modest load for 44 special

[coffeync3]

I was able to make a trade on a lee classic handloader for a 44 magnum. I was assured that I could use this little item to handload 44 spl. as well. I need to verify that that indeed is the case. If so, The plastic measure would probably be useless and I anticipate that I would need a scale as well. I will be using the loads in an older model revolver so I would like to keep the loads fairly light. Not being an experienced handloader, I would like to start off with a single loading that would be used for plinking. Any recommendations on bullet selection and weight. Also, Powder selection and volume. My grateful thanks.

 

[arjay]

Unique is a good powder in the 44 and a scale is a great idea,those little measures can be a bit off.Most of my loads are 44 specials, but I'm using 44 mag brass.

 

[MikeyB]

Hard to beat a 240gr LSWC in the .44. For a light target load 6.0gr of Unique does the trick.

 

[steamloco76]

Another vote for 6.0 grains of Unique pushing a 240 grain cast LSWC. Unique and the .44 Special were made for each other.

 

[Janitor]

Another vote for 6.0 grains of Unique pushing a 240 grain cast LSWC. Unique and the .44 Special were made for each other.

Another vote, and I agree.

Not the cleanest powder on the market, but not too awful.

 

[had3nuf]

Another vote for 6.0 grains of Unique pushing a 240 grain cast LSWC. Unique and the .44 Special were made for each other.

I agree 100% you can shoot that load all day long.

 

[stu1ritter]

A very clean powder and excellent for light loads in the .44 Special (and yes, your dies will load either .44 Special or .44 Magnum) is Vhitavouri N320. Lapua lists Cowboy loads that are really pleasant to shoot and VV powder, due to its price, is sometimes available where other powders are not. A tad more expensive than most, but you don't use all that much. With the ever classic 240 gr. LSWC I've been playing around between 5.5 gr. which chrono's 680 fps out of a 4" bbl 629-3 and 6.1 @ 710 fps and 6.5 @ 751 fps = 300 ft. lbs. and is still a pleasure to shoot. Using the magnum case to load special loads leaves a lot of room for experimentation due to the slightly lower pressures. I have some 6.8 and 7.0 that I am going to chrono today.

Can't help you with the volume measure as that is not a very accurate method of handling powder quantity since all powders have different weights per volume. You MUST get a scale to keep yourself safe and accurate. Once you find the weight/powder/volume combo you like then you can use the volume measure with confidence.

Stu

 

[Larry from Bend]

In the 44 Special, a modest load is a factory load (rated at only about 15,000 PSI, because it was introduced in 1907 in top-break revolvers.).

In my Special, I use Alliant Power Pistol (about 7.6 grains) to get around 800 feet per second with a 240 grain lead bullet. This closely mimics a factory load.

I increase that to 8.6 grains to get about 970 fps with a 200 grain JHP (I use the Hornady XTP).

 

[alwslate]

Many reloaders have found dippers to be a convienent way to load light
plinking loads for handguns. The old NRA loading manual illustrated a
few. Many have found a cut-off cartridge with a wire handle to be an
easy way to make your own with the help of a scale. Unique has been
a traditional powder for the .44 special but today there are many
better choices. Fine grained powders like W231-HP-38 or Bullseye
measure more consistantly and are much better suited to light loads.

 

[AzRedleg]

Just about all published loads for the .44 SPC are mild. Even max published loads have similar ballistics (some have identical max loads with similar bullet weights) to .45 ACP. You stated you are not an experienced handloader. It is good for you to ask questions here but I recommend for you to purchase a current reloading publication. Most are good and will answer your questions.

 

[cjw3]

Your lead bullet of choice + enough Trail Boss to be slightly below the base of the bullet at whatever seating depth you have.

This can get you in some nice, light loads without having to use a scale. Slow but sure, and safe. Don't compress Trail Boss....this will break the little discs and change the burning characteristics, but otherwise you can't get in any trouble with it.

 

[358156hp]

By "handloader" do you mean the hammer powered LEE Loader? What size of powder dipper came with it? It should be marked in "CCs". The only difference between 44 Spl & 44 Mag should be in the crimping, which could very well be usable for either cartridge.

 

[pete950]

6.0 with a 250 Keith SWC is sweet.

 

[Cicero]

I use different powders for 44 spl but I keep going back to W 231. I often shoot 200 gr Lead RNFP with 5.5 grains of 231 seated to 1.440inches(total length bullet and case). Then I use a Lee crimp die to roll crimp 3/4 of a turn and then the total lengh then comes out around 1.438". I use the above load in vintage 1980 24-3 and a relatively new 21-4.
You can also experiment with 240 gr SWC 6.0 to 7.0 gr of Unique. However one of my most accurate loads(shoot this load out of a Ruger Bisley Flat top 4 5/8" barrel) was a 255gr WFNPB with 7.0 to 7.5 gr Unique. However you begin to feel this load a bit when shooting.
Get your self an RCB 5.0.5 scale and weigh and pour your loads one at a time. Then when you have enough money saved up get a nice powder measure. I do well with an RCB Uniflow.

 

[MikeyB]

I'll have to try the W231 in the 44. So far I only used Unique and 2400. Also using magnum primers since I have a brick that I need to use up.

 

[Snapping Twig]

I experimented with Unique and W231/HP38. I like the Skeeter load - 7.5g Unique, but I developed a favorite - 6.5g W231 under the 429421.

Try it. It's shockingly accurate and most pleasant to shoot.

 

[coffeync3]

My deep appreciation to all who responded. I will be working up some loads based on your information. Already thinking I need a press. I think I know where this is going. Many thanks.

 

[Janitor]

Here comes that slippery slope.

Enjoy the ride.

 

[setxn]

I started out the same way with a Lee Loader for 38/357 in around 1975. It worked fine but slow,must get faster ,must by stuff- I was infected. I'm still using the same RCBS press,scale and powder measure along with dozens of do-dads ,thing-a-muh-gigs and other dealies that you will have to get. I bought new stuff within the last year,it never stops. I also vote for 6.0 Gr of Unique and have loaded it behind LSWC from 240-255 gr. with good results.
P.S.- You have the advantage of the WWW. and a vast source of knowledge and experience on this and other sites.

 

[Grayfox]

My pet load for the .44 Special is a 240gr lead SWC over 6.0grs of W231. I've clocked it at exactly 800fps out a 6" barrel. Easy to shoot and amazingly accurate.