Bazoo’s 44 special casual loading and adventures thread.

[wcwhitey]

I have used a few hundred Hunter Supply bullets from Midway that was on clearance. Entry level Win244 load. Shot great in the Bulldog, mild and same POA as Hornady 165 Critical Defense, a little low but easy to shoot. That was as close to an accurate gallery level load I have come up with in the .44. Once the heavier bullets start to get soft shooting in the Bulldog the accuracy dropped off.

 

[daverich4]

Obviously it would be a +p loading.

I meant no disrespect in being terse.

I’m just curious if anyone else used this load and what pressures it runs.

Fair enough but for what you’re trying to do Bullseye really isn’t a very good choice.

 

[Bazoo]

Fair enough but for what you’re trying to do Bullseye really isn’t a very good choice.

What is it you think I’m trying to do? I think, what I’m trying to do is learn about the Loads Elmer Keith suggests, as well as explore other 44 special loads that may be of interest.

 

[sonora]

I am really enjoying this thread. I like learning about the 44 Special. Personally I want use a couple loads and basically stick with those. I have only used one powder, Unique. My bullet of choice is a coated 240 gr SWC. Bayou bullet, Keith style. 6 gr of Unique and starting to use 6.5 gr. Anyone else using this bullet, powder combination. Estimated velocity? Any information, observations will be greatly appreciated.

 

[wcwhitey]

I am really enjoying this thread. I like learning about the 44 Special. Personally I want use a couple loads and basically stick with those. I have only used one powder, Unique. My bullet of choice is a coated 240 gr SWC. Bayou bullet, Keith style. 6 gr of Unique and starting to use 6.5 gr. Anyone else using this bullet, powder combination. Estimated velocity? Any information, observations will be greatly appreciated.

6.0 Grains is a nice starting load, 700 fps give or take. You will be fine with 6.5 grains but try a few at 6.2 6.3 also. It’s all about the sweet spot. Most .44 Special rounds are very happy in the 750-800 fps range. This is of course depending on barrel length, altitude, ambient temperature, etc. I joke but you are in a good range where you will find a load with Unique that will just drive tacks.

 

[Bazoo]

I’m still working on finding good loads for all the bullets I commonly use. I have a few, but I put load development on hold for work and stuff but I’m thinking bout it.

Not to mention I have a pound of titegroup im itching to try in 44 special. I’ve used it in 45 auto and 38 special so I’m not unfamiliar with it.

To top that off, I need to render some WWs so I can have ingots to cast more, as I used all my alloy last batch of 44-250-K bullets I cast.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

6.0 Grains is a nice starting load, 700 fps give or take. You will be fine with 6.5 grains but try a few at 6.2 6.3 also. It’s all about the sweet spot. Most .44 Special rounds are very happy in the 750-800 fps range. This is of course depending on barrel length, altitude, ambient temperature, etc. I joke but you are in a good range where you will find a load with Unique that will just drive tacks.

What he said.

 

[Bazoo]

This is from the one book one caliber manual, so it’s older. But it shows a starting point of 6.0 unique.
Lyman


This also is from the one book one caliber manual, from the RCBS section. I have the RCBS manual too which is the same. It shows a different bullet than the 44-250-k, but at the time, their only Keith clone.

Anyways, it lists 6.0 grains unique as max, but listed they used a gun (charter arms bulldog 4” bbl) to work up the data.



That’s certainly a discrepancy between data, course with different bullets.

 

[wcwhitey]

This is from the one book one caliber manual, so it’s older. But it shows a starting point of 6.0 unique.

View attachment 1077871

This also is from the one book one caliber manual, from the RCBS section. I have the RCBS manual too which is the same. It shows a different bullet than the 44-250-k, but at the time, their only Keith clone.

Anyways, it lists 6.0 grains unique as max, but listed they used a gun (charter arms bulldog 4” bbl) to work up the data.

View attachment 1077867

That’s certainly a discrepancy between data, course with different bullets.

Much different bullets than commercial cast 240 SWC beveled base bullet. He did mention it being a Keith Style also. The 250K has a larger and longer base length, results in lesser case capacity. The 429421 is also different and heavier generally mine weighed in at 250 grains but that data was always good. But like always start low and work up in small increments.

I am working with a batch of Rim Rock 260 Wide Flat Points that are said to be Keith Style but more resemble the dimensions of the RCBS Bullets. I started at 5.5 grains and worked to 6. Still room there.

And yes I have that same book and data, one of the only ones that used the Bulldog as a test gun. I wouldn’t want to go over 6.0 grains with a 250K bullet either in my Bulldog. It just hurts!

 

[wcwhitey]

I use the data for the 245 #429383 for RCBS 250K. Very similar dimensionally except for the nose profile. Has worked for me.

