44 Special

[Buckster]

Hi Folks! I have been poking around looking for a 44 special load to use from my 44 4inch Tracker using a 265 Grain Ranch Dog Boolit that is gas checked. Any ideas on what you think would be a good load?:lovebooli

[992B]

You will most likely find a charge of Unique in the 6.0 to 7.0 grain range will do just what you want for an all around good load. Start low and work up until the accuracy is what you expect. Use a standart large pistol primer, doesn't make a difference which one.
Gary

[Ricochet]

I'd try leaving off the checks for the Special.

[Kraschenbirn]

Your load should work okay so long as you keep it within reason. I've found the Lyman 429667 (245 gr RNFP) at around 750 fps to be quite accurate from my 3" M24 S&W but the recoil's a bit much for casual plinking.

Bill

[Rodfac]

I like Lyman's 429215 GC, sized .430" with 6.5 gr of 231 for a chrono'd 984 fps and 1.25" gps at 25 yds from my Lipsey's .44 Spl Ruger. Unique of recent manuf. at 7.0 gr works as well but haven't chrono'd the load yet.

The boolit you're using is a good deal heavier tho, so work up slowly. I haven't found a handgun caliber yet that doesn't have a good to excellent load with 231 and it meters well. Rodfac

[Will]

I use the Lee 205gr RNFP for light plinking with about 6 or 7 gr unique and then the 429421 with 7gr for a full load.

[C1PNR]

In my 3" Charter Bulldog I use 6.5 to 7 grains of Unique under the 429215 SWC @ 220 grains out of my mould with my alloy. In the 429421 @ 250 grains I use 7 grains of HS-6.

I'm actually loading down a bit for better control in that very lightweight frame. YMMV

[jodum]

I also use the Ranch Dog 265 g in my 44 special. I have been using 8 gr of Power Pistol for about 825 fps out of my Tracker. Power Pistol seems to give higher velocity with lower pressures.

[Buckster]

Thanks all! I will work up a few different loads and report back when I tally all the results. I'm looking forward to see see what handles best.

[badgeredd]

In my 3" Charter Bulldog I use 6.5 to 7 grains of Unique under the 429215 SWC @ 220 grains out of my mould with my alloy. In the 429421 @ 250 grains I use 7 grains of HS-6.

I'm actually loading down a bit for better control in that very lightweight frame. YMMV

Same load I use in my Charter Arms and with 7 grains I use in my S&W and my Taurus.

Edd

[Buckster]

I have loaded 40 rounds , 20 with gas checks on and 20 with them off. Going out tomorrow to try the 265gr boolit over 8 grains of power pistol. It will be interesting to see if there is a performance change with the GC on or off.

[shdwlkr]

I have a 255 grain bullet that I use in my 44 special along with a 240 grain bullet and I think the load is around 6-7 grains of unique. Don't think either one is gas checked design if they are they don't get gc no real need at the speeds my bullets move.