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S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 All 5-Screw & Vintage 4-Screw SWING-OUT Cylinder REVOLVERS, and the 35 Autos and 32 Autos


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  #51  
Old 04-14-2009, 02:58 PM
tulsamal tulsamal is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gunhacker View Post
Hey Jerry... should I be scanning these things in greyscale if they are black & white articles? I'm kind of new at this so I've been using the scanner software wizard and taking the default settings.
Yes, you should! You will get considerably smaller files than with color. If there is nothing on the page in color, no point wasting the bandwidth!

Gregg
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  #52  
Old 04-15-2009, 07:09 PM
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I have downloaded the .pdf files and I have read all but three or four words of Gordon Boser's August 1944 article on the Triple Lock Revolver and the .44 Special cartridge. I have also just read all three of the John W. Zlatich articles, one of which was new to me: the article contrasting and comparing the terminal performance of comparable bullets fired from .357 Magnum and .44 Special revolvers. I promise that I will soon read the other articles. Gentlemen, thank you for making all this possible!
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  #53  
Old 04-16-2009, 07:26 AM
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Gunhacker: Thanks for posting the pdf files. Good reading!

Ken Waters did a "Pet Loads" article on the .44 Special, which, according to my notes, was in the May 1981 Handloader. I don't have that magazine, so can't help out with a copy of the article. It would be a good article to add to the collection.
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  #54  
Old 04-16-2009, 06:25 PM
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AKtinman: Good notes!

That was the issue... the article is uploaded to the hosting site, this time in greyscale

I was surprised to look at the download counts for the previous files I uploaded, there's a lot of folks interested in the .44 Spl. judging by the numbers I'm seeing.

I was sitting here thinking while this latest file uploaded... at the rate this is going maybe we should start a up "44 Associates II" group here (since the original .44 Associates aren't around anymore... I think).
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  #55  
Old 04-16-2009, 06:38 PM
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Gunhacker - you have a good idea there.

Especially with the centennial of the Triple Lock in recent past and the Lipsey run of .44 Special Rugers, there might be a place for 44 Associates II...

It would be great if someone with a good copy of the 44 Associates booklet would step up and make it available for study by all of us.

Thanks to all who are reading and posting!

Regards,

Dyson
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  #56  
Old 04-18-2009, 10:32 AM
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Thanks Conrad!
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  #57  
Old 04-19-2009, 12:22 PM
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Anyone else care to supply a reference, article, or even the Grail - the 44 Associates' booklet??

Thanks to all who are helping and posting material..

Best,

Dyson
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  #58  
Old 04-19-2009, 08:20 PM
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Conrad,

I spent the afternoon reading the articles you posted (and watching the ball game). Great stuff!
There should be a permanent place for links to quality reference material like this on this forum, or they should at least become a sticky in the reloading section.

Thanks again
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  #59  
Old 04-28-2009, 04:59 PM
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Still hoping someone can/will share the 44 Associates' data...Or other relevant info. Heck, the 44 Special is really what most 44 Mag shooters reload..So there is a lot of interest.

Best,

Dyson
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  #60  
Old 07-11-2009, 08:15 AM
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Default 44 Associates' 44 Special Data

Back to top for any further input or the addition of the 1940s' publication.

Thanks,

Dyson
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  #61  
Old 07-22-2009, 06:19 PM
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Question regarding the '44 Asssociates', can anyone tell me when the group was formed?

Thanks,

What Cheer
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  #62  
Old 07-27-2009, 07:25 PM
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I am also very interested in the old data. I have a collection of old AR magazines and will go through them looking for articles of interest Re:44 Spcl.

Keith included a significant amount of data in his book "Sixguns".
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  #63  
Old 08-01-2009, 08:14 PM
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Default Sample .44 Spcl Data

I've looked through my AR and don't have the missing issues. However, there is a great deal of info available on the web.

For the new reloaders, attached is a sample of the data available from Handloaders.com. It a compilation of many sources. Pretty good stuff. As usual read all disclaimers.

44 Special, all bullet weights

Bullet Powder Weight Powder Velocity OAL Primer Source


180gr JHP 6.0 gr HP38 960 fps 1.4" WLP guest
Very accurate out of my 6" M29 and 3" M24. Easily shoots 2" groups offhand at 10 yards.


