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Tegun

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I just traded for a Ruger Blackhawk 44 Special with a 4 5/8 barrel and a Bisley grip. I have purchased most of the reloading tools I think I will need but have yet to reload a single round. I plan to make the 44 my first. I've shot one buck with a 44 Mag equipped with a 2X scope but now I want to address the challenge of taking one with open sights.
If anyone has suggestions for a self defense round and a white-tail hunting load I would appreciate you sharing the recipe with me so I can go shopping.
I chose the Blackhawk because I am guessing it will handle loads hot enough to hunt with.
Thanks.
 
Google "Brian Pearce and 44 Special" and a article from Handloaded Magazine comes up with a lot of 44 Sp. data in 3 different pressure levels.
I mostly shoot 240 gr. lead SWC over 7.5 grs. of BE86 with standard primers in my Ruger Flat Tops. I have also shot 240 Hornady HP over a good charge of WW296, it would work for deer.
If I wanted a load for self defense I would choose a 180 or 200 gr. HP and find a load for it, I personally would use BE86. Alliant load data list a Speer 180 JHP and 8.1 BE86 and a Fed 150 primer at 1020 FPS from a 5.5" barrel.
 
Rodll beat me to it. I immediately thought of Pearce's article.

And you're right about the Blackhawk being able to handle stout loads. Definitely what Pearce would classify as a "Category Three" revolver. Google the article. Good stuff.
 
I load 44spl really hot intended for a 44mag, not for an actual 44spl chambered gun.
Were you looking for authentic weak 15,000psi 44spl loads?
Or hot 44spl that us "44 mag only" owners load?
 
If you're individually weighing each charge Unique will be the only powder you'll ever need. From mild to plenty stout for whitetail.

You can eek a bit more FPS with 2400 and it'll measure better from a powder drop but it's less flexible if you're also interested in lighter plinking loads.
 
I don't own any 44 special specific guns but I do load 44 special for ease of shooting. I see no reason to hot rod 44 special loads when I can load 44 magnum. Plus I never mix head stamps. 44 special loads get loaded into 44 special brass and 44 magnum loads get loaded into 44 magnum brass. I avoid a lot of confusion that way. I can't see the future and never know where or who my ammo may end up with. Some times I can go a long time without shooting preloaded ammo. So I always know what I have. BTW I also number, color code and log every load I put together. Lots of work but I never have any problems.
 
I really prefer the Bisley and it has been my choice for single action. I use Titegroup for .44spl and .45 colt.
I recently purchased a Ruger Blackhawk Lipsey Bisley. For it I load 4.8gr Titegroup with a 240gr Missouri Bullet with their HiTek coating.
Very accurate.
For a defense load I use Hornady XTP.
I am going to check the article mentioned.
For my 4" 629 I use W296, the XTP, mag primer, mag load.
 
12-14grs of 2400 under a 240gr cast bullet... a SWC or other hard cast with a wide nose. Unique is good too, but noticeably milder in the hand. Is that a deer-legal load in Texas? Between the load and the iron sights, I'd personally try to keep it inside 25yds.

For a defensive load, while the above will do the job, I'd try and figure out a factory-load. CCI-Blazer did offer a 200gr JHP that shot pretty good.
 
I just recently purchased the same Ruger .44spl (not a Bisley though) as the OP and have been just been loading some light mild loads for target shooting. Want to go a little hotter and this article sure gave me some good information. Love the gun.
 
My outstanding load for plinking is a 200 gr RNFP (Like Eggleston or ACME has) over 5.5 gr Bullseye. You can go lower (4.5 or so) for less pop, but the 5.5 gr powder weight seems to work in my GP 100 and Smith 629’s.

7.2 gr Unique under a 240 gr SWC is another good load with a bit more pop. The Blackhawk should take this load in stride.

Stay safe.
 
In the Feb-March issue of handloader magazine #312 Brian Pearce did an updated article on the 3 tier loads for the 44spl using not only more bullets/modern bullets. There are also loads for heavier bullets and modern powders compared to the #236 2005 article.

I've used the 2018 article to do testing with 280gr & 300gr bullets.

FWIW:
While unique is an excellent powder for the 44cal's Pearce didn't use it in either the 2005 article nor the 2018 article for his 3rd tier (25,000psi) loads. When you start using heavy loads of unique pressures climb fast, real fast. Personally I use a lot of unique in the 44spl & 44mag. It makes excellent hunting loads. I just don't ask too much of it for either cartridge, that's why they make 2400.
 
