistol in 44 Mag. Of course, that
just makes me more curious.

Any comments?

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[nord...@yahoo.com]

# I'm not seeing lots of data on Power Pistol in 44 Mag. Of course, that
# just makes me more curious.
#
# Any comments?

I'd start with the manufacturer's website
http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/RecipeList.aspx?gtypeid=1

The "Ask the Experts" line is here http://www.alliantpowder.com/questions/default.aspx

[sta...@prolynx.com]

Power Pistol really isn't meant for the purpose you want to use it
for. Alliant's web page says it's intended for semi-auto cartridges,
like .45/9mm/.40. Much smaller capacity than the .44. Lack of data
should be a clue. And they only list weights of 200 and 210 gr.
Pressure isn't the only thing you have to watch for, you can get
pressure and velocity excursions once you get out of the designed
pressure range for the powder, high OR low powder weights. It may
result in just an inaccurate load on the low end, may result in high
pressures at the other. 296/H110 are what I use in the .44 for top
velocities. Get a chronograph, you're just shooting in the dark
without one. And listed pressures are only for the lot of powder they
shot under the conditions they shot the load, not your gun.

Stan

[zxcvbob]

Bob Bethune wrote:
# I'm looking at the following recipe for a 44 Mag Blackhawk revolver
# and a 44 Mag Winchester Model 94 Legacy:
#
# Any of several kinds of range brass (Federal, Remington, Winchester,
# CBC)
# 15 grains Power Pistol
# 180 grain Hornday JHP/XTP
# Winchester WLP or CCI 300 primers
#
# This would be a maximum load.
#
# I have data that 14.9 grains of Power Pistol delivered 34,000 psi. By
# comparison, 11.5 grains Titegroup behind the same bullet, primer
# unknown, delivered 38,400 psi. I've actually used that load, so I know
# my guns can take it.
#
# I'm not seeing lots of data on Power Pistol in 44 Mag. Of course, that
# just makes me more curious.
#

That's because it's marketed for 9mm and 40S&W, but it should be a
great powder for your purpose. (there's no load data at all for WSF
in revolver cartridges, but it's an excellent powder in them; it's
similar to Herco but measures better)

Have you tried the 14.9 (or 15.0) load yet? Why are you using such a
light bullet?

I just bought a pound of Power Pistol but I haven't had a chance to
try it out yet. It's basically a slow-burning version of Bullseye;
how can that not be good?

Bob

[Bob Bethune]

I do know I have access to the people at Alliant; I'm asking here
because I also want to know what people HERE think.

Bob

[Bob Bethune]

Haven't actually tried it yet, gotta a a Round 2It, and you know how
hard those are to come by.

You ask why the light bullet; basically, I'm a light-fast-bullet guy,
and I've been very happy with the way the 180's shoot in my guns, so
I've bought a whoooooole bunch'a'em.

There's an interesting divergence of opinion here; 1 vote for, 1 vote
against. I do note that I've run into various postings on various
forums where people who've actually used Power Pistol in the 44 mag
like it a lot. Just couldn't ever find a posting like that which gave
any recipes.

[nord...@yahoo.com]

# I do know I have access to the people at Alliant; I'm asking here
# because I also want to know what people HERE think.

# You ask why the light bullet; basically, I'm a light-fast-bullet guy,
# and I've been very happy with the way the 180's shoot in my guns, so
# I've bought a whoooooole bunch'a'em.

Bob, If fast 180s is your game then H110/WW296 is your powder. It
provides the highest practical velocity for any bullet weight in the
44 magnum. The recommended charge fills the case for consistent
ignition and no risk of a double charge. Be well.

[Tom Gardner]

I think Power Pistol is too quick for good .44 loads. Pressure will peak to
soon and too high for optimal performance. BUT, I'd love to know how it all
works out.

[Bob Bethune]

Thanks for the tip! I'll definitely try that next time I buy powder
for the 44's.

[Bob Bethune]

By the way, my favorite powder for the 44 to date is Vihtavuori N105,
but I'm finding that impossible to locate locally (southern Michigan.)

[fr1939]

On Nov 13, 1:01 pm, Bob Bethune <poih...@comcast.net> wrote:
# By the way, my favorite powder for the 44 to date is Vihtavuori N105,
# but I'm finding that impossible to locate locally (southern Michigan.)
#
# Bob
#
Try targetbarndotcom in Sylvania, Ohio, they attend IPSC and IDPA
matches in Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana. Call 419 829 2242 if you would
like to arrange delivery at an event. They carry the Vihtavuori powder
and are all about supporting the pistol shooter. Good people.

[Bob Bethune]

My thanks to all who posted here! Some of you said you'd like to know
how this idea of loading Power Pistol in the 44 Magnum turns out.
Well, I got some loading done and I got some shooting done across a
chronograph, and the results, stats, pictures and opinions are
available on my website at:

URL: http://www.freshwaterseas.com/thebullpup/

Just click on the link to the reloading pages and you'll see the jump
to the article.

I hope you all enjoy the page.

Thanks again!