Ammo for Charter Bulldog?

[Monster Zero]

Who can tell me what's a good SD round for the Charter Bulldog?

I want something that has more energy than the typical wussy LRN .44 special stuff you find at the store, but still something that's manageable and (reasonably) pleasant to shoot in the Bullldog.

For example, Cor-Bon makes a 165gr JHP round that claims about 1000 fps in their test gun.

Anyone have experience with this load, or can suggest something else?

Open for discussion.

 

[BaltimoreBoy]

Well, my opinion is worth no more than the next man's, but I have liked using Winchester SuperX Silver tips (200 gr) with an alleged velocity of 900 fps in my 70's era Bulldog.

I have found it comfortable for me to shoot.

 

[nonseven]

Speer 200g gold dot HP, or Hornady Critical defense 165g flex tip.

 

[Dan-O]

Speer 200gr Gold Dot HP for me as well.

As far as Corbon's published velocity, you have to take into account it was fired from a gun with a 4" barrel, not a 2.5" barrel.

The Speer 200gr Gold Dot is on the right in both pictures.

 

[eldon519]

The Cor-bon 200gr DPX looks like an awesome choice.

http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/Corbon 44 Special DPX Report.htm

 

[32 Magnum]

Federal Champion 200 gr Semi-wadcutter hollow point. At the muzzle: 870 fps, 335 ft-lbs.

 

[Drail]

Anything more than 200 grains moving about 850 to 900 fps will drastically shorten the life of a Charter revolver. You don't need extra heavy bullets or extreme velocity. 200 gr. at 850 to 900 fps will do the job if you can place the shot. I strongly recommend the Speer 200 gr. Gold Dot load or a 200 gr. SWC cast bullet. Even with sensible loads a Charter is a gun you carry a lot and shoot it a little. It is what it is. Personally I like them a lot.

 

[Monster Zero]

Internet order?

Can someone give me a link to buy any of the loads mentioned here by internet order? I went to my friendly neighborhood ammo store and they didn't have any of them.

 

[Bubba613]

Winchester Silvertip 200gr is the ideal load here.

 

[32 Magnum]

Try www.sportsmansguide.com and www.cheaperthandirt.com

 

[CraigC]

200gr Gold Dot or Silvertip. Or if you handload a swaged 240gr Hornady SWC-HP at 800fps would also be a good one.

 

[Eb1]

Any load in your gun is doozie... The Speer short barrel option is a good one. Might also look into your basic semi-lead soft point. That is a good bullet. A good soft lead tip with a jacket is proven. Keep in mind that you are shooting a .429 caliber (even though it is a .44). You do not need expansion really. Penetration is what your after.

 

[ironhead7544]

The Speer 200 gr Gold Dot load will go about 820 fps from a 3 inch barrel. That or the Double Tap loads would be my choice. 44 Special is my favorite.

 

[Slamfire]

Federal makes a 200 grain Lead HP that I think is the best factory round for a Bulldog.

My reasons are that it is a soft lead bullet. Bulldogs are not velocity champs and I believe that something that is soft lead is more likely to expand than something with a jacket. It is still a big bullet and will make a big hole.

My Bulldog is sighted in with 246 gr factory, you need to test yours and find out with what bullet weight it shoots to point of aim. The difference in POI between 200 grain bullets and 240's is about 4 inches at 25 yards, but at spitting distance, you won't notice.

http://www.federalpremium.com/products/details/handgun.aspx?id=117

C44SA 44 Special 200 / 12.96 Semi-Wadcutter HP Champion®

44 Special Semi-Wadcutter HP


Load Details


Velocity in Feet per Second (To nearest 10 FPS)
Muzzle 25 Y 50 Y 75 Y 100 Y
870 848 826 806 787

Energy in Foot Pounds (To nearest 5 Foot Pounds)
Muzzle 25 Y 50 Y 75 Y 100 Y
336 319 303 289 275

Wind Drift in Inches (at 10 MPH)
25 Y 50 Y 75 Y 100 Y
0.2 0.9 1.8 3.2

Average Range
25 Y 50 Y 75 Y 100 Y
-2.1 -7.4 -16.0

 

[eldon519]

Slamfire,

Ever seen gelatin testing of that load? I'd be curious to see what it looks like. Sounds kind of like the big brother to the .38 FBI load.

 

[Great Scot]

I use Silvertips in mine.

Recoil is tolerable, making follow-up shots possible. A 200 grain hollowpoint is a comforting load. Here is a picture of the delivery device!

 

[MICHAEL T]

Blazer with the 200gr gold dot or Winchester silver tips are the to loads for my old charter 44