What’s y’all’s favorite 44 special loads?

[Bazoo]

I’ve been playing with different combos. Bullseye, unique, RCBS 44-240-swc, 44-250-k, and I have lees 429-200-rf to experiment with too but haven’t loaded any yet. I also have titegroup to try and wsf though I haven’t tried either in this caliber yet.

I have found 4.4 grains and 4.8 grains of bullseye and the 44-250-k to be good loads, one milder than the other. I’ve found 5.5 unique and the 44-240-swc to be nice as well. I’ve tried others but nothing spoke to me.

So what’s y’all’s go to loads? And please, something other than the skeeter load. It’s too stout for general use for me, not that it’s not a great load.

And if it matters, my gun is a Ruger 44 special Blackhawk.

I also have the lee 432-265-rf ranchdog. I’ve had good success with that and 4.6 bullseye. Though I haven’t tried many combos yet. I did have a gent over on THR run some of my choice powders through quickloads with this bullet so I have a baseline for going into up to 23k psi or so, should I choose.

[Iwsbull]

My favorite is the MP Devastator clone pushed by a +P load of Longshot probably in the Skeeter range.

[stubshaft]

7.5 grs. Unique behind a 240 gr. bullet is what I shoot out of my Lipsey (Skeeter Load).

[ABJ]

Ruger 4-5/8 is 5.0 Bullseye under a 240 swc. Hands down the best load ever tried. In my Uberti Bisley is the same bullet with 4.8 Tightgroup.
Tony

[Bazoo]

Preciate the replies. Interesting the difference in accuracy and feel .2 grains of bullseye can make. Yesterday I cut a cloverleaf group with a flyer to about 2” with the 44-250-k and 4.8 bullseye load, offhand at 15ish yards. So I know the load is good when I am. Or atleast good for near point blank range. I’m so out of practice though that anything under 4” at 25y I consider decent now. But I’m going to have to work on dry firing and get my grip consistency back and muscles holding still again. Fact is I rarely shoot anymore over the last 3 years so I’m in tune up mode.

[derek45]

ARSENAL #503 Keith

UNIVERSAL powder ( at work, unable to see my logbook for the amount


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[derek45]

opps

iphone triple tap

[cwlongshot]

Inique and my custon 429421 mold with a very deep wide HP.

Shoots accurately and balls up and plows deep. When cast well with proper alloy.

CW

[HWooldridge]

Keith 250 and 6.0 gr W231 - my "go to" load in 44 Spc.

[Bazoo]

Keith 250 and 6.0 gr W231 - my "go to" load in 44 Spc.

Thanks for sharing. Any idea of what pressure that runs? Is the 250 Keith you run heavier? Mine is 262 grains.

[gunther]

Those Lee 200 grain bullets are where I'd go. Another thing that might help is to find a set of Pachmayr grips made for a colt single action. They'll be marked CSA. If you run out of grip length before you run out of hand, those will help. Remove the grip locator pin from your Ruger and those grips will be a very snug fit.

[HWooldridge]

Thanks for sharing. Any idea of what pressure that runs? Is the 250 Keith you run heavier? Mine is 262 grains.

No idea of pressure, but no signs of being excessive. Cases almost fall out of the cylinder, usually with just a touch of the ejector. I’m using an old SAECO mold that throws about 245 gr. in WW lead.

And this is from a 3rd gen Colt SAA.

[gc45]

Arsenal 250 K with either PP or 231 works great in my three 44-Sp revolvers. Non are Plus P loads. I follow what Brian P says concerning pressure levels, he gets it right!

[Kosh75287]

I've never chronographed 6.0/231/240 from anything, but it sounds like it might approach the Keith-Skelton 7.5/Unique/240-250 LSWC load. The latter load sometimes can be too much for some shooters and some revolvers, but in a .44 Special Blackhawk, I cannot imagine a problem.

[Black_Talon]

6.0 WW231 and a 250gr 429421 gives me 790 fps in my 5.5" Ruger Lipseys Bisley, with very low extreme spreads and single digit SDs. Shoots great too!

[Bazoo]

Lots of good info here. Thanks everyone for sharing.

