38/44 loads

[johnnyjr]

Looking for some 38/44 load data.
Will my 686 6 inch handle the loads
with no issues? I have standard brass
as well. Plus the 358/156 bullets. Thanks
for any info on this. Oh,I see where some
are using these in the Rossi 92 carbines.
My owner says nothing over plus p loads..

 

[AKtinman]

Do a search on David LaPell and Peter M. Eick. Both have posted 38/44 info in the past.

Also check

http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/461365-38-44-load-developement-s.html?461365=#post138916992

http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/480611-38-44-load-chrono-data.html?480611=#post139152235

Lots of good info on this forum.

Have fun!

 

[STORMINORMAN]

Looking for some 38/44 load data.
Will my 686 6 inch handle the loads
with no issues? I have standard brass
as well. Plus the 358/156 bullets. Thanks
for any info on this. Oh,I see where some
are using these in the Rossi 92 carbines.
My owner says nothing over plus p loads..

In a 357 Magnum L-frame revolver designed to shoot magnum ammunition...?

 

[38SPL HV]

…I recommend Power Pistol and Speer 38 Spl + P reloading data for their 158 gr SWC. Many people don't realize that the original and powerful factory Rem-UMC 38-44 loads disappeared shortly after WW2 and were replaced with Remington "Hi-Speed" and WW "Super X" versions which were slower renditions (ie Speer chronographed "Hi-Speed" 158 gr RNL at 1,025 fps in a S&W Mod 14 6 inch); and which eventually became +P in the Early/Mid 1970s.

Personally, I've gotten away from loading 38-44 loads in 38 Spl cases. I do load 38-44 level performance ammo but in 357 Mag cases. If you must use 38 Spl cases, I again suggest using Speer published 38 Spl +P load data and develop a nice 38 Spl +P 158 gr SWC handload.

Also invest in a chronograph if you can…it's an indispensable tool when flirting with high intensity reloads…be careful!

 

[cowboy4evr]

Handloader Magazine , Oct 2016 #304 has quite an article of 38-44 loads and 38 special +P options . Hope this helps , Regards Paul

 

[Homie]

You may find John Taffin's article in the December '22 issue of GUNS magazine of interest.

Searching this site will keep you busy for days on the subject too!

Good luck and keep your powder dry!

 

[DWalt]

The 38th (1951) and 40th (1955) editions of the Lyman reloading handbook give a load of 13.5 grains of 2400, with an MV of 1220 ft/sec with the 158 grain RN lead bullet. The Lyman 44th edition (1967) tops out with a load of 11 grains of 2400 and an MV of 1010 ft/sec. Barrel lengths are unspecified. The old ammunition catalogs from the 1930s give a .38-44 MV range of 1100-1150 ft/sec with the 158 grain metal capped (NOT FMJ) bullet. I wouldn't be afraid of using 12 grains of 2400 with a 158 grain lead bullet as an original .38-44 duplication load.

 

[WR Moore]

In a 357 Magnum L-frame revolver designed to shoot magnum ammunition...?

The OP doesn't give a location and per a couple of folks who've posted here, there apparently was at least one production run of L frames chambered for .38 Spl due to overseas restrictions.

Possibly the OP only has .38 Spl brass at the moment?

Oh yeah, manufacturers velocity claims from the 1930's (and even more recently) should be viewed with great suspicion. I don't recall when SAAMI went to vented test barrels of more realistic length, but the official test barrel for the .357 was 10 in for decades.

 

[STORMINORMAN]

Or, if you prefer, "...in a S&W L-frame revolver chambered to shoot 38 Special ammunition...?"

Cheers!

P.S. Surely as safe with all that "extra" steel in the cylinder...?

 

[sniper]

You may find John Taffin's article in the December '22 issue of GUNS magazine of interest.

Searching this site will keep you busy for days on the subject too!

Good luck and keep your powder dry!

Mr. Taffin's articles are always of interest. I have two in my library, one from the May-June issue of American Handgunner, titled ".38 Special loads for the trail", and another I got from the Internet titled "Taffin Tests: the .38 Special"
Handloader magazine issue #309 Oct-Nov 2016 has an in-depth article, comparing current factory load performance, with extensive +P .38 data, as well as some .38-44 load suggestions. Probably enough information to keep a reloader busy for a good while.

Mr. Taffin and I share a favorite projectile...the RCBS 150 gr KT bullet. I no longer cast bullets, and sadly, no commercial caster offers the bullet. I have a small supply from my last casting batch, so wil use them sparingly.

FWIW: I loaded some of the "Skeeter/Elmer" loads...13.5 gr. 2400, 357 brass, 158 gr. cast SWC. Standard primers, S & W 586 4"...Hoo, BOY! No, thank you very much! 11-12 gr. is much more to my liking.YMMV

 

[tops]

I've shot a truck load of them. 1194 FPS with a 6 in. Python. Larry

 

[gwpercle]

This is the load that Elmer Keith gives in his 1936 book " Sixgun Cartridges & Loads " 1936 .
Remember this is Elmer Keith writing in 1936 so don't take this load as being safe today ... 2400 powder may have changed slightly ... so this is given as historical data ...
In his book he refers to the 38-44 HV as the 38/44 Special .

".38/44 Special . Keith 160 grain hollow point or hollow base bullet, sized to .358" , Hercules #2400 powder. Charge 13.5 grains , with either of the Ideal catalog numbers of this bullet
#358429 or #358431 ... the text continues on to list loads with Dupont #80 (way obsolete powder) ... the bullets being crimped in their crimp groove . Remington 38/44 cases and Remington Primers being used . "

I thought Elmer's load might be of interest ... and when compared with tested load show how he did in 1936 with little pressure testing equipment to help him develop loads ...

We called it reloading by the seat of your pants !
Gary

 

[DWalt]

I still have a full one pound can of DuPont #80. Probably from pre-WWII. It is granular and a light tan color.