[Dan-O]

Anyone know of a .44 Special manufacturer? Been thinking about making my own from rubber bicycle tubing.

[The Lone Haranguer]

At one time - and a long time ago - Bianchi made .44/.45-caliber Speed Strips, but they currently only offer them in .38/.357. I know of no one else making anything similar.

[Artful]

You might see if any of the surplus rifle clips will worth with you revolver rounds - I used Garand clip to hold 8 45 ACP - but I'll bet you can use a rimmed cartridge stripper clip for your 44's - maybe a Mosin/Nagant or similar

[Dan-O]

I saw someone mention an Enfield .303, but still trying to figure out the logistics of how to load with one of these.

[jhrosier]

Like this?

http://images34.fotki.com/v1078/photos/5/590147/2786028/speedloaders-vi.jpg

The Lee Enfield stripper clips serve to keep the ammo handy, in stead of loose rounds in the bottom of your pocket.
They are not terribly fast as you have to remove the rounds from the clip before loading.
Not as good as a Bianchi speed strip, but readily available.

Jack

[SaxonPig]

I have never seen a Bianchi Speed Strip in other than 38 caliber. I have contacted them a couple times about making a 44 version but they say there isn't enough demand.

Oh, well.

[Dan-O]

Jack,

exactly like that. I went to my local shop to pick something else up and checked out the Enfield Clips. I loaded five rounds and I dont think this is going to work for me.

I went to Home Depot and picked up some rubber tubing. I am going to give it a shot and see if I can sort of get it to work.

If it works, I will post some pics. Hopefully with a sharp set of scissors and my trusty Dremel I will be able to figure something out with it.

[Darkness]

I forget what board I read this on, so can't give, or take, credit, but one person said what they do is use a piece of old tire inner-tube. They lay it out, cut to size, then use an empty case and a hammer to punch out the holes in the rubber (using the case mouth). Then all they do is slide the cartridges in. When it comes time to load, they push the cartridge from the back with their thumb and the rubber gives enough for the case rim to pop out.

Did I explain that right? Anyway, you can make your home-made speed strip just about any way you want by adding or subtracting layers of inner-tube.

[DFW1911]

Darkness: yes, I think you explained it correctly...and now I have a new project!

Thanks for the posting.

Take care,
DFW1911

[Dan-O]

I tried it, and didn't turn out as well as I wanted. Nice idea to use an empty case and "cookie cut" a hole. I think I may try doing it double layer and super glue the two ply's together. This will make it more stable. I cut "x"'s in the rubber and it ended up ripping quite a bit.

I'm psyched. I'm going to go give it a shot again.

[aryfrosty]

If you're only looking for speed strips my response won't help. Dillon's Blue Press sells rubber circular speed "loader" devices. I don't care for them. Any HKS loader for S&W N frames in .44mag, .45Colt will work just fine in your 6 shot, N frame S&W. I have a 5 shot 296 that I use Charter Arms 5 shot .44spl in. Works great.

[sm]

Another old time method was to incorporate leather with the inner tube rubber.

The leather was stiff, then a piece of rubber, then another piece of leather atop this.
The rubber was sandwiched between leather, on both sides, providing a "U" if you will for the ctg to sit.
Case head, was up against the primary stiff leather.

.44 special of course, then again other ctgs from .22 rim-fire on up.

I was born in the mid 50's and Mentors and Elders had these, they had made.
They made me some for my .22 ctgs...*neat*

I did not explain these very well, still this was back when a lot of offerings today, were not available back then.

[Dan-O]

SM,

Good call on the leather. I have some extra suede sitting around from a pocket holster project gone bad. Thanks for the suggestion.

[Drail]

Another method is go to your local building supply and check the plumbing dept. Most will carry one foot square sheets of rubber gasketing material which is thicker and stiffer than an inner tube. To punch the holes clean take an empty case to a grinder or sander and sharpen it a little, it will cut nice clean holes.