My gun, I’ve replaced the grip frame with a stainless xr3red frame. But I ain’t looking for rubber grips regardless.
https://i.postimg.cc/xdJkR5FY/B2-ECB96-A-809-A-40-A3-B96-E-1527-D4559382.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[alamogunr]

I've got 3 completely different .44 Special handguns and find all the loads I need to find what works in my guns. The gun I have had the longest is a S&W 696. It is also the least shot. I got guidance from an article by Glen Fryxell. The S&W Highway Patrolman conversion and the Freedom Arms 97 serve me well with a collection of loads from 2 articles in Handloader by Brian Pierce. I have no need of loads that push the envelope but like to get into the upper end occasionally. Brian's articles give me the information I need to stay out of trouble. I also found a few in Mr. Taffin's book of the .44

Not running down this thread since I've read every post and find that there is a lot of good information in almost every one.

[Bazoo]

Thanks all for sharing. I have a couple Pearce articles myself. I haven’t picked up a copy of the book of .44 yet.

[alamogunr]

Thanks all for sharing. I have a couple Pearce articles myself. I haven’t picked up a copy of the book of .44 yet.

Best one yet!

[JoeJames]

I got my Lipsey NM Ruger Blackhawk 41/2" in 44 Special about 8 years ago. I have tried different bullets and powder. This is my compilation after all that. Now I mostly shoot Lee .430 240 grain TL's non water quenched sitting on 6.8 grains of Unique. The sweet spot for my Lipsey seems to be around 894 fps and at least a .430" bullet.

305530

[Bazoo]

Thanks for sharing.

I have had better accuracy with .430 bullets than .431 so far. Which is fine by me.

[gc45]

I too like Glenn's articles finding them easy to read and straight forward unlike some writers. Have gleaned lots of good stuff from him regarding several calibers.

[Bazoo]

I’ve not seen Glenn’s articles. Don’t suppose one of y’all has an easy to find link? I’m not particularly adept at navigating the lasc website.

[Frbksguy]

Bazoo

Try this: http://www.lasc.us/Fryxell44SpecialRevisited.htm

[Bazoo]

Bazoo

Try this: http://www.lasc.us/Fryxell44SpecialRevisited.htm
Hey thank! I ain’t seen that. I am looking at getting some loads worked up for my lee 429-200-rf. Provided my beagling of the mould works. It dropped small when I tested it. Looks like it might be a good all around plinker. And I was thinking using it for 45 auto duplication would a good all around carry and woods cartridge.

[flatnose]

An Accurate clone of the original ideal 429421 and a correct charge of power pistol. AWESOME

[Walks]

My .44Spl loads have always been on the lighter side. I've used a lot of Unique under a #429478, 5.3grs to be exact.
Since Titegroup came out some 30+yrs ago, I've shot that same 212gr (My alloy) bullet over 4.0grs of same. It's done very well in My Colt SAA's, sized .428dia Accuracy is not as good as it once. But then neither is My eyesight nor My hands.
I use the #429478 in My M624 - 3" bbl, but unsized. Accuracy is under 2.5" at 50ft.
My Dad shot the OLD #425352? in his New Service Target. Sorry can't remember the powder charge of Unique.

I also shoot a whole lot of #42798 in the SAA's. They are always cast up and waiting for a case full of powder.

[Chena]

I load for two .44 magnums, a Smith 629 Mt. gun and a 5 1/2” Ruger Bisley. For lighter loads in both I seem to always gravitate back to 240 to 250 grain semi-wad cutters and 7.5 grains of Unique.

[Chena]

Forgot to mention this is in .44 Special cases.

[JoeJames]

I load for two .44 magnums, a Smith 629 Mt. gun and a 5 1/2” Ruger Bisley. For lighter loads in both I seem to always gravitate back to 240 to 250 grain semi-wad cutters and 7.5 grains of Unique. I really do not consider 7.5 grains of Unique under a 240 grain swc as a light load. But there ain't any grizzly bears down here either. With my pet load of 6.8 grains of Unique under a cast 240 grain swc, it is comfortable to shoot and is quite accurate, and I can shoot it all day if I want to.

