.44 spc,Truth or Myth?

[Snapping Twig]

I just purchased a Redhawk in 357 mag with that very thick cylinder walls.
I wonder how hot I can load it, vgfvhujbh don't go there stop thinking bad thoughts. Lol I wonder how accurate the heavier frame will be.

I remember when those were introduced. At the time I thought, and still do, that it was THE most durable .357 ever made.

That said, it ain't no 44Spl.

44Spl with a 250g SWC @ 900fps is the equal of a 45LC, that's saying something!

Very useful AND accurate.

Love the 44Spl!

 

[DR505]

44Spl with a 250g SWC @ 900fps is the equal of a 45LC, that's saying something!

That may well be true, but that is a pretty anemic load for a .45 Colt.

 

[Gunhacker]

And people NEVER misunderstand something they've read.

It would be best if you could provide a complete, verbatim quote from the magazine. If they really wrote what you think they wrote, they may be in a position to get the bejeezus sued out of them. I'd like to see it in their exact words.

It is HERE

 

[Homie]

I'm pretty sure Mr. Taffin is a member here. Perhaps he will break his silence and explain the reasoning involved.

Also, those of you who've read "Letters from Elmer Keith" are aware that he wasn't a Lachuk fan.

 

[murphydog]

Guy's, when I posted this, I never thought it would go so far. As someone said, there is quite a following for the .44spc on this Forum. The article is in this months Guns magazine. It is on the back page under Campfire Tales. It does talk about John Lachuk, and in the 3rd paragraph it states what he put in an article in the early 1960's. That is where I got the idea to ask this question. I doubt they are stating that, just that it has been put in ink at another time. I am sorry if anyone found offense at my question. I used to shoot 44spc out of my M629-2 Mt Revolver, and I fell in love with the round. I was just curious. Thanks

It's not an offensive question at all. Thanks for clarifying the reason you asked and enjoy those .44s!

 

[keith44spl]

I shoot the 44 S&W Special.

Have for almost 50 years.

So, yes and no. The Special has been hot-rodded over the years.

But, those top end loads are purty hard on the equipment...In both chamberings.


.

 

[Snapping Twig]

That may well be true, but that is a pretty anemic load for a .45 Colt.

900fps IS the standard, non cowboy 45LC. Not anemic at all.

When the Army spec'd it they wanted a 255g 45 cal bullet to pass through a horse at 100 yards and kill the BG behind the horse - it did.

44Spl will do the same thing.

Ruger only loads... well, they're more powerful but they aren't SAAMI.

 

[DR505]

900fps IS the standard, non cowboy 45LC. Not anemic at all.

When the Army spec'd it they wanted a 255g 45 cal bullet to pass through a horse at 100 yards and kill the BG behind the horse - it did.

44Spl will do the same thing.

Ruger only loads... well, they're more powerful but they aren't SAAMI.

Just a touch of thread drift: I've been reloading .45 Colt to levels that equate to .45 ACP +P pressure...moves a 280 grain LSWC over 900 fps. And makes a much bigger hole than a .429 bore. Check John Linebaugh's article on the 25-5 in Handloads website.

 

[keith44spl]

Since the 45 Long Colt as been drug in the fray....

For serious work, i.e. killin larger game. I handload E. Keith's
loadings with his design of hard cast slug, sized groove diameter
over *18.5 grains of 2400 for both calibers in solid head cases.

The above loads are for the abuse tolerant and recoil insensitive, not for casual use.

*These loadings are safe in my revolvers and may not be in yours.
Always work up loads carefully watching for signs of excess pressure.

 

[Badge 531]

This is a joke....right? If not, the answer is NO, it can never be safely loaded to be more powerful than a .44 magnum! It will destroy your revolver, maybe your hand and/or face and most certainly your reputation as a reloader.

And perhaps your eyesight.

 

[BC38]

I have a couple 44Mags I load for, so I don't have to over load my 44 Spl if I want to see a big muzzle flash.

That said, I just finished developing a load for my 44 Spl (an old Charter Arms 3" Bulldog). This is a light gun, so my hand gives out before the gun.

I loaded Hodgen's Universal Clays (new name seems to be "Universal" no "Clays"). This powder is similar in speed to Unique, but meters better. I loaded with the 240 lead SWC bullet.

4 gr produced a very mild load that my wife and grandkids could shoot all day. It is the most accurate load I ever shot in this gun.

At 7 gr I had all the recoil I could handle.

I'm looking at doing some of the same. I've got a sample of Berry's 240gr copper plated SWC-HP bullets on the way. I plan on loading up some warm specials for my Bulldog and some light magnums for my 2" Rossi 44mag. my goal is around 800 fps for the specials and 1000 fps for the magnums using some AA#2

 

[sbeduckman]

I load for both, and have hunted top end for both. The special is no magnum, for a reason. Put some 310gr lead over the chronograph @ 1490fps out of a Ruger Super Redhawk (zero pressure signs btw and worked safely up to it with loooong oal). 44 special isn't getting anywhere near that one.

