onehandgunner

Hodgdon lists a beginning load of 6.5 gr of Universal under a 240 gr boolitt in 44 mag caliber. Has any one loaded less than this amount and what was the result ?

Sal1950

Universal is my fav powder and been using it for years.
Don't think I'd try to go much lower than the quoted 6.5g, that's very little powder in a very large volume case. You're libel to run into problems with inconsistent ignition due to powder position, etc.. Looking at my Lyman 49th no other powder is offering anything much lighter either,
If you really need a softer load than 852fps 1170 CUP, get some 44spl cases to load in.
Sal

NVcaster

I load 7 to 7.5 grains of universal in a 44 special case for 900 to 950 fps. Its over sammi for the special but a good load. I go to a faster powder (bullseye or american select) for lighter loads. I would say your 6.5 grains is as low as you want to go, I would say your getting 800 fps, just fine for a light load.

onehandgunner

Thanks guys I was more curious than anything else. My 7.0 gr load seems fine. I am hoping that SASS will start a Josey Wales class with 4 or 5 handguns and dump the rifle and shotgun. All I have are 44's, I might try a 165 gr. boolitt for less muzzle flip if they ever started it.

Sal1950

Don't know if it's legal but you could load Universal down to 4.9g in a 44 spl case. 721 fps @ 8000 CUP. That should recoil like a 22 in a SBH. LOL
Sal