Model 296 .44 Spl???

[Rafsob]

Well I picked up one of these gems last night. I love the .44 spl. and have two others now, a S&W and a Ruger. Now I tried to do a search on this model and the engine seems to want to fight me. I got nothing.

I do know I am limited to only a 200 gr. max bullet. I am dealing with a very light weight weapon. No problems for me, I reload for this cartridge. Anyone have one of these models and if so how are you reloading for it. My gun came with a laser grip on it so getting a more comfortable grip is out of the question for now.

Here she is:

I will take it to the range tomorrow.

 

[mc5aw]

Make sure your crimps are tight, and your grip is strong.

 

[murphydog]

Very nice! Click on Search under the word "Forum" on the title page, then type model 296 in the Search Site/Google test box. You should get a lot of links.

 

[Cal44]

I'll be picking up my new 242 Tuesday.

It's a 7-shot 38 special version of the same gun.

 

[Dale53]

Rafsob;
If I had one of these I know exactly what I would load. The Group Buy 200 gr Wadcutter (Group Buy from the Cast Boolit Forum):



You might want to go to that forum and in the WTB section ask if anyone has one of these for sale. Sometimes, a person's interest changes (mine is NOT for sale).

As an alternative, you might ask Accurate Molds if they will make you a mold. The wide meplat of a full wadcutter is one of the most effective bullets available when driven at modest velocities. Years of hunting edible small game with a wadcutter in a handgun has shown me that. You might also want to read E.H. (Ed) Harris' article on the .38 Special Full Load Wadcutter for a bit of back ground of a similar but much less powerful round.

FWIW
Dale53

 

[P&R Fan]

Just don't load it too hot.
I have one, have only shot factory loads in it. One would think a .44 Special would not be unpleasant to shoot. This one is.
Jim

 

[Rafsob]

Very nice! Click on Search under the word "Forum" on the title page, then type model 296 in the Search Site/Google test box. You should get a lot of links.

Thanks, it worked.

The idea of using a DEWC bullet is good. I use them in my .38 spl. Didn't know they were available for the .44 cal. Will check it out. Thanks pal.

 

[Cal44]

I realize you said you reload, but here are a couple of factory options:

Sort of a 190 grn 44 Special FBI load:

https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=271

And a 200 grn full wadcutter:

https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=282

 

[GF]

Those are great, and underrated, big bore CCW revolvers. I don't reload but my favorite carry ammo is the Hornady Critical Defense. You only have five rounds but I like the fact that the caliber starts with 4 instead of 3!

GF

 

[MikeyB]

I would love to have a 296! A Bodyguard on steroids!!

 

[medxam]

I have one and it is a MONSTER to shoot! If they only still made steel cylinders it makes them much more manageable! .44 special is my favorite caliber, but not in this gun!

medxam

 

[Kilibreaux]

I'm jealous!

 

[VAdoublegunner]

Speer makes a 200gr Gold Dot bullet that would be good for a handload if you wanted something that is a potentially expanding bullet.

There is some good load data out there for it. Here is the link to Speer's site:

http://www.speer-bullets.com/pdf/ReloadingSupplementalDATA/44_200GD.pdf

The Power Pistol load is particularly recommended. Hotter loads are possible, Brian Pearce has written a few articles for Handloader that address them, but probably not suitable for your 296.

Cool revolver, I have handled a few over the years. I'm "stuck" with a 696 and a Lew Horton 624 and 24...

 

[44 special Dave]

Actually it's not a bodyguard on steroids.

It has a completely concealed hammer. Double action only.

More like a centennial on steroids.

Fired one a friend owned. Hold on its a handful. At 18 1/2 oz unloaded.

Dave

 

[b_san]

I have one and it is a MONSTER to shoot! If they only still made steel cylinders it makes them much more manageable! .44 special is my favorite caliber, but not in this gun!

medxam

If they made it with an SS cylinder I wouldn't have bought one. I really like all of the Sc/Ti guns. I passed up a 386 SC/S from a buddy awhile ago because I didn't want the SS cylinder, would have bought it from him in a heartbeat if it would have been a 386pd

Speer makes a 200gr Gold Dot bullet that would be good for a handload if you wanted something that is a potentially expanding bullet.

That's what I shoot out of mine, been using the factory Blazer aluminum cased 200gr GDHP, reasonably inexpensive, shoots well and easy to manage.

 

[Nemo288]

Penn Bullets sells a 185 gr 44 DEWC.
I have just started playing with them.
I shot my 396 for the first time today.
It was not nearly as unfriendly as ya'll have let on.
I guess I don't mind some recoil.
Hand filling Altamont grips probably help.
I am currently shooting plated FP's in 200, 220 and 240 gr. in the 696 and 396.
6.5 to 7 grains of Universal is the charge in most.
The Speer Gold Dot 200 44 Special ammo shot easily and well in the 396.

===
Nemo