 

[BC38]

I load for both, and have hunted top end for both. The special is no magnum, for a reason. Put some 310gr lead over the chronograph @ 1490fps out of a Ruger Super Redhawk (zero pressure signs btw and worked safely up to it with loooong oal). 44 special isn't getting anywhere near that one.

Holy SMOKES! Over 300gr at nearly 1500 fps? That calculates to over 1525 ft/lbs muzzle energy. Those loads would have to hit like a freakin' BUS! Talk about a bear load! A grizzly wouldn't know what hit him!

 

[sbeduckman]

Holy SMOKES! Over 300gr at nearly 1500 fps? That calculates to over 1525 ft/lbs muzzle energy. Those loads would have to hit like a freakin' BUS! Talk about a bear load! A grizzly wouldn't know what hit him!

It's published data...from an old article in handloader. It's certainly a Ruger only thing; I wouldn't put my 29 through such a beating. Actually, these won't chamber in a 29 anyway, so no worries about a mix up in ammo at the range.

 

[DWalt]

The whole idea behind the .44 Magnum case being longer is so that it will not chamber in a weaker .44 Special chamber - exactly like the .38 Special vs. the .357 Magnum. Just as it is possible to load to .357 level velocities in .38 Special cases, it is certainly possible to develop a .44 Magnum level load in a .44 Special case (assuming it is not of balloon head construction). But only for use in .357 or .44 Mag revolvers respectively. Just not much point in doing so.

 

[Redhawk500]

I have used moderate velocity 44 Special loads to shoot nearly through a cow water buffalo, just catching the spent 240 grain SWC under the skin after breaking a rib on the way in and a shoulder on the way out. This load chronographed at 1000 fps from a four inch Model 24 which I used for this hunt. A 240 grain cast bullet from a 7.5" Ruger NMBH reaches about 1200 fps with 17 grains 2400. This is more than is really needed and exceeds 240 grain JHP 44 Magnum factory loads from a 4 inch barrel, around 1100 fps. I think the reduced 7.5 grain Unique load with 240 grain cast bullet is perfectly adequate for any medium game from a 4 inch or longer .44 Special revolver. Of course, reduced 2400 loads are a good bridge from the 7.5 grain Unique load but below full power 2400 loads. I used Blue Dot for my 1000 fps 44 Special loads, with WLP primers. I used a 4" 44 Special because my new bride, unfamiliar with reloading ammunition, brought me a box of fired brass instead of reloaded 35 Whelen ammo. None were to be found in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. My Remington 700 Classic went home without me but the water buffalo and I made the trip later. In fairness, I did shoot the water buffalo twice, one behind the shoulder and once diagonal from behind the right shoulder and nearly out the left shoulder. I apologized for not shooting better but my guide said he'd be glad for me to come hunting again with any pistol I cared to use. Lots of missed with a rifle do not equal a well placed .44 Spl or .44 Mag revolver shot.

 

[BC38]

It's published data...from an old article in handloader. It's certainly a Ruger only thing; I wouldn't put my 29 through such a beating. Actually, these won't chamber in a 29 anyway, so no worries about a mix up in ammo at the range.

Yeah, I don't doubt that it is published data, but no worries about me trying to duplicate that load. Heck, I'd be hesitant to drop the hammer on a round loaded that hot in a top quality lever gun, much less a handgun.

Just curious, why will they chamber in a Ruger, but not a M29? Excessive OAL and a longer cylinder on the Ruger perhaps?

 

[sbeduckman]

Yeah, I don't doubt that it is published data, but no worries about me trying to duplicate that load. Heck, I'd be hesitant to drop the hammer on a round loaded that hot in a top quality lever gun, much less a handgun.

Just curious, why will they chamber in a Ruger, but not a M29? Excessive OAL and a longer cylinder on the Ruger perhaps?

Bingo; Ruger cylinder is quite a bit longer than the 29. There are 300+ grain bullets with more than one crimp groove (XTP to name one jacketed, Lee 310 cast, etc), allowing for a longer oal. I have brought some out to 1.775 and been in a groove.

 

[Tom_R]

I wish 44spcl was more affordable

I wish it was more affordable to shoot.

I have put some Cowboy loads through my 629, and was an absolute dream to shoot.

I put 50 rounds through it like it was shooting a 22lr. Very pleasant to shoot and very accurate.

I just can't find any reasonably priced target ammunition for it.

 

[BC38]

I wish it was more affordable to shoot.

I have put some Cowboy loads through my 629, and was an absolute dream to shoot.

I put 50 rounds through it like it was shooting a 22lr. Very pleasant to shoot and very accurate.

I just can't find any reasonably priced target ammunition for it.

I'm sure you realize this, but reloading is your answer. I reload 44 mag or specials with plated bullets for under 20 cents a round - versus 50 cents a round for the cheapest bare-lead cowboy loads I've been able to find.

Invest $100-$150 into a used single press, dies, scale, calipers, etc. and at a savings of 30 cents a round savings, you could get your investment back after reloading and shooting only 6-10 boxes of ammo.