Loads for my .44 special...
- Thread starter flatapple
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Picture says it all:
10 shots - 50 feet.
10 shots - 50 feet.
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tinkerunique
US Veteran
Nice Pic. What range / distance ? I prefer 240 gr bullets. I use SWC for target and SJHP (Black Talons ) for home defense and hunting. Have been using 2400 powder with light charges for target and UNDER max load for hunting. Target shooting, it handles like a .38, but hunting loads say, "GANG-WAY, 44 COMING THRU." Personally, I go for the 6 1/2" barrel. At any rate, the .44 cartridge is still a rifle caliber. A heavy charge will waste powder / give GOOD kick and muzzle flash. Shoot it in a dark setting and see how far the "flame" reaches out the barrel. Check several reloading books and "experiment". Start low and work up about 1/2 to 1 grain at a time till you find that "Pet Load" that feels right for you.
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REDTAIL
Member
I suggest that you purchase a copy of the Lyman's reloading manual #49 Edition, Midway USA or Bass Pro carries them to help you out, To safely work up a load for your revolver. Do not make up any loads on word of mouth from anyone, The manual will help you along safely.This is the best advice that I can give you.Good luck with it.Plus the manual is something that every hand loader should have on their bench.
I like your choice "plink'. A pet peeve of mine are reloaders who hot rod the .44 special to make holes in paper. All 3 powders you mention are ok.
5.4 grns of 231 is a good mild one. I use it on 225 rfp, lead bullets. Your 200 grn bullets can take a little more powder. Reloading is fun, take your time and try a few powders and a"bunch" of loads for each one.
5.4 grns of 231 is a good mild one. I use it on 225 rfp, lead bullets. Your 200 grn bullets can take a little more powder. Reloading is fun, take your time and try a few powders and a"bunch" of loads for each one.
TSQUARED
Member
For light plinking loads there is no better powder than Trail Boss. I use the minimum recommended load from Hodgdon's website with a 245 gr. LSWC.
Lenny_D
Member
Picture says it all:
10 shots - 50 feet.
Taroman,
Very nice shooting! I've seen the 696 a few times now and have decided I need a set of Ahrends on mine like the ones you have. Those the tacticals with a flat at front?
I usually just shoot a 240 LSWC and 5.5 grains of Unique for a very mild fun plinking load. By the looks of your target I'll have to pick up some 200 RN bullets.
Marksman
Member
.44 Special loads
I have shot thousands of 200gr. RNFP bullets in my .44 Specials over the years. 5.0gr. of Bullseye is a great load, mild, accurate and you get 2K loads out of a pound of powder. 3.5gr of Bullseye is a great load for new shooters, ladies or juniors. I also shoot the Skeeter Skelton load of 7.5gr. of Unique when I want something with a little more authority.
I have shot thousands of 200gr. RNFP bullets in my .44 Specials over the years. 5.0gr. of Bullseye is a great load, mild, accurate and you get 2K loads out of a pound of powder. 3.5gr of Bullseye is a great load for new shooters, ladies or juniors. I also shoot the Skeeter Skelton load of 7.5gr. of Unique when I want something with a little more authority.
Correct. Ahrends Tactical Fingergroove in Cocobolo.
Gripseller set me up with three sets of them for this gun, a 686, and a 65-5.
C.S.63
Member
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Well 2 loads that I used in my 396 prior to trading it was 5 grains of trail boss, and 6 grains of trail boss. Both real nice I got no further because a mountain gun came along and the 396 was the only special I had. (trade bait)
I tried the skeeter load of 7.5gr of unique behind a 240 but after 1 cylinder full I did not want to batter the light weight!!!
For factory the hornady 180 XTPs where real sweet along with speer gold dots.
If you work between 5 and 6 grains of trailboss I am sure you will be pleasantly surprised, 5 grains at 10 yards was very tight grouping and sweet on the wrist (approximately cover with a silver dollar)
With prudent loads the 396 is incredible. The TrailBoss loads where with Tennessee valley Bullets 200 gr TCFP hope this helps
I tried the skeeter load of 7.5gr of unique behind a 240 but after 1 cylinder full I did not want to batter the light weight!!!
For factory the hornady 180 XTPs where real sweet along with speer gold dots.
If you work between 5 and 6 grains of trailboss I am sure you will be pleasantly surprised, 5 grains at 10 yards was very tight grouping and sweet on the wrist (approximately cover with a silver dollar)
With prudent loads the 396 is incredible. The TrailBoss loads where with Tennessee valley Bullets 200 gr TCFP hope this helps
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smithnframe
Member
4 grs of bullseye works good for all bullet weights for me.
I use 5.6grs of w231, because I use that setting with my 45ACP and I like keeping my measure locked down as much as possible. Any load from 4.5 to 6.0 will work in this application with that powder. For plinking paper 5.0 would be a good start point, I'd think.
6.2 to 6.4 grains hp-38, fed 150 primer, starline brass, 200 lrnfp and firm crimp for about 800 fps from 696. These are essentially same poi as speers 200 gdhp's at 800-900 fps.
Red Dot and unique also work quite well.
Red Dot and unique also work quite well.
elpac3
Member
I have used the Speer 225 SWC gr 1/2 jacket HP with 13 grains of 2400 with good success. Not really hard on the hand and groups well.
