HS-6 in the Model 24 44 Special

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I have read with interest some of the work by Glen Fryxell regarding the "optimum" load for the 44 special noting that he uses this load for sturdy Ruger single actions as well as "modern" S and W revolvers. I have read lots of his work and have a great deal of respect for his knowledge, experience and skill.
I have loaded and tried his load of 10 gr of HS-6 with the Lyman 429421 240 gr cast bullet and everything he says is true. It is tremendously accurate, very manageable and gives 1000 fps with no pressure signs at all.
The question: Hodgedon lists top end for HS-6 and this bullet weight at around 8 grains. Is this load safe, over time, to shoot in my 2 year old Model 24.

Thanks,
Hugh Hagan
 
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I've shot alot of that same load in the past. It's a good solid performer & their's nothing excessive about that load.

The hs-6 is a good alternative to unique & 2400 for that caliber.
 
The "problem" with the .44 Special is that SAAMI limits are low out of deference to older .44 Special revolvers. That means that powder manufacturers and loading manual authors are reluctant to offer proper loads for modern revolvers.

It is interesting to see that the NRA reloading manual "Illustrated Reloading Handbook" from the early sixties shows the "Skeeter load" as only developing 10,940 psi yet the modern reloading manuals stop short of that load (original load is 7.5 grs of Unique behind a 250 gr Keith bullet). The Skeeter load has been shot in hundreds of revolvers for tens of thousands of loads without issue. That also applies to many other good loads. However, the trick is to KNOW what you are doing BEFORE you do it. Without pressure information, we are "flying blind". Contrary to popular belief, a revolver will normally not give any warning when loads are over the top. Our first realization is when the top strap separates from the revolver.

However, people such as Glen Fryxell and Brian Pierce of Handloader magazine have contacts within the industry and have had many loads run for pressure tests before they recommend them to us. I trust those two fellows and in recent years, have been my "go to" (through their articles) when I need some new data that isn't covered in the loading manuals.

Hodgdon did a great service for all of us when they listed "Ruger only" loads for full size Blackhawk revolvers when the Ruger .45 Colt was introduced. I just wish they would do the same thing for .44 Special.

I can recommend Brian Pearce's articles in the Handloader Magazine:

1 - June/July 2009 on the .44 Special Ruger Flattop
2 - August/ September 2005 on the .44 Special
3 - NRA Illustrated Reloading Handbook from the sixties

Wolfe publishing has those back issues for sale on their web site.

If you send me a Private Message with your email address I can send you some information direct. That applies to anyone who is reading this.

I have been loading and shooting the .44 Special for over forty years and my most used load is the Skeeter Load.

Dale53
 
That load is a dream come true in my 4" 629 and the old Browning B92 I have. In the rifle, it's great. Since the B92 will not chamber Mag cases with the 429421 (unless seated deep) I use the spl's alot with this one. HS6 gives great performance for both weapons. It does produce a bit of soot in the bore as opposed to some other powders, but it sure is consistant! That is why I like it so much. I even have a pet load using HS6 in a .45-70...not that's versitile!

The load you have there is above listed standard loads, but as others have stated, there is no real hazzard in any of the newer weapons made. As you've stated you get great results wit this load and since it really isn't too excessive for your weapon, I see no reason to continue to enjoy the load and punch tiny groups!!

Wade
 
The question: Hodgdon lists top end for HS-6 and this bullet weight at around 8 grains. Is this load safe, over time, to shoot in my 2 year old Model 24.
That load is listed at only 13,000 CUP. Pressures that low will not harm a new Model 24 like you have, even if you shoot a lot...
 
10 grs. of HS-6 with a 250 WC from Matt's Bullets is a sweet shooting load in my 3" 624.
 
Thanks to all for the useful information and encouragement. It has been my impression that the 44 spl loads listed in the standard manuals are "toned down" a bit out of deference to the older, less stout, 44 specials that l still live among us. I certainly do not want to "hot rod" my model 24, or create a situation that will loosen the gun up over time, even if it doesn't blow the gun up! Hot loads are what a 44 mag is made for. I am interested in accuracy, consistancy, manageable recoil and fun! 975 fps in a modern, well made 44 special does not seem extreme and the responses here seem to support that. Thanks again.
 
Dale53 (& other 44 special fans)
I too am seeking 'best' load for my 24-1 Thunder Ranch. I prefer 200 gr lead slugs, and shoot ICORE or steel challenge or ......

I've experimented a bit and so far lean toward on-line loads of Clays around 4.4g but still am seeking a great mid-level load for my range games.

Have 2400/Titegroup/TrailBoss/Bluedot/Bulleye/231/HS6/700x/GoexFFg/N320 on hand.

Prefer 200 grain as a few years back had several Carpal Tunnel both hands. Surgery finally fixed that, but found I manage better accuracy and enjoy shooting more at the 200g loads.

Recipes appreciated.
 
m657,
I load a lot of 5.5-5.6grs of W231 with a 210gr RNFP bullet in 44 Spl. This load is virtually identical to my 45ACP load, but with a bigger case and slightly lighter bullet, it develops very low pressures. Velocity is decent (around 700-725fps) and it feels like shooting a 22LR, except the gun is heavier/bigger. Just the thing for Carpel Tunnel sufferers. :)
 
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