44 Special +P Ruger only?

[fltbed]

Anybody worked up any +P 44 Special load besides the old Keith load? Please post your data.

Been working up loads for my stainless flattop. Thinking about taking it deer hunting this season. All the loads showed no signs of excessive pressure in my Ruger and empty cases fell out of the chambers.: WARNING above book data for 44 Special! Use at your own risk! Etc. etc.

First is the 200 gr Gold Dot with Power Pistol. Originally worked up a load of 8.2 gr for my Bulldog but they shot so nice in the Flattop I decided to see if I could get them up to around 1100 f.p.s. with Power Pistol.
The latest ladder test results
44 Special +P / new Starline brass / Fed LP primer
9.0 gr PP 1058fps ave ES 41 SD 14
9.2 gr PP 1070fps ave ES 18 SD 6
9.4 gr PP 1083fps ave ES 24 SD 9

My 50 yard target. (the flyers were me)



Second load is the Beartooth 240 gr WN loaded up to 15.5 gr of #9 (Brian Pearce data from Handloader magazine shows 16.5 gr max) but the accuracy sucked, so a friend suggested adding Puff Lon case filler.
44 Special +P / new Starline brass / Fed LP mag primer
15.5 gr #9 1114fps ave ES 101 SD 37
15.5 gr #9 + Puff Lon filler 1116fps ave ES 36 SD 12

My 50 yard target #9 + Puff Lon (again, the flyers were me)


Adding the Puff Lon defiantly worked but it’s such a pain and makes quite a mess on the loading bench. The 240 gr loads are getting a bit painful to shoot at this level, so I may end up using the 200 gr Gold Dots.

Jeff

[Encore64]

I also use data from Brian Pearce's extensive article in Handloader a few years back. Have had excellent success using that data.

The 44 Special has a very good record and seems highly regarded on this forum. Right now I have two Flattop Bisley Rugers.

Never found a reason to use any sort of filler in the shorter "special" cases.

Unique and 2400 have always worked great for me without fillers or Magnum primers.

[sixshot]

I've taken 4-5 deer with my different midframe 44 specials, sure do enjoy them. I know that every flyer I've ever had was me............ actually one time I think it was Callshot!

Dick

[zac0419]

Some good reading. A guy on castboolits set this up.

www.goodrichfamilyassoc.org/44_Special_Articles/

[fltbed]

Thanks guys. I actually have the link zac posted saved in my favorites and have read the Brian Pearce articles several times.
That’s where I got the start data for the PP & #9.

I was just wondering if anyone else has done any load work up and would post their findings.

PS. Chronoed the 200 gr Speer Gold Dot today with 9.6 gr of Power Pistol. New Starline brass & Fed 150 LP primer.
Velocity 1103 ave ES 27 SD 11
No signs of excessive pressure in my gun.
Now to try it out on deer!

Jeff

[450ak]

Eighteen grains of 4227,WLP, Starline cases runs a little over a thousand. Eighteen grains of wc820(lot47320)rem2 1/2 is almost twelve hundred in a 4 5/8s. Of course with the noe 429421. Both loads very accurate.

[bulasteve]

I'd try 2400, seems to load down better than other slow burners and may not need filler. I'd also try an XTP of similar weight if you want to stay with jacketed bullets.

[sashtr]

Hodgden HS6 works very well for me. Start about where you did with the PP.

[Aggie01]

13.0 of 2400 under a Hunter's Supply 290 LFN (nominal 300) goes about 1070 out of my Ruger. 12.0 got 977.

[diddle]

My dope --> I have tried a bunch of 44 bullets and prefer the 431250TG mold from Tom over at Accurate Molds (he makes great molds BTW). I cast them with a 92/4/4 alloy sized to 0.430" and I use White's Carnuba Red lube with Hornady gas checks. 15.1 grains of 2400 gets me 1120 fps out of my 5.5" FA97. I have shot them faster and slower, but 1100 fps seems to be a sweet spot for my revolver with this bullet. When I do my part, it will routinely shoot 5-shot groups under 2" ctc at 50-yards. As a point of reference, I get right at 1000 fps with this bullet ahead of 7.5 grains of Unique using the same revolver. Your experience with your revolvers may vary. Be careful.

[bulasteve]

John Taffins, Book of the .44 should be required reading of anyone asking such questions ! This should get you you thru until the ailment goes into remission. LOL.