180gr JHC 6.5 gr Bullseye 910 fps 1.6" WLP Alliant
Suggested starting load: 5.9 gr

Pressure: 12,000


180gr JHC 6.4 gr Red Dot 885 fps 1.6" WLP Alliant
Suggested starting load: 5.8 gr

Pressure: 12,100


180gr JHC 6.7 gr Green Dot 925 fps 1.6" WLP Alliant
Suggested starting load: 6.0 gr

Pressure: 12,400



200gr LRN 4.0 gr Red Dot Unknown CCI SP guest
Use the 44 Special case. Can be used in Colt replicas also and any 44 magnum when target plinking.

Email author: mcustoms
See all of mcustoms's loads
200gr LFP 4.3 gr Red Dot 650 fps CCI SP guest
Great load for those short 44 specials.

Email author: mcustoms
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200gr LFP 5.1 gr Vihtavuori 611 fps 5 1/2" Fed LP guest


Email author: grkva_99
See all of grkva_99's loads
200gr LSWC 4.1 gr Nitro 100 867 fps 1.465" CCI 300 Accurate
Suggested starting load: 3.7 gr
7 1/5" test barrel
Midway cases
Pressure: 11,100 CUP


200gr LSWC 4.3 gr Solo 1000 813 fps 1.465" CCI 300 Accurate
Suggested starting load: 3.9 gr
7 1/5" test barrel
Midway cases
Pressure: 9,400 CUP


200gr LSWC 5.2 gr AA #2 905 fps 1.465" CCI 300 Accurate
Suggested starting load: 4.7 gr
7 1/5" test barrel
Midway cases
Pressure: 14,000 CUP


200gr LSWC 7.4 gr AA #5 959 fps 1.465" CCI 300 Accurate
Suggested starting load: 6.7 gr
7 1/5" test barrel
Midway cases
Pressure: 14,000 CUP


200gr LSWC 9.5 gr AA #7 992 fps 1.465" CCI 300 Accurate
Suggested starting load: 8.6 gr
7 1/5" test barrel
Midway cases
Pressure: 14,000 CUP


200gr LSWC 11.5 gr AA #9 1,020 fps 1.465" CCI 300 Accurate
Suggested starting load: 10.4 gr
7 1/5" test barrel
Midway cases
Pressure: 14,000 CUP


200gr JHP 6.0 gr IMR 700-X 838 fps Win LP guest
Speer 200 grain Gold Dot HP at just under the max listed at the Speer website. Starline unfired nickle-plated brass. Shot in a Charter Arms Bulldog Pug 2.5" barrel (2006 production), 838 fps SD13. 15 Yard 5-shot gruop offhand 1.1". Recoil quite manageable and plenty more powerful than a .38 snub.

Email author: kuduking
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200gr JHP 6.0 gr 700-X 838 fps Win LP guest
Here’s a nice standard pressure defense load based on Speer data, with the 200 grain Gold Dot HP bullet in Starline nickel brass. SD was only 8 and in the Charter Bulldog Pug it was amazingly accurate with a 2" offhand group at 25 yards. Recoil was quite manageable.

Email author: kuduking
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208gr LSWC 5.7 gr unique 705 fps 1.250" Win LP guest
this is a Lee wadcutter fired from a Taurus 445 2" barrel.

208gr LFP 4.3 gr Trail Boss Unknown Win LP guest
This load uses the Lee 429-208-WC seated at the crimping groove with a good crimp. First batch all went into the black.


235gr LSWC-HP 7.0 gr Unique (Alliant) 929 fps cgruv" CCI SP guest
From 6.5 Heritage Mod 24. Printed a .95" five at 25yards group from this revolver with a dot sight installed. The bullet is the keith type lyman swchp cast from chilled shot.

Email author: cumpston
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240gr LSWC 7.5 gr Unique 950 fps 1.5" WLP Admin
Classic Skeeter Skelton load, no 44 Special database is complete without this one.

Email author: johnk
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240gr LSWC 4.6 gr No. 2 620 fps 1.5" WLP guest
Very light load, similar to current factory loads.

