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Hi:

I'm looking for data that would allow me to push a 240 grain cast bullet 950-1000 fps out of a .44 Special. The revolver is a Ruger Bisley 5 inch (the flat top model that was a limited run a few years ago). All of the recent data I've found caps out at around 850 fps. I do have a 1970s Lyman Reloading Manual that has some data in the range I'm seeking using some powders from that era, currently manufactured cans of which I have on my shelf, so if all else fails I can start there. But I'd be happier with data that isn't 50 years old.

Can anyone point me to a current source of data that will get me to where I'd like to be?

Thanks.


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Brian Pearce did an article in Handloader Magazine a few years ago. Loads ranged from mild to hot. Great Article. They may have back issues you can get. One Load in that article that should get you what you want is 8.0 grains of power pistol. I shoot this in a 4 5/8" ruger flat top 44 special. Also shoots great in my S&W 629 4". It shows to be 950 - 1000 fps in the article. Also 7.5 grains of Unique is close too. Skeeter Skelton used that load at times.

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Multiple posting of the same topic? Geez

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Originally Posted by atex350
Brian Pearce did an article in Handloader Magazine a few years ago. Loads ranged from mild to hot. Great Article. They may have back issues you can get. One Load in that article that should get you what you want is 8.0 grains of power pistol. I shoot this in a 4 5/8" ruger flat top 44 special. Also shoots great in my S&W 629 4". It shows to be 950 - 1000 fps in the article. Also 7.5 grains of Unique is close too. Skeeter Skelton used that load at times.



Issues 221 and 260.

7.5 and 8 grains of Power Pistol will definitely work well.

Byron

Last edited by byron; 05/27/20.
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I use a load of 7.5g of Unique with a 240g Semi-wad cutter. Does a pretty good job, but maybe a bit dirty compared to others.

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If you think Unique is too dirty, try the same load of Universal or 8.0 gr. of Power Pistol.


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Originally Posted by woods_walker
Multiple posting of the same topic? Geez


Wasn't sure how much traffic this forum gets compared to the Gun Writers forum.

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Well, I've got to say you received some great feedback.

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I have some 44 Special data coming (may get to post it tomorrow) I my reloading results thread that may be of interest to you.

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+1 on the Brian Pearce article. Ity is on the Internet or I can email it to you. I also like Power Pistol for the 44 special. Very accurate in my FA 97.

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Thanks very much for all of the information. You've given me enough data to play with for a good long time. I really appreciate it.

Byron:

I've got a buddy who has the complete set of Handloader Magazines. I'll get the two articles from him.

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Originally Posted by lastround
If you think Unique is too dirty, try the same load of Universal or 8.0 gr. of Power Pistol.



I have shot pounds and pounds of Unique in my 44's starting in the mid 80's. Switched to Universal when I couldn't find Unique, then the Unique formula changed and I kept using Universal until discovering Power Pistol.

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I've been loading for the .44 Magnum for about 50 yrs. I've tried a lot of powders. If I wanted to go with something that I could load from very mild to hot, I'd consider the Ramshot Line. With Competition, one can load the .44 Special down to the low - mid 700 fps. range. With a powder like True Blue one can go from mild to very warm loads like your interested in.
My old 1967 version of the Smith 29 never shot well with the old version of Unique. But it did really well with 5 grs. of Bullseye. Never shot well with the old style 2400. The new version, with standard, not magnum primers shoots quite well.
In other words, try different loads for m accuracy, etc. One of the things I've learned is a 250 gr. class bullet even at 800 fps. is a lot more potent than many realize. And the recoil and muzzle blast are far easier to tolerate than the high pressure loads many insist on. E

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9gr Power Pistol will send a 180gr XTP to 1131 fps, 10gr will run 1200 in my 5.5 inch FA for a fun plinking load, will be looking for an accurate 1000 fps with the 255gr Keith when my order gets here, whichever one provides the most accuracy, 9-10gr Power Pistol or 17-18gr 4227 will get the job.


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Originally Posted by Remington40x
Hi:

I'm looking for data that would allow me to push a 240 grain cast bullet 950-1000 fps out of a .44 Special. The revolver is a Ruger Bisley 5 inch (the flat top model that was a limited run a few years ago). All of the recent data I've found caps out at around 850 fps. I do have a 1970s Lyman Reloading Manual that has some data in the range I'm seeking using some powders from that era, currently manufactured cans of which I have on my shelf, so if all else fails I can start there. But I'd be happier with data that isn't 50 years old.

Can anyone point me to a current source of data that will get me to where I'd like to be?

Thanks.

The problem here is the forum definition of "44 special". If you keep to SAAMI, then hitting your velocity target is difficult. Your manuals are all going to stay within SAAMI.
I have a pet load using either Titegroup or Clays that will do very close to 1000fps from your 5" - but it runs about 20kpsi. Now I know that is safe in your Ruger, but is not "44 special".

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Okay 44 Special shooters, I have a load and range report from a new FA '97, just got my order of 250gr Keith cast bullets from GT Bullets, they weigh a whisker more than 255 grains on the RCBS 10-10 scale, 8gr of Power Pistol sent them to 1011 fps, 17.5gr 4227 sent them 1030 fps across the chrono, loaded up 5 each in new Starline cases, lit em with CCI-300 primers and went to the shop slab out back, sitting, braced off the inside of my left knee both loads grouped excellent.

Went back and loaded 5 more with the 4227, 5 rounds went into exactly a 2.5 x 2.5 inch group on a 5 gallon o'reilly hydraulic oil bucket, I was holding 6 o'clock on the 'R' on the bucket at 30 yards, I'm done, cant shoot any pistol better than that, I bet that load will punch clean through any deer or pig, cant wait to try it this season.


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Originally Posted by Remington40x
Hi:

I'm looking for data that would allow me to push a 240 grain cast bullet 950-1000 fps out of a .44 Special.

...

Can anyone point me to a current source of data that will get me to where I'd like to be?


Handloader 236: http://www.goodrichfamilyassoc.org/44_Special_Articles/Brian%20Pearce%20on%20the%2044%20Special.pdf

Here is a recent post from this forum: https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbt...ks-pistol-reloading-results#Post14920279

Good luck.


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7.5-8 grains of Unique. Universal also works Well. About 9 grains of N340 works also. All very good and very safe, lotta wiggle room.

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Originally Posted by Remington40x
Hi:

I'm looking for data that would allow me to push a 240 grain cast bullet 950-1000 fps out of a .44 Special. The revolver is a Ruger Bisley 5 inch (the flat top model that was a limited run a few years ago). All of the recent data I've found caps out at around 850 fps. I do have a 1970s Lyman Reloading Manual that has some data in the range I'm seeking using some powders from that era, currently manufactured cans of which I have on my shelf, so if all else fails I can start there. But I'd be happier with data that isn't 50 years old.

Can anyone point me to a current source of data that will get me to where I'd like to be?

Thanks.

My favorite ".44 Spl +P" load is a 240 gr. coated cast lead SWC loaded in a .44 Special case over 7.7 gr. of Universal. I shoot this in my S&W M-69 .44 Mag. with a 4.25 in. barrel. This gives me an average of 947 FPS. This pretty much duplicates Skeeter Skelton's favored law enforcement load of 7.5 gr. Unique for a .44 Spl. with a Keith style SWC used in his S&W M-27 or 28.


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