HOT 44 Spc Loads

JamesDong · Feb 21, 2021

Did some research and found some Elmer Keith type stuff. I want to use them on my 92 rifle, 240 grain jacketed bullets.

I found 17 gr 2400 w/240 gr bullet and 19gr 2400 w/200 gr bullet using a 44 Spc case. I also have a Redhawk that I would feel safe using but I think I'll limit this to a 92 rifle which is a pretty strong action.

Has anyone here played with this formula? If they could supercharge a 44 long Colt I see no reason the same cannot be done on a 44 spc.

I have not seen any data on using W296......

ironhead7544 · Feb 22, 2021

Do a search for Brian Pearce 44 Special.

Be careful that those hot loads do not find their way to the weaker 44 Special revolvers.

I have owned numerous 44 Special revolvers from S&W, Colt, Ruger, Charter Arms and Taurus over the years. It is an excellent revolver cartridge.

The Skeeter loads goes 850 fps from a 3 inch barrel. The Keith loads goes 985 fps from the same barrel.

Biggfoot44 · Feb 22, 2021

Yes ! 17.5gr 2400 went 1200-ish from 7.5 in .

No , never did , nor heard of using 296 for such . Probably because most of the people doing such , were at least partially motivated by nostalgia to walk in Keith's footsteps .

My experience with 4227 in other Big Bore revolvers leads me to suspect it would also work well with .44spl 240- ish . Substitution by weight for classic 2400 loads will yield lower pressures , and be a good starting point .

The modern powder I'd like to experement with for this catagory is AA9 . ( There is precedent of good results with AA9 @ these pressures in the development of the .45Super .)

IronEye · Feb 22, 2021

Ditto on Brian Pierce's articles. Handloader Magazine 236 August-September 2005. Googling a bit should find a copy of the article. Also see Handloader Feb/March 2018 for 44 Special +P loads.

Please use caution if you decide to exceed SAAMI specs and be very careful that your loads do not find their way into a gun that cannot handle the extra pressure.

Magnumite · Mar 1, 2021

2400 was the Keith favorite for that application as already noted.

I imagine that rifle is chambered in 44 Magnum. Curious why would you build that heavy a load in 44 Special brass when 44 Mag brass is available? Is this the doing it for doing it sake?

JamesDong · Mar 1, 2021

Magnumite said:
2400 was the Keith favorite for that application as already noted.

I imagine that rifle is chambered in 44 Magnum. Curious why would you build that heavy a load in 44 Special brass when 44 Mag brass is available? Is this the doing it for doing it sake?

Both actually, I used to load 38 spc to near 357 with unique loads out of my Blackhawk.
Unique or Bullseye isn't nearly as adequate in the 44 Mag like it is for a 357.

When I first posted I was 44 spc rich, since then I've come across more 44 Mag cases.

I shoot 44 mag out of both rifle and Redhawk so without going full retard nuts no danger to gun or me.

Biggfoot44 · Mar 1, 2021

OR , his .44 rifle is COL limited , and he wanted to load Authentic Keith bullets crimped in the Crimp Groove .

Magnumite · Mar 1, 2021

gotcha’s. Thanks.

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