anyone load .44 Special?

[rondog]

I decided to try making some .44 Special rounds, since I had everything and got some brass for a good deal. Not familiar with .44 Spec., I shoot .44 Magnum.

Anyway, using 245gr. LSWC bullets and 5.0gr. of Hodgdon HP-38. I triple checked both my Lyman and Lee manuals, and 5.0gr of HP-38 should be a nice middle of the road load, per those manuals.

But it just seems like that's an awfully light powder load for that size of round, is it really an OK amount? Sure looks like a tiny amount of powder! I just want some plinking/target loads, not looking for full-house asskickers. I'd appreciate some input before I try any, I don't want any squibs! Hate those things.

[geargnasher]

2.9 grains of Bullseye behind a 158-grain SWC in .38 Special goes bang every time. It is a scale model of what you have there. 10 grains of Unique under a 450-grainer in .45/70 is the next big scale jump of the same model and it works like a champ, too.

Gear

[Lefty SRH]

Sorry nothing to add. My Ruger FT like the full house "asskicken" loads and a 265gr Keith style boolit.

[MtGun44]

Same molds, less powder, less flash, boom and recoil.

Bill

[OverMax]

I haven't reloaded 44 Special in years. But when I did I found it to be a very comfortable and accurate cartridge to shoot out of my Red Hawk. In those days I hardly ever came across Special brass and just used what I had available. {44-Mag brass as a substitute.} Never had any problems in doing so. I'm now looking at an old Hodgdon manual here dated 1984. For the same loading. 4.8 of HP38 is Max. In a newer Hodgdon manual dated 2007. For that same loading 5.2 Max. Go figure. (:

[WALLNUTT]

Just shot a hundred of that load last weekend ,no problems shot good.

[fcvan]

I don't own a 44 sp, but the wife has a SBH with a 3.75" bbl. and she likes the 240 SWC going at least 1000fps. I horse traded for a 208 WC mold and hope to try it out with a sp load at 750-800fps. Hopefully the mrs will like some light plinkers, I hear the WC at those speeds is wicked accurate.

[rondog]

So, my question - is 5 gr. of HP-38 with a 245 gr. LSWC a safe load? I'm concerned because it sure looks like a small amount of powder. Concerned about the primer flashing over the powder, rather than into it.

[Three44s]

Magnum cases and HS-6 @ 11.8 gr. and the RCBS 250K boolit lit off with Federal 155's is my favorite load.

My 629 MG gives me 1066 fps with that and 7 fps std dev.

When I go above 8.5 gr. Unique in the magnum ......... I don't switch to 10 gr. of the same like a lot of folks do ........ I reach for HS-6 powder!

Three 44s

[Four-Sixty]

HS-6 in 357 rifle is showing promise for me. More work to do though.

I want to get into 44 special bad with that Charter Pug. I'm just unsure if a Pug would hold up to the work I'd put it through.

[knifemaker]

I have a Ruger new model blackhawk in 44 spec. with 5.5 inch barrel. I also use W-231 for my mid-range load. W-231 and HP-38 are the same powder made by Hodgdon Powder Company. After trying the "skeeter" load of 7.5 gr. of Unique, I was only getting just under 900 fps on the crony. I wanted a load that would give me 1000 fps with my cast 250 gr. Keith style boolit. I was able to obtain that velocity using 7.5 gr. of w-231. It is over the reccommended loads using that powder, but the 44 spec is way under loaded by the factory due to the older guns made in the 1800's.
I have not had any excessive pressure issues and most times the fired cases fall out of the cylinder when inverted. I have cases that have been loaded and fired 5 times with that load and primer pocket is still tight and no neck cracks so far.
Most factory loads for the 44 spec are 700 to low 800 fps. using a load at 1000 fps with a cast boolit of 250 gr. will make a very fine trail load or even hunting load with light recoil. I have had some guys rant and rave about my 7.5 gr. 296 load being over SAAMI specs. But I ignore them as I know the load is not dangeous in my Ruger and not heavy enough to shoot the gun loose.
I have been reloading for 40 years and have not blown up a gun yet. When I work up a load, I always use a chrony to test for velocity as that will let me know if my load maybe getting to hot long before seeing evidence in the fired case.

[Larry Gibson]

So, my question - is 5 gr. of HP-38 with a 245 gr. LSWC a safe load? I'm concerned because it sure looks like a small amount of powder. Concerned about the primer flashing over the powder, rather than into it.

