.44 Special Question

[CraigC]

Please note what I said.

As for safety, as long as it doesn't end up in a Bulldog, Taurus or pre-war Colt/S&W, you should be okay.

The vaunted Skeeter 950fps load is the hottest you'll see recommended for certain pre-war .44Spl's.

Also note that while Keith did indeed do his initial testing with pre-war Colt's and S&W's, as did John Lachuk and the .44 Associates, he also did not do the volume of shooting we do today. They used what they had available. We have a better, smarter, stronger selection.

Rant warning.

It is up to the handloader to know his firearm and its limitations. This holds true for any firearm in any chambering. There is nothing magical about SAAMI pressure standards. They are a guideline and they are set for the weakest guns available in that chambering. It is undeniable fact that there are guns in certain chamberings that are measurably stronger than others in the same chambering. It is also undeniable fact that the vaunted Keith load has been tested and used EXTENSIVELY FOR 80 YEARS! The information is all right there and it is well pvoen. We know what guns can handle it and what guns cannot. Period. It is no more or less unsafe to load heavy loads in firearms that can handle the added pressure than it is for any standard load in any other firearm.

 

[murf]

1100fps out of a 4 inch barrel? yah, you are into 44 magnum velocities. i wouldn't want that load in any 44 special pistols.

murf

 

[Magnumite]

Much of this is caliber selection. The original poster is shooting an M29. He is essentially shooting a watered down 44 Magnum. I'd just use 44 Mag brass. In all this would be the most prudent approach for those that desire big bores.