240gr LSWC 5.1 gr HP38 765 fps 1.5" WLP guest


240gr LSWC 5.0 gr Win 231 770 fps 1.55" Win LP guest
My favorite fun load in this caliber.

240gr LSWC 7.0 gr Win 231 920 fps CCI 300 guest
Shot thru my 44 mag 7.5 inch Redhawk is extremely accurate at all distances.

240gr JHP 3.8 gr Nitro 100 583 fps 1.485" CCI 300 Accurate
Suggested starting load: 3.4 gr


240gr JHP 4.0 gr S1000 587 fps 1.485" CCI 300 Accurate
Suggested starting load: 3.6 gr


240gr JHP 4.5 gr No. 2 604 fps 1.485" CCI 300 Accurate
Suggested starting load: 4.1 gr


240gr JHP 6.5 gr No. 5 730 fps 1.485" CCI 300 Accurate
Suggested starting load: 5.9 gr



240gr LSWC 13.2 gr H4227 947 fps 1.45" WLP Hodgdon
Suggested starting load: 11.9 gr

Pressure: 12,600 CUP


240gr LSWC 8.0 gr HS6 917 fps 1.45" WLP Hodgdon
Suggested starting load: 7.2 gr

Pressure: 13,000 CUP


240gr LSWC 5.6 gr Universal 873 fps 1.45" WLP Hodgdon
Suggested starting load: 5.0 gr

Pressure: 13,300 CUP


240gr LSWC 5.2 gr HP38 858 fps 1.45" WLP Hodgdon
Suggested starting load: 4.7 gr

Pressure: 13,200 CUP


240gr LSWC 4.8 gr TiteGroup 862 fps 1.45" WLP Hodgdon
Suggested starting load: 4.3 gr

Pressure: 13,100 CUP


240gr LSWC 4.0 gr CLAYS 771 fps 1.45" WLP Hodgdon
Suggested starting load: 3.6 gr

Pressure: 13,500 CUP


240gr Lead 4.9 gr Win 231 800 fps Winchester
Suggested starting load: 4.4 gr

Pressure: 13,000 CUP


240gr LSWC 7.3 gr Power Pistol 850 fps 1.480" Win LP guest
Velocity from 3" barrel. Warm load,but not excessive.

240gr JHP 15.0 gr 296 1,149 fps Hodgdon
Suggested starting load: 13.5 gr
Hodgdons 26th Ed, 7" test barrel.
Pressure: 15,400 CUP


240gr LSWC 4.3 gr bullseye Unknown CCI SP guest


240gr LFP 6.9 gr Unique 760 fps 1.462" CCI SP guest
A federal standard primer was used, and the bullet was crimped. Accuracy is excellent with this load from a 6" Colt Anaconda, with most holes almost touching.

Email author: shadowwodahs
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240gr LFP 4.8 gr 700X Unknown CCI SP guest
Lead SWC bullets. O.A.L. depends on bullet. Crimp into crimp groove. Very accurate. Stout! 4.3 is also very accurate. 700X beat out several fast powders in .44 Sp.

Email author: ac12

245gr LRN 4.5 gr S1000 791 fps 1.6" CCI 300 Accurate
Suggested starting load: 4.1 gr


245gr LRN 4.7 gr No. 2 819 fps 1.6" CCI 300 Accurate
Suggested starting load: 4.2 gr


245gr LRN 6.8 gr No. 5 860 fps 1.6" CCI 300 Accurate
Suggested starting load: 6.1 gr


Email author: cumpston
See all of cumpston's loads
248*gr LRN 6.0 gr Unique 870 fps crgrv" LP guest
From 6.5 Smith Heritage 24 Velocity (70degrees) is with "New Clean Unique" Five rounds with Old dirty Unique = 846 Five rounds with 1967 Hercules Unique+ 810 bullet is Ideal 429251

Email author: cumpston
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250gr L-429421 15.0 gr 2400 1,019 fps 1.56" WLP guest
Converted M-28 6 1/2" 1950 Target Barrel. This is a very accurate and sensible load for the M-24.


250gr LSWC 7.5 gr Unique 950 fps WLP Admin
Skeeters classic load with Keiths classic bullet makes a great combo. This load is well above todays typical factory 44 Special ammo but works well in most 5 shot 44 Specials. Consult the gun manuf before shooting this load if you have a new lightwight 44 Special.

