44 Special Loads

[Art in Colorado]

Got the 4 5/8 Ruger Flat Top and want some load info using Unique and a 240 Gr Cast. Years ago I used the Skeeter Load of 7.5 Gr of Unique but at my age want a softer shooting load. Am looking for a much lighter load using Unique and a 240 Gr Cast. How low can I go for something around 800 FPS. Or should I be using another powder. Have Tite Group and HP-38. I want this for a fun load to roll tin cans and such. Not for hunting since I am just a shooter now a days.

[Reverend Al]

I have a pair of S&W 624's in .44 Special and for light, accurate plinker loads I've been using 3.5 to 4.0 grains of 700X, Red Dot, Bullseye, 231 Win., etc. My S&W's aren't fussy and seem to shoot just about anything I've put in them in the way of reloads. No reason that your Tite Group or HP38 shouldn't work just as well.

[onelight]

If you want to use unique 5.5 to 6.5 should give you 700 to 800 FPS with a 240

[HeavyMetal]

Lyman's 429348 wadcutter at, if I remember right, was 180 grains. A light load of any of the powders you mention should but when you run out try Winchester's Super Target the " improved 452AA" it is quite accurate and extremely clean burning.

Back in the day I shot on a 20 yard indoor range this was a one hole group load Two handed, no rest! A few years ago I'll admit but my Charter Arms Target 44 Special is still up for it if I am.

HM

[Three44s]

I do not do .44 special but it should work even though I discovered it in magnum cases.

What I am referring to is loading three rounds each of a competing load, so two sets of three and loading them alternatively in your cylinder. Ie a round of load #1 then a round of load #2, then back to #1 and so forth until you have the cylinder full. Make sure you know which load you start with and commence firing the cylinder full. If there is much difference in the nature of the recoil you should be able to tell a difference pretty soon.

I kind of favor Red Dot for the task you seek to accomplish. I think it’s dwell time would be more suitable than the really fast powders. Red Dot does run a little dirty so I would inside debur the flash hole to achieve a better burn.

Three44s

[Char-Gar]

After many years of shooting non-magnum revolvers, I don't believe Unique is your best choice for standard (800 fps) velocity loads. I would choose Bullseye with a charge of 4.8 to 5.0 grains under your 240 Keith bullet. Bullseye is by far the most versatile powder for non-magnum revolver cartridges. When you move above standard velocities then Unique is my go-to powder.

[Petrol & Powder]

Factory 44 Special loads with 240 grain lead bullets are already pretty docile if not downright pathetic. The "Skeeter" load of 7.5 grs. of Unique in a 44 Special case and a 240-250 grain bullet is sometimes slightly over SAAMI specs but it doesn't worry me in modern guns.

If you're looking for something tamer than the "Skeeter" load, my advice is to simply duplicate the lame factory 44 Special loads.

You can use a 240 gr lead SWC and 5.7 grains of Unique to get into the mid 700fps range and with a little more get that into the low 800fps range while easily remaining within SAAMI specs. I agree with Char-Gar that Bullseye is a better choice for standard velocity loads and with around 5 grain of BE you'll be well under 800 fps with a 240 gr. bullet.
I use Unique to make "Skeeter" equivalent loads but Unique is not my favorite powder. It doesn't meter well and is inefficient at anything below max charge weights.

[Outpost75]

Hatcher's Textbook of Pistols and Revolvers (1935) listed 5 grains of Bullseye as being the standard charge for the .44 Special with 246-grain LRN bullet. That was in balloon-head cases. Factory velocity is approximated with 4.5-4.8 grains with a 240-grain lead bullet in modern brass. The 5-grain load is a full charge at standard pressure and shoots well in modern revolvers with the #429421, Saeco #441, or Accurate 43-255H.

[Art in Colorado]

Thanks to all. Much to consider. Need to get some Bullseye and start working up some light loads.

[Forrest r]

Any of the cowboy action reloading data will have loads in the range your looking for.

A link to hodgdon's cowboy action data with titegroup & hp-38 included in their 44spl data along with universal clays, clays & trail boss.
http://ns.hodgdon.com/PDF/Cowboy%20Action%20Data.pdf

Myself I prefer clays over bullseye powder for light loads in the 44spl's & 44mags.

[Silver Jack Hammer]

I have the Skeeter loads loaded up but I probably shoot 500 rounds of 5.2 gr. of Bullseye for every cylinder full of Skeeter loads.