Yes it is safe. You found a "middle of the road" charge but apparently are concerned about the small amount of power when looking at it in the case. That is an optical illusion as the 245 gr SWC bullet seated in that case will take up a lot of that "space". However, there still is considerable room even after that. The primer flash will get to the HP 38 fast and ignite it reliably w/o problems as it is a fast burning powder that easily ignites. The real concern is that of a double charge.....be careful and watchful for that.

I haven't use HP38 in the 44 SPL for many years as I use Bullseye. It also leaves a lot of space. I use 5 gr under a Lee 240 TL bullet, a RCBS 250 K bullet and a Lyman 429360 240 gr bullet. I used to run across Speer and Hornady swaged lead 240 gr bullets for a decent price and loaded them into 44 SPLs with the same load. It has proven excellent. Years ago when I did have some HP-38 I recall also using 5 gr under a soft cast Lyman 429421 Keith bullet and it works as well. Never had a problem with either powder, always excellent performance.

Larry Gibson

[243winxb]

Hodgdon
240 GR. CAST LSWC Hodgdon HP-38 .430" 1.450" 4.2 717 8,400 CUP 5.2 858 13,200 CUP Corrected data.

[Bad Water Bill]

Interesting.

I just found a CAN of 700 X that has been hiding for many years.

As the years have flown by I am now looking at an easy load for a 200 gr boolit in my S & W 29.

No hunting just punching big holes and having fun.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Lefty SRH]

Interesting.

I just found a CAN of 700 X that has been hiding for many years.

As the years have flown by I am now looking at an easy load for a 200 gr boolit in my S & W 29.

No hunting just punching big holes and having fun.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.


Look at Universal Clays, it shot well with a 200gr RNFP in my Ruger FT. It was basically a Skeeter equivalent load.

[Nazgul]

I use the same load as Knifemaker above in my 3 44 specials. Great cartridge, good load.

Don

[Bad Water Bill]

Look at Universal Clays, it shot well with a 200gr RNFP in my Ruger FT. It was basically a Skeeter equivalent load.

We old folks want to shoot up what we have.

I do NOT want to leave these old cans with 4-5 # behind.

Just want to leave empty cans behind with lots of stories for others to talk about.

[mdi]

So, my question - is 5 gr. of HP-38 with a 245 gr. LSWC a safe load? I'm concerned because it sure looks like a small amount of powder. Concerned about the primer flashing over the powder, rather than into it.

You have 2 reloading manuals that verify that load. Shoot 'em or pull 'em, your choice...

[rondog]

You have 2 reloading manuals that verify that load. Shoot 'em or pull 'em, your choice...

Yes I do. But then there's post #13....


Hodgdon starting is 5.5gr.

240 GR. LSWC CAST Hodgdon HP-38 .430" 1.620" 5.5 800 12,000 CUP 11.0 1334 38,100 CUP

[rondog]

So, I just went to the hodgdon site myself, and it says this....


Cartridge: 44 S&W Special
Load Type: Pistol
Starting Loads

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Loads

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bullet Weight (Gr.) Manufacturer Powder Bullet Diam. C.O.L. Grs. Vel. (ft/s) Pressure Grs. Vel. (ft/s) Pressure

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

240 GR. CAST LSWC Hodgdon HP-38 .430" 1.450" 4.2 717 8,400 CUP 5.2 858 13,200 CUP


I'm sticking with the 5gr. load.

[NWPilgrim]

Yes I do. But then there's post #13....

That is because post #13 is quoting loads for .44 MAGNUM, and not Special as you requested. The tip off is the COL of 1.620". Focus, people, focus. :)

The Hodgdon listing for 240 gr LSWC and HP38/W231 is 4.2 - 5.2 gr and COL of 1.450".

[jlchucker]

Lyman 429241. My boolit for my new 44 special. I like my new Blackhawk better than I like my 686 Smith in 357. I load 44 magnum, but only in a Rossi 92 levergun.

[timtonya]

I cast the rcbs 250gr K style book it using 7gr of autocomp. Very accurate load out of my 9" super redhawk.

[h8dirt]

With a 250-K sized to 0.430" and a moderate crimp, I like 15.0 grains of IMR 4227 and Winchester LPP's for a moderate, dependable load. It makes about 850 fps out of my 5.5" BHFT. All around, I like the Skeeter load of 7.5 grains of Unique behind the same bullet at about 950 fps. My experience, my gun, my chrono' FWIW.

