Ruger Flat Top 44 Special loading

[osteodoc08]

I've got a Ruger Flat Top Bisley in 44 Special that was a Lipsey special run. I'm new to loading the 44 Special and have read for days on the strength of the smaller framed Blackhawks but have yet to find a consensus on what level loading are appropriate for this frame and cylinder.

I've looked back at Brian Pearce's article showing level 1,2,3 loadings and it seems the later generation SAA are ok with level 2 loads and the FT is stronger than the SAA. He was able to push a 245 gr Keith out at 1000 to almost 1200 fps. If I can get to that, I think I'd have, arguably, the best packing pistol. Similar to Keith's original #5 before he went to the 4" N Frame 44 Mag.

I'd probably stick to 2400 as I have plenty or even IMR4227.

The level 1 loads are <15.5K PSI
The level 2 loads are <22k PSI
The level 3 loads are <25K PSI

If I can get good accuracy in the 950-1050 fps area, I'd be happy as a clam. Seems this is doable at level 2 loadings.

Is the Ruger FT small frame Lipsey anniversary guns able to digest the level 3 loadings?

I did find Brian Pearce's article on the FT 44 Special with accompanying load data. My velocity target seems to be quite easy to reach with the correct powder.

[rintinglen]

Mine shoots so well with Skeeter Loads, I haven't done much else with it. At least not with heavy loads. A 429-421 over 7.5 grains of Unique shoots extremely well. I have also used 8.0 grains of Power Pistol under the same boolit.

[smkummer]

I was just shooting my colt 3rd generation 44 special New Frontier 7 1/2”. Lyman 45th edition used a Colt SAA for its 44 special data. Skeeter’s load of unique and 950 FPS does about everything I need even out to 200 yard shooting. It also publishes the kieth load with 2400 which gets into the 1150 FPS range. I would probably only use those for dear hunting even though the skeeter load of 950 FPS is more than adequate. In short, I can enjoy the skeeter load for much longer than the kieth load shooting a plow handle grip frame. Kieth had a reason for using a bisley grip frame and later using a double action smith grip frame. They absorb recoil much better.

I believe Your ruger has a 5 1/2 barrel. Truth be told, Your probably going to enjoy 750 FPS loads for plinking of which I am loading with 700x. I can shoot those all day long with a smile and one handed.

[44MAG#1]

I had one and liked it but later like something else better. Yes you can run run 25,000 PSI in them okay. If I wanted 1100 or better I would use a chrono and start at enough 2400 to get around 1100 and work up till I hit what Pierce got using 2400. It may take slightly more or slightly less. In mine I hit 1150 with a H&G 503.
A good easy load is the same bullet powered by enough PowerPistol to get in the 1000 fps range.
I would post my charge weights but I am under the eye of the load data police and cannot. Even though they are not as high as you will see listed.
My PowerPistol charge weight duplicated Buffalo Bore 44 Special velocity.
You have a nice gun and hope you enjoy it. I now like my M69's in 44 Mag with a 2.75 inch barrel and the 4.2 inch barrel better.

[Thumbcocker]

429421 over 8.0 of power pistol. Over 900 fps at level 1. My standard load in all .44 specials and it does not disappoint. Very accurate.

[Piedmont]

Those mid frame Ruger single actions are very strong in .44 Special. Elmer's #5 is a Colt. Many of the .44 Associates used Colts back in the 1930s through and beyond the introduction of the .44 Mag. As you mentioned, this gun is a bit stronger than a Colt. Getting 1150-1200 fps. with a 250 grain and slow burning powder should not be a problem. The gun can take more than I want to shoot.

[smokeater]

I have the same Ruger Flattop, 5.5" barrel and I have had excellent results using Unique, Power Pistol, 2400 and HS6. Since you are asking about 2400 here is my experience. Standard load from Alliant is 13grs which gives me an avg of 986fps (BTW this duplicates my loading of 8.2grs of Power Pistol which Brian Pierce says is also within the pressure limitations of the 44Spec). These loads are accurate in mine and I think you will be most happy with them. Bullets used were Lyman 429421 and Miha's clone of the H&G503, sized to .430 and a bhn of 11 - 12.

[W.R.Buchanan]

I'm right there with you guys on the Mihec H&G503, and I also have the same gun (4 5/8) however I'm back at 6.0 gr of W231 for about 800 fps.. I use the same load for my S&W696 and get about 750 out of the 3" bbl.

