I'm working up a defense load for my Bulldog. Below is the first chronograph data I've collected.
Weapon is the standard blackened Bulldog in 44 special obviously.
First load: 5 round string, Rimrock 185g, SWCHP, 7.7g Unique, AV 768 ft/s, SD 4 ft/s, APF 142, 242 Ft/Lbs energy.
Second load: 10 round string, 200g RNFP, 7.0g Unique, AV 766 ft/s, SD 22 ft/s, APF 153, 260 Ft/Lbs energy.
I prefer the 200g load over the 185g load. The barrel doesn't seem long enough to to take advantage of the extra .7g powder. The data seems to confirm that theory. Cracking 800 fps with the 200 grain load is the target and I would appreciate recommendations. I've tried 240g and 250g loads and the recoil is just to harsh in such a small gun. I even tried the old standard of 7.5g Unique behind a Keith 250g SWC, which according to Brian Pearce the Bulldog can handle, but the recoil, oh my.
Thanks,
Stephen