[gc45]

Food for thought on Safety first and The Skeeter loads:
Many look for 44 Spec loadings me included, and the Skeeter load is a good one, but I agree with Fryell that load is to much for the smaller 44 special revolvers like the Smith 696 L frame, CA Bulldogs and earlier revolvers from Smith and even Colts. While not a magnum load it is quite stout meaning some will perhaps disagree but just keep in mind it's your gun, your hand and your face, not theirs so why damage any? Skeeter loads are great for the Smith N frame, Ruger BH and the newer strong single action Colt and Freedom Arms but to much for Uberti's and other clones. For all those unsure, just be certian to know what gun your 44 Spec Revolver is chambered in, what the design pressures and limitations are before choosing any recommended loads. Fryell gives good info on the 44 Spec, just suggesting here all those unsure read through it..Brian Perce also gives very good info concerning this case, loadings and pressures.

[Chena]

I certainly agree, and often use much lighter Bullseye loads for practice.

[Bazoo]

I don’t see any need for anything over standard 44 special for plinking and self defense. It’s ballistics are somewhat better than 45 automatic. So I think broadside shots on deer would be fine. Not huge deer maybe. That said. I’m using this gun for carry, for plinking, hunting, everything In between.

[JoeJames]

I don’t see any need for anything over standard 44 special for plinking and self defense. It’s ballistics are somewhat better than 45 automatic. So I think broadside shots on deer would be fine. Not huge deer maybe. That said. I’m using this gun for carry, for plinking, hunting, everything I’m between.I agree. In my humble opinion, and at least here in Arkansas, it appears to me that a fairly soft lead alloy bullet .430" in diameter and weighing 240 grains and moving along at 894 fps is quite sufficient, and matter of fact is what lesser diameter cartridges aspire to expand to. I use the same load for plinking, woods carry around my place - feral dogs and hogs, and hunting. My rig with 7 in the cartridge slide:

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[rintinglen]

I got a S&W 624 3 inch last year and I have been shooting it occasionally since then. I have settled on two loads for it. The first is an NOE 230 grain WC over 4.5 grns of Red Dot loaded to an OAL of ~1.3" which is very accurate, The second is an Mp 432-423 that casts ~210 grain SWC boolits. 7.0 grains of Unique or 6.0 grains of 231 also shoot well. My bigger 44's, the Ruger Flat top and the S&W 21's, get the classic Skeeter load, but for the lighter 624, these loads do what I need.

[Fauquier]

Many folks suggest the "Skeeter" load : 7.5gr. Unique with a 240 gr. cast bullet. My thought is
that any 44 Special load over 7.0 gr. of Unique, with a 240 gr. cast bullet, should only be done
with a "Keith" style bullet .Other designs extend further into the case, potentially raising pressures to dangerous levels.

[JoeJames]

Many folks suggest the "Skeeter" load : 7.5gr. Unique with a 240 gr. cast bullet. My thought is
that any 44 Special load over 7.0 gr. of Unique, with a 240 gr. cast bullet, should only be done
with a "Keith" style bullet .Other designs extend further into the case, potentially raising pressures to dangerous levels.

I have found that the hardness of the cast bullet plays a part too. My own 240's are basically wheel weights sweetened with a little tin and are not water quenched. The commercial cast bullets are usually quite a bit harder and though of the same diameter - .430 - .431 will run a bit faster. I assume the pressure goes up some too. But my hottest loads are 6.8 grains of Unique with a soft alloy bullet.

[bluejay75]

I love my combat magnum SW. it’s running a 280 grain NOE SWC .431 diameter 11.8 HS6. Shoots like magic. Zeroing the sights in the pic at 15 yards.

Ooops. You said 44 Special. I was wondering why the loads were so light. 44 Mag here.
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[MT Gianni]

Many folks suggest the "Skeeter" load : 7.5gr. Unique with a 240 gr. cast bullet. My thought is
that any 44 Special load over 7.0 gr. of Unique, with a 240 gr. cast bullet, should only be done
with a "Keith" style bullet .Other designs extend further into the case, potentially raising pressures to dangerous levels.

The RF designs put more bullet outside the case than a SWC does.

