I have done a search on this site and 7-7.5 grains seems commonly recommended but I just want to check in to confirm that for this older gun this was still an OK range. I am looking for a solid load but not a hot load. Thanks much.

If it were me and since the second models are not tempered steel cylinders until after sn 30,000, I believe but would have to double check, that I would keep it under 7.0 grains of Unique. Be sure to check all powder drops as sometimes this powder is inconsistent in the way it drops from a measure. I used to load 6.5 gr with a lead 24 gr SWC and found it very accurate and you could go to 7.0 gr but I would want to stop there. If you want more, get a newer 44 special. My 2 cents but hey you asked. Enjoy, Bob

I've taken Unique to 8.0 grains in a 1932 vintage third model. My "favorite" load has been with 7.5 grains. Unique may have been reformulated since that time though. I retested some .38 Special loads over the chronograph last summer to find that Unique seem to give more "enthusiastic" velocities than in years past.

Actually, there's nothing wrong with 7.0 grains of Unique with the 245-250 grain lead SWC bullets. Gives a velocity in the low to mid 800 fps range and is pleasant for a whole afternoon's shooting fun.

"Wouldn't be any flies on it" either if pressed into service for self defense and an assailant could be said to be having a bad day if he was well hit with one of the big ol' bullets.

I use 6 grains of Unique under a 240 SWC as my 44 special target
load. Super accurate and judging by the recoil, the bullet is still
zipping down range fast enough to be as dangerous as one might
need in any urban environment.
This load is well within the original pressure specs for
the hand ejector. Give it a try

---
Nemo

7.5 grains of Unique under a hard-cast 240 SWC has been my personal load for over 25 years---about 920-950 FPS from most revolvers. My two 3rd Gen SAAs are sighted for this load---I also shoot this out of a really old 44 Mag Ruger Flatop that was shortened to 4 3/4" many moons ago. From a rare old Ruger #3 rifle (44 Mag), they shoot like a big 22.

I have a second model and a third model, both made in the late 1920s. I keep my Unique loads down to 6.0 grains of Unique because of the age of these old guns. It's a nice soft load and accurate too.

I really appreciate you all taking time to help a fella out. I guess I stick to 6.5 to be on the safe side. Regarding the metering of that flaky powder, I weigh them all. I enjoy reloading and I am not a high volume shooter so it's not too bad. I'll check em on the chrono and see what their doing.

I am loading for a 2nd change. I decided to use 2400 because it fills up the case better and is easier to see a double charge. I am using a 240 gr. bullet. I first tried 11.5 grs. and the speed was 804 fps. but I didn't want to push the old gun that hard. I next tried 10 grs. for a speed of 641 fps. That is the load I have decided to stay with. It is accurate and has enough power to punch holes in paper and tin cans. It would probably leave a mark on a person. Larry

If you don't mind, post those velocities when you have them Beagleye. I'd like to see what they are doing as well.
Thanks.

6.9 Grains of Unique under a 246 Grain slug is a "Factory Dupication" load. I use a good deal of these loads in my New Century and .44 HE2nd guns.

I have used 7.0 gr of unique in a ruger 44spl sheriffs model
and another powder to try is.
Trailboss 4.0 to 5.2 I use both with a 240 gr SWC (hard Cast) Old North Eastern bullets.

TrailBoss fills the case nicely just avoid compressed loads.