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Post by lar4570 on Oct 18, 2023 12:05:21 GMT -5
Hi everybody, I'm thinking about getting a GP100 44 Special that used to belong to my late friend Wayne.
I've done some reading about various opinions on the strength of it. Some say level 2 loads, 20kpsi, some say level 3 loads, 25kpsi, some say factory level only lol.
It seems like the barrel shank is the weak link, with some guys reporting fracturned forcing cones.
I'll probably stick to 2400 for powder and most likely shoot cast bullets only.
Thoughts and opinions?
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Post by Encore64 on Oct 18, 2023 12:13:35 GMT -5
Got a friend who has one rechambered to 44 Magnum. Personally, I think this is a terrible idea. But, he's had no trouble with it.
I find the forcing cone is too thin for high pressure loads.
I generally load mine to standard pressures with Unique or Power Pistol. The second provides respectable velocity!!!
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Post by matt56 on Oct 18, 2023 19:18:07 GMT -5
That blued 5” full underlug version they released in limited numbers still haunts me, I don’t know why I didn’t order one but I didn’t and now there’s no hope of finding one
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jeffh
.375 Atomic
Posts: 1,607
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Post by jeffh on Oct 18, 2023 20:33:45 GMT -5
That blued 5” full underlug version they released in limited numbers still haunts me, I don’t know why I didn’t order one but I didn’t and now there’s no hope of finding one
I saw those on closeout for $500 once. Look at them now.
I'm puzzled at the reports of the "thin" forcing cone. I've shot Charter 44 Specials for many years and their forcing cones are thin - never a problem. Why would it be in a Ruger?
As far as load levels go, the Speer #14 Manual lists top velocities for the RCBS 44-250K a 250 grain SWC at 816 fps to 1014 fps - all under 15,500 PSI. Maybe one could push the envelope and get away with more, but what's the point?
I do not disagree that the original factory loading is a bit below the potential of the cartridge and most guns chambered for it, but I also think that anything much over 1kfps sort of justifies stepping up the the 44 Magnum, along with usually large/heavier guns.
One of the great things about the 44 Special is that you can reduce the weight and bulk of the revolver you tote and not all the loads which are still within the SAAMI spec are wimpy loads as far as performance is concerned.
I don't mean to "preach," and it's hard to express this point without making it sound that way, but I'd look at the gun I like/want and ask if it will do what I need/want and not worry about how much more it may be capable of. I can make my 44 Special Flat Top unpleasant to shoot, but that's not why I bought it. I bought it because, even with its modest velocities, it's capable of doing anything I'd ask of it and it's very pleasant and economical to shoot.
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shorty500
.327 Meteor
too many dirty harry movies created me!
Posts: 912
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Post by shorty500 on Oct 19, 2023 3:07:49 GMT -5
I thought long and hard about rechambering mine to Magnum mainly to have that extra little versatility in factory loads but I went chickensh**t because of the forcing cone cracking issues others had with hotter Special loadings and decided hey dummy you know what happened in late ‘80s when you leaned on a K-frame .357- my ppc gun barrel got set-back twice before I learned my lesson then.
I had a super accurate revolver with adjustable rear & 3 position front- 7 yard setting for .38 wadcutters, 25 yard for semi-wadcutters & similar .357 loads and finally 50 yard setting for typical 158g semi at moderate .357 levels
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Post by bigbore5 on Oct 19, 2023 3:33:23 GMT -5
I've experimented with many high pressure loads in everything from 353+ type 357mag,5-shot +p+ 44's and 45's, 50,000psi 500L, etc.. Its been informative. I even blew up two BFR's on purpose.
That said, most of my loads run 1000-1100 fps in everything. Including my favorite deer hunting 357mag and 45C loads. Thus far I have taken 41 deer with a revolver, mostly a 357mag with the Keith SWC running at 1125fps.
High pressure loads really aren't needed for the 44sp. I have used the 240swc from the 44mag at 1100fps with great results and wonderful accuracy. It's not hard to find loads for the special at the same velocities with reasonable pressure for the GP100 to live a long life.