[Larry Gibson]

I've not had any 44 SPL chambered revolvers for several years. I have three 44 Magnum revolvers I shoot a lot of 44 SPL loads (in 44 SPL cases) through though. For many years I've used the 429421 & 429360 (I have both in Lyman 4 cavity moulds) over 5 gr of Bullseye. I also use that same 5 gr BE load under the 6 cavity mould produced Lee TL429-250-SWC. It is a great load and pretty much duplicates the factory load but with the SWC bullet. I like to case the bullets soft using mostly a 40 or 30-1 alloy. I size at .430 and lube with 2500+ these days. Accuracy is always better than i can hold. I used to shoot a lot of Skeeter's loads (7.5 gr Unique under the 429421 or 428360) but usually just use those bullets in magnum cases with 8.5 gr Unique.

All of my 44 SPL cases (450+) are currently loaded with the 240 gr 429360 bullets. When those are shot I'm going to try out the Lee 429-200-RF bullet. Not sure how well the shorter bearing surface will make the longer chamber jump but I'm going to give it a try. Just looking for a pleasant to shoot, accurate load in the 850 - 1000 fps range out of my 6 1/2" Ruger FTBH.

[Bazoo]

I appreciate all the replies. Interesting to see all the loads other than the skeeter loads folks use.

[Noah Zark]

6.7 gr Unique over either a 240 gr cast RNFP or SWC. Accurate in the S&W 24s, 624s, 696s, Charters, NM Blackhawk flat top, and the Marlin 94, Ruger 96, Winchester 94, and two Cimarrons, rifles all chambered for 44 Mag, with respective boolits. Gradually phasing out the SWCs for the RNFPs for "one load" for all the guns.

Noah

[racepres]

I appreciate all the replies. Interesting to see all the loads other than the skeeter loads folks use.
Amazing how many folks use the Special in a Magnum Gun...
I do Not have all that much .44 Special Brass...and since all of the Special Arms, are Gone...Except an Old Charter Bulldog.. I do Not need More.
I have plenty of Mag. Brass etc for the magnums around here... so
6.0 gr of Unique under an RCBS...Swaged (throw all the rocks you like, it works in My Charter) chronos right at 650-655 FPS
Yea...Mild.. But, again if I want to get serious... that aint the Tool...
BTW, Since I am kinda gettin Old.. and do Not pay as much attention as I once did.. I can Identify Most of my .44 Loads by the projectile.. If it is That Swaged Speer, it is For the Charter.. If it has the 200 Lee FP, it is Best suited for the 4-5/8 SBH, If it is the 310FP... I have it loaded for the Contender... or at minimum a Heavier Arm.. Only the 255 Lee CSWC is kind of a Mystery ...so I need to check the Label on the Box, as to what it was developed for.. But it will work just fine.. Odd Maybe... But... Workin for Me..

[Bazoo]

Thanks for sharing racepres. An interesting idea, using specific bullets for specific guns.

[DDRanch]

Lots of good info. Once it stops snowing will have to do a little casting.
Also does any one have a good recipe for a 200gr RN FP lead bullet in either 44mag or 44spec? Looking for a lite load for grandkids.

[Bazoo]

I’m interested in some 200 grain RNFP suggestions also. If I get my lee 429-200-RF straightened out I think it’ll be my favorite.

[Fauquier]

Two light loads that have worked well with the 200gr. RNFP bullet:

44 Special : 5.0-5.2 grains of Trail Boss (Very mild).

44 Magnum : 10 grains of Unique

[DDRanch]

Two light loads that have worked well with the 200gr. RNFP bullet:

44 Special : 5.0-5.2 grains of Trail Boss (Very mild).

44 Magnum : 10 grains of Unique

Thanks, just what I was looking for.

[Krag 1901]

While reading this site, I read that the boolet dia should fit the chamber mouths. I bought some 200 gr .44/40 boolets that measure .430" but my .44's are all larger than .430" at the mouths? Not by much but enough that the boolets will drop right through the mouths. I've been looking for a load for my 624 at around 850-900 fps that I can shoot thru my 29 and 629 as well. I loaded some Unique and 700X loads that might work out but haven't tried them yet.

Is the dia of these .430" boolets going to be a problem?

[racepres]

Lots of good info. Once it stops snowing will have to do a little casting.
Also does any one have a good recipe for a 200gr RN FP lead bullet in either 44mag or 44spec? Looking for a lite load for grandkids.