This load will knock down the 200 Meter Rams at the silhouette shoot. I actually hit one once in a while!

Randy

[oldhenry]

I have one of those Lipsey Bisley FT .44 specials w/5.5 bbl.. Mine is extremely accurate.

I went for pure enjoyment with the Lyman#4292421 over 5.5 of WST. I haven't checked the speed with my chrony yet, but I figure it's around 800. Recoil is modest & the chickens fall frequently @ 50 & same for the pigs @ 100.

I don't enjoy recoil.

Henry

[mart]

I've had my Flattop 44 Special for almost three years now and so far have only shot Keith's three 429421 loads in mine. They are the 429421 bullet with either, 5 grains Bullseye, 7.5 grains Unique, or 17.5 grains of 2400. Mine handles them all well and shoots all three accurately.

[DougGuy]

The medium frame 45s are good to 23,000psi, so the thicker cylinder of the 44 should be good to 25,000psi all day.

I have a medium framed Vaquero that I reamed to 45 Schofield, and using QuickLoad I was able to get a LBT 250gr WFN to 1200fps and still stay under the 23,000psi ceiling.

Probably won't find a whole lot of 44 Spl data that goes to 25,000psi but you can get that one right to the doorstep of the 44 magnum.

[AKtinman]

I stopped by the LGS today and they had a couple of the Lipsey 44 Special Bisleys. The 4 5/8” came home with me. .431” Plug Gage just fits in the chamber throats.

Over the years I have had a love/hate relationship with the various Ruger Single Actions. My last one was a 44 Bisley Hunter. I traded it off because it just rapped the dickens out of my middle finger knuckle. That having been said, I REALLY like these Bisleys. I just couldn’t pass this one up, especially at $540 OTD.

It will be after Christmas before I will have a chance to take it to the range. My last range trip I had some Mihec #503 loaded over 4.5gr Bullseye, which were very accurate in my 4” Model 24-3. I figure that load will be fun in the Bisley without the knuckle-smashing. It should be fine with the Skeeter load, too.

As to strength, I would feel perfectly comfortable working up to Keith’s 17.5gr 2400 behind the #503 Mihec, keeping in mind the difference between the OLD 2400 and the slightly faster newer version. This is a stout gun and my comfort level would be exceeded long before reaching the Bisley’s safe limits.

[DougGuy]

Just a fyi fwiw.... Of all the Ruger revolvers, the Bisley model has the closest measurement from the rear of the trigger guard to the front of the grip strap, which puts that piece that punishes that middle knuckle, closest to that middle knuckle. The farthest away (with the most clearance) are the SBH and SBH Hunter models.

[44MAG#1]

I have had the rapped knuckle myself. I soon learned that a couple band aids was just the thing. It doesn't take long to get smart. My FTBH 44 Special had the Bisley grip. As I said Band-Aids are the rapped knuckle friend.

[DougGuy]

I keep a roll of this self adhering bandage material in my range box. It is mandatory for the heavy magnum loads. Two turns around that middle knuckle and can shoot all day!

http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/DougGuy/Birdshead%20Vaquero/Bandage_zps3wx4loba.jpg (http://s1202.photobucket.com/user/DougGuy/media/Birdshead%20Vaquero/Bandage_zps3wx4loba.jpg.html)

[AKtinman]

I have had the rapped knuckle myself. I soon learned that a couple band aids was just the thing. It doesn't take long to get smart. My FTBH 44 Special had the Bisley grip. As I said Band-Aids are the rapped knuckle friend.

Yeah, but SOME of us get smart LATER than others ;) Great idea on the Band-Aids.

[AKtinman]

I keep a roll of this self adhering bandage material in my range box. It is mandatory for the heavy magnum loads. Two turns around that middle knuckle and can shoot all day!

http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/DougGuy/Birdshead%20Vaquero/Bandage_zps3wx4loba.jpg (http://s1202.photobucket.com/user/DougGuy/media/Birdshead%20Vaquero/Bandage_zps3wx4loba.jpg.html)

Thanks, Doug! I like that idea as well.

