Need loads for Ruger .44 mag Alaskan

[johnnybocce]

Wondering if anyone has some proven reload data for my new .44 mag Ruger Alaskan. I am interested in a lighter load. I intend to use a 200 grain Hornady XTP bullet. I will be using either 2400, Bullseye, Titegroup,or Unque powder. Your input will be greatly appreciated. Someone suggested: Unique, 9.0 grains, at 990 fps, or Titegroug, 7.9 grains at 980 fps, or bullseye, 8.0 grains, at 1014 fps. Just wondering if above loads are safe and acceptable.

[76Highboy]

My preference is to load 44spl if you are going under the magnum specifications. The 9.0 grains of unique might be ok. However, with 7.0 grains of Unique in the 44spl with the 200gr. HP-XTP, you are saving 2 grains of powder per round, it will be traveling at 850fps so the recoil will be comforatable.

[johnnybocce]

Thanks 76Highboy for the information. I will give that a try

[76Highboy]

Also Johnny, I shoot alot of 44spl. Some people say they can't find the brass, but I never have a hard time finding it. I would look at Midway possably. I have six 44 magnums but mostle shoot 44 spl through them. They use less powder which is a savings, and you rarely need to trim the brass. The recoil is mild and much easier on the gun. Below is a pic of my model 629 that has had easily 12,000+ rounds through it. There has been some nasty hot rounds through it, but most every thing through this gun have been very mild loads. However I will say I pack my full house loads when hunting because of bear. I hope to get a bear this year or next with my 44.

Jim

[76Highboy]

Sorry, here it is.

[johnnybocce]

Jim, again thanks for the information. After your first post I went to midwayusa and put some .44 special Starline brass in my basket. A couple more items and I'll submit the order. I plan on carrying the Alaskan as a sidearm when I hunt wild boar down here in SC. But I wanted a lighter load for use at the range. Good luck on your bear hunt. JohnnyBocce

[76Highboy]

Originally Posted by johnnybocce

Jim, again thanks for the information. After your first post I went to midwayusa and put some .44 special Starline brass in my basket. A couple more items and I'll submit the order. I plan on carrying the Alaskan as a sidearm when I hunt wild boar down here in SC. But I wanted a lighter load for use at the range. Good luck on your bear hunt. JohnnyBocce

Well be looking for a range report Johnny.

[JLA]

Johnny, that Alaskan is capable of digesting 300 gr bullets at 1300 fps and asking for seconds. Thats well over a 35,000 psi load. Anything producing less velocity with a lighter bullet is all gravy for that little tank.

My favorite load for mine is 11 gr Titegroup under a 180 gr XTP.

I find the faster powders really work best in the short 2.5" barrel of the Alaskan.

[JLA]

Try 5.5 gr titegroup under a cast 200, and 10.5 under a Jacketed.

The 5.5/200 cast load is a sweet shootn little target load your little sister could shoot comfortably, and itll still drop badguys if you needed it to.