Just finished loading up a batch of .44 Special with Matt's 250 grain round nose hollow cavity bullet over 9.5 grains of Blue Dot and I feel compelled to say the little Charter is an absolutely wonderful little companion piece!
As much as I love my J-frames the 30% greater terminal impact of the .44 Special from a short barrel, in a compact revolver that weighs only 4.1 oz. more than a 642-1 makes the CA an amazing buy!

Kinda what I thought and is why I now own one.
Earlier this year, I found a nice used early Stratford model (3" blued) with factory wooden grips that fill the hand but are not too big at all. I think I paid $200 for it.
While not a S&W, it is pretty handy and carrys well. Also doesn't shoot bad either at typical SD range. I'm actually pretty fond of it.

Hey Kilibreaux. Let us know how your loads work in the Bulldog. I absolutely love my Bulldog and it is officially my new "Summer, bumming around, hiking, playing outdoors weapon of choice." While they seem to get a bad rap, I have not met anyone that owns one and doesn't like it. Anyone that claims these little things aren't accurate needs to get out and try one. Being a handloader certainly makes feeding the dog a fun thing. I just loaded up a variety of test loads myself using varying combinations of Unique, BlueDot and RedDot over 240gr PFP and cast 214 gr Lee SWC's. Will share the results once I get to the range.

Be well,

Duster, your Bulldog looks just like mine! Except I took a dremel to the grips and ground away a lot of material behind the cylinder to clear speedloaders.

I'm working with what I would call non-traditional powders to find good loads for the .44 Spl thanks to the massive powder shortage. So, I've got the Blue Dot loads, plus today I got in an order of IMR 700-X so I put together some loads with 4.5 grains under that same Matt's 250 grain cast HP...use to be this would have been a Bullseye load but I've not had much luck finding that of late, however, if 700-X proves out, a 4.5-4.9 grain charge weight means a LOT of loads per pound, plus it's a fast burner which may yield optimal velocity from the short barrel .44...it may be one of my new favorites!
I'm also going to try some SR-4759 - not a powder normally thought of for the .44 Spl, but there is load data for it. I doubt it will best the 700-X or the Blue Dot for speed from a 2.5" barrel but we shall see.
As soon as I get some chronograph data for the loads I'll post them.

I think the little Bulldog's appeal it that it's not a full-size .44, yet it's not really a super-sub-compact like the J-frames. It's really very similar to what S&W figured out when they came out with a .44 Spl L-frame, except the Bulldog is much more compact. The Bulldog seems suitable to fill a wide variety of roles from deep concealment, to outback, super compact, big-bore blaster. With a good hard cast HP or broad meplat handload the little Bulldog is decent medicine for most social needs.

I remember the 3" models with the tapered barrel...wish now I had bought one! One day they WILL BE a collectors item!

I love my CA 44 Bulldog. Small, simple, light easy to carry and conceal and it shoots a big heavy bullet. The only thing better would be a Smith alloy L frame in 45ACP. An ACP would be great because of cheap factory loadings and moon clips beat speed loaders.

I hope I'm not making this up but I would swear with these smaller framed .44 specials we were supposed to use 200gr bullets or pretty close so as to not rattle the frame and send the action out of time right away??? Am I guilty of falling for interwebz/gunstore BS???

Hi:
In a bygone era I carried a S&W M29 4" for a service revolver with an older Charter Arms Bulldog (exposed ejector rod) as my B/U. used W-W Silvertips .44spl ammo. This was a awesome package.

I once knew a guy that absolutely loved the Charter Arms .44s, and he bought every one that he could find, and he stashed them (loaded, of course) all over his house and garage. His favorite joke was that the only reason that the "Son of Sam" shooter (David Berkowitz) only shot one person on each outing was that he had to go home and soak his sore shooting hand in epsom salts afterwards. I could never find a used Charter Arms .44 at a decent price, so I finally settled on a Rossi Model 720, which is, I think very similar to your Charter Arms revolver. My son and I always get a chuckle at it when we break open the cylinder and see the huge charge holes in what appears to be, an almost undersized cylinder.

Regards,

Dave

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Not to hijack but my very limited experience with the Rossi 720 was not bad at all. Wouldn't mind owning one.

About thirty-five years ago, my brother picked up a Charter Arms Bulldog in .44 spl. What a sweet shooting little gun! I loved it.

When I asked him about it a few years back, he said he traded it to a guy for something else. Can't remember what he traded for, but it's my opinion that my brother got the short end of the stick. Anyway, I was sure ticked that he didn't give me first offer...and I told him so.

Would love to find another one of that vintage.