I like Power Pistol in .44 Special. But it's for an old Hand Ejector.

Elmer Keith liked 2400 and a hard cast 245 - 250 grain SWC bullet for his .44 Special. Look in the loading manuals and get a better idea.
 
I've actually been using mostly Longshot and 800x for my .44 special loads. can't remember the charges but I'm just under 1k from my 5" gp100.
 
FWIW the new flattop 44 special is a little smaller than the New Model Blackhawk and, while strong, is not intended for "Blackhawk only" loads.
I'd stick to loads intended for SAA or Smith 25 guns.
I have one of the 44 flattops and comparing it to my Super and my Blackhawk 45 and 357s I don't see a lot of difference but the cylinder is of smaller diameter.
You should be able to push a 240-250 swc to 950 or so and shoot through most whitetails. It isn't a magnum and wasn't meant to be. Neither is my 624 even though it is a N frame.
 
Self defense while whitetail hunting? What is your threat profile? Without that info, this is too difficult to answer.

When I carried a 44 special while hunting, it was a S&W 696 loaded with 200 gr Gold Dots over PowerPistol when in town, and 240 gr hardcast over Universal while in the woods. Very cold weather carry. The Gold Dots don't need to expand if they encounter multiple layers of heavy clothing to be effective and reloads are much faster than a single action. Very compact gun, vs a 44 Magnum, and enough power to deal with two legged and four legged predators in the area, i.e. small black bears and potential for locals causing trouble - no drug manufacturers or growers.

Also, I would not hot rod the 44 Special. It just doesn't make sense.

Another thing, if you are new to reloading, please consult your manuals carefully and don't get recipes from the internet.
 
if you are new to reloading, please consult your manuals carefully and don't get recipes from the internet.

That's the thing... whatever we talk about on here, you really should look through the manuals and see where it lands in a range of published data. Also consider using a chronograph.

Any time .44Spl gets brought up, I'm one of the few who borders on Elmer Keith loads. I use a slightly lighter bullet and less 2400 than he did.
 
Self defense while whitetail hunting? What is your threat profile? Without that info, this is too difficult to answer.

When I carried a 44 special while hunting, it was a S&W 696 loaded with 200 gr Gold Dots over PowerPistol when in town, and 240 gr hardcast over Universal while in the woods. Very cold weather carry. The Gold Dots don't need to expand if they encounter multiple layers of heavy clothing to be effective and reloads are much faster than a single action. Very compact gun, vs a 44 Magnum, and enough power to deal with two legged and four legged predators in the area, i.e. small black bears and potential for locals causing trouble - no drug manufacturers or growers.

Also, I would not hot rod the 44 Special. It just doesn't make sense.

Another thing, if you are new to reloading, please consult your manuals carefully and don't get recipes from the internet.

I don't think OP's trying to turn it into a magnum. There's plenty of room between what a Charter Arms bulldog can handle and what a large frame SBH can take.

No one here has advocated launching 350gr solids @1400fps or anything approaching that. The Flattops should be able to live happily pushing a 250gr LWFN @950-1050FPS.
 
I load for a S&W M69. Yea, it's a .44 Magnum chambered revolver. But it's build on the smaller L frame. Coupled with the age factor, yup I"m an old guy and full house .44 Magnums ain't happening for me. I load "Skeeter" loads, 7.5gr of Unique under a 240g SWC, in both magnum and special cases. Here's one I shot in .44 special cases. I would shoot these in a 44 spl flattop without reservation. and would likely add a grain or two for hunting (working up of course). This load was very accurate in the smith.

Description: 44 spl 7.5g Unique 240 gr Acme SWC
Notes 1: S&W M69
Notes 2:
Distance to Chrono (FT): 10.00
Ballistic Coefficient: 1.000
Bullet Weight (gr): 240.000
Altitude (FT): 0.0
Temp: 73 °F
BP: 30.06 inHG
Shots
# FPS FT-LBS PF
5 897 428.86 215.28
4 888 420.29 213.12
3 890 422.19 213.60
2 879 411.82 210.96
1 897 428.86 215.28
Average: 890.20
StdDev: 7.46
Min: 879
Max: 897
Spread: 18
True MV: 890.20
 
I don't think OP's trying to turn it into a magnum. There's plenty of room between what a Charter Arms bulldog can handle and what a large frame SBH can take.

No one here has advocated launching 350gr solids @1400fps or anything approaching that. The Flattops should be able to live happily pushing a 250gr LWFN @950-1050FPS.

Yeah, but neither of us know that for sure, hence my comment...
 
