Range report .44 spcl

[gramps]

I am running low on 2400, so I used Red dot for some .44 spcls to shoot from my Charter 2000 bulldog pug. 240 gr Hornady LSWC lubed with Johnson Paste wax, over 5, 5.5 and 6.0 grs of red dot using cci 350 primers and Corbon brass, 1.5 iches OAL. All shot low, and key holed, no leading. Then I shot one 165 gr jhp corbon. In comparison to the others it sounded like a .44 mag. Ha ha. Anyway I am going to see how far up I can go with the red dot. May try some H-4227 that I have on hand. I had fun. Also tried some .44 mag/spcl shot shells. They were a bit long for the bulldog so I pushed down on them with my finger and got them flush with the cylinder. Nice patterns at 7.5 yds.
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[gramps]

So I loaded up some more cartridges. This time I used 15 grs of 2400 under a hornady swaged lswc 240 gr lubed with JPW(remember this is for a Charter 2000 bulldog pug .44 spcl 2.5 inch barrel). Wow lots of smoke (JPW burning?)almost like black powder. at 15 yds accuracy was acceptable(kept em all on an 8x11 sheet). Shot 6 of them from the Ruger Redhawk accuracy much better . The Charter had a lot of unburned powder problably 3-5 grs all total from 10 cartridges. Gonna load some more for next week.
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[gramps]

double post
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[Chuckbuster]

hate to suggest the obvious but if the SKEETER load don't shoot......

 

[gramps]

chuckbuster, I don't follow your line of reasoning! Please elaborate. I am thinking of using 200 gr lswc and see if that works better in the charter.
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[steve b]

My Bulldog used to love the 225gr Speer HP, but they discontinued it. Loaded it over 7grs of Unique. Am now playing with Penn 185gr FWC's and some 205gr RNFP's. All on 7grs of Unique. I don't care to push this little gun any harder. steve b

 

[Donaldjr1969]

Gramps, not sure how well it would shoot in your Bulldog, but I have a load that is exceptional in my 7½" barreled Super Redhawk. I use a 240g Rainier plated flat point over 4.7g Titegroup. I forgot to measure the group but it was one ragged hole at 10yards.

 

[Rclark]

Keep within .44Spec SAMMI pressures with the Bulldog... The Skeeter load is not one of them (7.5g of Unique under 240g bullet). My bulldog likes the 200g bullets better to POA then the 240g bullets.

 

[EDK]

I wouldn't get too brave loading a CHARTER BULLDOG or S&W 696/396. The gun MIGHT be safe, but the recoil would be excessive in those light weights.

MIHEC and NOE both have group buys for full wadcutter 44 moulds over at castboolits web site. Use that more efficient short range design and a controllable load of TITEGROUP, RED DOT or HP38/231; HERCO or UNIQUE might also be good choices. I'm experimenting those powders in Original Size VAQUEROS or a 629 for an accurate and inexpensive load with low recoil; so far all of them have been good.

 

[gramps]

I am not real interested in full wc. I am looking for 200 gr lswc locally, but still no success. The recoil of the Bulldog with corbon 165 gr is about like a sp 101 with .357 full magnums. Not a problem for me. Already tried Red dot with the 240 lswc. Will try it again with the 200 gr. I want a bullet running about 950 fps and accurate at 20 yards.
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[Chuckbuster]

Sorry, I forgot about this thread.

I have never seen a 44 Spcl that did not shoot the "Skeeter" load, 7.5 UNIQUE with a Lyman 429421 or equivalent well.

I have some 190 SWC that I shoot with 10.0 UNIQUE in my Blackhawk.

Many seem to like UNIVERSAL in place of UNIQUE, cleaner burning etc. I have stayed with UNIQUE, the newer stuff is not that bad, especially with a good lube. Probably need about a grain less of Universal to match Unique. HS-6 is also a possibility.

Standard disclaimer applies, these loads safe in my firearms, start low and work up etc.

 

[WESHOOT2]

A steady diet of warmish loads will increase wear and decrease service life of the Charter Arms.

If intending to shoot in quantity recommend finding load data in the "Cowboy" sections.

 

[SAJohn]

A steady diet of warmish loads in a Bulldog will increase wear and tear on you. Even when equipped with rubber bumpers.

 

[Rclark]

As said above, I would not use the Skeeter load in my Bulldog... Those cylinder walls are 'thin'! Plus the gun doesn't look like it is made to be 'hammered'.... I'd stick with the basic SAMMI .44Spec loads found in your reloading manual only. Recoil wise, even the high end 'normal' loads are 'stiff' in the 21oz Bulldog. Now, In my .44Spec BHs .... fine. Know nothing about S&Ws, so can't comment on that line of revolvers.... Anyway, that's one man's opinion .