I bought my first Ruger SA in 1970, a 4 5/8" .357 Blackhawk. Two chamber mouths were .357 and the rest were .358. It was a good teacher, and it got traded off on my first .38/44 Outdoorsman. Back then I was young with a growing family and had to sell one to get one, so to speak.

Since then, I’ve had a couple dozen Ruger SA’s and a couple of Colts; all eventually found new homes. I found it is easier for me to shoot the S&W accurately than the various Ruger SA’s. But, I still LIKE the Rugers.

I think this Bisley Flat Top will find a good home with the 24-3 that is a favorite. Most loads will be mild, and if I need something bigger, I can rely on my 629-4 Magnum Hunter Plus.

As I am getting older I find the milder loads to be more fun.

Thanks for the suggestions, fellas. And Merry Christmas!

[Rodfac]

Thanks Doug Guy, I've shot big bore handguns for 50+ years and never gave your bandaging idea a thought....I'll try it manana! Even Skeeter's old load can be tough with a standard gripped SA, for a full box of loads. Thanks again.

BoneDoc, I've had great results with Brian Pearce's loads from the article you've quoted. My own trials with H&G 503 design and Win 231 have given me 1150 fps with no undue pressure signs, but my favorite, a duplicate of Skelton's famous 7.5 gr of Unique, is 6.5 grains of Win 231 for a chrono'd 980 fps and 1.5" gps at 25 yds from a sitting back rested position. Both loads are superb from a SS flat top Ruger 4-5/8" as well as a blued one in the same barrel length, and a 5-1/2" bbl'd model too. It's my go-to load for any .44 caliber handgun, magnum or special. BTW, I size to 0.431" and cast with WW and <1% tin.

I've had equally good results using the same powder charges with Lyman's 429215GC and 429244GC, sized 0.431" and cast from wheel weights + a pinch of tin for fill out. (Sizing these to 0.432" makes them perfect for my Marlin M336 .44 Magnum...~1"+ over iron sights at 50 yds.

As always, with the loads listed above, you should consult a good manual, consider the pressure implications and the condition of your handgun before working up to them.

HTH's Rod

[ironhead7544]

Had the standard grip frame model in 5.5". The Skeeter load was fine, but the Keith Load (2400) would bang my knuckle. Then I shot a friend's Bisley 5.5. The Keith load was very comfortable. If I was going to get another Flat Top in 44 Special, it would be the Bisley.

[stubshaft]

I have the Lipseys 5.5" and it is scary accurate. I feed it 7.5gr. Unique behind a NOE 432265 solid OR one of Miha's H&G copy with penta-point. All cast with 20 to 1 and powder coated with Carolina blue. I was getting slight leading due to the boolits being only 9 BHN. After PC I can drive them with Elmers load and get NO leading and great accuracy. For plinking and paper I shoot the NOE ahead of 5.7grs. 452AA. Meters well, super clean and groups in one inch at 25 yds.

[Good Cheer]

Fellas, any more .44 Special load recommendations out there?

[Good Cheer]

Medium weight wide point about the best choice for the flat top?

[Cosmic_Charlie]

I tried 17 grs. of 2400 under a 240 gr. xtp and was surprised by how fierce a loading it was. Saving the rest for a lever action rifle. I enjoy 7 grs. Unique under the Keith boolit.

[telebasher]

I've been using 8.5 gr HS-6 under an Arsenal 210 gr RNFP with great satisfaction.

[Petrol & Powder]

I'm in rintinglen's camp. The "Skeeter" load is a good place to be. That load will do just about everything you need from a 44.

As for the OP's question about different pressure levels, I think 900-1000 fps with a 250ish grain bullet is entirely safe in a Flat Top Ruger. That will probably land somewhere in his "level 2" range, maybe in the level 1 range.

I've said it many times before and it's worth repeating; The SAAMI pressure limits for the 44 Special are held ridiculously low.
A modern SA or DA revolver chambered in 44 Special can easily handle more than the 14K psi that SAAMI mandates. The spread between 44 Special and 44 Mag (14K vs 40K) in terms of pressure is huge and I really believe there should be some sanctioned rating above 44 Special and below 44 mag. No such thing exists but if it did, it would be sort of a 44 Special +P.

I believe the SAAMI specs for 44 Special are held low because there are old revolvers out there that are weaker than the modern Rugers and S&W revolvers chambered in 44 Special. So SAAMI erred on the side of caution, which is a prudent course of action but limiting in terms of performance in modern, stronger guns.