Unique is without a doubt the most versatile powder I have used in the 44 Special. Shoots well with 180’s, 200 L, 240 lead and jacketed. As mentioned 7.5 grains Unique is a very powerful load with a 240/250 lead bullet, it is only appropriate for N frame revolvers and the Ruger Blackhawk. Much too powerful for a Charter Arms Bulldog.

Unique gives excellent accuracy from 6 ¼ grains all the way up. When I get tired of recoil I download to 6 ¼ to 6.5 grains. Shoots well.I tested a number of powders. When the in print crowd touted Universal as the next best thing, I tried that. It was clearly inferior in grouping compared to Unique. I have tired Bullseye, Red Dot, Blue Dot, 2400, AA452, AA#5, Green Dot, and I always end up with Unique. Unique has been by far the best powder in every one of my 44 Specials, which include S&W's, Taurus, Ruger, and USFA.

All of my charges are thrown on a Dillion 550B. The load of a 240/250 with 7.5 grains Unique is a classic Elmer Keith load, and Skeeter Skelton recommended it. It pushes a 240 lead bullet at 1000 fps in my Ruger Blackhawk, and that is plenty powerful, and very accurate. My Blackhawk is a very heavy and presumably, very strong pistol and I have no doubt that my load will not limit the lifetime of the firearm in any manner. But don't use this load in a Charter Arms Bulldog!.


4" M624


240 LSWC 5.0 grs Red Dot thrown, Mixed Brass CCI300
T = 64 °F 3-Mar-07

Ave Vel = 714.8
Std Dev = 24.35
ES = 95.28
Hign 778.4
Low = 683.1
N = 19

Accurate



240 LSWC 5.0 grs Bullseye Lot 6/20/05 Mixed Brass WLP
T = 64 °F 3-Mar-07

Ave Vel = 763.9
Std Dev = 16.18
ES = 60.94
High = 794.7
Low = 733.7
N = 28

very accurate, little powder residue

240 LSWC 6.6 grs Unique thrown, lot UN364 3/9/92 Mixed cases, Brass WLP
T = 70 °F 4-Apr-09

Ave Vel = 859.6
Std Dev = 21.7
ES = 77.85
High = 878.4
Low= 800
N = 10

240 LSWC 7.0 grains Unique, Midway cases, WLP (brass)
T= 45-50 °F 15 Dec 2002

Ave Vel = 902.8
std Dev = 21.49
ES = 81.76
Low = 859.8
High = 941.6
N = 33


240 LSWC 7.5 grs Unique thrown, lot UN364 3/9/92 Mixed cases, Brass WLP
T = 70 °F 4-Apr-09

Ave Vel = 965.8
Std Dev = 23.15
ES = 65.28
High = 986.3
Low= 921
N = 12

7Rexwvh.jpg

44 Spl Ruger Blackhawk 5.5"

240 LSWC 6.6 grs Unique thrown, lot UN364 3/9/92 Midway cases, Brass WLP
T ≈ 60-65 ° F 19-Apr-09


Ave Vel = 875.4
Std Dev = 25.94
ES = 109.6
High = 914.8
Low= 805.2
N = 25


240 LSWC 7.5 grs Unique thrown, lot UN364 3/9/92 Midway cases, Brass WLP
T ≈ 60-65 ° F 19-Apr-09


Ave Vel = 1001
Std Dev = 17.32
ES = 64.32
High = 1027
Low= 963
N = 27


jCqNekV.jpg

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k0MBRD3.jpg

wt3XWTV.jpg

ym1rY8s.jpg

I shoot with guys who can keep all shots in the black at 50 yards, Bullseye style, so this ain't nothing compared to them. But it is pretty good for me.

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Unique is without a doubt the most versatile powder I have used in the 44 Special. Shoots well with 180’s, 200 L, 240 lead and jacketed. As mentioned 7.5 grains Unique is a very powerful load with a 240/250 lead bullet, it is only appropriate for N frame revolvers and the Ruger Blackhawk. Much too powerful for a Charter Arms Bulldog.

Unique gives excellent accuracy from 6 ¼ grains all the way up. When I get tired of recoil I download to 6 ¼ to 6.5 grains. Shoots well.I tested a number of powders. When the in print crowd touted Universal as the next best thing, I tried that. It was clearly inferior in grouping compared to Unique. I have tired Bullseye, Red Dot, Blue Dot, 2400, AA452, AA#5, Green Dot, and I always end up with Unique. Unique has been by far the best powder in every one of my 44 Specials, which include S&W's, Taurus, Ruger, and USFA.

