Taurus 441 44 special and Skeeter loads

[whisler]

I have a Taurus 441 44 Special and like the gun a lot. I would like to consider shooting Skeeter Skelton loads (240 grain L-SWC over 7.5 grains of Unique) in it, but don't want to beat up a nice revolver. Is the 441 strong enough for frequent use of this load?

 

[Riomouse911]

That’s a pretty stout .44 Spl. load. If the Taurus 441 is a mid frame revolver you’re going to beat it up faster than if you keep the loads you feed it to the middle of the pack. Skeeter shot those in Ruger Blackhawks and other revolvers that have a reputation for being tough.

I shoot 200 gr LRNFP over 6.8 Unique in my GP 100 .44 Spl. and the recoil is noticeable but not punishing.

A large .44 mag will digest Skeeter .44 Spl. Loads all day long. If the 441 is a large frame you should be ok.

Stay safe.

 

[RKRCPA]

The Skeeter load is just a bit more than SAAMI spec, or you can use Power Pistol to get there within spec. I think the limiting factor will be your desire to go through a box in a single range session.

 

[Biblethumpncop]

I have a 3" Taurus 431. I have shot 240gr swc with 6.0gr of Unique. It let you know it was there. It shot a few inches high at 15 yards.

I loaded some 200gr RNFP with 7.0gr of Unique and that was a good load for general shooting. I also loaded 7.3gr and 7.5gr. It was the most accurate with 7.0.

I loaded 7.5gr, 7.7 and 8.0gr with 180gr XTP bullets. The 7.7 was a good compromise on wallop and accuracy.

I plan on a Skeeter load to try in my Flattop.44spl but think it wouldn't be good to shoot in the 431. No need in my book since the other loads are just fine.

 

[Buckeye63]

The Taurus is a 431 is close to a K frame size

 

[375supermag]

Hi...
In my experience, the Skeeter load is a bit more than the Taurus revolver is designed to handle.
I have one and after a few hundred rounds I needed to tighten all the frame screws.
My Lipsey's Ruger Blackhawk in .44Spl chews the Skeeter load up without complaint and asks for more.
I don't shoot the Skeeter load in my Uberti SAA clone in .44Spl either. I think it is just a bit much for the Uberti to handle without causing problems eventually.

 

[GBExpat]

... Is the 441 strong enough for frequent use of this load?

I would be surprised if it is.

 

[Riomouse911]

I was mistaken on my load numbers above, it is 7.3 gr Unique under the 200 gr RNFP. (The 6.5 is my mild .357 load for a 158 gr bullet.) I was in the garage last night and moved a box of them and I saw the charge weight on the label.

It’s a bit lighter than the Skeeter load. but it still lets you know it’s there in the GP.

Stay safe.

 

[Dave T]

Is the 441 strong enough for frequent use of this load?

More to the point, are you strong enough for frequent use of that load. I think you will find it a bit unpleasant.

YMMV,
Dave

 

[whisler]

Thanks folks. I'll just stick to more tame loads.

If I had been more conversant with S&W model #/ frame size comparisons I may have realized that the model 1950 44 special that Skeeter initially used was an N frame and thus larger and more robust than my Taurus 441.

Again thanks for keeping me out of trouble.

 

[Buckeye63]

Thanks folks. I'll just stick to more tame loads.

If I had been more conversant with S&W model #/ frame size comparisons I may have realized that the model 1950 44 special that Skeeter initially used was an N frame and thus larger and more robust than my Taurus 441.

Again thanks for keeping me out of trouble.

When this gun purchasing frenzy is over .. keep your eyes peeled for a Taurus Tracker 44 mag
A perfect candidate for stout 44spl loads ...
Which is K frame size ... 4 inch and 2.5 inch barreled versions

 

[Biblethumpncop]

Here is a picture of my 3" 431 next to my Flattop.44spl, my Colt Diamondback and Smith N Frame .357.

The Taurus is the same size as my friends Smith 696 L frame, and larger than his Smith 66. The 431 has a round forcing cone like the L frame, where the K frame has a flat bottom forcing cone.

 

[the Black Spot]

Even 7gr of unique under a 250 grainer is a good load for close range deer hunting.
My son used this load and got pass through, broad side shots on deer at around 30 yds

 

[PapaG]

I wouldn't. My loads for four different 44 range from 6 Unique to 7.5 under a very old Lyman real Keith 250. Bulldog, 6, 624, 6.5, Blackhawk flattop 7, and Super up to 9. Super gets some good 2400 loads also.

 

[Drail]

I wouldn't push that Taurus with much of that load if you plan on enjoying that gun for a long time. If you consider it to be a disposable item then go right ahead. I don't think a .44 Spl. load of that power level is really necessary for a CCW revolver. Dropping down to 6.8 to 7.0 gr. of Unique is plenty of cowbell for a .44 Spl.

 

[mnrivrat]

Personally I never think pushing the power of a load up to the high end of what a gun was built for makes for a good idea.

keep your eyes peeled for a Taurus Tracker 44 mag
A perfect candidate for stout 44spl loads

I owned a .44 Tracker and agree with Buckeye63. It is a great gun for shooting the .44 Spl. It went away to put food on the table but was the gun that pulled me away from .357 Mag to the .44 Spl cartridge. I presently shoot a Model 720 Rossi . I owned three of the Rossi's at one time. It is another great choice for a .44 Spl but not for stout loads. (although I think it would handle them fairly well).