SPEER GOLD DOT's 4 short barrel in a 6 1/2"?

[26Ford]

My local gun shop sold me some Gold Dots for my 44 Mag. Totally just so I have some ammo in the 44, just in case. My health being what it is, I wont be hunting anymore, and well I'm not ready to part with my P.C. 44. I ask the guy as I'm leaving the box say's for " short barrel ", and he just say's it will be fine. For the record, I wanted 44 special , he said he didn't have any. Today, I called Speer, and another not so pleasant guy, said to not use them in the long barrel gun. I believe he knows what he is talking about, and I tend to agree. Now I have to go back and deal with the not so pleasant guy at the LGS. What do you folks say?

 

[beemerphile]

Just a guess, but it may build too much pressure because of a faster burning powder. I only use them in my short barrel guns (great rounds BTW), so I can't give you a "Been There Done That.

I'd believe the grump #2

 

[26Ford]

Yes sir, he did use the term " faster " as he was explaining the reason to me. Something about " peeling back " too. None of it sounded healthy. Thank you for your input, 26

 

[racuda]

Don't be surprised if they won't take them back. I asked for some 9mm ammo and when I got home I found they gave me .40 cal. They said they could not legality take it back because of liability issues.

 

[26Ford]

HORNADY XTP

FWIW, today I switched to the Hornady XTP, in 44 Special, { like I originally wanted }, 180 grain. I'll let you know after I get to shoot with them, but I like the spec's. I might end up switching to all Hornady for my S.D. rounds. 26

 

[26Ford]

EVEN MORE MAD

Just went on Hornady's web site to request a catalog. My angry little trol at the friendly LGS, charged $28.99 for the ammo. Even suggested retail is only $22.25. And they can't fiqure out why people buy online??????????????????

 

[41 fan]

26,

My understanding is that the SB projectiles are engineered to expand at a lower velocity. If you load them to 44 mag velocity, you may have a problem with overexpansion. If you load them to 44 spl velocity, you probably would be fine. Dean

 

[Deanintemp]

I inquired with Speer on "short barrel" ammo about a week ago and their email reply is that the "short barrel" ammo is designed for barrels 4" and under.

 

[26Ford]

Thanks 41, and yes sir dean, you too are correct about the barrel length. Speer recommends them for a snub nose 44, 4" or less. I specifically told my LGS, that my 44 is a 6 1/2" barrel. You could just tell he had the attitude, that it wasn't his 1 of 200 made gun, and he wouldn't be standing next to me at the range either. I just hope this post brings light to others here on the forum. Remember, not all places would be willing to return ammo, and last I checked ammo is not cheap or free. 26

 

[OKFC05]

FWIW, I shot Short Barrel .38+P ammo in a 6" 686, and there was no problem in the gun.
However, a short range shot into a water barrel splattered the bullet, so I can see bullet failure as the main issue.

 

[26Ford]

FWIW, I shot Short Barrel .38+P ammo in a 6" 686, and there was no problem in the gun.
However, a short range shot into a water barrel splattered the bullet, so I can see bullet failure as the main issue.

Thank you sir, I have been waiting for you to chime in. I believe that's what the gentleman at Speer meant about " peeling back ", that the actual bullet would react on impact like you stated. Definately not an ideal scenario, and not how the round was designed. Thank you, 26.