dwpmusic , I shoot specials in my 44 magnum guns . Some talk about the crud ring the shorter cartridge leaves , yet we shoot 38spl in 357 magnum handguns and don't give it a thought . I have to say that I really do enjoy shooting 44 specials and for the crud ring ? I always finish the day shooting a few 44 magnum rounds to help clean it . Afterwards , either Kroil or Marvel Mystery Oil and a good bore brush leaves my cylinder shiny clean . For some reason I shoot 44 spl's better than down loading 44 magnums . It's probably just me but that's how it works out . That 44 special load I posted above is my favorite for that caliber . Following that is 6.0 grs of 700X , same bullet . Regards, Paul