[44MAG#1]

If one searches the "web" one can find an article bu Ross Seyfried on the exact same caliber and gun and loads for it.

Again I dont mean to offend or to disrespect you or anyone else on this great site with my answer. Also I am not trying to troll, bait, call out or in any way start something by my statements. If you take it that way I am sorry for your misrepresenting my intentions

[Cosmic_Charlie]

If one searches the "web" one can find an article bu Ross Seyfried on the exact same caliber and gun and loads for it.

Again I dont mean to offend or to disrespect you or anyone else on this great site with my answer. Also I am not trying to troll, bait, call out or in any way start something by my statements. If you take it that way I am sorry for your misrepresenting my intentions

That is indeed a good article and spurred me to purchase my 5.5".

[Larry in MT]

I have a 44 Flattop (this one) and find Brian Pierce's loading info to be safe in my revolver. That article was a great service to those of us who want more out of our FTs.

I get my highest velocity with 2400 but use a lot of Power Pistol.

Several FT owners report excellent accuracy -- mine, also. I tried some 200 grain XTPs on a recommendation from a fellow owner -- hard to believe how well they shot (also over PP).
http://i861.photobucket.com/albums/ab176/larrykay47/a668c219.jpg

[lazs]

loading data other than powder puff loads for 44 spl has always been scarce. My only dedicated 44 spl gun at this time is a 4 3/4" SAA clone from Cimarron.. it specs out perfectly and is very accurate. I like Accurate #5 powder for this range of handgun. The loads listed by Accurate for the 44 spl were so weak that they would be almost too dirty to shoot. the first third of the case would be black. Their top load was in the 6.8 grain range for the 240 SWC cast. Going to 7.5 made a huge difference in clean burning and accuracy. The 6.8 load ran around 700 fps in my gun. The 7.5 load right at 800 fps. 900 fps from my 629 with a 6.5" barrel.

The 7.5 load is slightly slower than 7.5 of Unique which is a powder I really don't like. I can't imagine that the pressure is much more than bottom of tier two loads.

lazs

[Nogoslow]

I know this is an old thread but I just found it and wanted to share some loads I found for my NM bisley flat top that work well.

1st load is 15.0 2400 with starline brass and wlp primers and 240 swc lazercast. Stout load with near 1/2 " groups rested, at 25 yds.

2nd is 8.0 power pistol with same boolit. Very nice load with 1" groups common.

3rd load is 7.0 Unique, it is more accurate then 7.5 in my gun and I do not have chrono data for it at this time but get a little under 1" at 25.

4th load for plinking and mild and clean burning is, Lee 200 rnfp with 4.0 clays . Don't have data on it either. The set 10 data with trail boss was my firelapping loads could call a popcorn far lol.
These loads are not in order on the chrono data they are just my personal picks.

I also noticed my speeds with 2400 powder seems to be higher than the data I found on it. The 17.0 grains was 1262 fps average with a 240 swc. That is magnum territory and a handful in the blackhawk, I won't test that load anymore since I have a SBH bisley hunter pushing that at 1500 fps with 21.0 2400 which is listed on the chart also.

228159

[JoeJames]

I have had my Lipsey Ruger 41/2" Blackhawk for several years and it is my all time favorite revolver. I am not into heavy loads, but rather I try to come up with the most accurate loads for the Ruger. It depends a bit on boolits. With the Speer swaged .430 240 grain SWC's I have found 6.8 grains of Unique to be the most accurate, and with Oregon Trail .431 240 grain SWC's I have found 6.5 grains of Unique finds the same sweet spot. Here are my results: VELOCITY TESTING
44 Special
Unique and Win 231 .430 Speer vs. .431 Oregon Trail
Ruger Single Action Blackhawk

1. a. Speer .430 grain swaged SWC -
6.8 grains Unique: Ruger SA 4 1/2"
907, 875, 881, 899, 906 - average 890 fps
1.b. Speer .430 grain swaged SWC -
6.2 grains W231: Ruger SA 4 1/2"
796, 837, 786 - average 806 fps

2. a. Oregon Trail .431 laser cast 240 grain SWC -
6.8 grains Unique: Ruger SA 4 ½"
900, 1011, 1005, 933 - average 962 fps
-----------------------------------
6.5 grains Unique: Ruger SA 4 ½"
886, 912, 918 - average 905 fps

2. b. Oregon Trail .431 laser cast 240 grain SWC -
6.2 grains W231: Ruger SA 4 ½"
845, 903, 911, average 886 fps.


