.44 Special

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adam12

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May 26, 2014
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I've talked (ad nauseum) about how I stopped shooting handguns for about 25 + years and how I'm back, making up for lost time.

Well, I seem to be sticking to my old favorites: .45 (acp and long colt) and .44 mag. I still have a couple .357 and .38 special guns, but all my new ones are the "big" ones.

I know there is a rabid dedication to .44 special, the calibre and the guns that shoot it. I always figured loading some soft .44 mags would give me the feel and results of a .44 special, so I never got into it.

All you .44 Special diehards out there. Could you please tell me what is so special about this caliber, how wrong I might be in thinking I can load the magnums to mirror the specials, and what revolvers you favor for this caliber?

Lately I've been getting the feeling I'm missing out on something good and I'd like to know if I truly am.

Many Thanks - A12
 
What you are missing out on is smaller framed and/or lighter weight all steel .44 caliber 6 shooters. Otherwise you can indeed do it all by down loading .44 magnums. Also if you only needed smaller or lighter .44 caliber revolvers you could find them in S&W DAs. The trouble is that misses the main point. You want new stuff to keep your reloading hobby interesting and Flat Tops have an enviable reputation for accuracy. Indulge yourself.
 
Accuracy, mild recoil, lighter revolvers. Ease of reloading consistently good ammo.
I'm not rabid about it, but I've bought more than one gun in 44SPL. Flat top Blackhawks rule for value.
 
I love .44 Magnum and I have one that I plan to have forever. But I also have two stainless .44 SPL guns made by Rossi. One with fluted cylinder, one with unfluted. Otherwise, they are twins. These are such wonderful wheelies! Not only are they fun to shoot, but they just look about as cool as they can get! I am much indebted to my best "gun nut" buddy for introducing me to the .44 SPL caliber some years back! :mrgreen:

Amistad
 
I've been a .44 Magnum shooter for decades; but the fact is the Special is more efficient, available in lighter and better handling guns, and will handle 99% of what the magnum will handle with less recoil and fuss.
 
The only real advantage to the special over the magnum is the smaller lighter and IMO better handling guns available. In good guns it is no more accurate than the magnum. Downloaded 44 mags shoot just as well as any special.

A Smith M24, a Ruger FT med frame, a FA M97, or a Colt SAA in 44 special is about perfect for pure wheel gun pleasure.

Dan
 
ADAM,
Read SIXGUNS BY KEITH, and SIXGUNS BY TAFFIN, and you will know exactly WHY the 44SPL is really SPECIAL. You will be mezmorised by it all !!
 
, how wrong I might be in thinking I can load the magnums to mirror the specials, and what revolvers you favor for this caliber?
Click to expand...
Not wrong at all. Load 8.5g of Unique under 240g bullet in .44Mag to duplicate the Skeeter load. I've not shot 'real' .44Mag loads in my Magnums for years as all you get is noise and blast ... for what? Nuther subject....

As said above the .44Special gives you smaller revolvers that do 99% of all work that most people need done.... So why .44Mag? That is the question I asked myself. Accuracy is the same across the board no matter what caliber, if equipment and loads are up to par. Smaller cartridge means less powder for same velocity. Win Win.
 
I was a die hard .44 magnum shooter for two decades, then it finally dawned upon me that I never actually shot full power .44 magnum loads.

Sure it is nice to have the option to do so, and I did carry heavy loads when backpacking in bear country, but when Ruger ( FINALLY!! ) started making .44 specials I couldn't resist.

I actually sold off my .44 magnum Boat Anchors in favor of the smaller framed guns.

My 3-3/4" Sheriffs model .44 special isn't a lightweight ( steel grip frame, don't ya know ) but it is handy enough that I often wear one in town. I seldom wore my .44 boat anchors in town, it was just to big.

'Been playing with the .44 special for a little while now and I've fallen in love with my pet load, a 200 grain flat nose round point bullet from a Lee mold powered by 7 grains of Unique. This is good for a solid 1,000 fps outta my short barreled guns!
That's something like 444 foot pounds of energy for very little powder.

I've tried the 240 grain bullets with 7.5 grains of Unique and just don't care for it.
More recoil and surprisingly less velocity outta my guns.

I used to shoot allot of 7 grains of unique and 240 grain bullets outta my .44 magnums.
It sure was a mild load, and when I got a chronograph I found it also had surprisingly inconsistent velocity.

With the .44 special I get much more energy out of the same amount of powder, and I'm seeing much more consistent velocity.

I guess it boils down to less case capacity + same powder charge = more velocity. Plus smaller, easier to tote guns.

I want a Charter Arms revolver and Bond Arms derringer in .44 special next!

If you shoot full power stuff, stick with the magnum. You can certainly hot rod the Special a bit, but if it's a magnum you wanna shoot, buy a magnum.

If you don't handload, you probably shouldn't bother with the .44 special.
Ammo costs will bankrupt you and you'll never realize the full beauty of this "special" calibration.
 
