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Post by Encore64 on Mar 23, 2024 21:39:58 GMT -5
I'm not so quick to call this The Skeeter Skelton Load. I've read he, in fact, got the load from Elmer Keith. It's more accurately described as Skeeter's favorite 44 Special Load.
I know the load is listed in my Autographed 1937 Phil Sharpe Manual. Worth noting it was published when Skelton was 9 years old.
While we're accustomed to the internet and instant communication, it wasn't always that way. Many time we know who was first to write about such matters, usually it's history is not fully known.
Any way you decipher history, this load works.
Tried it with two bullets in my FA97 44 Special today.
240 grn Missouri Coated SWC @ 1025 fps
265 grn Gardners Coated GC SWC @ 975 fps
I'll likely inch up to 8.0 grn behind the latter bullet. I'd like to get 1025 fps from it. This will do most of my handgun needs in the best packing pistol that can be imagined...
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Post by Encore64 on Mar 24, 2024 6:55:05 GMT -5
To get better data on this gun, I slugged the barrel last night.
It came in at .4285". Most, if not all, FA Barrels are a little tight which makes perfect sense.
These guns are top of the heap and everything about them are well thought out.
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Post by rjm52 on Mar 24, 2024 7:56:32 GMT -5
5.5" barrel...?
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Post by Encore64 on Mar 24, 2024 8:06:19 GMT -5
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Post by Encore64 on Mar 24, 2024 10:17:02 GMT -5
Strange...I went to 8.0 grn Unique behind the Gardners 265s and velocity dropped from 975 fps to 955 fps.
I'll probably stick with the 240s...
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Post by kevshell on Mar 24, 2024 10:22:28 GMT -5
I run 7.5 gr of unique behind a 240/250 gr cast in my FA 44 Special and my Ruger 44 Specials. It has pop, it's accurate and works in every revolver I put it in. It just works. That 44 special is one of my favorites.   |
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pleadthe2nd
.327 Meteor
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Posts: 884
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Post by pleadthe2nd on Mar 24, 2024 10:22:54 GMT -5
I agree Huey, I went back to 240, after trying 260's, just performed better
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Post by Encore64 on Mar 24, 2024 11:40:05 GMT -5
Could easily switch to a slower powder and get increased ballistics. But, I want to stay with Unique because I have so much of it.
I've got several brands of SWCs, all coated. May see how different ones react...
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Post by mhblaw on Mar 24, 2024 20:35:37 GMT -5
I had a FA 97 5.5” in 44 Special. Nice gun Shot good, but the grip frame and my hand were not compatible. So, it went down the road…
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Post by Encore64 on Mar 25, 2024 16:35:41 GMT -5
The FA97 is not easy to master. But, like most difficult tasks, it's also the most rewarding.
Much like rifles, weight differences matter. A 16# Bench Rest Rifle is most definitely easier to group than an Ultra Light Hunting Rifle.
Switching bullet weights affects a light revolver more than it does a heavy revolver. Dwell time definitely causes the light gun to rise more.
I went from testing a BFR 357 Magnum to a FA97 41 Magnum. There were few similarities between the two revolvers.
They're definitely not for everyone...
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Post by kevshell on Mar 25, 2024 16:58:39 GMT -5
It's funny you say that. That 44 special above is quite easy for me to shoot. I also have a 327 that is super easy to make good hits with. When it comes to the 45 and the 357 I don't know whether it's the gun, the load or me but it's just not the same as with the 44 and the 327. I'm determined to get that 357 to shoot good. And the 22 is another one easy to make hits with. I just need to solve the Rubik's cube that is the 357 and 45. I even bought a red dot mount and holster to toy around with that on top of the 45. Just haven't put it all together yet. I really like the 97 but it's funny how you pick up the 83 and it just feels right in every way. Except for the weight but that's okay when you're shooting what it's chambered in.
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Post by Encore64 on Mar 25, 2024 17:11:39 GMT -5
I had difficulty when I first got into the 97s. But, refused to give up.
You're right, the 83 and other larger guns are definitely easier to shoot.
The less a gun weighs, the easier it moves with trigger pull, overtravel, etc. Personally, I find the Overtravel Screw a blessing on these guns.
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Post by kevshell on Mar 25, 2024 17:19:41 GMT -5
It's hilarious to pick up a 97 45 Colt and then pick up the exact same configuration in 22. The 22 feels like it has the same heft as a model 83 but in a '97. When you compare the two, that 45 had a lot of metal removed compared to the 22.
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Post by bigbore5 on Mar 25, 2024 18:19:01 GMT -5
It's hilarious to pick up a 97 45 Colt and then pick up the exact same configuration in 22. The 22 feels like it has the same heft as a model 83 but in a '97. When you compare the two, that 45 had a lot of metal removed compared to the 22. You should try my son's combo, both 83's, a 555 (50ae) 4" and a 22lr 9"! |
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ray
.240 Incinerator
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Post by ray on Mar 25, 2024 19:16:33 GMT -5
The fa 97 44special was the most accurate gun I've ever owned.
I got to were I could shoot it inside 3/4 inch at 25 yards.
Then when I'd go back to my rugers for some reason I couldn't shoot them as well as I once could it was strange.
I got way more rugers so I sold the 97
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