The Hodgdon site on-line has loading data for ~15,500 PSI loads. Suitable powders for the .44 Special run the gamut of burning rates, depending on the bullet weight and velocities desired, but one stands out, and it is well known to the round's legion of fans. Caleb Giddings, Marketing Manager at Taurus, introduces the all-new TaurusTX 22 Compact. Why the .44 Special? ($0.15 per bullet) Ships today from MidwayUSA. 7, Ramshot True Blue, Alliant Unique and Power Pistol. If Im looking for a little more velocity, I go with the Lyman/Thompson #429215GC that lubed, sized and gas checked weighs around 220 grains. Joseph VonBenedikt is with Joel Hodgdon to talk about the improved accuracy and long-range potential of the already reliable Core-Lokt ammo line. (III) Giveaway winner(s) chosen by random drawing. The .44 Special is often ranked as one of the best revolver cartridges of all time. For these reasons, 240-grain bullets are best when used in conjunction with load data that exceeds industry maximum pressures. If you shoot the Skeeter Load with hard bullets you can crack the barrel extension on your revolver. Mikey Hartman, Lt. Col. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. 5 as produced by Bowen Classic Arms; at right is the original KEITH LONG RANGE COLT.. I do use it from time to time, however its more than I want for an everyday workin load at 1,200 fps with a 260-gr. However, as factory loaded with a 246-grain lead roundnose bullet at approximately 750 fps muzzle velocity, the .44 Spl. When the .44 Mag was introduced in 1955, Hercules 2400 and IMR 4227 soon became the most popular powders for .44 Magnum hand-loads. Smokeless-powder ammunition soon appeared, and velocities were eventually standardized at 755 fps with the same bullet. References: Accurate Arms Co. 1996 Reloading booklet Alliant Powder Co. Reloaders Guide (1995) Hodgdons Basic Reloaders Manual (1996) Speer Reloading Manual, #12 Winchester Reloading Components Manual, 14th edition Lyman Piston & Revolver Reloading Handbook, 2nd edition. Did I mention how much I HATE auto-correct on this blasted tablet. SWC. However, when specifically handgun hunting I rely on the same bullets pushed to a velocity of 1,200 fps to help extend effective range, which in practical terms shares the same velocities and trajectory as most current .44 Magnum 240-grain JHP factory loads while offering better penetration, less pressure and the unique advantage of being fired in lighter guns that usually feature a lower bore axis for less felt recoil. (III) Giveaway winner(s) chosen by random drawing. After a while, however, even the most recoil-tough shooter looks forward to toning things down a bit. Typical factory loads drive a 246 grain lead RN bullet at a claimed muzzle velocity (MV) of 755 fps from a 6 inch barrel. The 240 grain #8610 bullets are intended for larger, more tenacious game, but also are effective for deer-size game. Eventually Federal Cartridge offered a 200-grain lead SWC-HP at 900 fps (recently reduced to 870 fps), while Winchester followed suit with a 200-grain Silvertip HP and Remington with a 200-grain LSWC at the same velocity. Accurates powders come in a number of speeds and there are loads from the fast No. For a "Knockdown" Load, I used 5.0grs of Titegroup under a 240-250gr RN. Wolfe Publishing Company | 2180 Gulfstream Suite A | Prescott, AZ 86301. Available online most anywhere. Excellent results were obtained with fast-burning powders such as Hodgdon Titegroup, Accurate No. For lead bullets near 900 FPS, I recommend a GC (Gas Check), the little copper bottom on the lead bullet as below (5th item from left). Rounded up was a selection of bullets from Hornady, Remington, Sierra, Speer and Winchester. 1.450 in. . .44 Special is a fun caliber to shoot. Box 1926, Escondido, CA 92033. Thats slightly more than the original .44 Special loading from more than a hundred years ago. Study them carefully, as measurements vary even from the same manufacturer. All handloads in the accompanying tables were assembled in modern cases from Starline (800-280-6660). Contest void where prohibited by law. _________________________________________________. I am using it to knock down steel targets from 20 to 50 yards. JFP, 240 gr. I replicate that load with a Lyman 246 grain round nose or a Magma 240 grain round nose and 5.0 grains of Bullseye in my Ruger Bisley Flat Top. When. For reloading .44 Mag, faster-burning powders are better for practice ammo while the slow-burners are better for maximum velocities. Jeff Bradley shows off the Modern Hunting Rifle (MHR) from Christensen Arms at SHOT Show 2023. Granted, with modern revolvers the .44 Special can be loaded close to magnum standards for serious hunting duties when needed. 429421 250-grain bullet (left) and the Lyman/Thompson No. