I went to the shooting range yesterday to test out 44 mag loads in a break action 44 mag 22" barrel. The brass was mixed, some new with some fired. The bullets were 240 gr Hornady XTP and powder was IMR 4227. OAL were all 1.605 +/- 0.002.
My goal was to set up a hunting load that could be used in this specific rifle that could be used reliably at 100 yards up to no more than 125 yards. Looking at various sources, I made 4 different loads with the IMR 4227. I was hoping that the highest of the loads (which was still almost 1 grain under max) would be the most accurate in order to get the best engergy delivered to target.
After shooting 10 rounds of each (letting the barrel cool every 4 shots or so), it was clear that the lightest load was the most accurate in this rifle. The calculated muzzle velocity is somewhere near 1450 fps. Zeroing at 100 yards should give about +1.8" at 50, and -3.1" at 125. The highest load should be about 1650 fps muzzle so there is a pretty good difference. Granted, these are only calcualted numbers. Even with a good wind, I was able to get under a 2" group with the lowest, and about 4" with the heaviest at 100 yards.
Is it just normal that a particular rifle will just shoot a particular load better than others? I'm still looking for some H110 or 2400 unsuccessfully. I have a lb of Lil'Gun that I'm going to make up next. But, I'm concerned that the velocities will drop off even more.
Any suggestions on how to get the grouping tightened up with the higher velocity? Of course, I will still be looking for the H110/W296 powder. Thanks.
My goal was to set up a hunting load that could be used in this specific rifle that could be used reliably at 100 yards up to no more than 125 yards. Looking at various sources, I made 4 different loads with the IMR 4227. I was hoping that the highest of the loads (which was still almost 1 grain under max) would be the most accurate in order to get the best engergy delivered to target.
After shooting 10 rounds of each (letting the barrel cool every 4 shots or so), it was clear that the lightest load was the most accurate in this rifle. The calculated muzzle velocity is somewhere near 1450 fps. Zeroing at 100 yards should give about +1.8" at 50, and -3.1" at 125. The highest load should be about 1650 fps muzzle so there is a pretty good difference. Granted, these are only calcualted numbers. Even with a good wind, I was able to get under a 2" group with the lowest, and about 4" with the heaviest at 100 yards.
Is it just normal that a particular rifle will just shoot a particular load better than others? I'm still looking for some H110 or 2400 unsuccessfully. I have a lb of Lil'Gun that I'm going to make up next. But, I'm concerned that the velocities will drop off even more.
Any suggestions on how to get the grouping tightened up with the higher velocity? Of course, I will still be looking for the H110/W296 powder. Thanks.