 

[daverich4]

What is it you think I’m trying to do? I think, what I’m trying to do is learn about the Loads Elmer Keith suggests, as well as explore other 44 special loads that may be of interest.

Clearly, I’m not understanding what you’re after. Keith’s famous load used 2400. Bullseye won’t come close to duplicating his loads and normally would be used for light target loads, not fire breathing womper stompers. Unique is another common choice for heavy loads. My comments were only in relation to what I thought was your curiosity about using Bullseye for heavy loads. I would have commented in the reverse if you’d asked about using H110 for light target loads. No offense intended.

 

[Bazoo]

Clearly, I’m not understanding what you’re after. Keith’s famous load used 2400. Bullseye won’t come close to duplicating his loads and normally would be used for light target loads, not fire breathing womper stompers. Unique is another common choice for heavy loads. My comments were only in relation to what I thought was your curiosity about using Bullseye for heavy loads. I would have commented in the reverse if you’d asked about using H110 for light target loads. No offense intended.

No offense intended here either. I mentioned the 6.5 bullseye load because I seen it in the book Sixguns, not because I want to make heavy loads with bullseye specifically. I’m curious is what it amounts to.

Now, a bullseye load that is into the +P range, but not into the pre 44 magnum range, might still be useful. But I haven’t tried to developed any.

 

[Bazoo]

Much different bullets than commercial cast 240 SWC beveled base bullet. He did mention it being a Keith Style also. The 250K has a larger and longer base length, results in lesser case capacity. The 429421 is also different and heavier generally mine weighed in at 250 grains but that data was always good. But like always start low and work up in small increments.

I am working with a batch of Rim Rock 260 Wide Flat Points that are said to be Keith Style but more resemble the dimensions of the RCBS Bullets. I started at 5.5 grains and worked to 6. Still room there.

And yes I have that same book and data, one of the only ones that used the Bulldog as a test gun. I wouldn’t want to go over 6.0 grains with a 250K bullet either in my Bulldog. It just hurts!

The 44-250-k I have, weighs 265 grains. I’ve worked all the way to 7.5 grains unique with it but of course, out of my Blackhawk.

 

[Bazoo]

Here’s a new pic of some 44 bullets showing differences and seating depth variations.

RCBS 44-240-swc, 44-245-swc, 44-250-K

 

[Bazoo]

I been plinking some but haven’t done much in the way of testing of late.

I did get a pound of titegroup to try. Anyone love it for 44 special? I’ve used it before in other calibers, namely 45 auto and 38 special.

I also traded some powders and acquired another 3 pounds of unique to keep me going.

 

[Bazoo]

 

[Bazoo]

I’ve been working some on loads. I have been using bullseye in 4.4 and 4.8 grains with the RCBS 44-250-k. For plinking loads. The lighter one seems to be more accurate but I can cloverleaf either, when I’m on.

I’m still messing with it slowly but surely. Work and life been getting in my way.

 

[Soonerpesek]

I’ve been working some on loads. I have been using bullseye in 4.4 and 4.8 grains with the RCBS 44-250-k. For plinking loads.

Did you ever get the time to try Titegroup.....?

 

[Bazoo]

Did you ever get the time to try Titegroup.....?

I haven’t yet. But I’ve been on a reloading kick lately, so it’ll likely be soon.

 

[joneb]

personally I've not found bullseye to be that wonderful in the .44 in any weight charge

I agree, W-231 has worked well for me in shorter barreled 44 spls Bullseye not so much.

 

[Bazoo]

I got a keg of bullseye, wish I knew someone in person to swap a pound with for some 231 to try!

 

[Riomouse911]

I am lucky to have three dedicated.44 Specials, a GP100 3”, a 5.5” Flattop Blackhawk and a 6.5” 624.



I also have a S&W Model 69, the 5-shot L frame .44 Mag that is best served with Specials if large amounts are planned to be fired.



My favorite .44 Spl. loads also utilize Unique and a few coated or gas-checked bullets:

7.3 gr Unique under a coated Eggleston 200 gr RNFP.




A coated Missouri Bullet Co. 165 gr TCFP over 5.6 gr of IMR Target (discontinued, was a similar competitor to Bullseye.)





I also really like the coated Brazos Bullets 215 gr SWC over 7.0 gr Unique (a super bullet, hits targets hard with lighter kick), a Montana Bullet Works 255 gr SWCGC over 7.4 gr Unique (Skeeter-esque!) and a 240 gr swc over 5.8 gr of HP-38. The Skeeter load in the Model 69:


The .44 Special is just about my all-time favorite revolver round. I just cooked up a batch of Matts Bullets 250 gr WC over 6.8 gr Unique yesterday, I cant wait to try them out and see how they shoot from the GP 100 and Model 69. If they’re as accurate as all of my other loads these will definitely be on the docket when I’m hiking/fishing in the sierras for two or four legged threats.



