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  #1  
Old 09-11-2010, 01:35 PM
Otterbein Otterbein is offline
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Default 44SP Silvertip reload

Anyone ever try to duplicate the Winchester 44 special 200gr. Silvertip round? I like the round and it shoots very well out of my 396NG, but I am running low on inventory and would like to come as close as possible to handloading to factory ballistics (I don't own a chronograph). If so, what powder (and how much) and primer type are you using and what is your overall cartridge length? Thanks
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Old 09-13-2010, 01:42 AM
NE450No2 NE450No2 is offline
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Otter

With a 200gr bullet I would start with 7 gr of Unique, and consider @8gr as a Max load.

I am old school, so for loads in this velocity range Unique is my powder of choice, but there are a bunch of newer owders that will work just as well.

I would strive for a velocity of at least 800fps.
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Old 09-13-2010, 09:13 AM
Otterbein Otterbein is offline
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Unique it is - thanks for the reply.
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  #4  
Old 09-13-2010, 10:01 AM
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Mule88 Mule88 is offline
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Ive also had great luck with 7.5 gn. Of Universal clays too.
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Old 09-13-2010, 10:34 AM
Gun 4 Fun Gun 4 Fun is offline
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I am a huge fan of Unique regardless of what new powders are now available. That said, I use Alliant Power Pistol almost exclusively for any standard velocity ammo (SAAMI spec) in my specials. 7.5 gr to start, 8 as a working load. Both are at or under SAAMI spec.
It is very clean, gives higher than normal velocity at the same pressure as other powders, and great accuracy to boot. I had a hard time switching from my old standby for this one, but I'm glad I tried it.

Last edited by Gun 4 Fun; 09-13-2010 at 10:36 AM.
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Old 09-13-2010, 03:46 PM
Otterbein Otterbein is offline
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Thanks guys, I'll try 'em.
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Old 09-13-2010, 04:03 PM
rodell rodell is offline
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I've switched away from Unique because the new powders are so much cleaner. I know the newest Unique formulations are better, but they don't seem to be as good as HP-38 or Universal Clays for medium loads.
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Old 09-13-2010, 08:45 PM
grendelbane grendelbane is offline
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The loads mentioned are fine. They are very good. However, if my chronograph is to be believed my old 3" Bulldog and my 696 both launch the Silvertip at a velocity just north of 700 FPS. My 6 1/2" model 29 hits 750 FPS.

So, if you are duplicating the Silvertip, you might want to load light. I used Unique back in the day, but eventually went to 231. Nothing magic, both powders worked well, in lighter loads, the 231 seemed to work a little bit better.

I never loaded any 200 grain bullets however. It is a good choice for a lightweight .44 Spl, though.
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Old 09-14-2010, 09:52 AM
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grendelbane, thanks for the chronograph readings, that puts a reality check into this whole thing - I know I should have one, but really can't afford one right now. I was basing my search on Winchester's published ballistics of 900fps out of a 6 1/2" barrel, guess I need to back it down a little......Thanks!
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Old 09-14-2010, 01:51 PM
44Steve 44Steve is offline
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Hi, Steve here. I all so like the 200 grn silver tip in a 44 Special. The only bullet i can find to reload are Winchester 210 grn. silver tip .In your search for a 200 grn are you tring to reload any 200grn. or a winchester silver tip.
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Old 09-14-2010, 07:06 PM
Otterbein Otterbein is offline
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Steve, I've got some Hornady 200 gr HP/XTP's that I'll be using.....Matt
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  #12  
Old 09-14-2010, 09:55 PM
Hammerdown77 Hammerdown77 is offline
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If you're using 200 gr. XTP's, you owe it to yourself to try Power Pistol. Try 8.5 or 9 grains. These both shot like a laser out of my .44 Special Blackhawk.
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Old 09-15-2010, 08:58 AM
Otterbein Otterbein is offline
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Thanks Hammer, I plan to try it - Gun4Fun also recommended it. I need to go pickup a can.....thanks
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Old 09-15-2010, 05:09 PM
oldschool63 oldschool63 is offline
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I have a 396 NG and did the same thing you are doing. I had the best luck with HS-6 and a 200 gr bullet.
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  #15  
Old 09-15-2010, 06:34 PM
Joed49 Joed49 is offline
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Like Gun 4 Fun I'm a big fan of Universal. I've phased out Unique in favor of it as it gives better velocity and is cleaner burning.

But you can't go wrong with Unique, I used it for years.
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  #16  
Old 09-16-2010, 08:57 AM
Otterbein Otterbein is offline
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Thanks for all the input guys.
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696, cartridge, chronograph, hornady, model 29, primer, universal, winchester

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