44 Spl. loads

[Daymaker]

Is it safe to load 44 special loads in 44 magnum cases? Any opinions as to why there seems to be no data available for a 44 special +P load? Guns involved are a Ruger Super Blackhawk and a Smith 629 Classic.

 

[federali]

I routinely use mid-range loads in my .44 Magnum. However, I only use data formulated for the .44 Magnum. In effect, I'm loading .44 Special loads in .44 Magnum cases.

 

[arjay]

I've loaded 44spcl loads in 44 mag brass for awhile using lswc.Anywhere from 7-10 grs of Unique with a cast 240 gr lswc

 

[les.b]

What array said. Using the magnum cases shortens the jump that the bullet must make to the forcing cone, and keeps from fouling the chambers in front of the shorter 44 spl cases, which can interfere with inserting 44 mag cases until cleaned out. I routinely use only mag cases in both 357 and 44 for this reason, even though I load both 38 spl and 44 spl as well. If you do a lot of shooting, it simplifies your life.

 

[M1A]

I have always loaded .44 mag brass to either spl or mag spec. I use lead bullets for special and JHP for mag. However, I only have a 629-1. No special only revolver. Saves on sorting, changing crimp and powder dies.

 

[BC38]

The only thing to avoid in this case is loading minimum 44 special loadings in the larger 44 mag cases. Same with loading 38 special in 357 cases. You don't want an underpressure round to cause a squib.
As long as you stick to mid-range and higher loads you should be just fine.

 

[Rocket3]

Never had a problem, do it regularly.

 

[Collo Rosso]

I don't do many full on magnum loads for my 629. Don't find them all that much fun to shoot. I do load lots of reduced loads though. A favorite is with CFE-P that's supposed to be around 1100fps and a 240gr. LSWC. Accurate and I can shoot them all day. I also load 44 special for my 21-4. Mostly in the 800fps range. I try not to load them in the 629, makes cleaning the cylinders a little easier.

 

[Biggfoot44]

To address the second question, there are several reasons.

A general reluctance to publish data exceeding SAAMI pressures.

A lack of concenus as to just how warm Warm Loads should be. Some of the Elmer Keith .44spl loads were seriously hot.


leads us to ; There is ample historical data from Keith, Skelton, et al. I'm too Luddite to link, but Brian Pearce has written up .44Spl (.45Colt) loads at various pressure levels with both classic & modern powders.

There are actually few (production numbers) revolvers "needing" warm .44Spl loads, ie actual .44spl chambered revolvers of suitable strength, that their owners are willing to use warm loads in. Early N frames, Colt New Service, 1st gen SAA are now valuable enough few owners care to shoot warm loads in them. There are only so many '80s vintage N Frames, Freedom Arms M97 , and large frame Blackhawk conversions in circulation. 50th aniv frame Blackhawks, and certain of the better SAA clones are believed by some to be suitable for semi-warm loads.

All that said , the closest to a concensus loading is the "Skeeter Load" aka "Elmer Keith's Light Load", to wit 7.5gr Unique with 240-255gr cast SWC, giving 850-1000fps depending on individual gun & bbl length.

 

[bronco45]

My favorite mid-range 44 Spl. load is 7.0 grains of Unique and a 240LSWC for 875fps. Then there is Skeeter's old load which would work in a 44 Mag.

That would be 7.5grains Unique and a LSWC at 240 grains. An earlier poster mentioned Unique in 44 Mag cases from 7 to 10 grains, they all work, accurate, hard hitting and easy on the hand. 10 grains of Unique and 240LSWC with a standard primer, out of a 5" 29 and it chronos at 1163fps. I like this load in my 29.

 

[SLT223]

Is it safe to load 44 special loads in 44 magnum cases? Any opinions as to why there seems to be no data available for a 44 special +P load? Guns involved are a Ruger Super Blackhawk and a Smith 629 Classic.

Yes, absolutely. I've done this approximately 8500 times since August of 2014.

 

[moxie]

Quoted velocities for a lot of loads are probably not real close to what you will get out of your gun. Often what you read are anecdotes based on old data, extrapolated to a fare thee well.

The only way to really know what's going on with your loads in your gun is to get a chrono and use it. Very enlightening!

 

[Biggfoot44]

Indeed, hence the reason I quoted a 150 fps second spread. I have chrono'd a buncha different loads in different guns, albeit presently having to quote from memory.

But by all means, with basic chrono under $100, they are near mandatory for handloaders, or anyone with serious intrest in ammunition.

 

[Daymaker]

Thanks all. I dusted off the manuals and found a load or to that will fill the bill. As well as a few articles on E. Keith and Skeeter Skelton.

 

[STCM(SW)]

5 gr of BE will work in 44 Mag or 44 Spl brass with a 204 gr WC for target shooting.
Do it all the time but mainly in my S&W Target .44 SPL, not my M29-2 that much.