Originally Posted By: HOGGHEADI may have made a mistake with quoting his load. But I have read about both being his load. However I would never suggest anyone start a load at 22.0 grains of 2400?? Would you??
I am truly not wanting to start an argument about a great man, and his load. And if I am wrong I apologize. But I would definitely not quibble about 18.5 being a good starting load?? Would you?? Tom.
I have never met Elmer Keith (other than to stop by his grave for a few minutes when I am in Salmon) but I rather doubt that he ever even thought too much of loads that were anything lighter than full house. I was just mentioning his favorite .44 Mag load. If I were loading for a comfortable and accurate load for my .44 Mag then 18.5 grains of 2400 would be fine with me.
BTW, he DID have a favorite load that used 18.5 grains of 2400. That was in the old balloon head .44 Special brass. Someone gave me a mostly full box of Peters .44 Special brass once and I tried that load (to be shot in my .44 Magnum) and it worked fine. It was warm, but not quite .44 Mag levels.