Email author: johnk
See all of johnk's loads
250gr LSWC 16.0 gr Lil’Gun 1,032 fps 1.59" WLP Admin
Velocity is from a 6" M29, from a 4" gun this load still does 972 fps. Shot to shot consistency is very good, around 20 fps extreme spread and less than 10 fps standard deviation in both guns. This is a very low pressure round and should be safe in any 44 Special.

Email author: johnk
See all of johnk's loads
250gr LSWC 5.0 gr AA #2 imp 610 fps 1.57" Win LP guest
Lyman(Keith)429421 a nice accurate load fired from my Taurus 445 -2"brl. std. dev. of 6 fps.

Email author: bubby440
See all of bubby440's loads
250gr LSWC 7.0 gr Unique 760 fps 1.57" Win LP guest
Keith design,fired from Taurus 445(2").sharp recoil,but still manageable

Email author: bubby440
See all of bubby440's loads
250gr LSWC 4.2 gr Nitro 100 772 fps 1.575" CCI 300 Accurate
Suggested starting load: 3.8 gr
7 1/5" test barrel
Midway cases
Pressure: 14,000 CUP


250gr LSWC 4.3 gr Solo 1000 751 fps 1.575" CCI 300 Accurate
Suggested starting load: 3.9 gr
7 1/5" test barrel
Midway cases
Pressure: 14,000 CUP


250gr LSWC 5.0 gr AA #2 808 fps 1.575" CCI 300 Accurate
Suggested starting load: 4.5 gr
7 1/5" test barrel
Midway cases
Pressure: 13,900 CUP


250gr LSWC 7.0 gr AA #5 864 fps 1.575" CCI 300 Accurate
Suggested starting load: 6.3 gr
7 1/5" test barrel
Midway cases
Pressure: 14,000 CUP


250gr LSWC 9.0 gr AA #7 885 fps 1.575" CCI 300 Accurate
Suggested starting load: 8.1 gr
7 1/5" test barrel
Midway cases
Pressure: 14,000 CUP


250gr LSWC 11.5 gr AA #9 946 fps 1.575" CCI 300 Accurate
Suggested starting load: 10.4 gr
7 1/5" test barrel
Midway cases
Pressure: 14,000 CUP


250gr LSWC 12.5 gr 5744 737 fps 1.575" CCI 300 Accurate
Suggested starting load: 11.3 gr
7 1/5" test barrel
Midway cases
Pressure: 12,600 CUP


250gr LSWC 7.0 gr 700-X 980 fps Win LP guest
A "Skeeter Load" using 700-X in a Ruger Vaquero 5.5" .44 Magnum. Dry Creek Bullet Works 250 SWC Keith in Starline brass. 15 yard offhand 5-shot avg 0.9". Velocity over Shooting Chrony, SD 7.

Email author: kuduking
See all of kuduking's loads
250gr LSWC 14.3 gr 2400 1,005 fps Fed LP guest
I use this load in a 24-3 and get groups under 2".I set my length by sizeing OAL .20 less than the length of the cylender. I use BRP bullets.
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  #64  
Old 12-03-2011, 12:15 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gunhacker View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by stbryson View Post
Hello,

From "The Arms Chest" (classifieds) section of the December 1945 issue of "American Rifleman":

".44 Special loads, exhaustive tabulation of 650 tested handloads
for .44 Special, "Handgun Cartridge #1", limited, numbered edition,
$1.00 postpaid. 44 Associates, Auburn, Mass."



"American Rifleman" articles of interest to .44 Special fans:

August, 1944 "The S&W Triple-Lock and the .44 Special Cartridge", by Gordon C. Boser

February, 1949 "'Magnumizing' the .44", by George W. Rice

February, 1953 ".44 Dynamite", by John W. Zlatich

May, 1953 "Expanding Bullets for the .44", by John W. Zlatich

October, 1953 ".44 Special vs. .357 Magnum", by John W. Zlatich

In Zlatich's first article, he shows several loads in the 1,200 - 1,500 fps range, and talks about muzzle velocities up to 1,600 fps.

