44 special bullet

[tedbeau]

I was lucky enough to win a handgun at a gun match this past Sunday!

I won a Charter Arms Bulldog in 44 Special.

Now I am trying to decide if I want to flip the gun for some cash to buy a semi-auto for competition or keep the bulldog. I shoot IDPA and would like to get either a Glock or XD in 40 caliber or 9MM. I already load 40 caliber for my Glock 27 I shoot in the CCP division but would like to start using a different gun in SSP division.

Since the Bulldog is a 5 rounder it wouldn't be as competitive in revolvers since most revolvers in the division are 6 rounders.

If I keep the gun I would probably want to start reloading for it. Here's the problem, almost all the bullets I see available are either lead or jacketed/plated hollowpoints. My club does not allow lead/hard cast lead to be shot at the indoor range and the hollow points are pricey for plinking. A few manufacturers list some plated bullets with out the cannelure. I know usually revolvers use a roll crimp in the cannelure to prevent bullet jump, so my questions are:

1. Do I need to buy a bullet with the cannelure or can I use a taper crimp on a straight sided bullet in a 44 special?

2. Where can I find inexpensive ( less than fifteen cents a round) bullets for plinking?

[Ray_Z]

Charter arms make a pretty quality gun today but I think I'd flip it and buy a Springfield Armory xdm in 9mm. That would make you even more competitive in IDPA or USPSA production division.

[jhgtyre]

I've used some of these http://www.midwayusa.com/product/1050725344/rainier-leadsafe-bullets-44-caliber-429-diameter-240-grain-plated-flat-nose in my Ruger SBH and my S&W 629. They were reasonably accurate as far as I recall and if you buy 1000+ they are 14 cents a round at Midway. I wasn't running magnum loads so the lack of a crimp groove wasn't a big deal.

ld

[tedbeau]

I've used some of these http://www.midwayusa.com/product/1050725344/rainier-leadsafe-bullets-44-caliber-429-diameter-240-grain-plated-flat-nose in my Ruger SBH and my S&W 629. They were reasonably accurate as far as I recall and if you buy 1000+ they are 14 cents a round at Midway. I wasn't running magnum loads so the lack of a crimp groove wasn't a big deal.

ld

So you used a taper crimp die on them? I don't plan on running full power loads either, just want something I can have some fun with. I may use the gun in the local IDPA bug matches. (I think it fits in the IDPA bug box. I'll have to check that for sure).

[pskys2]

Wanted a bulldog since 1974, just never got one.

[earplug]

Does your club allow coated bullets? Powder coated bullets would be much cheaper.

I have owned a 44 Bulldog and its not a pleasant gun to shoot. Reloading components can be a hassle with mixed brass. Some factory brass is cut down 44 MAG brass and the thick web created a bulge that hindered loading. I was using 240 grain SWC .429. Wish I recalled what brands.

I'd sell the revolver and get something you can compete with and have fun shooting.