and Western, were weaker in construction and have often deteriorated with age and should not be reloaded. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. The .44 Special is really anything but special in terms of performance, as least as factory loaded. The revolver pictured above is a reproduction Keith No. I have .44 Specials whose chamber throats are as tight as 0.427 and as large as 0.433, and I just took possession of a Spanish copy of the old S&W Triple-Lock with 0.437 throats. In my experience 300 grain bullets shoot high and achievable velocity in the Specialtoo low. Toggle navigation . ), (See note on Powders below or read all about various Powders.). But I'll trade a little sootiness & extra recoil for the added assurance. That changed when Elmer Keith and the other .44 Associates of the 1920s and 1930s began handloading it to its maximum potential; then, the .44 Spl. Custom Mossberg 500 at the Range and Live Turkey!. (IV) Winners must undergo a background check (if needed) and comply with all other federal, state and local laws. JFP, 240 gr. Rounded up was a selection of bullets from Hornady, Remington, Sierra, Speer and Winchester. The traditional .44-caliber bullet weight is 240 grains, and here we have several proven performers. The Hornady 240-grain swaged lead bullet makes an easy recoiling target load at 850 fps. jacketed bullets from Hornady, Sierra, or Speer with any of my first mentioned standard load powders result in slightly slower velocities than cast bullets, giving right around 900 fps from a 51/2 barrel. Several years ago, a prominent gun magazine asked readers what their favorite powder was for reloading the .44 Special. Unique is still one of the most versatile powders on the market today. Joseph VonBenedikt is with Joel Hodgdon to talk about the improved accuracy and long-range potential of the already reliable Core-Lokt ammo line. cast FP; 200-gr. Give a Gift Current industry maximum average pressure is established at a rather low 15,500 psi, which is in deference to early sixguns and select U.S.-manufactured and imported guns. Got a .22 .30 .32 .357 .38 .40 .41 .44 .45 .480 or .500 S&W cylinder that needs throats honed? Left to right: 250 gr. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Berry's Preferred Plated 44cal 240 Grain Flat Point Reloading Pistol Bullets quantity. Shooter's Reference Load Data for .44 Smith & Wesson Special .44 Smith & Wesson Special - Published Manufacturer Loading Data Shellholders: Lee #11 Lyman #7 RCBS #18 Recipe Type: Pistol Cowboy Bullet Weight: ALL 165 gr 180 gr 185 gr 200 gr 220 gr 225 gr 240 gr 250 gr 267 gr Powder: ALL Accurate No. Jacketed bullets create a bit more wear on the rifling, but it's better than trying to wire brush out a bunch of lead build up. Bullseye Powder For .44 Special? - Maryland Shooters This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. The new RIA 5.0 Sporting Pistol from Rock Island Armory features a patented RVS Recoil system that maximizes barrel mass and linear movement to give shooters super soft recoil. over the decades have fired many rounds of cast 240 SWC deep . Colt Model 1861 Special Musket: What's Its Value? Deployed military should use stateside address. Going up to my standard load of 7.5 Unique registers just over 1,000 fps from a 4 S&W Model 1950. Number of Views: 5768, S&W models 24 and 624. Instead of using it in my lighter weight .44 Special sixguns, I mostly use it in .44 Magnums. I can't agree more. For those who dont cast, check out the Oregon Trail Laser Cast 240-gr. Explore our articles, guides, and join our community to get started on your reloading journey today. have introduced the Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) Protection Act (H.R. When considering an all-purpose .44 Special powder, Ken Waters, in Pet Loads noted, Im pretty sure my choices would be Unique and Blue Dot.. Our goal is to bring you everything you need to accurately reload your own weapon of choice, along with all the accessories to go with it. .44 Special: When the .44 Special was introduced in late 1907, even though the brass was longer than the .44 Russian and the Triple-Lock sixgun was certainly stronger than the S&W Top-Breaks, for some strange reason it was loaded to the same level as