What is best in a Bond Derringer?

[Shrinkmd]

I am set up to load for 357 magnum, 44 Special, and 45 Acp, and since I load 40S&W I could always make up some 10mm as well (if I got the brass).

Which cartridge would be most effective out of the Bond? There isn't much rifling to play with. It seems like 45acp could be a good choice, but a hot 44 special or 10mm might also pack quite a wallop. I already have the 357 barrel...

And I am not interested in getting dies, etc. to load 45 Colt, which I have heard would be the real answer to my question. No more dies and press conversions for now.

 

[KenW.]

Mine is in .45Colt/.410. I did not vote in the poll because you won't be shooting enough 45 Colt to need to reload them. And, 410 ammo is cheap.

I do want to get a .22 Mag barrel set.
I've hasd.38 Special in a Cobra derringer in the past.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Any one of those calibers will put a hurt on the bad guy up close and personal. I have a .38 Special Derringer but it's a light one, not a Bond. Since you already have the .357 load for that since you can fire both .38 Special and .357 Magnum ammo. Spend the money you save on components...

 

[hardluk1]

To me the only reason to own a deringer would be to buy the 410 version. With weights between 18.5oz and up to around 23 theres a pile of small larger higher capacity even large bore sub compacts that make more sence.

 

[Walkalong]

Being a .44 Spl fan, and a .45 ACP fan, I would opt for one of those, and since .45 ACP would be more available, I would probably go with it. I reload for all those calibers.

 

[Shrinkmd]

I loaded up some 357 Magnum 125gr JHP with 17.0 gr of 2400. No forcing cone to crack or top strap to flame cut, so I guess the lighter bullets will be no problem, eh? I'll let you know how they shoot.

 

[gazpacho]

I got the Ranger, which has 4" barrels in 45/410.

If they made other calibers with 4" barrels, I'd buy a whole set, but they refuse to.

410 is a hoot, and some loads are quite pleasant.

 

[Shrinkmd]

How many rounds are these guns good for?

Related topic, but I don't want to start a new thread: How many rounds are these guns good for? The design seems pretty sturdy, no endshake or going out of time like a revolver, and no springs or frame cracks like a semi auto because the slide moves, and no springs to change.

I wonder if the release lever gets a lot of wear on it if you open and close the gun thousands of times? I doubt most people would put thousands of rounds through these little guns, but I wonder what their theoretical round count is?

At least swapping barrels is easy!

 

[KenW.]

I don't know that you could wear one out if you tried. The Bond's are milled from solid blocks of steel; built like tanks. I expect my Bond will be fired by my great, great, great grandchildren. Provided they haven't been confiscated by the gubmint.

 

[MagnumDweeb]

I'd have to think the .45 ACP would be optimal because it doesn't lose a whole lot of velocity out of short barreled revolvers as compared to long barreled revolvers. Yeah it's only two inches so velocity won't be great but if you can exceed 700 fps with a 230 grain FMJ, you are going to do a heck of a lot of damage I'd have to think.

There is the loaded up .44 special option but I don't know if I would want to get into handloads for SD, I'm wary of it.

There is the .357 magnum but I'd want a big heavy bullet in such a small gun with such a short barrel length. And I'm a magnum fiend for .357 in 4" and 6" guns.

 

[Shrinkmd]

Well, the 357 were a handful, but easily shootable with the original wood grip. I was fine at 7 and 10 yards. After that the groups really started to open up. At "across the saloon poker table" distances it is going to be fine.

The 17gr of 2400 load was fine with the 125gr bullets, lots of flash! I did manage to shoot the trigger guard loose after 50 rounds or so. Gotta remember to bring an allen wrench along from now on. The 38 and 38+p are a piece of cake with this little gun, but the 357 are more fun.

Then again I prefer the spicier chicken wings.

 

[44 Dave]

Think I read that you don't want to use rimless cartridges as .45acp.
I would go for the .44 special. but You can get a second easily clanged barrel for the Bond.
Have you checked out The American Derringer? I bought these because of their feel and the safety releases when you go to full cock.
They are made in Waco Texas and open to visitors, nice people too! http://www.amderringer.com/
Am shooting .45 colt and 44-40, just shot the .44 today.
Dave























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[tryshoot]

The .410 is the stuff, and does not kick near what I thought it would.

 

[Storm]

I just shot my Bond Arms Texas Defender 38/357 for the first time last week. I found the 38 to be relatively pleasant to shoot. I'm not so sure how 357 will be. I guess I will have to find out.

Shooting a good amount of 44 spl. out of full sized revolvers that is one that I might strongly consider.

 

[M2 Carbine]

Personally I like the 45ACP but I do have the .357 barrel to.



A Derringer is rather clumsy to handle, load and fire. I loaded a thousand rounds especially for the Bond to keep in practice.

Although Derringers are considered "across the table" guns, the Bond will hold it's own at about 15 yards.