__________________
Pack light and cinch tight.

I have tried a few different handguns for my CCW and keep coming back to my CA .44 Bulldog because it's a perfect combination of size, weight and caliber. It's now my daily carry piece. The only mods that I have done was to replace the checkered wood grips with Pachmayrs and I removed the hammer spur. I took a checkering file to the top of the hammer just to have something for my thumb to grab onto in case I needed to cock it but I just use double action when I practice.

The charter .44 is an excellent carry piece.If you are only going to have 5 rounds they might as well be big ones.The Rossi 720 is a larger frame gun and soaks recoil up a bit more.

__________________
RIP Charles P Moore

I own a Charter Arms Bulldog too. It is a part of my CCW rotation and
I love those big holes it punches with the .44 Special. I've had it for
about two years and there have been no issues with it. My self defense
load is Corbon JHP in 165 grain.

Hey Kilibreaux,

My Bulldog seems to like Blue Dot too, in my case 8.5 gr behind a 240 PFP (As always, start low and work up). I'm looking forward to seeing how the variety of loads I worked up using 4.5 to 5.5 gr of Red Dot perform. Look forward to comparing notes with you.

When the Bulldog came out, there were no 200gr loads. The only available ammo was the 246gr RNL.

__________________
Wayne
Torn & Frayed

I won this .44 Spl. BD in an IPSC match back in the '80's.
Sold it once and bought it back when the other buyer didn't want it any longer.
The original CA wood grips won't stay tight any longer so it wears Pachmayr grips now.

__________________
JimC

This thread cost me, I just put money down on a new stainless 44bulldog. Made some calls and found one, put money on it over the phone. Haven't seen it yet, was wondering how the quality is on these new ca guns. Any input would be appreciated.

Which era of Charter Arms "Bulldogs" are the best quality ?

Not sure of the newer current guns but congrats on the purchase and let us know how it shoots... include pics.

I have read the earlier ones like mine.
Charter Arms Corp., Stratford, Conn.

__________________
JimC

I've heard the same thing. Both Bridgeport and early Stratford guns.
But I am unfamiliar with the newer models.

I have owned maybe 3 or 4 of the early pencil barrel Stratford models and now have a Pug built in Shelton, Conn.
I honestly don't see or feel any difference in the build quality between them.
If anything, the Pug is a bit tighter gun.

Congrats on your purchase CWH44300. I'll give you my candid first impressions of a new model Bulldog. I have a Bulldog that was born in February 2014. Like you, I also bought it sight unseen. When I first opened the box, I was pretty impressed with the overall appearance, fit & finish. I will say, the DA trigger was not as "silky" out of the box as some other new revolvers I have owned. However, I got it home, cleaned it up (lots of excess oil to be cleaned off it). After a few times cocking and dry firing the pull smoothed out nicely. The single action pull is VERY light and crisp. After cleaning the barrel, an inspection of the rifling showed that while it was sharp, the bore did not seem to be as "polished" and shiny as my other handguns (Ruger, S&W & Browning). If figured OK, let's see how it shoots.

Went to the range with a box of PMC 180 gr JHP and two boxes of handloads (Unique and Blue Dot pushing 240 gr PFP).

To say I was impressed would be an understatement! This little snubby functioned flawlessly, was accurate beyond my belief (The photo in my earlier post was the second 5 shot group ever fired from my new Bulldog...Yes I pulled a shot ) . It's very manageable when rapid firing. I burned through that first 150 rounds in short order wishing I had brought more with me!

I have only gotten to run about 550 rounds of varying types through this Bulldog and I'm more than happy with the purchase. It is my Summer CCW and a joy to carry.

On a related note, my brother and brother in-law have both decided to buy Bulldogs after shooting and handling mine.

Hope this helps.

Be well and enjoy your new Bulldog.

I can vouch for the Shelton made models as well.

From what most owners claim, it seems that the older/original models and newer Shelton made Bulldogs are fine quality revolvers.

I've no personal experience with them, but Bulldogs manufactured by Charco & Charter 2000 are sometimes said to be hit or miss.

I've heard the earlier guns were better but I'm not familiar enough to make that determination. The bulldog I now have is ok (early 70's Stratford).
I am glad to hear that the current models produced are getting good reports. I may have to try one.

Thank you for your comments (didn't mean to hijack). I'll let you folks know how it shoots.

I almost have bought a Bulldog twice, but for different reasons I never have. Want to get one at some point though.

I bought 2 that were newish production. Both functioned flawlessly, but there was definitely a difference between them in fit. One went to a very well known 'smith who indicated he could not do much with it, as the internals just don't have the quality build. This was after dissassembly, so he wasn't just guessing. He did recrown the barrel which was way off concentricity. So, while they were fine functionally, they were far from perfect.
Eventually I sold them both, and bought a Mag-na-port Backpacker which is an older Bulldog with cut off barrel, ports, bobbed hammer and action work, as well as harchrome finish. This little guy is very slick, and as good as a snubby gets in smoothness and accuracy.
A mixed bag, but I still believe CA guns are a terrific value.

