Replicating Skeeter's .44 Special Load Using AA #7

[AlaskaMike]

Has anyone experimented in replicating the old Skeeter load in .44 Special (7.5 gr Unique with 250 gr SWC) but using Accurate #7?

I'm thinking probably around 8-9 grains, but I'd like to find some other data to back that up before I start loading up any ammo. Data published by Accurate that I've got does not include #7, presumeably because they were holding pressure to SAAMI spec of 15,500 psi.

Unfortunately my chronograph is buried under a ton of stuff in the shed, so I don't have easy access to the one good tool I have for working on something like this.

I have lots of other powders on hand that I've been using for years for .44 Special, so I'm not doing this out of necessity, but I thought this might be a fun and interesting winter project. I would be shooting these in my 4" model 29-2, and specific components would be Starline brass, CCI standard primers, and RCBS 44-250-K sized to .430" with Carnauba Red.

Like I said, this is more of an academic experiment, but I was curious if someone here has already gone down this path, and if so what was your experience?

Thanks,
Mike

[derek45]

I have never used AA#7 but this might be helpful


Brian Pearce 44 special

http://www.goodrichfamilyassoc.org/44_Special_Articles/Brian%20Pearce%20on%20the%2044%20Special.pdf

.

[AlaskaMike]

Thanks Derek, I'll definitely look that one over.

I may have posted a little too soon. I finally found some data in my manuals--Speer #14 shows 10.6 - 11.5 grains with the RCBS 44-250-K, so it appears I was a little low in my guess.

I'd still love to hear any firsthand accounts of any similar efforts by anyone here.

[winelover]

Straight out of Accurate Loading Guide Number One.

250 (L) SWC LY429421 COAL 1.575"

AA#7 8.1 grains (start load) 779 fps
9.0 grains (max load) 885 fps 14,000 C.U.P.

Winelover

[AlaskaMike]

Winelover--that's interesting. I don't see that at all in the .pdf file I downloaded. Thanks!

It's interesting how the max load is below the Speer start load. Speer claims their data is within the 15,500 psi SAAMI max. Gotta love the inconsistencies in load data sometimes, although in this case I'm sure it's due to the different methods of pressure measurement.

[rking22]

I would put more confidence on the Accurate data, Speer has posted some rather STIFF data in the past. Don’t know about #14 but the 8 and 9 have some pretty hot data. I don’t have any #7 or I would try a few of the 8 to 9 gr variety over the chrno.

[AlaskaMike]

Agreed--I've found that as well.

Thanks everyone.