I was expecting the W231 to jump about 80 fps with the .431 laser cast Oregon Trail, and it did. I was hoping that the slight reduction from 6.8 grains of Unique to 6.5 grains would drop it back into my supposed sweet spot for the Ruger SA of around 890 - 900 fps, and it did. I was prepared to drop it to 6.4 grains but do not see any need to considering the velocity and the accuracy. I have also played around with Win 231, but I still think Unique is the most accurate.

[35 Whelen]

Man, I have tested jillions of loads for the .44 Special. My favorite powders are Alliant's 20/28, Unique, Power Pistol and Herco, and I'd hate to have to choose just one. 20/28 and Unique are practically interchangeable in the .44 Special with velocities all but identical with identical charges. There's even a Sticky on the Subject (http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?195149-Alternatives-to-quot-Standard-quot-Pistol-Powders)

Cutting to the chase, I loaded 17.0 grs. of AL 2400 under a 260 gr. cast SWC (429421) and achieved a little over 1200 fps with respectable accuracy-

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Ruger%20Flat%20Top%20Blackhawk/429421100yds-ed_zps11ec5c24.jpg (http://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Ruger%20Flat%20Top%20Blackhawk/429421100yds-ed_zps11ec5c24.jpg.html)

I'm a big fan of light loads for practicing and learning to shoot and have a couple that shoot tiny groups with most any 250-255 gr. cast RN-

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Single%20Actions/Cimarron%20Model%20P-red_zps6yq3fxbi.jpg (http://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Single%20Actions/Cimarron%20Model%20P-red_zps6yq3fxbi.jpg.html)

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Uberti%20Flat%20Top%2044%20Special/429383%2075%20yards_zps8x0gkhqp.jpg (http://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Uberti%20Flat%20Top%2044%20Special/429383%2075%20yards_zps8x0gkhqp.jpg.html)

But a general all around load that shoots well in all four of my .44 Specials is 6.5 grs. of Unique or 20/28 under a 255-260 gr. cast SWC for around 850 fps-

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Ruger%20Flat%20Top%20Blackhawk/100ydgroup-ed_zpsd265754d.jpg (http://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Ruger%20Flat%20Top%20Blackhawk/100ydgroup-ed_zpsd265754d.jpg.html)

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Single%20Actions/55target-ed_zpscd4c8987.jpg (http://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Single%20Actions/55target-ed_zpscd4c8987.jpg.html)

Bumping up to 7.5 grs. also gave good accuracy and velocities of around 950 fps with 250-260 gr. cast bullets-

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Ruger%20Flat%20Top%20Blackhawk/100ydgroup-ed-1a_zpsac57c5d7.jpg (http://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Ruger%20Flat%20Top%20Blackhawk/100ydgroup-ed-1a_zpsac57c5d7.jpg.html)

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Single%20Actions/Ubertigroup-1mod_zpsa7642578.jpg (http://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Single%20Actions/Ubertigroup-1mod_zpsa7642578.jpg.html)

Moving up to 8.0 grs. worked well too-

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Ruger%20Flat%20Top%20Blackhawk/Blackhawk100_zps5c81b27d.jpg (http://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Ruger%20Flat%20Top%20Blackhawk/Blackhawk100_zps5c81b27d.jpg.html)

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Uberti%20Flat%20Top%2044%20Special/Uberti%20Flat%20Top%2075%20yds%20edit_zpsqq2ytyaf. jpg (http://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Uberti%20Flat%20Top%2044%20Special/Uberti%20Flat%20Top%2075%20yds%20edit_zpsqq2ytyaf. jpg.html)

8.5 grs. of Unique with the 429244 bullet is a Tier 2 load and worked well in one of my Uberti's-

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Uberti%20Flat%20Top%2044%20Special/429244%2075%20yds._zpsg62g7mm1.jpg (http://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Uberti%20Flat%20Top%2044%20Special/429244%2075%20yds._zpsg62g7mm1.jpg.html)

I have lots more, but am only allowed to post 10 pictures!