Jim - Often times, I really like your posts. But this one was anemic and poverty stricken. Aside from which, it makes no sense.

An honest inquiry about a caliber I never had been exposed to. And that simple inquiry is not entitled to an answer because it was asked? Don't try to be a colorful, mysterious enigma. You can't pull it off.
 
adam12 said:
Jim - Often times, I really like your posts. But this one was anemic and poverty stricken. Aside from which, it makes no sense.

An honest inquiry about a caliber I never had been exposed to. And that simple inquiry is not entitled to an answer because it was asked? Don't try to be a colorful, mysterious enigma. You can't pull it off.
Click to expand...

I agree, it was wasted on you...in this case.

Like I said, ya' prolly wouldn't understand.
 
What you are missing out on is smaller framed and/or lighter weight all steel .44 caliber 6 shooters.
Click to expand...

And fives shots like my S&W M296 Airweight Centennial. L frame. 18.5 ounces empty. Carried it for like 10 years.

S&W made the M624. Which really never did anything for me since I could just buy a M629 Mountain Gun and shoot the lighter loads there. Both full size N frames with tapered barrels.

But you can go smaller and lighter and that's when it makes sense. I love the OM .357 Magnum Blackhawks converted to .44 Special. I have several now. (Plus one recent acquisition in .41 Mag.) The guns are nice handy belt guns and have all the power I will ever need.

And beyond the real practical differences and utility... some of us gravitate to the .44 Special because of the history of the round. And because it gets boring to be like everybody else. If I'm looking at Italian 1873 clones and end up finding two that are really nice... exactly the same... except.... one is .45 Colt and one is .44 Special, I'll end up with the .44 Special. I don't need still another gun in .45 Colt but somehow .44 Special always gets through my defenses.

Gregg
 
To me, downloading a .44 Mg. to .44 Sp. levels is a little like driving a semi tractor back and forth to breakfast.....not very efficient. 8)
 
Because a mid-frame .44Spl handles like a dream, is light & nimble in the hand. Whereas .44Mag's tend to be much heavier and less svelte. Like the difference between a thoroughbred and a draft mule.

Custom Ruger flat-top comes in at a svelte 37oz
IMG_7120e.jpg


The best handling sixgun of all time, a 4¾" SAA (39oz USFA):
IMG_2983b.jpg


The big 45oz Bisley is clunky by comparison:
IMG_2943b.jpg


The real question is, why do I want a heavy .44Mag that can launch a 355gr at 1200fps when all I need is a 250gr at 950fps?
 
Lots of folks overlook the BLackhawk convertible with the 45ACP cylinder. That'll give you 230 gr HP at subsonic velocities all day long. With negligible recoil. And factory ammo (available everywhere).
 
Howdy!
I'm not concerned about finding a medium frame platform that shoots a big bore caliber; it's the caliber itself that I'm enjoying now. I started over 15 years ago in cowboy action shooting, using Ruger Vaqueros in 44 mag and shot either 44 specials or 44 mag brass loaded to light 44 special levels. After a few years, I went over to 45 colt as I thought it more period correct (45 colt-1873, 44 spec-1907). I then went into 44-40 and even 38-40; smokeless and BP. Recently I decided to step back and take another look at light 44 specials, as recoil has become a greater concern. I realized 44 special was easier to download than 45 colt (easier to find published light loads; using less powder and lighter bullets than light 45 colt), and easier to hand load than 44-40 or 38-40. I'm finding light 44 specials a real pleasure to load and shoot in my Ruger Vaqueros!
 
I shall never divulge that information, nor will I show you any of the secret signs, or handshakes. :wink: I will reveal, anyone claiming to get the same results by down loading a 44 magnum has never shot a 44 special or is blowing smoke up a dark place. :roll: The only way one can gain this knowledge is by experience. The proof of this is the fact volumes have already been published by experts and you still feel the need to ask this question. :shock: The answer lies in your ability to go forth and purchase or borrow one and shoot it until the awareness is chiseled on your heart. :arrow: Now, please replace the rice paper as you leave to start your journey. :P
 
I like the 44 Special for several reasons that have already been noted. First off the 44 Special has enough performance to address all of my practical needs. The platform can be sized just right for the cartridge and it packs well. Elmer Keith and Skeeter Skelton introduced me to the round via their writings and that brings back good memories. Not the only caliber I favor but consider it very useful.

 
I have a Charter Arms Bulldog SS with 2.5 inch barrel, that weighs 20 oz. I load up 240 gr lswc over 14 gr 2400. It shoots accurately, and carries easily in the woods. I would love Ruger to make a 44 spcl on the SP platform.
gramps
 
I like 44 Special a lot it is a great round IMO. I don't reload so always on the look out for it . Wish there was more factory ammo for it in hotter versions.

Seems to have about the power of 45 ACP in most factory loadings.

More steel around the charge holes in a 44 VS a 45.

I would like to see a revivial of it, more revolvers in it and more factory ammo.