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you have a lightweight .44 or older gun, always start with 10% less than amounts listed above, and work up to the full maximum loads. Filled with .44 Magnum cartridges, it is ready for target practice or hunting. Post WWII revolvers are stronger. As smokeless powders progressed and improved, by the early 1920s handloaders began developing loads that enhanced the performance of the .44 Special. Unfortunately, the .44 Magnums greater power pushed the Special from the stage. For me, the .44 Special and the above loads fit the bill nicely. JSP, (WC= WadCutter, SWC= Semi-WadCutter, FP=Flat Point, HP= Hollow Point, RN= Round Nose), SP=Soft Point, (JHP= Jacketed Hollow Point and if GC indicated, means Gas Check at bottom of lead bullet), (Note: These are near maximum loads, you should use 10% less to start. The Hornady 240-grain swaged lead bullet makes an easy recoiling target load at 850 fps. 7 Accurate Solo 1250 Therefore, I no longer use the .44 mag cases when loading down to .44 special velocities. So, I'm going to start at 5.5gr and work up from there. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. Trigger pull on the test sample was set at 4 pounds. Published on 10-20-2014 09:25 PM For any loads over 900 FPS, I suggest using a jacketed bullet. Contest void where prohibited by law. A Colt Model P will probably not blow up, but it will loosen up pretty quick. A few loads are offered, however, that utilize the Hornady 240-grain XTP-HP and Speer 240-grain Gold Dot HP. The 240-grain cast bullet loads shown also offer potent protection. However, .44 Special loads are so mild, you can really use whatever you want to. Garmin Tactix 7 Pro Ballistic Solar-Powered GPS Smartwatch: First Look, Non-Lethal Personal & Home Defense with Byrna, Range Tested: EAA Girsan Pistols & Shotguns, New for 2023: Christensen Arms Modern Hunting Rifle (MHR), New for 2023: All-American RIA 5.0 Sporting Pistol, New for 2023: FN Rush 9Ti Pistol Suppressor, New Big Bore Pistols for 2023: FN 510 Tactical and FN 545 Tactical, New for 2023: FN SCAR 15P Rifle Caliber Pistol, First Look: Taurus Raging Hunter 460 Magnum Revolver With 10.5-Inch Barrel, New-for-2023 Taurus Judge Executive Grade 410/.45 Colt Revolver, Smith & Wesson Equalizer and the Brand New M&P 5.7 Pistol. On the other hand, when pressures are held to 15,500 psi, most powders cannot push various 240-grain jacketed bullets fast enough to expand reliably. Before there were scopes or red dots there were iron sights. does not engender a reputation as a "hot" cartridge. Modern Smith & Wesson N-frame revolvers are stout, as they share the same outside cylinder dimensions as the Model 29 .44 Magnum; however, they are slightly shorter. .44 Special (Hodgdon Data) reloading data with 130 loads. No substitutions or transfers to a third party are allowed. 4.3 Grains of Trailboss. (I) Giveaway ends September 30, 2022. I recently read the .44 Special cast bullet is standardized at 0.430. For example, Remington currently lists a 240-grain jacketed HP or SP at 1,180 fps; Federal has a 240-grain JHP at 1,230 fps; Winchester lists a 240-grain HSP at 1,180 fps (all tested from a 4-inch, vented test barrel); and Hornady lists a 240-grain bullet at 1,350 fps from a 7.5-inch barrel. Is there a preferred source of data? If this is your first visit, be sure to December 18, 2018 By J. Scott Rupp Giveaway prizes may have evidence of being test fired or exhibit minor handling marks. Shown is Elmer Keiths customized Keith Long Range Colt that was originally owned by Teddy Roosevelt. Either 17.0 grains of #4227 or 8.5 grains of Unique will give right around 1,000 fps. You want a light push fit through the cylinder throats. I firmly believe that true happiness is a warm gun. Mail-in entries accepted; send postcards (no envelopes) to: American Handgunner Magazine, GOM Jul/Aug 2023, P.O. Besides, a carry revolver can always be charged with four .44 Specials and a pair of .44 Magnums. Subscriber Services. Works well in a 3" Sheriff's Model, a 12" Buntline Special, and everything in between. These .44 Special single-action sixguns include (1) a custom Colt New Frontier SAA, (2) Keith No. 5 Accurate No. (IV) Winners must undergo a background check (if needed) and comply with all other federal, state and local laws. Deployed military should use stateside address. 