[rintinglen]

If you have Red Dot, try 5.0-5.5 grains of it with your 240 grain boolits. In the 44 Special, Red Dot is something of a sleeper, but it has done excellent service in my own Flat top. 5.2 grains gave best accuracy in my gun. My S&W's also like that load.
246487

[sixshot]

I like W231 with the Keith or Miha bullet, it's the same as HP38 & I use a lot of it during the summer months.

Dick

[smithnframe]

I shoot a lot of 7.5 grains of Unique with Elmer's bullet! Also, heavy doses of 2400 with the same bullet.

[35 Whelen]

I've had really good luck with 5.0 grs. of Bullseye OR 5.2 grs. of either Red Dot or 700-X and a 248-ish gr. RN bullet from either a Lee mold or a Lyman 429383. This load pretty much duplicates the original load, shoots to the sights and is very accurate.

https://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Single%20Actions/Uberti%204.75%20%202%20RN%20edited_zpsw9rkxzxq.jpg (https://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Single%20Actions/Uberti%204.75%20%202%20RN%20edited_zpsw9rkxzxq.jpg .html)

https://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Single%20Actions/Cimarron%20Model%20P-red_zpsyqlnqai1.jpg (https://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Single%20Actions/Cimarron%20Model%20P-red_zpsyqlnqai1.jpg.html)

https://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Uberti%20Flat%20Top%2044%20Special/429383%2075%20yds_zpstiwz7ci5.jpg (https://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Uberti%20Flat%20Top%2044%20Special/429383%2075%20yds_zpstiwz7ci5.jpg.html)

35 W

[lotech]

Several have mentioned standard pressure Bullseye loads here. I've also used it with both the 250 gr. #429421 and the 235 gr. HP version. Accurate, but shoots about 6" high at 25 yds. in my Model 24-3 with 6 1/2" barrel.

[FISH4BUGS]

I like W231 with the Keith or Miha bullet, it's the same as HP38 & I use a lot of it during the summer months.

Dick

Ditto here. WW231 over the H&G #503 is my 44 special load. Easy on the hands, low recoil, and very accurate. I shoot them from a 44HE 4th change pre 24.

[JoeJames]

A few years ago I did some testing using Unique and Win 231, and two different 240 grain SWC's - Speer swaged .430", and Oregon Trail .431". Way before that I had tried Speer swaged .430" 240 grain swc's on top of 6.5 grains of Unique, but due to dwell time, I could not adjust my rear sight down far enough - so I upped it to 6.8 grains of Unique which appears to be a sweet sopt for my Ruger. Anyhow this is what I came up with:

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.

[Char-Gar]

Several have mentioned standard pressure Bullseye loads here. I've also used it with both the 250 gr. #429421 and the 235 gr. HP version. Accurate, but shoots about 6" high at 25 yds. in my Model 24-3 with 6 1/2" barrel.

Slower bullets shoot higher than faster bullets and heavier bullets shoot higher than lighter bullet. The reason for both, is when the bullet leave the barrel during the handgun recoil arc. If you have adjustable sights, the solution is to lower your rear sight. It should not bottom out with standard weight and velocity loads.

[eck0313]

Slower bullets shoot higher than faster bullets and heavier bullets shoot higher than lighter bullet. The reason for both, is when the bullet leave the barrel during the handgun recoil arc. If you have adjustable sights, the solution is to lower your rear sight. It should not bottom out with standard weight and velocity loads.

The 6 1/2” Model 24-3 revolvers came with the wrong height front sight. I had the same problem when I bought the gun new in ‘83 or so, and shipped mine back to S&W to have the proper height front sight installed.

[35 Whelen]

Slower bullets shoot higher than faster bullets and heavier bullets shoot higher than lighter bullet. The reason for both, is when the bullet leave the barrel during the handgun recoil arc. If you have adjustable sights, the solution is to lower your rear sight. It should not bottom out with standard weight and velocity loads.

Not my experience at all. Given the same bullet weights, higher velocity bullets impact higher because of increased muzzle jump, and to a lesser degree, higher velocity. That said, with proper grip technique, the difference is fairly minimal.

35W

[lotech]

Slower bullets shoot higher than faster bullets and heavier bullets shoot higher than lighter bullet. The reason for both, is when the bullet leave the barrel during the handgun recoil arc. If you have adjustable sights, the solution is to lower your rear sight. It should not bottom out with standard weight and velocity loads.

You're exactly right, but with the rear sight bottomed out, it still shot high with heavy bullets. A rear sight blade change made a difference, but going to a 200 grain (SAECO mould) bullet, I saw a slight accuracy improvement, less recoil, and point-of-impact where I wanted it.

[onelight]

I do not do .44 special but it should work even though I discovered it in magnum cases.