Try it pretty sure you will like it.
 
Well, I'm pretty sure I'll like it too! I've got a 4 5/8" barreled Ruger that is based (or was overstock?) on the Lipsey's runs, right down to the turning of the barrel so the legal script is on the bottom of the barrel. It's built and finished really well, so I dropped a line to my supplier and said "yes" to the other one he has, which happens to be the next serial number consecutively. I know some folks go nuts over consecutive serial numbered firearms - I'm not one of them - but I DO go nuts over a nicely put together firearm.

I've even gone so far as to make a sucker move and order a new copy of John Taffin's "Book of the .44" for $169!!!!!!!!!! That's what they're going for, so it better be good!

I'm looking forward to exploring this new cartridge. It's exciting to be doing so at the age of 60, long after my pistolero salad days which "ended" up with me feeling the .45 long colt my overall favorite cartridge. But now the 4 Colt SAA's are gone and the only .45 colt's I own are a Ruger stock 71/2" Bisley and a nice 5 1/2" barreled stainless (my first!) Ruger Bisley from Williams Distributors. I am thinking of sending the stock Ruger to one of the supermen who specialize in customizing revolvers of this ilk.

Unlike a lot of people who have their revolvers customized I'm seriously thinking of keeping the barrel to 7 1/2". Why? I like the sight radius and it will still fit my El Paso Slim Jim Holster (!). I realize how silly the second reason might seem, but hey, I've got an El Paso belt and 3 holsters, all floral carved, that are in NIB condition from over 20 years ago. The tough part is it looks like I'll have to replace my Colt SAA's to use the two shorty holsters. I thought the Ruger .44 special would fit until I had it in hand anad saw that sight skyscraper. No way! Oh well, one more thing to order from Doc Barranti.

Please, if anyone has any experience with customizers and keeping a long barrel ontheir dream revolver please chime in. Or for whatever reason, I enjoy the contributions of this board's members immensely, even when it looks like I don't.
 
My favorite round. Back in the '70s I had plans to have a Blackhawk 357mag converted to 44 Special. I already had a 3" Bulldog and Skeeter had cast his spell over me. Money became a problem and the dream drifted away. A few years ago Lipseys and TALO brought the dream back and I found myself the proud owner of a stainless 4 5/8" .44 built on the mid-sized frame. I own Colts, Kimbers, Glocks, and various other handguns but this is my favorite of all of them. It is the most accurate handgun I possess and it is the most fun to shoot.
My only problem is I have Mernickle holster and I am not really comfortable with it. What holsters do you guys have?
 
adam12 said:
Well, I'm pretty sure I'll like it too! I've got a 4 5/8" barreled Ruger that is based (or was overstock?) on the Lipsey's runs.
Click to expand...

They are a Ruger regular production model now.

Cool! I bought a 4 5/8" 44 Flat Top and had to buy another matching it as well.
 
davidj said:
My favorite round. Back in the '70s I had plans to have a Blackhawk 357mag converted to 44 Special. I already had a 3" Bulldog and Skeeter had cast his spell over me. Money became a problem and the dream drifted away. A few years ago Lipseys and TALO brought the dream back and I found myself the proud owner of a stainless 4 5/8" .44 built on the mid-sized frame. I own Colts, Kimbers, Glocks, and various other handguns but this is my favorite of all of them. It is the most accurate handgun I possess and it is the most fun to shoot.
My only problem is I have Mernickle holster and I am not really comfortable with it. What holsters do you guys have?
Click to expand...

For my money, the holster for that Ruger is listed in the classified here:

http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=213163
 
I sold all my 44 mag revolvers, even my large frame 45 Colts. I have a med frame flat top Bisley in 44 Special now, and a Montado in 45 Colt. I figure if I need a big bore "magnum" the 480 Ruger SRH will do the heavy lifting just fine. In the mean time, I'll be enjoying 250's at 900 fps. 8)
 
Wow, Nice going "grasshoppa" . Taffin's "Book of the 44" is an excellent choice. John is a proponent of the 7&1/2" barrels on his personal guns and shoots them when he is engaged in Cowboy Action Shooting. Keep your EPS holsters you may find a Vaquero someday and be glad you did. My favorite customizer is Alan Harton in Houston, tx. If you have deep pockets you can't go wrong with Hamilton Bowen in Crossville, tn. We are lucky to have others that also do good work, I just haven't used them so can't comment. Looks like we may have to rethink the secret word and handshake thing since your able to walk on the rice paper now. Congratulations on your chosen path. :D
 
The Prisbrey Report, Volume 2014-2, Ruger, Lipsey's, And The .44 Special.
Amazon Kindle book.
Mentioned it before, but since this thread keeps on going....

Covers history of the caliber, both Ruger mid-frame versions (standard & Bisley), their origin, how Lipsey's comes up with their specials, hot BB loads with chronograph & energy figures compared to standard commercial loads, and five holsters.

Kinda helps explain what's "special". :)
Denis
 
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