.44 Special Question.

[Kosh75287]

This question is directed to all those shooters using .44 Special in USPSA/IDPA competition (BOTH of you). An associate uses a 4" S&W M29 for both, and we're setting about the task of optimizing a load for both contests (ideally, ONE load, both contests). I told him that I didn't know enough about how to advise him concerning what loads he used, until I became more familiar with the round and the revolver and suggested he show up with whatever ammo he had (no Elmer Keith or Corbon/Underwood/Buffalo Bore stuff), and just shoot a match and we could go from there.

Well, the first contest was shot with 7.2/Unique/240 LSWC, and the results were....emphatic. It's the first time I've ever heard a steel target make an "OOOF!" sound in addition to a VERY audible "clang". I reduced the powder charge to 6.5/Unique/240LSWC, which took greater pity on the poor steel, but was still well in excess of what was needed for "Major". Tried 6.0/Unique/240 LSWC, which was where we wanted to be power-wise, but smokey, sooty, grunjy, bad ejection, etc. Heavier crimp & slightly deeper bullet seating helped, but not enough.

I went from there to 5.0/Red Dot (Promo)/240 LRNFP (we ran out of LSWCs). which burns VERY cleanly, but may be borderline in terms of PF (I know...get a flershwuggener chronograph...It's in the works). Thought I'd try 5.2/Red Dot (Promo)/240 LRNFP next, to see where we are.

Is anyone else shooting .44 Spl for either contest, and if yes, would you mind sharing what you're loading?

Thanks in advance.

[Hi-Power Jack]

Is anyone shooting .44 Spl, and would you share what you're loading?

I don't ....

BUT, I loaded for many years for my Ruger .41 magnum without benefit of a chrono ...

When I got the chrono, I realized that my loads for the previous 20 years had been

a slight bit HOT !!!! :devil:

Suggest you suspend all reloading ops until the flurshwergenner arrives ....

[pbcaster45]

I've been messing around with this load in my Model-29 but I haven't had a chance to chronograph it yet. Nice, low recoil fun load!

Bullet: Missouri Bullet Company 200 gr. RNFP (.430/Cowboy Alloy/Hi-Tek)
Powder: IMR Trail Boss 6.0 grs.
Primer: Federal 150
Case: PMC .44 Magnum
Comments: Taper-crimp

Thirteen shots at 25 yards, blew one!

It shot a little better in magnum brass but the .44 Special version (for the Ruger Flattop .44 Special) was pretty close.

Bullet: Missouri Bullet Company 200 gr. RNFP (.430/Cowboy Alloy/Hi-Tek)

Powder: IMR Trail Boss 5.8 grs.

Primer: Winchester Large Pistol

Case: Remington .44 Special

No leading at all, Hi-Tek works well in EDM rifling!

Edited February 14, 2016 by pbcaster45

[jcc7x7]

Same basic thoughts as most uspsa shooting. Heavy Bullet fast powder

With lead/coated = Clays, WST, 231

find a 240gr round nose for loading with the speed loaders

or buy some 44 Russian cases (shorter than specials, they load faster)

[Hammer1]

I have been loading the 44 Special and 44 Magnum for 45+ years - mostly Elmer Keith loads.

Went through one of Jeff Cooper's Gunsite pistol classes with a fellow who used a 4-inch S&W Model 29 with full-house loads. He was one man who could handle it well in high-speed double-action. He got an E-ticket from the Colonel.

You might check the loads that John Taffin uses in his 19-ounce Charter Arms. They are accurate and are tuned to be low-recoil yet effective. Taffin has a whole book dedicated to the 44's.

[Kosh75287]

Thanks for all the input, fellas! I knew I could count on you all for help! I probably won't SUSPEND the reloading activities until the chronograph arrives, but I'll be more watchful about approaching upper-level loads. I don't see any reason for "channeling" Elmer Keith, for action-pistol competition, though if the spirit of Skeeter Skelton wanders by, he'll be warmly welcomed. I think the idea about the Charter Arms Bulldog loads from Taffin is a good one. I'll do some poking around.

Thanks again, Gents.

[Postal Bob]

I don't shoot it in competition, but I load 44 special loads for my 44 magnum. I use the 44 mag brass, not 44 special. I load 4.7 gr of titegroup, with a 240gr rn coated bullet. It generates about 725 fps, out of a 7 1/2 Ruger. That equates to a 174pf. So, out of a 4" barrel, you'll get less velocity and pf.

Btw, recoil out of the heavy Ruger is minimal at best.