All of my charges are thrown on a Dillion 550B. The load of a 240/250 with 7.5 grains Unique is a classic Elmer Keith load, and Skeeter Skelton recommended it. It pushes a 240 lead bullet at 1000 fps in my Ruger Blackhawk, and that is plenty powerful, and very accurate. My Blackhawk is a very heavy and presumably, very strong pistol and I have no doubt that my load will not limit the lifetime of the firearm in any manner. But don't use this load in a Charter Arms Bulldog!.


4" M624


240 LSWC 5.0 grs Red Dot thrown, Mixed Brass CCI300
T = 64 °F 3-Mar-07

Ave Vel = 714.8
Std Dev = 24.35
ES = 95.28
Hign 778.4
Low = 683.1
N = 19

Accurate



240 LSWC 5.0 grs Bullseye Lot 6/20/05 Mixed Brass WLP
T = 64 °F 3-Mar-07

Ave Vel = 763.9
Std Dev = 16.18
ES = 60.94
High = 794.7
Low = 733.7
N = 28

very accurate, little powder residue

240 LSWC 6.6 grs Unique thrown, lot UN364 3/9/92 Mixed cases, Brass WLP
T = 70 °F 4-Apr-09

Ave Vel = 859.6
Std Dev = 21.7
ES = 77.85
High = 878.4
Low= 800
N = 10

240 LSWC 7.0 grains Unique, Midway cases, WLP (brass)
T= 45-50 °F 15 Dec 2002

Ave Vel = 902.8
std Dev = 21.49
ES = 81.76
Low = 859.8
High = 941.6
N = 33


240 LSWC 7.5 grs Unique thrown, lot UN364 3/9/92 Mixed cases, Brass WLP
T = 70 °F 4-Apr-09

Ave Vel = 965.8
Std Dev = 23.15
ES = 65.28
High = 986.3
Low= 921
N = 12

View attachment 855824

44 Spl Ruger Blackhawk 5.5"

240 LSWC 6.6 grs Unique thrown, lot UN364 3/9/92 Midway cases, Brass WLP
T ≈ 60-65 ° F 19-Apr-09


Ave Vel = 875.4
Std Dev = 25.94
ES = 109.6
High = 914.8
Low= 805.2
N = 25


240 LSWC 7.5 grs Unique thrown, lot UN364 3/9/92 Midway cases, Brass WLP
T ≈ 60-65 ° F 19-Apr-09


Ave Vel = 1001
Std Dev = 17.32
ES = 64.32
High = 1027
Low= 963
N = 27


View attachment 855825

View attachment 855826

View attachment 855827

View attachment 855828

View attachment 855829

I shoot with guys who can keep all shots in the black at 50 yards, Bullseye style, so this ain't nothing compared to them. But it is pretty good for me.

View attachment 855830
Excellent post . I have the same revolver from Ruger, just not Lipsey. Anxious to give your recommendation a try. Think I'd be alright with a Berry's plated 240gr8 flattop as long as I didn't push it too fast?
 
Excellent post . I have the same revolver from Ruger, just not Lipsey. Anxious to give your recommendation a try. Think I'd be alright with a Berry's plated 240gr8 flattop as long as I didn't push it too fast?

My experience with plated bullets is in the 9mm and 45 ACP. I remember that in the 45 ACP the plated bullets went slower than the cast for the same powder charge. I don't know what that means in terms of pressure, but I would not be concerned. I have shot many rounds of 240 JHP with 7.5 grs Unique in the 44 Special and never had a problem. As long as I was using N frame S&W's or my Ruger.

Some more data, a 240 Jacketed shot very well. Universal was mediocre and I am not buying any more of it.

240gr Magtech JHP 7.5 grs Unique thrown, lot UN364 3/9/92 Brass WLP
T = 68 ° F 14-Dec-15

Ave Vel = 990
Std Dev = 8
ES = 27
High = 1006
Low= 980
N = 12
extremely accurate


240 LSWC 6.5 grs Universal thrown, lot 4-27-11 mixed Brass WLP
T = 58 ° F 30-Dec-15

Ave Vel = 889
Std Dev = 37
ES = 129
High = 951
Low= 822
N = 18

shot low left, mediocre accuracy


240 LSWC 7.5 grs Universal thrown, lot 4-27-11 mixed Brass WLP
T = 58 ° F 30-Dec-15

Ave Vel = 1028
Std Dev = 14.07
ES = 54.23
High = 1052
Low= 998
N = 10

light leading at breech end, mediocre accuracy
 
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