If you want more performance than that from a similar sized gun, look at the Smith 69.
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Post by ezekiel38 on Oct 19, 2023 10:37:58 GMT -5
Power Pistol 8.0 grains and a 240-250 SWC at 960fps and 17 K pressure. Superb accuracy. This is the best 44 Spl I have ever found. Courtesy of Brian Pearce and Handloader magazine.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Oct 19, 2023 11:41:16 GMT -5
Power Pistol 8.0 grains and a 240-250 SWC at 960fps and 17 K pressure. Superb accuracy. This is the best 44 Spl I have ever found. Courtesy of Brian Pearce and Handloader magazine. I achieved nearly identical results with 7.7gr of Power Pistol and 240gr lead from a 3.5" barreled Ruger stainless in 44SP,,, got my data to start testing from a Lee Manual. Power Pistol is truly versatile and often the rated pressure is lower than a lot of other powders. |
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Post by bradshaw on Oct 19, 2023 11:42:28 GMT -5
I've experimented with many high pressure loads in everything from 353+ type 357mag,5-shot +p+ 44's and 45's, 50,000psi 500L, etc.. Its been informative. I even blew up two BFR's on purpose. ***** bugbore5.... by all means, please detail this experiment: “I even blew up two BFR’s on purpose.” * Gun(s)*Cartridge(s) * Load(s)----bullet, powder, charge, case, primer. * Damage to cylinder(s)----was more than one chamber loaded? * Damage to frame(s) * Manner of firing----hand held or remote? * Impression----noise sensation, recoil, etc. Thank you in advance, David Bradshaw |
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Post by 1chessiefan on Oct 19, 2023 18:37:30 GMT -5
lar4570,
I have a 44 Special GP100 that developed a cracked forcing cone. I shot a good number of the Buffalo Bore full wad cutters (which are not +P) and five of the Buffalo Bore 190 gr. SWCLHP rounds (which are +P) and a good number of standard pressure factory loads before the crack was noticed. Ruger replaced the barrel and my GP100 is now relegated to standard pressure factory ammunition. If it was my revolver I would only shoot standard pressure ammunition. Good luck!
1chessiefan
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Post by bullseye on Oct 19, 2023 20:27:08 GMT -5
My 5" GP full lug 44 Special went down the road unfired by me...The forcing cone was positively SCARY thin on that thing! I traded it for a very nice, lightly used 6.5" OM 41 Mag to a non shooter collector type, with fair warning included.
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Post by tentcamper on Oct 20, 2023 6:45:42 GMT -5
A couple years ago I picked up a stainless 3 inch 44 Special GP100. I found it offered used at Cabela's gun library. Had was a good price so I sat down and researched the heck out of this and very carefully looked over the gun to find nothing wrong. I pretty much only shoot 200 grain cowboy and 240 grain Skeeter loads from this and it has not developed any problems. It is a very solidly built and well-functioning firearm.
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Post by x101airborne on Oct 20, 2023 7:34:31 GMT -5
Has anyone with a cracked forcing cone actually noticed when it happened and what are the "possible" issues a cracked forcing cone could cause? I would imagine if a chunk of the forcing cone was missing it would cause lead shaving but does just a crack actually do anything? I dont know and I didn't sleep at a Holiday Inn last night.
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gnappi
.375 Atomic
Posts: 1,396
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Post by gnappi on Oct 20, 2023 10:48:05 GMT -5
I've experimented with many high pressure loads in everything from 353+ type 357mag,5-shot +p+ 44's and 45's, 50,000psi 500L, etc.. Its been informative. I even blew up two BFR's on purpose. >>SNIP<< Boy I second that for more details on blowing up "TWO" BFR's :-) |
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Post by bigbore5 on Oct 20, 2023 15:25:24 GMT -5
Neither failed until pressures were beyond anything anyone would sanely load.
Due to those that aren't sane or very bright, I don't publicly publish the pressures they failed at. But one has to remember that the 60,000 psi 500S&W passed proofing. The also 60,000psi 454C does it as a 6-shot. MRI proofs at a higher pressure than industry minimum standards.
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