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I've run into an issue with a bullet powder combination in that it doesn't have a minimum charge listed in the data.

Bullet: 240gr LSWC
Powder: 800X
Caliber: 44 Magnum

The maximum loading from Hodgdon is 13.4gr, but they don't list a minimum.
240 GR. LSWC CAST IMR 800-X .430" 1.620" --.-gr ----fps 13.4gr 1395fps 39,600 CUP

It looks like Hodgdon has the .44 special of that load listed from 6.3gr to 7.0 gr.

I was trying to use it up for plinking with the cheaper lead slugs, and load using some LEE dippers. I checked the ones that are close and come up with 9.3gr for the 1.1 and 12.4gr for the 1.3, slightly heavier than the chart says they should be. and the larger one is above the 10% reduction number.

What would be a safe minimum to start out at, I'm just looking for a nice plinking load. Thanks in advance.

Hodgdon's website posts the following notice when you enter the Reloading Data Center:

For those loads listed where a starting load is not shown, start 10% below the suggested maximum load and then approach maximums carefully, watching for any sign of pressure (difficult extraction, cratered and flattened or blown primers, and unusual recoil). H110 and Winchester 296 loads should not be reduced more than 3%.

If the maximum published load is 13.4 grains, then a 10% reduction is 12.1 grains. Pick a value between 12.1 and 13.4. If your dippers will drop 9.3 or 12.4, I would use the 12.4 grains.

You are actually weighing these charges and not using the Lee table of weight per cc, correct? You must weigh a charge, the Lee table cannot be used without weighing.

Jumping Frog wrote:Hodgdon's website posts the following notice when you enter the Reloading Data Center:

For those loads listed where a starting load is not shown, start 10% below the suggested maximum load and then approach maximums carefully, watching for any sign of pressure (difficult extraction, cratered and flattened or blown primers, and unusual recoil). H110 and Winchester 296 loads should not be reduced more than 3%.

If the maximum published load is 13.4 grains, then a 10% reduction is 12.1 grains. Pick a value between 12.1 and 13.4. If your dippers will drop 9.3 or 12.4, I would use the 12.4 grains.

You are actually weighing these charges and not using the Lee table of weight per cc, correct? You must weigh a charge, the Lee table cannot be used without weighing.

Yes, those are the scale weighed charges from the dippers. I saw the 10% reduction for no starting loads, but I always thought that was for working up to maximum loads, not for the minimum effective charge load.

I found alot of data with 240 and 800x, I liked this combo the best. I used 12.3 last go around and really liked it. Going to bump up little more next time. Don't have the OAL I set them at with me, no chrono either. I really need to get around to a chrono but limited outdoor locations.