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  #1  
Old 10-14-2012, 06:43 PM
flatapple flatapple is offline
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Default Loads for my .44 special...

I have a lot of 200 gr. RNFP lead bullets. Now I need to find a favorite load for my Night Guard .44 special to plink with...any suggestions?
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Old 10-14-2012, 07:18 PM
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Picture says it all:

10 shots - 50 feet.
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Last edited by TAROMAN; 10-14-2012 at 09:22 PM.
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Old 10-14-2012, 08:03 PM
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Nice Pic. What range / distance ? I prefer 240 gr bullets. I use SWC for target and SJHP (Black Talons ) for home defense and hunting. Have been using 2400 powder with light charges for target and UNDER max load for hunting. Target shooting, it handles like a .38, but hunting loads say, "GANG-WAY, 44 COMING THRU." Personally, I go for the 6 1/2" barrel. At any rate, the .44 cartridge is still a rifle caliber. A heavy charge will waste powder / give GOOD kick and muzzle flash. Shoot it in a dark setting and see how far the "flame" reaches out the barrel. Check several reloading books and "experiment". Start low and work up about 1/2 to 1 grain at a time till you find that "Pet Load" that feels right for you.

Last edited by tinkerunique; 10-14-2012 at 08:07 PM.
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Old 10-14-2012, 08:23 PM
REDTAIL REDTAIL is offline
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I suggest that you purchase a copy of the Lyman's reloading manual #49 Edition, Midway USA or Bass Pro carries them to help you out, To safely work up a load for your revolver. Do not make up any loads on word of mouth from anyone, The manual will help you along safely.This is the best advice that I can give you.Good luck with it.Plus the manual is something that every hand loader should have on their bench.
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Old 10-15-2012, 08:58 AM
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I like your choice "plink'. A pet peeve of mine are reloaders who hot rod the .44 special to make holes in paper. All 3 powders you mention are ok.

5.4 grns of 231 is a good mild one. I use it on 225 rfp, lead bullets. Your 200 grn bullets can take a little more powder. Reloading is fun, take your time and try a few powders and a"bunch" of loads for each one.
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Old 10-15-2012, 09:59 AM
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For light plinking loads there is no better powder than Trail Boss. I use the minimum recommended load from Hodgdon's website with a 245 gr. LSWC.
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Old 10-15-2012, 11:10 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TAROMAN View Post
Picture says it all:

10 shots - 50 feet.
Taroman,
Very nice shooting! I've seen the 696 a few times now and have decided I need a set of Ahrends on mine like the ones you have. Those the tacticals with a flat at front?
I usually just shoot a 240 LSWC and 5.5 grains of Unique for a very mild fun plinking load. By the looks of your target I'll have to pick up some 200 RN bullets.
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Old 10-17-2012, 07:10 PM
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Default .44 Special loads

I have shot thousands of 200gr. RNFP bullets in my .44 Specials over the years. 5.0gr. of Bullseye is a great load, mild, accurate and you get 2K loads out of a pound of powder. 3.5gr of Bullseye is a great load for new shooters, ladies or juniors. I also shoot the Skeeter Skelton load of 7.5gr. of Unique when I want something with a little more authority.
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Old 10-17-2012, 07:15 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lenny_D View Post
Taroman,
Very nice shooting! I've seen the 696 a few times now and have decided I need a set of Ahrends on mine like the ones you have. Those the tacticals with a flat at front?
Correct. Ahrends Tactical Fingergroove in Cocobolo.
Gripseller set me up with three sets of them for this gun, a 686, and a 65-5.
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  #10  
Old 10-17-2012, 07:32 PM
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Well 2 loads that I used in my 396 prior to trading it was 5 grains of trail boss, and 6 grains of trail boss. Both real nice I got no further because a mountain gun came along and the 396 was the only special I had. (trade bait)

I tried the skeeter load of 7.5gr of unique behind a 240 but after 1 cylinder full I did not want to batter the light weight!!!
For factory the hornady 180 XTPs where real sweet along with speer gold dots.
If you work between 5 and 6 grains of trailboss I am sure you will be pleasantly surprised, 5 grains at 10 yards was very tight grouping and sweet on the wrist (approximately cover with a silver dollar)
With prudent loads the 396 is incredible. The TrailBoss loads where with Tennessee valley Bullets 200 gr TCFP hope this helps

Last edited by C.S.63; 10-17-2012 at 07:36 PM.
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Old 10-17-2012, 07:42 PM
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4 grs of bullseye works good for all bullet weights for me.
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Old 10-19-2012, 10:31 PM
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I use 5.6grs of w231, because I use that setting with my 45ACP and I like keeping my measure locked down as much as possible. Any load from 4.5 to 6.0 will work in this application with that powder. For plinking paper 5.0 would be a good start point, I'd think.
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Old 10-28-2012, 06:58 PM
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6.2 to 6.4 grains hp-38, fed 150 primer, starline brass, 200 lrnfp and firm crimp for about 800 fps from 696. These are essentially same poi as speers 200 gdhp's at 800-900 fps.

Red Dot and unique also work quite well.
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Old 11-02-2012, 10:25 PM
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I have used the Speer 225 SWC gr 1/2 jacket HP with 13 grains of 2400 with good success. Not really hard on the hand and groups well.
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