I have my eye on one right now. It's a Stratford gun, too. Only problem is I don't get paid until Monday...it might not be around by then.

At one time I seemed to be tripping over used Bulldogs in the Vegas gunstores, and even the occasional Rossi 720. I bet if I actually went looking for one they would be like hen's teeth.

I owned one of the early made Bulldogs. Was really a decent shooter with 240gr/246gr lead bullets. Mine had the 'beryllium' copper firingpin and the factory wood grips.

Only issues I had with mine was keeping the thumb-latch button tight and the grips would crack at the back from recoil(glued them a couple times)...

Speaking of recoil..I thought it wasn't too painful to shoot a few rounds. Was more painful to shoot a lot of rounds though! Rubber grips versus factory wood would have probably fixed that issue

After I consolidated ammo to 9mm, 22LR, 7.62X39 and 12GA., I thought I was done. I realized that I needed another revolver, other than the M&P 547 9mm. The only choice for me was 44spl.. Soft shooting compare to 357 and 44mag. Being a practical person, I chose the CA 44spl.. I have not regretted the choice. With $300 being the sweet spot for me when buying pistols, it was a no brainer. The hunt was on. 1st came the 3" Bridgeport CONN. $275. Then came a surprise. A Rossi 720c for $295. Final another 3" CA Bulldog Stratford CONN. $295. This one I had shorten to 2.5", front sight tweaked and duracoated. I put CA compact boot grips on it(FYI, all grips made by charter arms will fit any of their revolvers). It is part of my pocket carry rotation. It is shot(25rds.) DA every two/three weeks. The flames have left their mark on the duracoated cylinder . It is my favorite . All these revolvers have great DA triggers. SA is good also, but DA works just as well for me(see Mozambique Drill with last three rounds on target. I rest the revolver on bench. Face backwards and turn and pickup revolver and fire within 2 to 3 second DA) Money out to 15yds. I don't reload, so I stocked up on some PMC 180gr.(range ammo) when it was 21.00 a box. My personal choice is Copper Only Projectiles (C.O.P.) Ammunition 44 Special 200 Grain Solid Copper Hollow Point #: COP44SP200 and Prograde 180gr. XTP - Defense Grade. Both shoot to POA out of all my 44spl.'s. Here is some chrono. data.

Copper Only Projectiles (C.O.P.) 200gr. HP
Temp: 80 degree
Hum: 50% - Elevation 650 -750ft above sea level
Sunny
Chrono’d 6-15-12 from 3” CA 44 spl.
5rds. @ 10ft.

High – 901fps
Low - 844fps
Avg. – 872fps

Muzzle Energy: 338 ft-lb


Chrono’d 2-9-14 from 2.5” CA 44 spl.
Temp: 60 degree
Hum: 50% - Elevation 650 -750ft above sea level
Sunny
5rds. @ 10ft.

High - 855fps
Low - 825fps
Avg. – 836fps

Muzzle Energy: 310 ft-lb


44 Spl. CCI Blazer 200gr. 50rds.
Bonded GDHP Ammo 920fps [3556]
Chrono’d 6-8-12 from 3” CA 44 spl.
5rds. @ 10ft.

High – 887fps
Low - 851fps
Avg - 870fps

Muzzle energy: 336 ft-lb


44 Spl. Prograde 180gr. XTP - Defense Grade
Chrono'd 2-14-14 from 2.5" CA 44spl.
Temp: 84 degree
Hum: 50% - Elevation 650 -750ft above sea level
Sunny
5rds. @ 10ft.

High – 899fps
Low - 876fps
Avg - 883fps

Muzzle energy: 311 ft-lb


**Loctite locations tips– older CA 44spl.
The center "pin" that releases the cylinder when one pushes the thumb piece forward is actually a screw. It WILL eventually back up if you don't Loctite it in place. When it does, pushing on the thumb piece will not release the cylinder. The back of the screw is visible with the hammer cocked, so here's what you do: First, cock the hammer and make sure the screw is screwed forward enough to engage the cylinder locking pin. It has a slot in it, on the breech face side. You'll want it to be flush with the breech face when the cylinder is open. Then, put a drop of Loctite 290 (green, wicking) on a toothpick and touch it to the back of the screw. Loctite the crane screw.

FYI, I came across some nice wooden grips for CA revolvers being made out of Thailand.
jaruwan.p | eBay

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The Bulldog is just a GREAT carry gun! It can be carried any way a J-frame can be, with considerably more delivered power!