[osteodoc08]

If I had that on my shelf, if shoot it. It's within the acceptable range of loadings. As noted, the Rugers are very stout and the 44specials are watered down ala the 45/70 for the older guns with weaker build.

I'm trying to get my fiancé to "allow me" to get a 44 special for Christmas. She never says no....

[Petrol & Powder]

Rondog - if it makes you feel better, my Speer #12 manual lists the max load for 44 Special using 240 LSWC as 5.7 grs of ww-231 (hp-38). The quoted velocity for that loading is 796fps. The minimum charge weight for that same load is 5.2 grains of 231. Those numbers are inline with the generally very weak factory loadings. I think with a properly sized lead bullet and correct cylinder gap you'll get that slug out of the barrel every time.
Now, with a halfway decent modern .44 Special revolver, I think you could increase those charge weights considerably and still have a very safe load. The factory loads for .44 Special are probably some of the most conservative loadings out there.
I'm not one to beat guns up just to put holes in paper but the 44 special can probably benefit from a slightly hotter load than factory specs. If you're getting consistent ignition and good accuracy, then great; you're saving a little powder. If you need to go a little hotter than 5.0 grains to make it work better, I wouldn't lose any sleep over it.

[Petrol & Powder]

I just re-read knifemaker's post and I think he's right on the money.
It's been awhile since I played with the 44 Special and that was with factory ammo and hand loads using commercial bullets (cast and J-word types). If you were shooting jacketed bullets in front of 5.0grs of HP-38, I think you might stick a bullet in the pipe if the cylinder gap was large.
5.0grs of HP-38 behind a cast bullet wouldn't bother me a bit as long as it was accurate.
Back when I had access to a chronograph I experimented with magnum primers vs. standard small pistol primers and found no significant difference in velocity with light loads. I DID find decreased deviation in velocities (although no change in practical accuracy) with magnum primers and very light loads, so in the FWIW category- that's an option for you as well.

[Baja_Traveler]

Picked up my xmas present several weeks ago. Original owner only had 50 rounds through it since new. Lately I've been playing with mild Trailboss loads in my levergun silhouette rifles, so decided to use some in the 44 special. 4.5 grains behind an RCBS 245K shoots like an absolute sweetheart, and I was ringing the cowboy action targets one after the other. I wouldn't hunt with that load, but for plinking its a solid performer...

88957

[osteodoc08]

Picked up my xmas present several weeks ago. Original owner only had 50 rounds through it since new. Lately I've been playing with mild Trailboss loads in my levergun silhouette rifles, so decided to use some in the 44 special. 4.5 grains behind an RCBS 245K shoots like an absolute sweetheart, and I was ringing the cowboy action targets one after the other. I wouldn't hunt with that load, but for plinking its a solid performer...

88957

Ooohhh. Purty.

Is that true case color hardening or the applied type that can wear off?

Either way, I really love it.

[rondog]

I have a box of 50 made up with 5.0gr. of HP38, next box I'll warm 'em up a bit more.

[mdi]

Personally, I'd believe a printed/published reloading manual waaaay before I'd believe a single post by an anonymous reloader on a forum. If you want to reload safely, just go with published reloading manual data. If you are that easily frightened by a casual glance inside a charged case, or one post on a forum, mebbe you should stick to factory ammo (no offence intended, just sayin'). Do you plan on "warming them up" before you shoot any of the 5.0 gr. loads?

BTW, why did you pick a load out of the middle of the charge range? Common practice for new reloaders, and anyone using new cartridge or components, is to start at the starting load (they are there for a purpose).

[Petrol & Powder]

The current published data seems to be consistently on the weak side as compared to 15-20 years ago. If I had to guess, I would say that ball-less, nervous-Nelly, chicken little product liability attorneys finally got their way with the corporate bosses at Lyman, Winchester, Speer and other re-loading manual publishers. I could be wrong about that; but I've never had a problem using the older data.
Maybe the guns got weaker :wink: or the powder got stronger :???:

[243winxb]

Thank you for catching my mistake. rondog &
That is because post #13 is quoting loads for .44 MAGNUM, and not Special as you requested. The tip off is the COL of 1.620". Focus, people, focus. :)

The Hodgdon listing for 240 gr LSWC and HP38/W231 is 4.2 - 5.2 gr and COL of 1.450".

