Hs-6...44 special

Jim Puke

Hunter
Joined
Jul 9, 2013
Messages
3,088
City & State/Province
South Georgia
I just decided to try Hs-6 in the 44 special...and maybe the 45colt. I am looking for loads in the 900-950fps range with 250gr swc for a couple of mid frame guns. Just looking around, I find very little data for this level load and I was just wondering if any of you guys have some experience in this area, that you would not mind sharing.

Thanks
 
I like 9gr HS-6 with a 250 cast SWC for around 900-925fps. Start at 8.0 and work up!
http://www.goodrichfamilyassoc.org/44_Special_Articles/Brian%20Pearce%20on%20the%2044%20Special.pdf
Brian Pearce goes to 10gr with a 255gr for an under 22,000 psi load.
Also use a 240 CAST HS-6 8.0gr for 900fps 448 ME 1.450 OAL for an acc. target load. YMMV

Fred
 
I've tested 7.0g (698fps) to 10.0g (999fps) under 240g SWC out of 5 1/2" barrel. I marked 8.5, 9.5, and 10g as accurate. If I was using the powder, I would probably go with 10.0g as I like my specials to be moving about 1000fps. Problem is, I like the Skeeter load so will only use the HS-6 load if I can not get Unique or Universal.
 
Jim:
I've found over the years for my own use, that almost *any* of the common handgun powders will give 'satisfactory' accuracy at typical range distances out to 50 yards or so. I tend to prefer larger lazily moving chunks in the 200-240g in the 925 fps give or take a bit, to remain pleasant enough to do extended matches without noisome sequelae therefrom.

Having developed severe carpal tunnel syndrome, eventually I decreased my cowboy loads from 250g 900fps, to 200 g around 750 gave tremendous increase in comfort without any downside for that particular game.

I was surprised to find any of the big bore revolver stuff I shot, would yield similar comfort/accuracy regardless of caliber, as I attenuated my recipe to my needs.

It was an interesting study to compare various powders on something other than the ideas I had learned at IHMSA 200 yard steel targets so long before.

If you ever decide to go for an even softer recoil with amazing accuracy, give Trail Boss an honest trial, in any 40+ caliber you got, throwing 200-215g down range. Not sure how close to 900fps you'll see, but for the joys of plinking 44 special/45LC/cowboy guns is hard to beat.

Of course field loads/hunting will merit a bit more boost.
 
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