44 Special Loads

gunnysgt · Apr 24, 2011

Looking for 44 spl. loads that a 6" barrel S&W model 629 classic likes. I like to shoot light to moderate loads at an indoor range. Want to get away from Factory Ammo.

What powders and bullets are suggested. Thanks

Gunney

cjw3 · Apr 24, 2011

I use 7.5 grains of Unique with a 240 grain SWC. This gives me 990 fps from my 4" 629; accurate and easy to handle.

I also have tried 5.4 grains of 231 with the same bullet and got 734 fps, but not as accurate; I think I might have been better off with a softer bullet in that load.

The Unique load is as low as I have any interest in going with .44 Special for use in a Magnum. If I want to drop back below that I prefer to go with .38 Special.

gunnysgt · Apr 24, 2011

Good info. Thanks

Beaver · Apr 24, 2011

I agree with cjw3. Skeeter Skelton's old load of 7.5gr. Unique is excellent. Also 8.0 gr. PowerPistol if you got it. Universal Clays is also good. A 240-250 gr. SWC around 900-1000 fps will get your needs met without registering on the Richter Scale. Good luck.

amazingflapjack · Apr 24, 2011

just a touch lighter makes the difference

I like the same load, but I'm happier with about 6 1/2 to 7 gr's of Unique over a 240 gr LSWC, espacially considering what you said about a milder round for an indooe range. By the way, does your range allow reloads that aren't factory? I passed on joing a new range that opened in my area becaus they don't allow anything but "factory" reloads. Flapjack

RidgwayCO · Apr 25, 2011

My favorite .44 Special range load is a 200gr LRNFP bullet over 6.2gr (1.36cc) of IMR's Trail Boss. Using Winchester brass, a CCI LP primer, 1.440" COL, and a firm roll crimp, this results in a very accurate and very comfortable 840 fps from my 4" S&W M691. YMMV.

Marksman · Apr 25, 2011

For indoor I alway liked 5.0 gr. Bullseye under a 200 gr. RNFP.

Combat_Diver · Apr 25, 2011

Only load that I remember loading for my 6.5" M29-2 and CA 3" Bulldog is the 7.5 gr Unique with a 240 LSWC. Been my standard load for years.

CD

TSQUARED · Apr 25, 2011

If you want some real nice mild loads then the best powder is Trail Boss with either the 200 or 245 gr, lead bullets. The Hodgdon website has the reloading data. I used their recommendded starting load with a 245 gr LSWC for a mild and accurate load.

Mule88 · Apr 25, 2011

One of the most accurate loads ive used is 7.5 gns of Universal clays, I use to use Unique but Universal gives me better accuracy and burns cleaner than unique does. I get one inch groups from a rest at 25 yds if i do my part.

one eye joe · Apr 25, 2011

amazingflapjack said:
By the way, does your range allow reloads that aren't factory? I passed on joing a new range that opened in my area becaus they don't allow anything but "factory" reloads. Flapjack

ATTABOY, FLAPJACK. POWER TO THE PEOPLE ! ! !

M29since14 · Apr 25, 2011

For indoor shooting, I drop back to 6.6-grs of Unique and the 250-gr Keith bullet. It is probably just a bit stronger than Winchester factory ammunition, as far as velocity. Maybe 50 FPS or so. I don't have my data handy so cannot say exactly, but it is the most accurate 44 Special load I have found out to 25-yds. Probably also beyond that, but 25-yds is it at the indoor range.

Since I have several 44 Specials, I particularly like the lighter load because I believe it is probably less abusive in the Model 696. So this one load works well in whatever gun I want to shoot.

VAdoublegunner · Apr 25, 2011

My favorite 44 Special load is a Speer 240gr SWC and 8.0gr of WSF with a WLP. This is my most accurate load in any 44 Special (favorites are Lipsey's 4 5/8" Ruger flattop Blackhawks), equally very well in the 624 and does well enough in my 4" 629-4. By well enough I mean it will shoot 3.5" groups, sometimes less, at 50 yards if you can see open sights well enough. It burns cleaner than Unique.

old tanker · Apr 25, 2011

The old standby here is Lyman 429421 on top of 6.5 Unique. Use it mostly in a Charter Arms Bulldog, but also as plinking and practice load in the magnums.

gunnysgt · Apr 25, 2011

Many thanks to all for your suggestions

Gunny

Kevin G · Apr 25, 2011

7.0grs Unique, 240gr Berry's plated.
Kevin

ChuckS1 · Apr 25, 2011

Here are the milder ones my pre-24 and the NM Blackhawk like, in no particular order:

RCBS 44-250 and 4.0 grains of Bullseye
RCBS 44-250 and 4.7 grains of Bullseye
RCBS 44-250 and 5.0 grains of Bullseye
RCBS 44-250 and 6.8 grains of AA #5

Lyman 429421 and 6.9 grains of Unique
Lyman 429421 and 7.1 grains of Unique

Lyman 429421 Hollow Point and 7.2 grains of Unique
Lyman 429421 Hollow Point and 4.7 grains of Bullseye

Lyman 429383 and 4.7 grains of Bullseye
Lyman 429383 and 5.0 grains of Bullseye
Lyman 429383 and 6.9 grains of Unique
Lyman 429383 and 4.2 grains of Clays
Lyman 429383 and 7.8 grains of SR-4756

Your mileage may vary in your gun(s). These all shoot 3" or less at 25 yards off a sandbag for me.

Larry from Bend · Apr 26, 2011

240 gr bullet ---- 5.5 W-231
240 ---- 4.8 Bullseye
240 ---- 8.0 Power Pistol
200 gr bullet ---- 5.5 Red Dot

DeerSpy · Apr 28, 2011

any one got a good load for 180gs LTC ? I see allot of 240 and 250gr can you get 2 inch groups at 25 yards with 180gr ?

Nemo288 · Apr 29, 2011

I know I am probably beating a dead horse with this one BUTT:

4.5 - 5.0 gr PB with FILLER (you pick: grex, used polishing
compound, etc.) and a 240 SWC.

This has never failed me in both .44 Special and Magnum
cases. All holes touching at 25 feet.

Shot this in 6" 629 and all 3 624's. Works.

Takes some extra effort to load and is a minimal (700 fps)
load but I guess I lucked out with my bores.

PB is an overlooked powder. Extemely clean.

44 Special Loads

Member

Member

Member

Member

US Veteran

Member

Member

US Veteran

Member

Member

US Veteran

SWCA Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

US Veteran

Member

Member

Member

Similar threads