The "American Rifleman" articles are much easier to locate than the 44 Associates document. I believe that NRA members can obtain photocopies of old articles through Member Services.
Years ago at an estate auction I bought boxes of American Rifleman magazines from the 40's, 50's & 60's.

I'll pull them out of storage to see how many of these articles I have.

I'll scan them to a PDF document to share them with my .44 Special brethren... will let everyone know when I have something to send out.
It would appear that I'm a couple of years too late to be able to download these articles from the posted links. Does anyone here have copies of any of these articles they would be willing to email to me, particularly Gordon C. Boser's article on the Triple Lock and the .44 Special?

Thanks
Jim
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  #65  
Old 12-03-2011, 01:38 PM
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I too would like to have these articles.
I have space on a web server and I could host any files for download that you folks would be willing to share.
Wouldn't have to worry about links going dead due to inactivity.

Jim, I'll send a PM to Gunhacker and see if he still has those articles.
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  #66  
Old 12-03-2011, 06:30 PM
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Matt, I still have the PDF files. PM sent...
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  #67  
Old 12-04-2011, 11:07 AM
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Very cool little thread. Would be cool to have one link to go to and see all this info discussed here in this thread. Strong work to the OP and the rest of you guys for jumping in.
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  #68  
Old 12-04-2011, 05:33 PM
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Default 44 Associates' .44 Special Data?

Thanks for pulling this topic out of the past. I had always hoped to turn up from a donor a copy of the Asociates' book of load data that we could all share for study. Mind you, not necessarily for replication of the old loads, many of which no doubt lacked pressure data and were probably in old semi-balloon cases to boot.

Thanks,

Dyson
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  #69  
Old 12-04-2011, 05:44 PM
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I havent activly reloaded in a number of years, I am wondering if the powders are the same as they were back then? Havent some changed the recipes and still use the same name or numbers on some of them?
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Old 12-13-2011, 09:07 PM
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Default Elmer Keith & Ray Thompson, etc.

Three pages from Lyman's "Handbook of Cast Bullets", published in July 1958. Two give recommended loads from two of "The Associates", and the third is dedicated the Lyman #429421 - the famous Keith Semi-Wadcutter.

Jim

And now for the disclaimer:
Remember, this info is now more than 50 years old. So please, enjoy these pages for their historical value and NOT as recommendations for handloading.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg Elmer Keith.jpg (110.4 KB, 276 views)
File Type: jpg Ray Thompson.jpg (102.1 KB, 247 views)
File Type: jpg 429421.jpg (91.7 KB, 234 views)

Last edited by TripleLock; 12-13-2011 at 09:34 PM.
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  #71  
Old 12-20-2011, 07:22 PM
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OK folks.
The CD from Conrad arrived today and I have put the 8 files up on my web server like I promised.
They are located here:

44 Special Articles

Enjoy.
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  #72  
Old 12-20-2011, 10:43 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt_G View Post
OK folks.
The CD from Conrad arrived today and I have put the 8 files up on my web server like I promised.
They are located here:

44 Special Articles

Enjoy.
Thanks a bunch!!! I really appreciate that!
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  #73  
Old 12-20-2011, 10:53 PM
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Thanks for doing this, good stuff, and lots of it to read.

Keith
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  #74  
Old 12-21-2011, 01:56 AM
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Thanks for posting those, Matt G. I'm a 44 Special lover from way back.
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  #75  
Old 12-21-2011, 02:26 AM
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Since ya'll have resurrected the .44 Associates data is there a possibility anyone can clone Elmer or Skeeter?

Now THAT would be appreciated here I'm sure...........

Great work in bringing forth the .44 Associates info folks. Thanks.
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Old 12-21-2011, 04:39 PM
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Hearty thanks to Matt G for posting those items.

If anyone has access to a copy of the .44 Associates booklet, that would be a wonderful addition to our collective resources. Even though, no doubt, the #2400 loads would be the ones that could have carrying power to this day, with downward powder weight adjustment for the balloon or semi-balloon cases that were then prevalent.

Thanks again.

Regards,

Dyson
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  #77  
Old 12-22-2011, 08:56 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt_G View Post
OK folks.
The CD from Conrad arrived today and I have put the 8 files up on my web server like I promised.
They are located here:

44 Special Articles

Enjoy.