the .44 Russian; they simply increased the black powder charge from 23 to 26 grains. A few loads are offered, however, that utilize the Hornady 240-grain XTP-HP and Speer 240-grain Gold Dot HP. The classic +P 44 Special load is a 429-421 over 7.5 grains of Unique. The manuals dont show every type of powder for every bullet weight for the .44 special. However, as factory loaded with a 246-grain lead roundnose bullet at approximately 750 fps muzzle velocity, the .44 Spl. In 1932 when Hercules 2400 powder first appeared, Keith loaded 18.5 grains in balloon-head cases to reach 1,200 fps. 429421 cast bullet to a muzzle velocity of 1,200 fps. Box 1926, Escondido, CA 92033. Very low recoil, expected more with this heavy of a bullet. Though the .44 Magnum is an offshoot of this cartridge, the Special was based on the older black powder .44 Russian. 5.0 gr. Filled with .44 Magnum cartridges, it is ready for target practice or hunting. Available online most anywhere. We are currently populating the cartridge drop-down menu with updated cartridge renderings, new propellants and bullets, and links to complimentary product pages. The Cast Bullet Association is an organization of shooters who enjoy shooting cast lead bullets in rifles and handguns for competition, hunting, or informal target shooting. The .44 Russian proved very accurate, and it didn't take long for savvy target shooters of the day to realize its potential. Available in a wide variety of calibers and bullet weights along with supersonic and subsonic options where applicable. If you have a lightweight .44 or older gun, always start with 10% less than amounts listed above, and work up to the full maximum loads. . Velocity runs close to 1,000 fps, depending on barrel length of your shooter. Either 17.0 grains of #4227 or 8.5 grains of Unique will give right around 1,000 fps. Missouri Bullet Company Cast Lead Bullets 44 Cal (430 Diameter) 240 Just stick to near-maximum loads to keep up the velocity and ensure adequate expansion. With .44 Special throat dimensions varying from .4285 inch to as large as .434 inch, I generally size cast bullets .430 to .431 inch to correspond favorably with most throat sizes. I used the M24 for jacketed bullet loads and the M624 with cast bullets. .44 Special Guaranteed Safe Checkout. Phil Sharpe, in his book Complete Guide to Handloading, used Unique for 38 of 160 .44 Special loads to include bullets weighing from 145 to 260 grains. IMR 3031 and IMR 4895 are products of IMR (formerly DuPont) Powder Company. The Specials case was lengthened to accommodate the use of emerging smokeless propellants. Overall fit and finish is good, the front cylinder edges are rounded for easy entry into a holster, belt or backpack. It gives about 950 f/s.Not a top load but a good usable one. For a bit more horsepower, including hunting deer-sized game, the load I prefer consists of 8.2 grains of Alliant Power Pistol with the 250-grain Keith bullet, which generally produces around 1,000 fps in most revolvers with barrels of 434 to 612 inches (or 950 to 975 fps with 4-inch barrels). MD Smith has had a storied career from his family broadcasting AM radio business, to his 36 year career in TV broadcasting. JFP, 240 gr. . They are true magnum bullets, featuring a heavy jacket and 1 1/2% antimony core, yet they will expand reliably at 44 Special velocities. Free shipping for many products! It is important to note that the .44 Special has an industry overall cartridge length of 1.615 inches, while the .44 Magnum is actually shorter at 1.610 inches. For me, the .44 Special and the above loads fit the bill nicely. Contest open to U.S. residents only. For this assignment, a Smith & Wesson Model 629 with a 4-inch barrel was used, because it is modern, hefty and well-made. The .44 Special was introduced in about 1907 and is an extremely accurate cartridge. But do you know how to properly use them? . If Im looking for a little more velocity, I go with the Lyman/Thompson #429215GC that lubed, sized and gas checked weighs around 220 grains. