Powder for .44 magnum and .357 magnum loads??

[Armed_OMS]

Greetings. Recently acquired an Anaconda and Python and have not loaded these crtridges before. I am currently using Power Pistol for 9mm, .380, .40 and .45 reloads.
I know I may be opeing a can of worms, but what is your favorite powder for .44 and .357 mag target loads?
Thanks

[ColtSnakes]

I don't load .44's but use a pile of Power Pistol in .357 and .45. I really like it. I'd imagine if there is date available for it, which I'm sure there is, it would work great in a .44 Mag.

[smkummer]

A friend of mine is using 231 and unique in his 44 magnum revolver which I believe will work anywhere from 800 to 1200 FPS with a 240 grain bullet. He is working on a 1000 FPS load. 231 sure meters nicely and unique does not appear to have position issues in the 44 magnum case like it does in 45 Colt.

I am using 7 grains of unique in my 6 in. Python for 1100 FPS with a 158 cast bullet. This is a reduced load in the .357 but I get very little leading and is comfortable to shoot. It also appears to be accurate in my 8 in. Python Hunter. I really do shoot more 38 special in most of my .357 chambered guns for plinking though. 5.2 grains unique and the same bullet is my 38 special load.

Like stated above, power pistol should work well also unless you try to go too light.

That reminds me that 2 days ago .357 ammo was getting hard to chamber in my python so I need to clean it well as I must have fired a bunch of 38 special in it without a good cleaning.

[nightshade2x]

Unique...

Have fun and be safe.
Nightshade2x

[Juan Largo]

Unique and Titegroup

[pajim]

Hs-6

[d.a.r.y.l]

Several years ago when I was loading for a Redhawk 44 I was using 2400 I don't remember if it was Hercules but I think it was.I used 24 Grains behind a 240g HP.Very accurate and clean burning.Can't remember what I used for the Smith 19 for the 357 loads I do know that it was a lighter load than I was loading for my Ruger Security Six.The 19 couldn't handle the full house loads,frame is a little weaker than the Ruger and I finally just started shooting 38spls.in it.Sorry Smith lovers just stating my findings with my gun.

[bmcgilvray]

I use Unique for mild loads in those two cartridges.

8.0 grains in an 8 3/8-inch Smith & Wesson Model 29 .44 Magnum with a 245-250 grain lead SWC yields 949 fps.

5.0 grains in a 6-inch Smith & Wesson Model 27 with a 158 grain lead SWC yields 933 fps.

Both loads give excellent accuracy and are fun to shoot.

[z4lunch]

Steve here... I have shot 7 of unique in my 44 with a 240gn boolit
I prefer 5.0 to 6.0 of unique, for target work, but it does not meter well
I shoot 2.6 of Bullseye in my Python 38 special cases, with 150gn wadcutter.
I have some Bullseye loaded up for my 44 with some 185gn wadcutters
I plan to shoot this weekend

I haven't shot 231 since I was a boy but that always shot well for me too in 38spl cases

[deltazulu334]

Steve,
I have had very good success loading Unique behind both cast and jacked boolits for target loads in both the .357 Magnum and the .44 Magnum.
You mention that Unique does not meter well. 'Ask your revolver' if it likes thrown charges of Unique by performing a simple test:

Prime 50 .44 Magnum cases, (all same headstamp, once-fired, if possible, trimmed to same o.a. length) with your favorite standard, non-magnum primer. Charge the first 25 cases with a charge of between 5 and 6 grains
of Unique thrown from your powder measure. (Set measure with reliable scale.) Seat your favorite commercial cast bullet and roll in a consistant crimp in the crimping cannelure.
Next, charge the remaining 25 cases with your favorite charge of your best-liked powder (other than Unique). Seat boolits same as above.
Last, test your work by shooting from sandbags using best benchrest techniques. My guess is that you will be very pleasantly surprised with the results. Inconsistant metering of Unique may not be that much of an issue.
Just ask your revolver.