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04-19-2010, 12:35 PM
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320gr. .44 Special standard pressure?
I picked up some Cast Performance 320gr. bullets from a buddy- only about 36 of them, and I want to know if anyone can suggest a standard pressure load to try on them, in a Ruger blackhawk and my 2nd model HE's.
I have never loaded anything this heavy in the Special before, but wouldn't mind trying this few to see how they work, but more than anything, how they look. I have no idea how they will shoot, but I think they will certainly fill the cylinder completely and make some great photos- I'm goin' to keep six just for this purpose.
Suggestions appreciated.
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Last edited by Andy Griffith; 04-19-2010 at 12:37 PM.
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04-19-2010, 01:05 PM
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I went and checked one of my sources that always has good info on stuff like this, and the only thing that comes close is a Dry Crek 307 grains cast swc over 15.5 grains of H-110 for 1050 fps. That is a 25,000 PSI or slightly under load and well above the pressures you stated you were looking to work at.
That load would be completely safe in a Ruger Blackhawk or S&W 24-3, but not a 2nd model HE. If you are going to stay at normal SAAMI spec pressures of 15,500 PSI or less, I believe that you may run the risk of sticking a bullet in the bore. That is a long bullet, with a relatively long bearing surface, and at that low of pressure they just might not clear the barrel, and they wil certainly be going very slow. Based on all the data I have on hand for the .44 special, I would guess 600 fps or below which just isn't enough to reliably make them exit IMO.
Last edited by Gun 4 Fun; 04-19-2010 at 01:07 PM.
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04-20-2010, 11:08 PM
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To add to your problems, I expect that bullet is going to have to be seated very deeply in the case. I really wouldn’t know where to start.
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04-21-2010, 12:53 AM
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Sometimes freelancing too far from existing data points can dicey. Don
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04-21-2010, 01:21 AM
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That would be like shooting a mortar.
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04-21-2010, 02:19 PM
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Ok. I'll just keep them for photo ops...unless I get another .44 Magnum.
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04-21-2010, 07:03 PM
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Andy,
Handloads.com lists some Special loads with a 300 grain bullet. Depending on your courage, you might work something from there. Keep us informed. You see, I have a bunch of those bullets too as well as a 696 and all my 44 magnums have moved out. If you survive, I'll give it a try, although I must add that recoil was brutal with those bullets in a Superblackhawk.
Ed
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04-25-2010, 12:10 AM
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As my friend Gun 4 Fun has posted, your stated pressure limit of 15,500 is pretty low for a bullet that large. It would likely stick in the barrel.
The 307-grain load is well-tried, but is at 25,000 psi or below.
It is one of Brian Pearce's loads and you can read about it in a proper issue of HANDLOADER magazine. It uses Federal 155 Magnum primers in order to get that powder lit. Standard primers will not do.
So, if you want 15,500 psi or below, I'm of no help. But the 307-grain load is a good one, with the proper gun.
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06-01-2018, 10:02 PM
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If I can't get it done with a 240 grain .44 handgun, I need a rifle.
Jack
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06-03-2018, 02:17 PM
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That seems like a very , very heavy bullet for caliber . Remember , it's a 44 special , not a 44 magnum . I wouldn't even shoot that bullet in a Smith 44 magnum . The ruger red hawk and super red hawk with the longer barrels , probably would be ok . It takes plenty of velocity to stabilize that heavy of a bullet out past 30 yds or so w/o " key holing " . Good luck , Regards Paul
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06-03-2018, 03:25 PM
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Is there an advantage to the 300 + gr. bullets in the .44 Special or magnum that I've missed out on?
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06-04-2018, 01:16 AM
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I never use any bullet over 240 grains in my 44 spl. loads. I only load 300+ grain bullets in 44 mag.
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06-04-2018, 09:31 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rockquarry
Is there an advantage to the 300 + gr. bullets in the .44 Special or magnum that I've missed out on?
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The heavy bullets are accurate to a longer distance than lighter ones. Most people never shoot a handgun far enough out to know the difference. I shoot 300 gr. bullets to 200 meters (218 yds.) in Metallic Silhouette matches.
The 240s are only accurate to 150 meters with my low pressure loads. In a higher pressure, higher velocity loading (only for Thompson Contenders and Encores, and heavily built revos, etc.) the 240 gr. can be accurate to a longer distance. Loads like this would blow up my 629 and wrists and elbows.
Last edited by Protocall_Design; 06-04-2018 at 01:43 PM.
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06-04-2018, 12:38 PM
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44 Magnum is my most favorite round and the heaviest I reload is 265 gr. and when I load 44 Specials, my heaviest is just 240 gr. Perhaps the 320 gr bullet is meant for use in a 444 Marlin?
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06-04-2018, 01:52 PM
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Guys, this is an 8 year old thread and the OP must’ve retired to Mayberry, as he hasn’t been here in 3 years.
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06-05-2018, 12:03 PM
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I wuz jes replying to the last 5 posts...
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07-22-2018, 08:33 PM
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you'll just have to bite the bullet and buy a new 44 magnum
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