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. There are many bullet designs bearing the name Keith, but a semi-wadcutter design does not make it a Keith bullet. Experimenters such as Elmer Keith proved that a heavily loaded .44 Special was very effective on big game. All Shooting Times subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. With the grips removed, it was an easy task to install the model in a Ransom Rest for testing using an insert for the N-frame, round-butt gun. The 225-gr. (I) Giveaway ends March 20, 2022. The fun is in the fact that I can use one powder, Unique. Guns were Ruger GP100 (three-inch barrel) and Smith & Wesson Model 629 (five-inch barrel). for 240 gr, bullet for about same results. For any loads over 900 FPS, I suggest using a jacketed bullet. I DO always double check the charged cases before the projectile goes on, but I stick with bulkier powders as a "belt and suspenders" measure. cast RNFP; 240-gr. HS-6 and Blue Dot are excellent choices for such applications. You can reduce the charge for still lighter recoil depending on the individual revolver. Hard bullets may shoot OK withtarget or standard loads. The 240 grain #8610 bullets are intended for larger, more tenacious game, but also are effective for deer-size game. bullet at 900 fps left little to be desired. The SAAMI maximum pressure limit for the .44 Spec. With 6.0 grains of Unique and a 51/2 sixgun the result is a very pleasant shooting, and accurate, load of 825 fps. Load data for 44 Special - Cast Bullet Forum He remarked that he liked it generally, but that it was too warm for falling plate competition. Bullseye starting loads should be OK. We use cookies to make your experience better. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Why the .44 Special? 2 alloy), and no leading was noted. No substitutions or transfers to a third party are allowed. Winners will be notified by certified mail on official letterhead. His loads have been successfully tested and used by others for more than 25 years. I used CCI-350 magnum primers with HS-6 and Silhouette powders, but regular primers would work just as well. During 1927 and 1928 he designed the well-known Lyman/Ideal .44- caliber No. Modern Smith & Wesson N-frame revolvers are stout, as they share the same outside cylinder dimensions as the Model 29 .44 Magnum; however, they are slightly shorter. The .44 Special is a joy to handload, but there are some important points to be aware of that will help handloaders assemble top-notch ammunition tailored specifically to their guns. To protect the privacy and security of winners, names will not be made public. Mail-in entries accepted; send postcards (no envelopes) to: American Handgunner Magazine, GOM May/June 2023, P.O. Our 6204 members have posted 87352 times in 5929 discussions. At 700 fps we are equaling the soft shooting of factory ammunition. Prizes will not be awarded if illegal in jurisdiction of winner(s). What kind of gun? The Mossberg 500 Pump Action Shotgun is one of the most popular home defense shotguns on the market. December 18, 2018 By J. Scott Rupp Cowboy Action has recently given the .44 Special a shot in the arm, and the lighter cast bullets further broaden the Special's appeal. Number of Views: 5757, Published on 10-20-2014 09:20 PM I replicate that load with a Lyman 246 grain round nose or a Magma 240 grain round nose and 5.0 grains of Bullseye in my Ruger Bisley Flat Top. Winners will be notified by certified mail on official letterhead. Its best to shoot all lead bullets outside to avoid lead fumes. Bullet weights ranged from 180 to 240 grains. Thanks and enjoy your stay. 44 special 240gr Hornady HP/XTP 2400 Starting 8.9gr for 600fps Max. It is true that guns made prior to 1956 utilized a different grade steel than revolvers chambered for .44 Magnum and later production .44 Special revolvers, but they are nonetheless strong and can easily handle loads that generate 25,000 psi. This revolver is equipped with the usual target trigger, target hammer, and adjustable target sights complete with a red insert on the front blade and a white outline on the rear notch. HP, .44 with 225 gr. I also drool in my sleep. If you have a fixed sight revolver 250-260 grain bullets will probably shoot close to the sights. Left to right:- 250 gr. Powder charges used in the .44 Special case seldom require magnum primers, although they are frequently recommended with ball or spherical powders. Just depends on what kinds of loads you plan to