Yes the Charter Arms Bulldog 44 Special fits in my Galco Paddle Holster, holds five rounds. I carry a second handgun the Smith & Wesson 642-1, which I carry in a good pocket holster.

Mine CA 44 Special Bulldog was made in Stratford Ct.
But then I never sell a gun. But I likes to window shop a lot
at gun shops. I keep looking for a good S&W 696=6 which
is also a 44 Special. One of these days I will get lucky and find
a good deal on one of those.

My PD issued me one to use as a back-up gun. I fired it with the Skeeter load (250 grain Keith SWC over 7.5 grains of Unique). The Bulldog did fine. My hand, not so much.

__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Years ago I grabbed the wrong box of .44 Spl. rounds when going to the range.
They were the Hornady 200 gr. XTP loaded with 7.5 gr. of Unique. They were loaded for my S&W 629, not the Bulldog.
I tried only a few out of the Bulldog...

What a hand full!!!

__________________
JimC

Last year I bought a CA Bulldog marked Personal Protection Systems, Trapper Gun, 44spl Terminator. It has a bobbed hammer, jeweled trigger and smooth action. Great carry gun and must have been built for the CA followers.I carry it often and alternate with my S&W 386pd.

I have carried one for almost 20 years.

Also, I have purchased some Russian .44 spl and some cowboy loads to try in the CA "Terminator".
Does anybody have any experience with the cowboy loads in comparison to standard loads?

I have some 44 Russian for triple lock (and other older guns) friendly ammo.
If you 44 Russian is loaded within SAAMI specs for that caliber, you should be well under what the CA will handle. Same for cowboy loads.

Hey Starbuck, I picked up box of Winchester 240 gr Cowboy Loads and went to the range this past Tuesday. They were pretty mild, fairly accurate and made a load of smoke. No big deal, just much more noticeable smoke than my cast handloads. That said, they're cheaper than most other loads and I'll buy more to plink with so I can use the brass for reloading.

I bought the cowboy loads at a gun show from a local trusted supplier. He had two different kinds. One had black powder and the other he sold me had modern smokeless powder. I am wondering if you had the black powder loads and that is what caused all the smoke.
I bought some cowboy loads from him in .38 spl. and .44 spl. because I wanted to try them in the CA Bulldog and a S&W 296 and a S&W 242 which all have a healthy kick.
It is good to know they have a milder recoil. I believe the round drops about 50 fps with these loads but I don't know anybody that can move faster than 750 fps any way.

I hear you on the 750 fps LOL.

I'm wondering if the bullet lube they use may be the cause of the smoke. Paid $38 for a box of 50 at the local Bass Pro Shop. Here's the Winchester spec info FYI:

Product Information
Winchester Ammunition offers some of the best cowboy loads available. Every cartridge is loaded to lower velocities for rapid and comfortable shooting in both rifles and handguns featuring high-quality Winchester components and lead flat-nosed bullets. This ammunition is new production, non-corrosive, in boxer primed, reloadable brass cases.

Technical Information •Caliber: 44 Special
•Bullet Weight: 240 Grain
•Bullet Style: Lead Flat Nose
•Case Type: Brass

Ballistics Information:

•Muzzle Velocity: 750 fps
•Muzzle Energy: 300 ft. lbs.

Based on the one I have...the quality is top-notch!

I mean, it only holds five shots, but it's very well-built!

Good to know about the Winchester ammunition.
I have 50 rds. of 200 gr. Lead*FP cowboy loads and I paid $30.00.The supplier told me they were rated at 750 fps.
So far I can shoot a full cylinder of the CA with standard ammo and with moderate comfort but with the S&W 296, after 3 rds., I am ready to unload the last 2 rds. The CA is a sweet carry gun but I am told to keep checking for tightness over time. Some maintenance is advisable but that is true will everything we shoot.
My local gun dealer has a large selection of carry guns yet he travels to his cabin in NC with his CA Bulldog on a regular basis. He claims it has never failed him and he shoots it regularly. Good to know.

There are practical reasons to collect one. Handy, carries well and tosses a big bullet. A big bullet makes a big hole. A big hole lets a lot of stuff leak out. The more they leak, the sooner they quit. Not quite on a par with rocket surgery, but handier than an RPG-7.

Modern Blackpowder substitutes are decent choices for the .44 Spl. However, Blackpowder loads are by no means benign. I've got some BP loads I cobbled up a few years back that are substantially hotter than my smokeless loads - in .45 Colt.
The .44 Spl deserves a better when it comes to load development.

Mine is the exact same revolver, but in stainless steel. (I even have the same grips). It saved my life on Christmas night of 2006.