shotgun shell powder for .44 special

[skeeterdisciple]

I can't find any Unique ANYWHERE (or power pistol, universal, etc.) to load some rounds my new Ruger Flat Top in .44 Special. I have a ton of shotgun shells that I'm not planning on using and was wondering if any of you have used the powder from a basic dove/target load to make up some pistol rounds in a pinch. I'm not interested in a Keith load, just something along the lines of the Skeeter load (hence the user name).

[dmize]

Hmmmmm............
First problem to the best of my knowledge is that I don't know of any manufacturers that will identify what powder is used in their shells,regardless of rifle,pistol or shotgun.

[dale53]

Skeeter,
This is a really bad idea. Manufacturers often use non-canister powders so even if you could identify the powder, chances are it won't be of the same burning rate as the "canister" powder you can buy.

There are any number of powders that will work in the .44 Special (I have used Bullseye, Unique, Red Dot, H110, and 2400). There are others that will do just as well. Surely, if you are patient, you will find something that will work just fine.

In these perilous times, we just have to be patient.

I have been looking for primers and powder, my self so I know the frustration. I am not out, but I want to keep ahead of the game (that's why I am still shooting when you can hardly buy anything). Check every gun store you can think of including any large scale sporting goods stores. Hopefully, you'll find something shortly.

Stay safe, my friend...

Dale53

[dmize]

I will add this.
Do a search for Green Dot Loads on here
,and then buy the first pound or so you find,

[squawberryman]

Try Young's Enterprises Orange City Fla. 386-804-8562

[Cholla]

Skeeter- See if you can find AL 20/28. I began using it nearly a year ago. I substitute it grain for grain with Unique. I've done quite a bit of chronographing and found velocities to be 2.5% to 3% higher than identical charges of Unique. I bet I've burned nearly 2 lbs. of the stuff, 99% in a .44 Special, over the last year.
6.5 grs. over a 250-260 gr. SWC runs 830 - 850-ish fps. 7.5 grs. runs the same weight bullet 940-965 fps or so or very nearly identical to the "Skeeter" load. Much cleaner burning than Unique and at this point more likely to be on dealer shelves since it's a "shotgun" powder.

Cholla

[mhblaw]

Ditto on the Green Dot. Lee has some Green Dot loads for all our popular revolver calibers. I noticed our local Scheels store was our of most powders, but had 13 one pound cans of GD. I like it for 44 Special and 45 Colt. Very clean.

[skeeterdisciple]

At this point I'll take anything. Never thought about Green Dot. I'll keep my eye out. Thanks!

[WASATCH CHARLIE]

post your location/city I am sure a member can p.m. you with something!!!! really bad idea using powder from shotshells.
(As stated who knows what powder they are loaded with!! example son of a friend gave me over 100 old FEDERAL paper 12 shells he got with a gun purchase( Factory loads) I fired a few in a Mossberg and an Ithaca model 37. the TARGET shells kicked like magnums!!!! target loads ?? I just saved the # 71/2 shot and sprinkled the powder in my tomatoe garden!!!

[nolongcolt]

You might also try HS-6 which works great in this cal and gun, I have the same. 4227 is great also but slow, but it makes for nice groups.
Also this is a bit of Unique on Gunbroker. Just saw a pound on there for about 40 bucks plus 15 shipping. Thats is high but sometimes its the best we can do. I had to spring for some high buck powders earlier this year myself, especially when Varget was nonexistent.

[skeeterdisciple]

I'll check gunbroker. Thanks! I'm also in Phoenix, AZ.

[buckheart]

An old post I had book marked that listed GreenDot loads.

singleactions.proboards.com/thread/6556/question-lee

[skeeterdisciple]

Good news! Just got 2lbs of Unique!!! Woo hoo!

No need to risk blowing myself up with the shotgun she'll powder now. Thanks for all your input, everyone.