shoot. I use that load extensively. For this bullet 8.5 grains of Unique results in 980 fps in a 4 barreled S&W while 15.5 grains of #2400 goes up to 1,140 fps. I would defer to Hodgdon data for the .44 Special, although my deep seated loads in mag brass approximate COL for .44 Special. Buy 44 Caliber Bullets .429 Diameter 240 Grain Hunting & Self Defense 50 Count: GunBroker is the largest seller of Other Reloading Supplies Reloading Supplies Ammunition Reloading All: 981766936 . Left to right:- 250 gr. Forty-four Special cases manufactured since World War II (or very shortly thereafter) are of solid-head construction and are equally as strong as .44 Magnum brass. Deployed military should use stateside address. 1,200 fps. In all likelihood, it would be where I finished as well. Typical factory loads drive a 246 grain lead RN bullet at a claimed muzzle velocity (MV) of 755 fps from a 6 inch barrel. By the 1920s smokeless powders had been significantly improved, which resulted in handloaders developing ammunition that enhanced the performance of the .44 Special to create +P loads. Gun Loads Forum - .44 Special I have listed the Colt Single Action Army and New Frontier revolvers in Category 2 (22,000 psi). 480 Ruger or 475 Linebaugh cylinder that needs the "step" reamed to 6 30min chamfer? 308 (June/July 2017). (III) Giveaway winner(s) chosen by random drawing. For these reasons, 240-grain bullets are best when used in conjunction with load data that exceeds industry maximum pressures. NOTE: Velocities are lower in the larger cases so speeds and pressures are different. Associated taxes and fees will be the responsibility of the winner. Including, free printable targets, tips, safety instructions and of course gun loads. 2 Accurate No. Wolfe Publishing Company | 2180 Gulfstream Suite A | Prescott, AZ 86301. Groups run 1 1/8" to 1 1/4" at 25 yards with this load if a decent bullet is used and accuracy follows to 50 yards, which is the maximum distance . Although they could not fully duplicate the velocities obtained with classic magnum revolver powders such as Alliant 2400, they were not far behind and are excellent choices for +P loads. Published on 10-20-2014 09:25 PM JHC. For a general-purpose, one-size-fits-all approach, I usually size cast bullets from .430 to .431 inch. All entries must be received by giveaway end date. .44 Special and HS-6 loads? | Single-Actions Ruger Redhawk 44 mag 51/2 barrel & Ruger 44 mag Super Blackhawk old model 71/2 barrel. It's just a personal thing with me, but I'm very VERY hesitant to put light charges of fast-burning powder into large capacity cases, like the .44 Special, for fear of double-charging a case and missing it. The Hodgdon site on-line has loading data for ~15,500 PSI loads. Colt New Frontier SAA .44 Spl., 7 1/2 " barrel, 629-6 S&W Mountain Gun Round Butt N frame Tapered Barrel 39.5 ozempty, This is my woods packin side arm, I sight this load 2" high at 25 yard mark (POI) and with this round I intend to take a Texas Whitetail and or hawg out to 50 yard mark with no compunction at all.Happy Trails Gentlemen. .44 Magnum | Handloader Magazine On the other hand, when pressures are held to 15,500 psi, most powders cannot push various 240-grain jacketed bullets fast enough to expand reliably. 5 are top choices for loads that push standard weight (250-grain) bullets between 900 to 1,000 fps. Pet Loads and Handloader are registered trademarks of Wolfe Publishing Company. Tests have shown, however, that using bullets that are close to throat diameter to begin with usually yield best accuracy while increasing pressures very little, if at all. The CBA is a international organization of shooters who enjoy casting and shooting lead alloy bullets for competition, hunting, experimenting, and casual shooting. I like to use Lyman reloading manuals for verified data. But don't be misled. No purchase necessary. Unfortunately, the .44 Magnums greater power pushed the Special from the stage. XTP; Nosler 240-gr. For the mild .44 special loads, I recommend all lead bullets and loads that produce 700-850 FPS speeds. 429421 bullet to improve the .44 Specials accuracy and terminal performance. Jacketed Bullets in .44 Specials - GUNS Magazine

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