35W

[JoeJames]

Man, I have tested jillions of loads for the .44 Special. My favorite powders are Alliant's 20/28, Unique, Power Pistol and Herco, and I'd hate to have to choose just one. 20/28 and Unique are practically interchangeable in the .44 Special with velocities all but identical with identical charges. There's even a Sticky on the Subject (http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?195149-Alternatives-to-quot-Standard-quot-Pistol-Powders)

Cutting to the chase, I loaded 17.0 grs. of AL 2400 under a 260 gr. cast SWC (429421) and achieved a little over 1200 fps with respectable accuracy-

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Ruger%20Flat%20Top%20Blackhawk/429421100yds-ed_zps11ec5c24.jpg (http://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Ruger%20Flat%20Top%20Blackhawk/429421100yds-ed_zps11ec5c24.jpg.html)

I'm a big fan of light loads for practicing and learning to shoot and have a couple that shoot tiny groups with most any 250-255 gr. cast RN-

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Single%20Actions/Cimarron%20Model%20P-red_zps6yq3fxbi.jpg (http://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Single%20Actions/Cimarron%20Model%20P-red_zps6yq3fxbi.jpg.html)

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Uberti%20Flat%20Top%2044%20Special/429383%2075%20yards_zps8x0gkhqp.jpg (http://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Uberti%20Flat%20Top%2044%20Special/429383%2075%20yards_zps8x0gkhqp.jpg.html)

But a general all around load that shoots well in all four of my .44 Specials is 6.5 grs. of Unique or 20/28 under a 255-260 gr. cast SWC for around 850 fps-

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Ruger%20Flat%20Top%20Blackhawk/100ydgroup-ed_zpsd265754d.jpg (http://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Ruger%20Flat%20Top%20Blackhawk/100ydgroup-ed_zpsd265754d.jpg.html)

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Single%20Actions/55target-ed_zpscd4c8987.jpg (http://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Single%20Actions/55target-ed_zpscd4c8987.jpg.html)

Bumping up to 7.5 grs. also gave good accuracy and velocities of around 950 fps with 250-260 gr. cast bullets-

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Ruger%20Flat%20Top%20Blackhawk/100ydgroup-ed-1a_zpsac57c5d7.jpg (http://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Ruger%20Flat%20Top%20Blackhawk/100ydgroup-ed-1a_zpsac57c5d7.jpg.html)

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Single%20Actions/Ubertigroup-1mod_zpsa7642578.jpg (http://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Single%20Actions/Ubertigroup-1mod_zpsa7642578.jpg.html)

Moving up to 8.0 grs. worked well too-

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Ruger%20Flat%20Top%20Blackhawk/Blackhawk100_zps5c81b27d.jpg (http://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Ruger%20Flat%20Top%20Blackhawk/Blackhawk100_zps5c81b27d.jpg.html)

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Uberti%20Flat%20Top%2044%20Special/Uberti%20Flat%20Top%2075%20yds%20edit_zpsqq2ytyaf. jpg (http://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Uberti%20Flat%20Top%2044%20Special/Uberti%20Flat%20Top%2075%20yds%20edit_zpsqq2ytyaf. jpg.html)

8.5 grs. of Unique with the 429244 bullet is a Tier 2 load and worked well in one of my Uberti's-

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Uberti%20Flat%20Top%2044%20Special/429244%2075%20yds._zpsg62g7mm1.jpg (http://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Uberti%20Flat%20Top%2044%20Special/429244%2075%20yds._zpsg62g7mm1.jpg.html)

I have lots more, but am only allowed to post 10 pictures!

35WAs you may have noticed, my velocity increased about 80-90 fps, when I changed from a .430 Speer SWC to an Oregon Trail Laser Cast .431 SWC. I was running the Speer on top of 6.8 grains or Unique for about 890 fps, but after I saw the results with the Oregon Trail I cut it back to 6.5 grains of Unique for the Oregon Trail in order to get about the same velocity - @890 fps.

[Firebricker]

I so not have anything add on pressure limits but agree with Thumbcocker. Power Pistol with a 250 Keith has been excellent in mine.

[TCLouis]

It looks to me like you have the 44 SPL dialed in . . .

Mild to full bore!

I would love a 5.5 or 6 inch Bisley 44 SPL

[ddixie884]

Yeah..................