In search of a more powerful 44spl carry load.

[CraigC]

7.5 gr Unique and a 240 gr cast swc in a special case gives me 1050 fps from a 6" 44 mag. Might be a little warm in a 44 Special revolver, might be good with a 215 gr lswc.

No, that's a good load. The classic "Skeeter" load is a 250gr Keith bullet over 7.5gr Unique for 950fps. Your sixgun is running them pretty fast.

 

[Hamilton Felix]

Back when I handloaded for my 3" Charter Arms Bulldog, I put a 240 grain SWC over 7.2 gr. Unique. Didn't want to go hotter in that tiny gun. I figured I wasn't going to get velocities that would expand (mid 1970's) hollowpoints, so I'd just throw a big square shouldered SWC.

I wore that gun out, swapped it off, bought a 2½" Bulldog in the 1980's, and carried the same load while backpacking. The Charters are "carry much, shoot seldom" guns, but it was hard to beat a .44 Special in a 19 ounce package for carrying. My last one evaporated in my 2008-2010 divorce. Maybe I'll get another and try stainless.

Personally, I'd probabably stick with heavy square shouldered bullets. I just don't have confidence in reliable expansion from very short barrels.

 

[Frank V]

I think Buffalo Bore is marketing a 200gr full wadcutter for defense in the .44 Special now. It should be a great carry load.
Frank

 

[R.W.Dale]

I think Buffalo Bore is marketing a 200gr full wadcutter for defense in the .44 Special now. It should be a great carry load.
Frank

I'm giving this loading a very hard look. http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=282

IMO it looks to be exactly what I'm looking for. Adequate velocity without being excessive and a proven bullet that doesn't rely on shakey expansion from a snub

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