Good Lord, what an array and just super compilation of info on the 44 special. I burned up 20-11 bottle of ink printing them out

Thanks ever so much. This will provide much fodder around the campfire this weekend.
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Old 12-22-2011, 01:05 PM
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I would like to thank all who made it possible for us to save these "Vintage Articles".

By the way, I have a copy of the NRA Reloading Handbook article on the .44 Special complete with pressure data.

Matt, if you will write me direct, I will send it Email by attachment. It is excellent information.

I also have Brian Pearce's articles on the new Ruger .44 Special Flattops complete with MODERN loading data, if you want to post, that, also.

Matt if you post these with a link like you did the eight articles, then everyone will be able to download them. I am sure it will be appreciated.

My email address is: rmcgee @ zoomtown dot com (slightly disguised)...

Dale53
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Old 12-22-2011, 04:26 PM
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Matt G: please look for PM from me.

Thanks,

Dyson
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  #80  
Old 12-22-2011, 07:10 PM
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DGNY and Dale53; e-mails sent.
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Old 12-22-2011, 07:35 PM
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I'm grateful this thread made the "Notable Thread Index."
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Old 12-23-2011, 04:20 AM
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Yes , thanks to those who arrange such inclusion. In a sense, the .44 Special was the premier S&W cartridge from its introduction until the 38-44 came on the scene, and perhaps 'til the .357 Magnum was born. This prominence was thanks to its boosters and hallowed experimenters of bygone decades.

And by its potential and use for hunting, which lay unrecognized formally for another 25 or so years after the 38-44 , it led directly to another premier cartridge, the famous .44 Magnum.

Such a heritage, such utility and such association with handgun notables of the glory days of handgun shooting, when giants roamed the ranges, indeed qualifies the cartridge, and even this small tribute thread, for the title Notable.

Thanks again,

Dyson

Last edited by DGNY; 12-23-2011 at 04:24 AM.
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  #83  
Old 12-23-2011, 11:18 PM
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This is a really nice find with lots of historic and useful information. Thanks for all the effort that went into assembling these for everyone to enjoy.

I just discovered that I have the February 1949 issue of American Rifleman and can scan in the article "Magnumizing the .44". I can then email it to Matt if he would like to put it on his server with the others.

Last edited by 125JHP; 12-23-2011 at 11:49 PM.
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  #84  
Old 12-24-2011, 09:22 AM
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Would love to 125JHP.
PM and e-mail have been sent.
I have an article to get posted that Dyson sent me, and Dale53 is sending along some stuff via CD.
This collection of data for the 44 Special is just going to get better as time goes on.
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Old 12-24-2011, 12:00 PM
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Thanks, Matt. Your work has elevated our knowledge and made study much easier. Now all [hah] we need is a copy of the .44 Associates' booklet to share via posting!

I wonder if anyone has a few semi-balloon cases to do a volume measurement vs, say, a same-make case of modern manufacture. I have a hunch that the old cases were almost .44 Mag capacity, tho far less strong a] in their construction and b] in their weaker old-gun firing environment.

Regards,

Dyson
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  #86  
Old 12-24-2011, 12:48 PM
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Matt, thanks for getting those articles I scanned posted. I've gone back through this thread and updated the links in my postings to point to the new one you've provided.
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  #87  
Old 12-24-2011, 01:12 PM
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I think the only articles I can access are the ones Matt G. posted and the images Triplelock posted. Is there anything actually missing from that list that needs to be refreshed?

I have several sections of reloading manuals posted here, BBHFarm Gallery :: Reloading Manuals and could add some of the articles as images.
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Old 12-24-2011, 01:25 PM
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Thanks to all who have contributed and provided a place on the net to post this information in a central place.

Hoping that someone with a copy of the 44 Associates Newsletter will provide it...
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  #89  
Old 12-24-2011, 04:09 PM
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DGNY was kind enough to provide a copy of an article written by Gordon Boser in the August 1944 issue of the American Rifleman.
The article is titled S&W Triplelock and the 44 Special Cartridge
FYI, it's a bit blurry and a little hard to read. That is the way it was received by DGNY.
There isn't anything that can be done about it.
I am looking to get another copy of that article. I have already e-mailed a potential source and if he comes through I will be able to post another copy of that article.

