Smith 696 .44 Spc HANDLOADER article

[sonny]

In my earlier post concerning my 696 cast loads, I've spoken about Brian Pearce's outstanding article in an older issue of HANDLOADER. I think I paid Wolfe Pub $8.00 plus shipping. It was well worth it. I cannot ethically reproduce it here, but I can tell you what it has to offer.
I have previously mentioned that he classifies various makes and models into three "pressure groups" up to 25,500 psi, and lists many specific load recommendations, using seven specified and different cast bullet weights, specific revolvers used, primers, cases, that fall less than, or equal to, that pressure max. Seventeen different powders are used. Each revolver has its own list of loads.
The article is ten pages long, 8 1/2 x 11" format. "Category One" (15,500 psi or less) lists 32 loads (two revolvers, Triple-Lock and FA mod 97), nine powder choices, bullets weights from 200 through 255 grains. These bullets partially include specific models of HP's, cast rd-nose, Keith, Gold Dots, Hornady, Lyman etc., velocities ~800fps-almost 1100 fps).
Category Two lists 46 different load recipes, using the mod 97 and a Colt SAA. Similar bullet weights, powders, velocities from 933-1184 fps. This category at 22,000 psi or less.
Category Three has 19 loads, max velocity (200gr) was 1,254 fps, using FA 97(4 1/4" bbl) and Smith 24-3 (6 1/2") from 200 grains through a 307 gr cast SWC @ 1,057 fps.
This data comes from Wolfe Pub Co, Prescott, Arizona, telephone # is 800-899-7810. I spoke with Melinda (several times, nice lady).
How can you live without this information? This is one of the great values of our times.
Sonny

[sonny]

I was asked where my load data fit in, with respect to Brian Pearce's data. So....here it is.

Basically, my loads achieved Category Two.

My 2400 loads maxed out in Category Two: at 22,000 psi or less.
My Unique loads did the same: Cat Two.

HS-6 loads came in low, well under Cat Two. This is one powder I will be working up in the future, or switching to HS-7.

My loads with H-4227 came in just under Cat Two.

Power Pistol ran higher than Cat One, but Brian Pearce did not use that powder in any loads higher than 8 grs in 255 cast. Mine ran 9 grains.
My W231 loads were wimpy, right at Cat One, 15,500 psi or less.

So, my friends, what changes do we see when we get to the big banana?...the Category Three:
The bullets are still basically the same, with one addition of a real thumper, a 307 grain SWC driven to 1,057 fps. I see that Brian has switched powders at this point to liberal use of H-110 and AAC-7. He now uses HS-7 in place of HS-6. Still plenty of 2400 in this group. Also, a tiny bit of H-4227 and Blue Dot get a spot in the top category.

Cat Three is the speedy group, with 19 loads listed for each gun: FA97, 4 1/4" and Smith 24-3 with 6 1/2" bbl. The bullet velocities for the 250-255 gr cast are all around 1125 fps or so. The 200-220 grain bullets generally exceed 1200 fps. And then there is that 307 gr SWC that humps along in both guns at 1,058 fps.

Brian Pearce discusses the various bullet designs used in great detail, the powders, cast versus jacketed, bore and groove diameters and its relationship to accuracy, and bullet moulds and where to get them.

In addition, Brian answers some questions concerning ".45 vs .44" within this same magazine.
Anyway, this is something that any and all .44 Special aficionados should hasten to bring to their library.

I still have work to do within the Category Three. Most of my previoius loads were Cat Two.

Sounds like fun to me.
Sonny

[boxhead]

Yes that is a very good article.

[brionic]

Thanks Sonny. Good stuff!

[Chip]

What is the month and year of this mag? Thanks!

[sonny]

This data comes from Wolfe Pub Co, Prescott, Arizona, telephone # is 800-899-7810. I spoke with Melinda (several times, nice lady).Some loads based on the .44 Special article by Brian Pearce,
in Handloader magazine #236, August 2005, by Wolfe Pub. Co.
The link for my loads is:
smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/114336-smith-696-3-barrell-hard-cast-bullet-loads.html
Sonny