.44 Special Federal Punch

[SnidelyWhiplash]

Why is a 158gr at 815fps sufficient from a 38 spl but a 180gr from a 44 spl at 815fps is somehow not? Same speed heavier bullet. I'd use it for SD.

There's a big difference in momentum not even considering bullet design.

Which would you rather get hit with…a duckpin bowling ball at 950 fps or a ten pin bowling ball at 850 fps? Personally..I'd prefer to not be hit by either.

 

[STORMINORMAN]

Hodgdons START load using #5 for a 180gr XTP indicates 878fps, their MAX is at 1K...

I typically load Nosler 200gr JSPs at what should easily exceed 900fps.

(And shoot them in an "inferior" Bulldog, BTW!)

Cheers!

 

[zeke]

I did not expect this thread to attract the interest that it did.
Les

Lots of 44 special fans on this forum, and many of them handload. The more choices available, the better. My personal preference is the Speer 200 gdhp loaded to 900 fps from 3 in barrel. In the lightest 44 sp owned (taurus ultra light) at around 21 oz's, this load is controllable, but can be painful if used for more than 2 cylinder fulls. In the larger steel revolvers, it has proven very accurate and easily controlled.

 

[WR Moore]

As several have noted, the most currently available guns using the cartridge drive the factory ammo-and reloading data-for the cartridge. Current .44 Spl loading data from many/most sources is fired in something far less hefty than an N frame S&W.

 

[Buzzzer]

What's a "Sure-Vel?"

There was a Lee Jurras who founded Super Vel.

When all I had was a 44 Special I bought that stuff (it was called Hi-Vel at the time). It was a 165 grain bullet launched at, I think, around 1100 fps from a 4" barrel. A pretty good fireball at dusk. I did some very non-scientific testing with it through 4 layers of denim into water jugs. It was a perfect flower, cool round. I still have some but don't shoot it anymore...

 

[Les Greevy]

Lots of 44 special fans on this forum, and many of them handload. The more choices available, the better. My personal preference is the Speer 200 gdhp loaded to 900 fps from 3 in barrel. In the lightest 44 sp owned (taurus ultra light) at around 21 oz's, this load is controllable, but can be painful if used for more than 2 cylinder fulls. In the larger steel revolvers, it has proven very accurate and easily controlled.

I would like to find some Speer 200 GDHP's. I have Speer 210 GDHP's but think they are designed for higher .44 Mag velocities.

 

[zeke]

It appears the popular Speer bullets are very hard to find. Another load am using 180 jhp at 1000 fps from 3 in, but used in steel revolvers. Have preference for the Rem sjhp, but the Hdy 180 xtp was available last time i looked.

Outside of them would agree with those who use a 200 gn to 250 gn swc or full wadcutter at moderate velocity.

 

[Rammer Jammer]

A Savage Axis XP, or a Ruger American in 30.06 might be deemed "inferior" to a Dakota Model 97, but...

Uh.. Why not try effective, available & MUCH less expen$ive...?

Cheers!

Because when I buy a revolver I avoid ones that ammo manufacturers have to warn you not to shoot their ammo in a particular model, aka Charter Bulldogs.

 

[Bald1]

WHY ???

You can get better cowboy loads for half the price!

I see. I thought we were just looking at performance. Not value. Cost is a thing.

 

[Gamecock]

I see. I thought we were just looking at performance. Not value. Cost is a thing.

Meplat is your friend.

 

[STORMINORMAN]

Because when I buy a revolver I avoid ones that ammo manufacturers have to warn you not to shoot their ammo in a particular model, aka Charter Bulldogs.

Uh, that would be exactly two (?), being Underwood & Buffalo Bore...

Probably not too advisable to shoot their max +Ps in an alloy J-frame, either...?

Cheers!

P.S. "A man's gotta know his limitations...." H. Callahan

 

[Doug M.]

Day in, day out, in most revolver calibers, a reasonably heavy for caliber SWC at a modest velocity should work in all platforms/barrel lengths.

 

[Jeromejr]

44

I am trying to understand how anything in .44 Special is too feeble for self defense against a human being.

Agreed: I have shot only in my 29s, just fine. Son of Sam 44 special.