The last in-depth article I wrote for Handloader has not been published five years after I submitted it. I'm going to guess that it won't ever be.
So, I'm offering it here for anyone who'd like to read it. Shoot me a PM with your email and I'll reply with the article, the load table, and the photos. I ask only that it not be re-posted anywhere else, as it is copyrighted.
The premise of the article is that things have come a long way, propellant-wise, since Elmer and Skeeter's days. So I tested 12 new powders under six different bullets in two guns.
And found one load that works with everything.
Caveats: Powders can and do change. Load data from the factories can, too. So treat my findings with the caution deserved.
Wow. LOTS of requests. I gave up doing single emails and went to batch send. Stand by, you'll all get it.
Another PM headed your way. Thanks much.
Best Regards
Since retirement I have zero need for MS Office so a no go yet here...
Another PM sent.
This should keep you busy and off the streets for a while.
PM sent Rocky. Thank You!
I got the email out to the two dozen or so who remembered to include their email address. If you asked but didn't get it, that's why.
Requests continue to come in, and I'll get to those later today.
interesting article, too bad it didn't get printed.
use of power pistol was of interest to me.
i have loaded that in the .45acp 200 gr flying ashtray, at similar velocities.
I have a skeeter s&w model 27, converted to 44special with a six inch barrel. It should clock some of those loads right around 1000fps, which turns it into something else other than with factory ammo.
also a 696 which i am fond of. The accurate powders are something one grows to love real quick with their metering qualities.
few years ago in a going out of business sale, i got about a 1000hornady swaged 240 grain bullets. These have that funky checkering on the side and a wax coating. they fly fine, but velocities have to be kept way down, think they are real soft lead.
Pierce had an article on the 696 a few years ago. They can take beyond that 14psi figure for 44special. And i was thinking of my model 27 conversion. Since it was designed for 35psi loads in 357magnum, it should be able to take a lot more pressure if wanted too.
but i am kind of convinced for the great majority of uses, 240grains or thereabouts at about 1000 to 1100fps solves most problems without the magnum attached. Thus the interest in the .41special.
as to using that lee bullet with alox. It works fine, but arizona is arizona, and alox in arizona is messy. I have a few molds and do once in a while use alox, when i don't feel like sizing the bullets. But once loaded, i go back with alcohol and wipe the exposed lead free of alox to avoid a gunky mess.
Just read the article. Good job. Thanks.
Excellent and informative tread, Rocky. I also love the .44 Special, and load a lot with Titegroup.
Caught up with sending.
Thanks for the kind words, all.
Wow. LOTS of requests. I gave up doing single emails and went to batch send. Stand by, you'll all get it.
...what did you expect...there are hundreds of .44 Loonies over here...
Great loading data...really too bad that it was not published.
And thanks for your .41 Special information also...
Bob
Id like to have a copy of it also ! PM sent!
Thanks again for the download. Just completed reading it - lots of good info!
Thank you Sir! Great info.
Another 44 Spl fan here! I'd love to have your article too, please.
Rocky, thanks again for the article & data. Very informative and much appreciated.
Best Regards,
One of the Unwashed Gazillion.
RockyRaab:
I have sent a private message to ask for a copy of your .44 Special loading and shooting article. Thanks for your generous offer!
TwentyTwo
Thank you again for your kind offer.
PM sent.
Best wishes
Stephan
Rocky, thank you for sharing your article, photos & load data. Very helpful. Difficult to believe it wasn't accepted for publication. Maybe another magazine would consider it as it definitely represents an update on the 44 Spl.
Thanks for the kind words, all.
I have no interest in submitting that piece anywhere else for a variety of reasons. So y'all enjoy it. And do try that 6.0 AmSel load with your bullet of choice.
The last in-depth article I wrote for Handloader has not been published five years after I submitted it. I'm going to guess that it won't ever be.....
The same thing happened to me when I wrote for Dave. He published most I submitted, albeit sometimes after a year or so. But he still has two I submitted over 15 years ago. One (of many) reasons I stopped submitting manuscripts to
Handloader or
Rifle.
.
Got the email with your article. Much appreciated. miles
Received your article. I appreciate the information and your research.
I finally got around to reading it last night. Good stuff.
Thanks again.
Dave.
Thanks for sharing - great information.
Plz send to
[email protected]. Thanks
Thank you, Rocky, indeed a very good article.
I've been watching for American Select for 3 or 4 years now without success.
Got mine also A Big Thanks!
Thank you for this interesting article!
I received the article. Thank you.
I sure would also like to see your article on the Special
Rocky Raab:
I have received and I have read your article about loading for the .44 Special. Thank you!
Rocky Raab:
I too have received and I have read your article about loading for the .44 Special. Thank you!
Rocky, Thank you for the article, I found it very informative.
Article by RockyRaab and about the 44 SPL . . You bet I will be sending a PM.
Glad I did not pass over handgun section this morning.