What I am referring to is loading three rounds each of a competing load, so two sets of three and loading them alternatively in your cylinder. Ie a round of load #1 then a round of load #2, then back to #1 and so forth until you have the cylinder full. Make sure you know which load you start with and commence firing the cylinder full. If there is much difference in the nature of the recoil you should be able to tell a difference pretty soon.

I kind of favor Red Dot for the task you seek to accomplish. I think it’s dwell time would be more suitable than the really fast powders. Red Dot does run a little dirty so I would inside debur the flash hole to achieve a better burn.

Three44s

The 44 special Bisley I got recently also is shoots high with light 240 grain loads (about 3" at 25 yards) , rear sight is fully down . I had the opposite problem on my 45 convertible found a taller rear blade for it. On the 44 I will deal with it after I do some load development with 240 to 270 grain bullets . I would like to zero with the hi-tek 240 I use for plinkers and the gas check and Keith bullets I cast for the mag.
All the Ruger 44s and 45s I have owned 5 have had thread choke that cause leading the 45s the worst . I am about to attempt some fire lapping on the 45 the 44 is not as bad so will see how it goes on the 45.
This was way more wordy than needed . I want the to pick my loads before spending to much time on the sights.

[35 Whelen]

The 44 special Bisley I got recently also is shoots high with light 240 grain loads (about 3" at 25 yards) , rear sight is fully down . I had the opposite problem on my 45 convertible found a taller rear blade for it. On the 44 I will deal with it after I do some load development with 240 to 270 grain bullets . I would like to zero with the hi-tek 240 I use for plinkers and the gas check and Keith bullets I cast for the mag.
All the Ruger 44s and 45s I have owned 5 have had thread choke that cause leading the 45s the worst . I am about to attempt some fire lapping on the 45 the 44 is not as bad so will see how it goes on the 45.
This was way more wordy than needed . I want the to pick my loads before spending to much time on the sights.

My Flat Top .44 Special shot high too, right out of the box. Rather than mess with a new front sight, I removed the rear sight and removed some material off the bottom of it (can't remember exactly how much) so it would go down a tad lower. Problem solved.

Regarding the thread choke, my .44 flat Top wasn't bad but a New Vaquero 45 Colt I had was. I fire lapped it and didn't think I'd EVER get the restriction out. After a little over 60 rounds, it was better. I eventually sold it and ultimately bought a 4 3/4" Uberti Frisco 45 Colt that was not only good to go right out of the box, but was more accurate than the New Vaquero.

35W

[onelight]

My Flat Top .44 Special shot high too, right out of the box. Rather than mess with a new front sight, I removed the rear sight and removed some material off the bottom of it (can't remember exactly how much) so it would go down a tad lower. Problem solved.

Regarding the thread choke, my .44 flat Top wasn't bad but a New Vaquero 45 Colt I had was. I fire lapped it and didn't think I'd EVER get the restriction out. After a little over 60 rounds, it was better. I eventually sold it and ultimately bought a 4 3/4" Uberti Frisco 45 Colt that was not only good to go right out of the box, but was more accurate than the New Vaquero.

35W
Was the Vaquero stainless ? What I am reading is 50 to 70 rounds for lapping stainless to not be unusual , but I have no hands on with it.

[35 Whelen]

Was the Vaquero stainless ? What I am reading is 50 to 70 rounds for lapping stainless to not be unusual , but I have no hands on with it.

No, it was blue.

https://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Ruger%20Vaquero/20141128_084819_zps19ba6d5e.jpg (https://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Ruger%20Vaquero/20141128_084819_zps19ba6d5e.jpg.html)

35W

[onelight]

My Flat Top .44 Special shot high too, right out of the box. Rather than mess with a new front sight, I removed the rear sight and removed some material off the bottom of it (can't remember exactly how much) so it would go down a tad lower. Problem solved.

Regarding the thread choke, my .44 flat Top wasn't bad but a New Vaquero 45 Colt I had was. I fire lapped it and didn't think I'd EVER get the restriction out. After a little over 60 rounds, it was better. I eventually sold it and ultimately bought a 4 3/4" Uberti Frisco 45 Colt that was not only good to go right out of the box, but was more accurate than the New Vaquero.

35W


I had not even considered removing material from the bottom , Good idea.[smilie=b:

[smkummer]

I use about 4.8 700X with a Keith bullet for the standard load. Very pleasant to shoot. I am using 4.2 700X and a 200 lee RF bullet for cowboy loads, which are very mild for fast shooting with minimal recoil. You will find the 200 grain bullet recoils noticeable less.