I have some with 7.0 gr of Red Dot.. can chrono later after hunting season... but.. I wrote it down for a reason...and have a Handfull left..

[Kosh75287]

Just a respectful cautionary note & suggestion:Avoid the Keith-Skelton load in CA Bulldogs.

The Keith-Skelton load, 7.5/Unique/245 gr. LSWC, is probably THE PERFECT general purpose load for N-frame S&Ws, Blackhawks, and similar, strongly built .44 Specials. The last time I shot factory 246 gr. LRN from Remington, it produced ~760 f/s from a 6" M624. The Keith-Skelton load clocks 25% faster, from a 4" barrel. I would NOT enjoy firing the load from a CA Bulldog for any length of time. I'm BETTING that the Bulldog will show signs that it does not like it, either.
The load developed an honest 950 f/s from a 4& 5/8" Ruger BH, and 1075 f/s from a friend's 6" S&W M624. So it is by no means mild.
I DID shoot this load in a 3" Taurus M431 (in effect, a steel-framed Bulldog), and found it similar to +P ammo in a .45 ACP (tolerable and usable, but not pleasant), with a bit more muzzle whip than an automatic. If you make up 500 rounds of this load, your hand will quit before the Bulldog will, but neither of you will enjoy finding out who/which has the greater durability.

If one acquires a steel Taurus or Rossi 5-shot revolver and wants to use the Keith-Skelton load, they'll likely never have a problem, but I predict that less than one box of these will convince their owners to look to "lower & slower" fodder with all due alacrity.

[racepres]

Never been over 6
I own .44 Magnums...

[JoeJames]

Just a respectful cautionary note & suggestion:Avoid the Keith-Skelton load in CA Bulldogs.

The Keith-Skelton load, 7.5/Unique/245 gr. LSWC, is probably THE PERFECT general purpose load for N-frame S&Ws, Blackhawks, and similar, strongly built .44 Specials. The last time I shot factory 246 gr. LRN from Remington, it produced ~760 f/s from a 6" M624. The Keith-Skelton load clocks 25% faster, from a 4" barrel. I would NOT enjoy firing the load from a CA Bulldog for any length of time. I'm BETTING that the Bulldog will show signs that it does not like it, either.
The load developed an honest 950 f/s from a 4& 5/8" Ruger BH, and 1075 f/s from a friend's 6" S&W M624. So it is by no means mild.
I DID shoot this load in a 3" Taurus M431 (in effect, a steel-framed Bulldog), and found it similar to +P ammo in a .45 ACP (tolerable and usable, but not pleasant), with a bit more muzzle whip than an automatic. If you make up 500 rounds of this load, your hand will quit before the Bulldog will, but neither of you will enjoy finding out who/which has the greater durability.

If one acquires a steel Taurus or Rossi 5-shot revolver and wants to use the Keith-Skelton load, they'll likely never have a problem, but I predict that less than one box of these will convince their owners to look to "lower & slower" fodder with all due alacrity.

I agree 100%. My pet loads with cast .430 240 grain SWC's consistently clock out at 894 fps, with 6.8 grains of Unique with c.o.w.w. alloy and 6.5 grains for the same speed with commercial hard cast SWC's. I could shoot them all day long.

[Bazoo]

While reading this site, I read that the boolet dia should fit the chamber mouths. I bought some 200 gr .44/40 boolets that measure .430" but my .44's are all larger than .430" at the mouths? Not by much but enough that the boolets will drop right through the mouths. I've been looking for a load for my 624 at around 850-900 fps that I can shoot thru my 29 and 629 as well. I loaded some Unique and 700X loads that might work out but haven't tried them yet.

Is the dia of these .430" boolets going to be a problem?

I say try it. My 44special Blackhawk has throats varying .431-.432 but I size to .430. I get better accuracy it seems. Though I haven’t tested extensively yet. Larry Gibson and a few others also have experienced better accuracy when sizing closer to groove diameter as opposed to throat diameter. But it’s not popular so everyone sizes to throat dimensions.

[deltaenterprizes]

I just loaded some with a Magma 180gr FP and 5.6gr of WW231!
About the same thing as a 40 S&W, 180gr boolit going 950 fps.