Reloads for .44 Special

jimmyj · #1 08-01-2009, 06:11 PM

Hi:
I want to load some once fired .44 Special brass using a 240gr. JHP.
The only Handgun powder I have on hand is Bullseye and Unique.
Any suggestions?
Thanks
Jimmy

NE450No2 · #2 08-01-2009, 06:21 PM

You did not say which 44 revolver you are going to shoot these in, but my loading manuals show that 6,5gr of Unique should be a safe starting load in a modern 44 Special if in proper condition.

If it was an older gun or a Charter Arms Bulldog I would start with 6 grains.

However NEVER take one persons info on loads, always have multiple resources.

ChuckS1 · #3 08-02-2009, 01:38 PM

4.7 grains of Bullseye.

dg101win · #4 08-02-2009, 05:03 PM

I have only used cast bullets in my 44 Specials,a 4 inch Mdl 624 and a Lipseys 44 Special Ruger. A 240 swc or rnfp over 6.7 grs of Unique. This load will easily give me 2 inch groups @25yds off the bench, some times a bit better.

Spotteddog · #5 08-02-2009, 06:13 PM

I won't comment till I know what gun it's coming out of?

jimmyj · #6 08-02-2009, 08:26 PM

Hi:
I forgot to mention that these Reloads are for My only .44spl. which is another Revolver I purchase several years ago NIB and have never fired. A Smith and Wesson Blued Model 24 3".
Jimmy

Skip Sackett · #7 08-02-2009, 08:45 PM

Jim,
That firearm will take what ever you give it, I would think. The load mentioned by Chucks1 would be a good one. I also have shot it with just a little bit less with a lighter bullet. 4.5gr with a 200gr LRNFP.

If it were me, I would use the Unique for the jacketed bullet though and run them up around 800fps. The Alliant website show 7.6gr as a maximum charge under that type of bullet. According to them it will give you 836fps.

Remember, start low and work your way up.

michael thornton · #8 08-02-2009, 10:03 PM

i use unique 7.5 gr with a 240 gr cast swc in my 4 inch 624

oldRoger · #9 08-02-2009, 10:10 PM

Jimmy;
I agree, 7.5 grs of Unique is a moderate pressure load.
Roger.

Skip Sackett · #10 08-03-2009, 12:29 AM

Our friend stated the bullet he was going to use. It is a 240gr JHP. The data you have both given him is for CAST bullets. Would you like to revise your loads to reflect that?

David LaPell · #11 08-03-2009, 12:38 AM

My everyday load,
250 grain cast #429421 with 7.5 grains of Unique in my 4-inch 624

Gun 4 Fun · #12 08-03-2009, 12:43 AM

I have a 24-3 with a 4" barrel. The load of 7.5 grains of Unique under either a cast or jacketed bullet is a good one. It is considered a mid-range load as far as pressure goes for use in the 24-3.

Remember, the 24-3 shares the exact same dimensions as the 29 does in regards to the cylinder. The lone exception is the length. It also is made out of the exact same steel, and hardened the same as well.

canoe on the yukon · #13 08-03-2009, 04:56 AM

Your 240 gr jhp's will make a hole in the target as well as any and if you don't mind the extra expense and that's all you have,there's no reason to not use them.However,if you're expecting expansion,that's going to be problematic with the range of velocity you're dealing with especially with the 3" barrel.

Of the two powders,Unique will be best for your purpose.Loading data is widely available.

running iron · #14 08-03-2009, 05:36 PM

I have a Ruger 44 special from Lipsys also and according to Sierra you can go up to 8.1 grs. of Unique for 900 fps with a 240 gr. JHP. 7.3 is 800 fps and 7.7 is 850 fps. These numbers are from a S&W model 24 with a 6.5 inch barrel. I have started using AA#5 and AA #7 and have gotten much better results. For lighter loads I've been using 6.3 grs. of 231 for one hole groups with both the 240 SWC and the 215 SWC with the same 6.3 grs. of 231. I couldn't find 231 or Unique so I tried the AA# 5 and 7 and was very impressed. My carry load is 9.9 grs. of AA5 for just shy of 1000 fps with the Sierra 210 JHP, very accurate with no drama. I just started using WST, 5.5 grs with a 240 SWC for 850 FPS. Mild recoil and a very accurate target load.

IcarryS&W · #15 08-22-2009, 02:42 PM

7.5 grains of Unique under a Montana Gold 240g JHP works for me as well.

Hook686 · #16 08-23-2009, 11:20 AM

7.6 grains of Unique seem to be current 'max load' of Unique for 240 JHP bullets:

Alliant Powder - Reloader's Guide

Bullseye is no longer shown.

myanof · #17 08-26-2009, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldRoger

Jimmy;
I agree, 7.5 grs of Unique is a moderate pressure load.
Roger.

Me 3 in a Mountain Gun. Good everyday load, and pretty cheap.

1066 · #18 08-26-2009, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NE450No2

You did not say which 44 revolver you are going to shoot these in, but my loading manuals show that 6,5gr of Unique should be a safe starting load in a modern 44 Special if in proper condition.

If it was an older gun or a Charter Arms Bulldog I would start with 6 grains.

However NEVER take one persons info on loads, always have multiple resources.

This is very good advice!

I only use 5.5g of Unique for my 240g JHP. I generally use Hornady XTPs and my Hornady reloading guide shows a max of 5.7g for that bullet with Unique.

The Alliant data is for a Speer JHP. I have never used the 7.6g load for that bullet. I generally get better accuracy with the Speer at about 6.8g.

Even if you are using the Speer bullet, make sure you work up to the max load, don't start with it.

You might also post the bullet brand, and one of us may be using it or have the manufacturer's data for it.