Original Charter Arms Bulldog

[JERRY]

240gr. slug over 5.5gr. of Unique is a good load for the bulldog.

 

[Boom Vang]

I've also loaded that Missouri Bullet 165 grain coated TC. It's a good one, but POI is about 2-3" low @ 15 yards in the Classic Bulldog, and filing that particular front sight ends up with rather unsatisfactory results. Possibly the best factory option.

I use the GT Bullets version of the 190 SWCHP.

Here are some tests I ran with the Classic Bulldog. First two loads are factory. The Hornady 180 XTP and GT 190 SWCHP are handloads. Hornady loads the 180 XTP in a factory load but it is VERY weak sauce and doesn't expand at all at factory velocities.

 

[Ugly Sauce]

As the old Charter print ad used to say, "Hits like a .45, carries like a .38".

That makes sense, I load a 220 grain round nose to the same velocity as the .45ACP, and that's from a 3" barrel, which does carry unlike my 1911. !!

 

[Ugly Sauce]

I've also loaded that Missouri Bullet 165 grain coated TC. It's a good one, but POI is about 2-3" low @ 15 yards in the Classic Bulldog, and filing that particular front sight ends up with rather unsatisfactory results. Possibly the best factory option.

I use the GT Bullets version of the 190 SWCHP.

Here are some tests I ran with the Classic Bulldog. First two loads are factory. The Hornady 180 XTP and GT 190 SWCHP are handloads. Hornady loads the 180 XTP in a factory load but it is VERY weak sauce and doesn't expand at all at factory velocities.

View attachment 1144693

I also load a 180 grain full wad-cutter at around 900fps. I think it would be just as effective as a hollow point, especially one that does not expand anyway.

 

[Boom Vang]

I also load a 180 grain full wad-cutter at around 900fps. I think it would be just as effective as a hollow point, especially one that does not expand anyway.

You just gave me a good idea for a new ballistic media test. I have some sharp edged 200 grain cast DEWC from Rimrock that I have loaded previously - very accurate @ 800 fps when loaded to the crimp groove.

 

[wcwhitey]

RimRock 200 RNFP and their 190 SWC-HP. Great minds think alike. I load the SWC-HP a bit hot closer to 1000 fps for my 629 3”. The 200 RNFP is a 800 fps paper puncher but shoots nicely. I have been using MBC Coated 240 SWC lately with Win244. Some clean and accurate loads. I am still and will always be a fan of the 255 grain 429421 over 7.5 grains of Unique. Not a load for the Bulldog though neither is my 190 SWC-HP. A bit too stout. That is why I like the light SWC. Makes a range session with the Bulldog doable.

 

[Paul Kersey]

I bought mine in late ‘77 or early ‘78. Bridgeport made in the 30xxxx a range. I learned how to reload because of this gun. I have noted in records it, and a pretty decent leather holster, set me back $129.95 OTD. If I’d had bought a couple of more I could have retired early.

 

[357smallbore]

Sold it and made 28%
Not bad at all. Off to the next gun.