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Loads for 44 Special ?????

Redbear57Redbear57 Member Posts: 68 ✭✭
edited March 2017 in Perry Shooter Competition Shooting and Reloading Forum
I am considering reloading for 44 Special. I have IMR 700X and Blue Dot powder on hand..... is this a good powder for the 44 Special? and if so, any load recomendations? ..... Or is there another powder that could be a better choice? Any load recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks....
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Comments

  • TfloggerTflogger Member Posts: 3,390 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Both powder companies have websites that can get you started.
    I have been using Unique and 2400 for years with good results.
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  • Rocky RaabRocky Raab Member Posts: 14,470 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The last freelance article I wrote was an extensive trial of newer powders in the .44 Special. Two revolvers, cast, plated, and jacketed bullets in weights from 180 to 265 grains. Whole lotta shooting.

    I found ONE load that works extremely well in ALL of them. It's accurate, clean-burning, and gives 800-900 fps with every bullet. It's now my only .44 Special recipe. Pay attention now:

    6.0 grains of American Select. Standard primer.
    I may be a bit crazy - but I didn't drive myself.
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  • AmbroseAmbrose Member Posts: 3,221 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have one of the newer Ruger Blackhawk flat tops. I haven't shot it a lot yet but have used Unique & 2400 with Lyman cast bullets #429421 & 429244GC. The 2400 load used twice as much powder to gain around 100 fps and the recoil was noticeable so I decided to stay with Unique.

    EDIT: I don't think you can go wrong if you go with Rocky's recommendation; I know I'm going to try it.

    ROCKY: Where was your article published?
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  • charliemeyer007charliemeyer007 Member Posts: 6,572 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    What pistol are you loading for and what do you want, light target or a heavy self defense load?
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  • Rocky RaabRocky Raab Member Posts: 14,470 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Ambrose, it still hasn't been published. I submitted it to Handloader magazine, but they have difficulty keeping their staff writers busy and don't use many freelance articles any more.

    That's true of most magazines these days, and that's why I retired from writing. Makes not sense to spend a lot of time and money doing as much shooting as I did for that piece - with zero chance of it ever earning a check.

    BTW, the premise of the article was that with all the respect due Elmer and Skeeter, their work was almost a century ago. There have been dozens of new powders since Unique and 2400. Perhaps it's time for a new classic loading.

    I think it is, and I think I found it.
    I may be a bit crazy - but I didn't drive myself.
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  • Hawk CarseHawk Carse Member Posts: 4,381 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have loaded .44 Special with up to 5 grains of 700X and a 240 gr cast SWC. My last batch was 4.7 gr which was plenty.
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  • AmbroseAmbrose Member Posts: 3,221 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Rocky: I was on my way to a local gunshop anyway to get some primers, so after reading your response about the American Select I asked if he had some. He said he had some 8 lb. kegs coming. At 6 grs. per load, I'd need 2 more life times to make a dent in that keg! He said he would try to get some 1 lb. cans.

    I've got some Rugers in .45 Colt, too. Have you tried Am. Sel. in the .45?
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  • charliemeyer007charliemeyer007 Member Posts: 6,572 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have never regretted buying 8# cans. Gunpowder almost never gets cheaper or more available but I'd bet money there will be another gunpowder drought. Second is that can is all one lot.
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  • Rocky RaabRocky Raab Member Posts: 14,470 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Ambrose, I have used AmSel in the .45 Colt. It's a very clean powder and altogether fine in it, but in that large case it tends toward a bit of position sensitivity. IIRC, Universal Clays is a better choice in the grand old round.
    I may be a bit crazy - but I didn't drive myself.
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  • noyljnoylj Member Posts: 172 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Guess I need a .44 Spl, because Am. Select bombed in .45 Auto, .38 Spl, and .32 S&W Long.
    Unless you have a lot of 700X, not worth developing a load as it is discontinued last I heard.
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  • noyljnoylj Member Posts: 172 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Delete
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  • noyljnoylj Member Posts: 172 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Guess I need a .44 Spl, because Am. Select bombed in .45 Auto, .38 Spl, and .32 S&W Long.
    Unless you have a lot of 700X, not worth developing a load as it is discontinued last I heard.
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  • CapnMidnightCapnMidnight Member Posts: 8,038 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I load Bullseye in my Smith 44 specials, has done a good job for many years. If it ain't broke, don't change it.
    W.D.
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  • Hawk CarseHawk Carse Member Posts: 4,381 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The last I heard was that 700X production moved to Alliant and got a Hodgdon label while Clays went to IMR... and stayed Hodgdon.
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  • Riomouse911Riomouse911 Member Posts: 3,492 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I'm a Unique guy myself when loading .44 Spl. I have tried HP-38, Titegroup, Bullseye, Clays...I just seem to gravitate back to Unique. It's a pretty forgiving case, there are a lot of powders that work very well in it.

    So like a guy's choice of pick up being pretty much a personal thing, it's up to you to find out what works best for your gun/bullet choice/ shooting situation.
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  • redhawkk480redhawkk480 Member Posts: 2,526 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Rocky Raab
    Ambrose, it still hasn't been published. I submitted it to Handloader magazine, but they have difficulty keeping their staff writers busy and don't use many freelance articles any more.

    That's true of most magazines these days, and that's why I retired from writing. Makes not sense to spend a lot of time and money doing as much shooting as I did for that piece - with zero chance of it ever earning a check.

    BTW, the premise of the article was that with all the respect due Elmer and Skeeter, their work was almost a century ago. There have been dozens of new powders since Unique and 2400. Perhaps it's time for a new classic loading.

    I think it is, and I think I found it.


    Rocky Raab: I have a bunch of American Select, so if you have any other loads that use it and that you could share with us , would be appreciated
    Thanks
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  • Rocky RaabRocky Raab Member Posts: 14,470 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I don't have any that good. And since I have all my reloading gear and data stored away, I can't even look it up.
    I may be a bit crazy - but I didn't drive myself.
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  • redhawkk480redhawkk480 Member Posts: 2,526 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    well if you change your mind , be more than happy to see what you have
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  • SoreShoulderSoreShoulder Member Posts: 3,148 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Blue dot is great for the heaviest loads with a 240.

    The Alliant site may list some data along with recommendations of primer, case, and bullet.
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  • md8232md8232 Member Posts: 1 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Rocky Raab
    Ambrose, it still hasn't been published. I submitted it to Handloader magazine, but they have difficulty keeping their staff writers busy and don't use many freelance articles any more.

    That's true of most magazines these days, and that's why I retired from writing. Makes not sense to spend a lot of time and money doing as much shooting as I did for that piece - with zero chance of it ever earning a check.

    BTW, the premise of the article was that with all the respect due Elmer and Skeeter, their work was almost a century ago. There have been dozens of new powders since Unique and 2400. Perhaps it's time for a new classic loading.

    I think it is, and I think I found it.


    Rocky, did your article ever get published?
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  • 44pinshooter44pinshooter Member Posts: 1,051 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The .44 has always been SPECIAL to me.............
    Still kind of stuck on Unique and 2400 powders, but have the past few years with the powder dry up, been using others.
    It is a very easy round to load for.
    Rocky, would love to read your article on loads for the .44 Special.
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