[Dale53]

I have been loading the .44 Special for many, many years. I have several Smiths (Model 24 with 6.5" barrel, a Model 624 with 4" barrel and a 624 with 6.5 " barrel). I have recently added the Ruger .44 Special with 4 5/8" barrel and a Ruger .44 Special with 5.5" barrel). My "standard" field load is a 250 gr Keith cast bullet (Mihec's rendition of the H&G #503) ahead of 7.5 grs of Unique (I got this from Elmer Keith before Skeeter publicized it). If you want a good, light paper punch load, then 5.0 grs of Bullseye works well with this same bullet. I also use the Group Buy 200 gr wadcutter mould with 4.0-5.0 grs of Bullseye for paper punching. This also does a fine job on edible small game (as does both of the loads with the 250 gr Keith).

Here is the 200 gr wadcutter;
http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj80/Dale53/44200grwadcutter-0244_1600x1200.jpg (http://s269.photobucket.com/user/Dale53/media/44200grwadcutter-0244_1600x1200.jpg.html)

Mihec's hollow point (H&G #503 bullet hollow pointed):
http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj80/Dale53/4DalesPistolsRevolversSelects-3330.jpg (http://s269.photobucket.com/user/Dale53/media/4DalesPistolsRevolversSelects-3330.jpg.html)

Smith 624 with 6.5" barrel:
http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj80/Dale53/DalesPistolsRevolvers5Selects-0198.jpg (http://s269.photobucket.com/user/Dale53/media/DalesPistolsRevolvers5Selects-0198.jpg.html)

Smith 624 with 4" barrel;
http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj80/Dale53/DalesPistolsRevolvers4Selects-0307.jpg (http://s269.photobucket.com/user/Dale53/media/DalesPistolsRevolvers4Selects-0307.jpg.html)

Ruger 50th Anniversary Flat Top Single Action:
http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj80/Dale53/QPachmaryRuger50th44MagSelects-0022.jpg (http://s269.photobucket.com/user/Dale53/media/QPachmaryRuger50th44MagSelects-0022.jpg.html)

The .44 Special is a VERY useful trail gun and hunting gun for the lighter big game at reasonable ranges. It is lighter than the .44 magnums and has always had a special appeal to me.

Dale53

[Petrol & Powder]

I'm coveting that 4" model 624.

[GLL]

Dale:

Pleased to see the 200gr-DEWC is working well for you ! It turned out to be a very good Group Buy mold. How did you "gold" plate the meplat on yours? ;) ;)

http://www.fototime.com/6F673E35F2050F0/standard.jpg

I also enjoy the 4" 624s ! :)
http://www.fototime.com/C2327F6F5598F67/orig.jpg
They wear Pachmayers just like yours when off to the field.

Jerry

[fecmech]

As the years have flown by I am now looking at an easy load for a 200 gr boolit in my S & W 29.

No hunting just punching big holes and having fun.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

From an old IMR manual about 1990. 240 gr lead/4.9/700x= 740 fps@13600CUP (.44 spec max)
Should work just fine with 200 gr bullet.
Max for a 200 gr jacketed in a .44 mag is 10.1 grs @ 40000 cup.

[Petrol & Powder]

It's been a while since I played with the .44 Special. I liked the 44's but over the years I gravitated towards the 38 Special and 9mm. Now you fine folks are talking about model 24's and posting pictures of S&W 624's. Well played, :) now I want one again!

[Cherokee]

Anyway, using 245gr. LSWC bullets and 5.0gr. of Hodgdon HP-38. I triple checked both my Lyman and Lee manuals, and 5.0gr of HP-38 should be a nice middle of the road load, per those manuals.


I shoot that, go for it. Works fine.

[Baryngyl]

The closest to loading the 44spcl I get, is when I load the 44 mag using Unique and 240gr lead bullets at the starting loads.



Michael Grace

[Dale53]

Jerry;
>>> How did you "gold" plate the meplat on yours?<<<

Only "lead alchemists" have that secret! (Being an excellent photographer, you KNOW that the real story is the "light from above" causes that:drinks:)

By the way, that is an excellent photograph of your 624. Aren't those wonderful revolvers? One of the best targets I ever shot was done with my 624 with 6.5" barrel. Shot standing at 25 yards in front of witnesses (sometimes, even a blind hog gets an acorn:bigsmyl2:

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj80/Dale53/img030.jpg (http://s269.photobucket.com/user/Dale53/media/img030.jpg.html)

Happy Thanksgiving (belated)...
Dale

[cbrick]

Not for the 44 spl but dang gold boolits are pricey and ya tend to only shoot things that absolutely positively guaranteed has to be shot. :mrgreen:

Rick

89305