Post by tinkerpearce on Sept 19, 2017 12:15:02 GMT -5
Most of the load data for this cartridge is for the modern version of this cartridge, which is essentially a slightly shortened .44 Special with a smaller-diameter rim. Load data for this is easy to find, but for the original it's tougher, so I thought I would share my results.
The original .44 Colt- using a heel-base .451 bullet- was loaded with 15gr. of FFFg Black Powder, giving a muzzle velocity of 650fps and 207 ft/lb of energy from a 7-1/2" barrel. Not exactly a powerhouse, but it would do. Using Trail Boss's recommended procedure for developing a load using a 200gr. heel-base bullet gives a maximum charge of 7.2gr and a minimum of 5gr. After some experimentation I settled on a load of 6.5gr of Trail Boss, which I think is a reasonable approximation of the original load.
This load penetrated 1" into free-standing kiln-dried Douglas Fir 2x6. Experience has taught me that this is the equivalent of penetrating two braced 1" pine boards. Hey, old-school round, old-school testing! This is a good target load and ought to be sufficient for small game. I suppose it would be adequate for self-defense, but surely we all have better options?
Anyway hopefully this will be helpful to any of you other weirdos like me with a fascination for cartridge conversions and other obsolete stuff.
The original .44 Colt- using a heel-base .451 bullet- was loaded with 15gr. of FFFg Black Powder, giving a muzzle velocity of 650fps and 207 ft/lb of energy from a 7-1/2" barrel. Not exactly a powerhouse, but it would do. Using Trail Boss's recommended procedure for developing a load using a 200gr. heel-base bullet gives a maximum charge of 7.2gr and a minimum of 5gr. After some experimentation I settled on a load of 6.5gr of Trail Boss, which I think is a reasonable approximation of the original load.
This load penetrated 1" into free-standing kiln-dried Douglas Fir 2x6. Experience has taught me that this is the equivalent of penetrating two braced 1" pine boards. Hey, old-school round, old-school testing! This is a good target load and ought to be sufficient for small game. I suppose it would be adequate for self-defense, but surely we all have better options?
Anyway hopefully this will be helpful to any of you other weirdos like me with a fascination for cartridge conversions and other obsolete stuff.