Here's the link again:

44 Special Articles

Too bad I can't make that link my signature.
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Old 12-24-2011, 04:34 PM
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Got another update.
125JHP sent along a scanned pdf of "Magnumizing the .44" by George Rice.
It is the pdf file named 44 spl - feb 1949 american rifleman.pdf at the link above.
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  #91  
Old 12-24-2011, 05:18 PM
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Here's a location where I've entered the Triplelock article from 1944. BBHFarm Gallery :: The S&W Triplelock and the .44 Special August 1944 American Rifleman
See if the images are more convenient than pdfs.

BTW, clicking on the image enlarges it.
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  #92  
Old 12-24-2011, 05:49 PM
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In looking on the internet, I found this Gun Digest Book of the .44 - John Taffin - Google Books

Page 69 contains some quotes from the .44 Associates (Taffin has a copy, #103 of a total 200 copies).
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Old 12-24-2011, 06:04 PM
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About older loading information: I'd like to inject a note or two of caution. Older data generated in the '30s, '40s and '50s is likely to have originated when balloon-head cases were the norm. Modern cases have solid heads with less capacity. Also, many of the powders that were available then have no modern counterparts. Some that still exist, like Unique, may have different burning rates. Interestingly, older Unique, made when Hercules was the manufacturer, does not deteriorate, and it is non-hygroscopic. Ancient cans of the stuff can still be loaded today. The modern Alliant stuff may or may not be equivalent.

I myself load .44 specials to a max of 1000 fps. Anything over that goes into a .44 Magnum revolver, and will be loaded in .44 Mag cases to prevent possible disaster.

The .44 Mag was invented to cure people of walking the thin line between hefty and kaboom with heavy-loaded .44 specials.

As always, a word to the wise should be sufficient!

John
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Last edited by PALADIN85020; 12-24-2011 at 06:07 PM.
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  #94  
Old 12-24-2011, 06:52 PM
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Here is another useful site with tons of old articles by Skeeter, Elmer Kieth and others. Many, if not most all of them would be of interest to the folks here.

Sadly, it is now a family's memorial to a father, husband and an avid shooter that recently passed away.

(Links to articles are at the bottom of page)

Dark Canyon
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Old 12-24-2011, 07:01 PM
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Thanks to Matt and Paul for posting the 1944 American Rifleman article. The praise for the Triple Lock makes me wish even more to find one, or at least handle a clean one to check it out.

By the way, my comment above about investigating the case capacity of semi-balloon cases in .44 Special, as part of the information quest, is just for the sake of acquiring knowledge, not to duplicate any old loads! As has been said, there is no future in risking injury to person or firearms, when modern hardware and known-safe loads will exceed handily [if sometimes painfully] any load the old days produced for the .44 Special.

Regards,

Dyson
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  #96  
Old 12-24-2011, 07:18 PM
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The last mention I can recall of balloon head cases is in Speer #7, but that was only for the .45 Auto Rim cartridge.
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Old 12-24-2011, 08:43 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul5388 View Post
In looking on the internet, I found this Gun Digest Book of the .44 - John Taffin - Google Books

Page 69 contains some quotes from the .44 Associates (Taffin has a copy, #103 of a total 200 copies).
If you want to read Taffin's book in its entirety, it is online here.
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Old 12-25-2011, 12:42 AM
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OK, I've uploaded a few more articles.

BBHFarm Gallery :: Magnumizing the .44 Feb. 1949 American Rifleman

BBHFarm Gallery :: .44 Dynamite Feb. 1953 American Rifleman

BBHFarm Gallery :: Expanding Bullets for the .44 May 1953 American Rifleman
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Old 12-25-2011, 10:20 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt_G View Post
OK folks.
The CD from Conrad arrived today and I have put the 8 files up on my web server like I promised.
They are located here:

44 Special Articles

Enjoy.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul5388 View Post
Here's a location where I've entered the Triplelock article from 1944. BBHFarm Gallery :: The S&W Triplelock and the .44 Special August 1944 American Rifleman
See if the images are more convenient than pdfs.

BTW, clicking on the image enlarges it.
Many, many thanks to you guys for posting these articles about the 44 Special.
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