Stay safe.

 

[Bazoo]

I am lucky to have three dedicated.44 Specials, a GP100 3”, a 5.5” Flattop Blackhawk and a 6.5” 624.

View attachment 1109327 View attachment 1109325 View attachment 1109328

I also have a S&W Model 69, the 5-shot L frame .44 Mag that is best served with Specials if large amounts are planned to be fired.

View attachment 1109329

My favorite .44 Spl. loads also utilize Unique and a few coated or gas-checked bullets:

7.3 gr Unique under a coated Eggleston 200 gr RNFP.

View attachment 1109324

View attachment 1109321
A coated Missouri Bullet Co. 165 gr TCFP over 5.6 gr of IMR Target (discontinued, was a similar competitor to Bullseye.)

View attachment 1109333

View attachment 1109320

I also really like the coated Brazos Bullets 215 gr SWC over 7.0 gr Unique (a super bullet, hits targets hard with lighter kick), a Montana Bullet Works 255 gr SWCGC over 7.4 gr Unique (Skeeter-esque!) and a 240 gr swc over 5.8 gr of HP-38. The Skeeter load in the Model 69:
View attachment 1109334

The .44 Special is just about my all-time favorite revolver round. I just cooked up a batch of Matts Bullets 250 gr WC over 6.8 gr Unique yesterday, I cant wait to try them out and see how they shoot from the GP 100 and Model 69. If they’re as accurate as all of my other loads these will definitely be on the docket when I’m hiking/fishing in the sierras for two or four legged threats.

View attachment 1109323

Stay safe.

Thanks for sharing. That is some nice groupings. Shows consistent grip and familiarity.

I’ve never tried any of the lighter bullets. How do ya like that 165grain? What’s the farthest you’ve shot it? I guess my question is, does it start to tumble at longer distances?

 

[Riomouse911]

Thanks for sharing. That is some nice groupings. Shows consistent grip and familiarity.

I’ve never tried any of the lighter bullets. How do ya like that 165grain? What’s the farthest you’ve shot it? I guess my question is, does it start to tumble at longer distances?

20 yards, so far no tumbling that I have seen.

The 165 shoots very well in my three guns. I highly recommend it for reloaders looking for a softer-recoiling practice load in a Charter Bulldog or lightweight Taurus/Rossi .44 Spl. I guess it could do double-duty as a SD load for Bulldog owners who are recoil sensitive, but it would probably be no more effective than the old 246 gr RNL standard. (I’d still hate to get shot with either one!)

The recoil is like a .38 Spl with full power 158’s, except the .44 Spl gun is usually bigger so there is even less of a snap and more of a push. (Especially with the 6.5” N frame.)

Since IMR Target is no mas, Bullseye, HP-38 or a Unique-like pistol powder would also work very well.

Stay safe.

 

[wcwhitey]

I am lucky to have three dedicated.44 Specials, a GP100 3”, a 5.5” Flattop Blackhawk and a 6.5” 624.

View attachment 1109327 View attachment 1109325 View attachment 1109328

I also have a S&W Model 69, the 5-shot L frame .44 Mag that is best served with Specials if large amounts are planned to be fired.

View attachment 1109329

My favorite .44 Spl. loads also utilize Unique and a few coated or gas-checked bullets:

7.3 gr Unique under a coated Eggleston 200 gr RNFP.

View attachment 1109324

View attachment 1109321
A coated Missouri Bullet Co. 165 gr TCFP over 5.6 gr of IMR Target (discontinued, was a similar competitor to Bullseye.)

View attachment 1109333

View attachment 1109320

I also really like the coated Brazos Bullets 215 gr SWC over 7.0 gr Unique (a super bullet, hits targets hard with lighter kick), a Montana Bullet Works 255 gr SWCGC over 7.4 gr Unique (Skeeter-esque!) and a 240 gr swc over 5.8 gr of HP-38. The Skeeter load in the Model 69:
View attachment 1109334

The .44 Special is just about my all-time favorite revolver round. I just cooked up a batch of Matts Bullets 250 gr WC over 6.8 gr Unique yesterday, I cant wait to try them out and see how they shoot from the GP 100 and Model 69. If they’re as accurate as all of my other loads these will definitely be on the docket when I’m hiking/fishing in the sierras for two or four legged threats.

View attachment 1109323

Stay safe.

I load the 165 Grain SWC Hunters Supply from Midway, they were on clearance. Win244 has data. Good soft shooters, perfect for the Bulldog. Developed a load to duplicate the Hornady Critical Defense. Same POA/POI. A bit low but won’t hurt the hand, like a +P .38.