2 to the slow No.9. The 250-grain cast bullet can be loaded up to 1,400 fps for big game hunting. This site is going to be as much member run as possible. Employees and agents of Publishers Development Corp. are not eligible. SWC-JHP, .44 with 250 . The idea of .44 Special for Everyday Workin Loads is a relatively lightweight sixgun, around 1/2 lb. JHP Associated taxes and fees will be the responsibility of the winner. Learn how your comment data is processed. The 225-gr. This is not a handicap, as many powders are capable of pushing 250-grain bullets 850 to 900 fps (roughly equal to the .45 Colt factory load), while a few select powders can push the same bullets over 1,000 fps while staying within pressure guidelines. (II) Limit one entry per household. Although it's a bit longer than the hollowpoints, loads with it fit comfortably in the S&W's cylinders. JHC. For me, the .44 Special and the above loads fit the bill nicely. Your email address will not be published. Dies are made by virtually everybody, and for years they have been configured to accommodate both Special as well as Magnum cases with minor die adjustments. Does this mean a description of me as a fumble-fingered knuckle-draggin' baboon. In spite of being 110 years old, the .44 Special still ranks as one of the finest, most versatile sixgun cartridges, especially when handloaded. The difference in Special and Magnum case lengths is .125 inch, and Redding includes a washer of that thickness to use under the die lock ring that makes switching calibers easier. . Number of Views: 5768. Pet Loads and Handloader are registered trademarks of Wolfe Publishing Company. 9mm, 10mm/40S&W, 45 ACP pistol barrel that won't "plunk" your handloads? I have listed the Colt Single Action Army and New Frontier revolvers in Category 2 (22,000 psi). Target shooters flocked to the .44 Special. less than a comparable .44 Magnum, and also less recoil while still being more than adequate for any situation which should arise. No. for 240 gr, bullet for about same results. The Smith & Wesson Model 29 .44 Remington Magnum has always been a favorite revolver for sport and pleasure. Cases for the .44 Special are straight-walled, so carbide sizers further streamline the loading process. Jacketed bullets create a bit more wear on the rifling, but it's better than trying to wire brush out a bunch of lead build up. As to the heavier, 240-grain lead bullets, samples from Hornady and Speer were included. First, not all guns are of equal strength some will handle significantly greater pressures, while others cannot. Factory warranties may apply in some cases. No substitutions or transfers to a third party are allowed. 250 gr. JHP; and Sierra 240-gr. Even the potent .357 Magnum delivers less muzzle energy than a 240/250-grain cast SWC on top of a case full of 2400 or 4227. Velocity runs close to 1,000 fps, depending on barrel length of your shooter. Associated taxes and fees will be the responsibility of the winner. The Hodgdon site on-line has loading data for ~15,500 PSI loads. Since you are buying bullets, they will probably be too hard. The 255-grain Lyman Thompson-designed mould 429244 with a gas check also produces excellent terminal performance and minimizes barrel leading. cast RNFP; 240-gr. It is true that guns made prior to 1956 utilized a different grade steel than revolvers chambered for .44 Magnum and later production .44 Special revolvers, but they are nonetheless strong and can easily handle loads that generate 25,000 psi. bullet. 44 S&W SPL LOW RECOIL 240GR FMJ. The accompanying data has been listed in tables at 22,000 psi (Category 2) and 25,000 psi (Category 3) loads, with 15,500 psi standard pressure (Category 1) loads suitable for all revolvers covered in Handloader No. 5.2 grains gave 800 fs., so pressure goes up pretty fast. My favorite load with this bullet is 7.5 grains of TiteGroup for a modest velocity of 745 fps, light recoil and one-hole groups. It is important to note that Keith would likely have been completely satisfied with the power and performance of his heavy .44 Special handloads, but wanted them available as a factory offering. The .44 Special is really anything but special in terms of performance, as least as factory loaded. Early ammunition contained 26 grains of black powder that pushed the 246-grain, lead roundnose bullet 780 fps. In 1932 when Hercules 2400 powder first appeared, Keith loaded 18.5 grains in balloon-head cases to reach 1,200 fps. For defense purposes, a lighter 180- or 200-grain HP bullet makes sense. (I) Giveaway ends March 20, 2022. What kind of gun? A Colt Model P will probably not blow up, but it will loosen up pretty quick. His loads have been successfully tested and used by others for more than 25 years. There are many bullet designs bearing the name Keith, but a semi-wadcutter design does not make it a Keith bullet. HP, .44 with 225 gr. But there are limits to the bigger-is-better scenario, based upon your tolerance to recoil. Gun Loads Forum - .44 Special Home Reloading Pistols .44 Special If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. A good, hard 240-grain semi-wadcutter at close to 1,000 fps will take deer, elk and black bear. The traditional .44-caliber bullet weight is 240 grains, and here we have several proven performers. The .44 Special is an excellent field cartridge, and when combined with handloads is capable of taking varmints and big game.

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