Your favorite 38-44 loads

[Hi-Speed]

I have been enjoying shooting 38-44 loads (once factory years ago and now reloads) since the late sixties when Remington and Winchester still made 38-44 loadings (1,090 FPS from 6 inch test barrels).

I found in actual testing that later factory loadings were approximately 1,025 FPS out of 6 inch barrels.

I was able to duplicate later (1970 Remington 38 Special Hi-Speed vintage) 38-44 velocities using 6.0 grs Power Pistol and 158 gr cast SWC (Lyman 2 alloy) - approx 1,025 FPS.

Meeting original 38-44 loading velocities (true 1,100 FPS) is a different matter. I’ve used Lyman 44 data using 158 gr swc and 2400 to do that...which by the way I’m not advocating and do not recommend although I use this load only in my 357 Ruger B/H (and own no 38 Spl only revolvers).

What are your favorite 38-44 loadings for use in your S&W Heavy Duty’s/Outdoorsman’s or 357 Magnum revolvers?

[Larry Gibson]

I use a Lyman 358156 GC'd (160 gr) and seated/crimped to the bottom Crimp groove in Winchester 38 SPL cases, Winchester SP primers loaded over 13.5 gr Alliant 2400. Under 30,000 psi (measured in Contender barrel via Oehler m43 PBL) and gives 1200+ fps out of my Ruger Security Six with 6" barrel. A 358477 (150 gr) seated to the crimp groove over the same load does as well.

[Rex]

Thank you for starting this thread. I've been tinkering with such a load but it is too cold to make any progress yet. I also use the 358156 bullet and have started with a little less 2400 than Mr. Gibson. But haven't had a chance to shoot and work anything up yet. I also only use a 4" L frame Smith.

[Tim357]

Years ago, a friend had me chrono some of Skeeter's loads. 12.5 gr #2400, Lyman 357446 loaded in WCC 80-something brass, with CCI std primers. The bullets were crimped in the second lube groove. Observed velocity from 3" SP101 was 1158 fps avg. 4" S&W 686 was 1219 avg. The loads came fom an article Skeeter wrote in an annual handgun tome that escapes me.

[Walks]

Lyman #358429 over 6.5grs Unique in .38spl case. Good for short bbl'd 4"-4 3/4" Colts.

A very Heavy Load only shot in .357Mag Guns these days.
Take great care to use these in .Heavy Frame Guns.

If I still had a .38-44 Today, I wouldn't shoot these loads in Guns made more then a minimum of 50yrs ago.

[Hi-Speed]

I also like Unique using 358156 GC seated long, crimped in lower groove, with 6.0 grs Unique. I recall approx 1,075 FPS from 6 inch barrel. I only use this now in my Ruger B/H 357 4 5/8, good working load, and very accurate by my standards.