Originally Posted by
Kosh75287
Using a very similar projectile, we used 5.5-6.0/Red Dot/215 gr. LSWC in .44 Special, for CASS, and falling plate competitions. The load is more in the "Cowboy Action" level of performance, but was very very accurate. Ordinarily, I prefer the use of bulkier propellants like Unique, rather than Red Dot, in .44 Spl., but the Red Dot load worked so well, we just kept on using it. Just watch for the possibility of double-charge w/Red Dot, if you use it.
Like you, I doubt that 7.5/Unique/214 gr. would strain anything in a 696 (though you couldn't get me to shoot that out of Charter Arms ANYTHING). The load is similar to the Keith-Skelton 7.5/Unique/240-250 gr. LSWC, which was touted as giving 950 f/s from a 4" N-frame. While I found the load obstreperous in a 696, I would think that the same load with your lighter projectile would be somewhat more controllable, and just as effective.
In the 7.0 - 7.5 gr. charge weight range, you have puh-LENTY of "oomph". I think I'd try loads in 0.1 gr. increments, in search of a load that is much more accurate than with the other charge weights. Within the range of 7.0 - 7.5 gr., the likely difference in velocity is ~75 f/s or less, so you have enough with any charge weight. Search for the "tack-driver" load within that range.