.44 Russian S&W Reloading Data

[Tejanojack]

Hey Folks:

I recently bought a First Model, S&W, .44 Russian and I need reloading data for 200gr bullets below 700fps. I have many types of powder. Can anyone help me?

I have reloading books which go back to the 1950's and not a one lists .44 Russian.

Thanks in advance,

Tejano Jack

 

[Aticus]

Try Lyman's 49th edition page 371. Also check Hodgdon on line they'll have some loads for Trail Boss. If you have an original try loading 3Fg black powder to the base of the bullet and enjoy the **** out of it. Triple 7 will work just as well as black. If you go that route make sure the bullet presses against the powder. Don't compress it but leave NO air space.

Have fun

 

[texmex]

Here are some of the loads from Complete Guide to Reloading by Phillip Sharpe all for 246 gr bullet.
4.4 gr DuPont pistol #6 MV 685
5.6 gr DuPont pistol #5 MV 720
6.9 gr DuPont pistol #5 MV 830
5.5 gr Bullseye MV 680
12 gr SR 80 MV 1010 Max Load
23 gr FFg MV 750
205 gr bullet loads
5 gr DuPont pistol #6 MV 785
5.4 gr DuPont pistol #5 MV 700
I compared 44 Russian loads in this book to loads for 44 Special and 45 ACP. It looks like reducing 44 Special loads by 10% would give you a safe load. Any load recommended for 45 ACP would be a safe starting load in the Russian and you might be able to work upwards from there. 45 ACP should be similar in case capacity.

 

[358156hp]

Another point needs to be made here. You need to use only lead bullets in your 44 Russian. The velocities listed for it are pretty low, and there is a definite possibility of jacketed bullets sticking in the bore. I'm sure you already know this, but it needs to be said aloud anyway in case somebody who doesn't know this tries to use any of this data.

 

[Alk8944]

Jack,

If you are not aware the barrel latching system for the S&W break top actions is quite weak. To avoid stretching and loosening the lock you need to stick to either black powder loads or Trail Boss.

PLEASE believe me about this. Years ago I had just acquired a 3rd Model Double Action Frontier in .44-40 (I know, that's redundant). I was successful in loosening the barrel latch in just one cylinder full of ammunition loaded with Bullseye. The load was one listed for revolvers in the then current Lyman manual! Fortunately, when I had S&W re-Nickel the gun in 1974 the plating was sufficient to tighten it up so it is again secure.

Texmex, I am sure you are seriously trying to be helpful, but giving the OP data from a book published originally in ca. 1937, and citing loads for three propellants which have been obsolete for many years is hardly helpful. Recommending .45 ACP data based on no more knowledge that that the two cartridges are of similar size is downright irresponsible, and in this case dangerous. You have no right to be giving anyone advice on reloading!

FWIW, Dupont Pistol #6 has been obsolete since the early 1960s, Pistol #5 since sometime in the 1950s or earlier, and S.R. 80 since sometime in the late 1930s.

 

[Nemo288]

The Laser-Cast manual lists (among others):

200 gr. RNFP:
Clays - 3.2 - 3.7 gr 661-745 fps
HP-38 - 4.2 - 5.0 gr 705-839 fps

They also list loads for Red Dot, TiteGroup, Bullseye and Unique but they all have higher velocities.

They also warn that original top-break revolvers should ONLY be fired using black powder as they were intended
and that these loads are for modern reproductions.

Modern Cartridges (4th) lists a few loads but they are all for the 246-250 gr. bullets and are all smokeless as well.

For authentic and original black powder information I would get ahold of the cowboy shooting folks.

http://www.riflemagazine.com/magazine/PDF/hl277partial.pdf

Has a neat article on the 44 Russian that includes a couple of BP loads.
Have fun with your outstanding piece of history! I am envious as that is the one 44 I don't have.

---
Nemo

 

[Warren Sear]

Excellent link, Nemo288: thanks for posting it.

 

[Nemo288]

You are very welcome. Loading 44 has been a passion of mine for years.
The folks at Wolfe do a pretty good job. Handloader magazine is a national treasure.
I just got a lever gun special Rifle did in 2000 from Midway for $5.
Chock full of loads and info for all the obsolete rounds. Well worth it.
"Legacy Of Lever Guns" if you are interested.
They did a sequel in 2009 but I have not read it yet.
It's on the bed-stand now underneath "Big-Bore Revolvers" by Max Prasac.
Also recommended but not as cheap.

---
Nemo

 

[Step N. Mud]

Having shot the 44 Russian cal. for several years now in modern revolvers and 90% which were with blackpowder, but have used the Clays, Bullseye and Win. 231. They all worked well, but lately the Clays 3.2 grs. with 200 gr. RNFP has been my favorite in a pair of Ruger Vaqueros 44 Special. Check out this hodgdon online site.

http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load_1.asp

 

[Jellybean]

As others have mentioned, stick with black powder because your relic wasn't designed for smokeless powders.

You shouldn't be concerned about velocity as much as you are pressure, and the way the pressure works against your firearm. Even modern reproductions of S&W top breaks are designed and chambered for low pressure loads using smokeless powders.

Trail Boss is not a suitable replacement for Black Powder either, in fact it is a very bad choice for it. It does give lower velocities but at moderate pressure, plus you can't reduce it as much as other "fast" powders. It was basically designed for careless handloaders as that is where it fits in the best.

 

[LostintheOzone]

This is a max load. Drop it 10% and you should be there.

Alliant Powder - Reloader's Guide