Favorite .44 special load

[Walt]

The Skeeter load of 7.5 gr of Unique behind a 240 gr lead bullet is a fine, moderately warm load at around 1,000 fps. However, my favorite is 7.0 gr of Power Pistol behind almost any 240 gr lead bullet. I have half a dozen .44 specials in Smiths and Rugers with barrel lengths from 3" to 6 1/2" and this load does better than any other I've tried.... about 860 fps and 5 shot standard deviations of less than 5 fps. It works for me.

[Bob Hatfield]

I only have one 44 Special. A classic Bulldog. I use the Lee Tumble lube 240 grain semi-wadcutter over 5 grains of Bullseye. Seems like it Chrono's about 725 fps. Shoots to the point of aim and accurate enough to knock over the falling plates at 50 yards.
Bob

[Scott Tschirhart]

I use the Skeeter load almost exclusively. I use a 250 gr Keith though . I get 950 fps in my guns. Some a bit slower.

If I were loading for a Charter Arms I probably would load a 240 gr bullet over 6 gr Unique.

[Old Savage]

There are a very wide range of loads that work very well in a 44 Spl at 44 Spl velocities say 750 - 1,000 fps. No particularly special or secret loads are necessary. Almost anything Bullseye to 2400 will work well.

[JimT]

There are a very wide range of loads that work very well in a 44 Spl at 44 Spl velocities say 750 - 1,000 fps. No particularly special or secret loads are necessary. Almost anything Bullseye to 2400 will work well.

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[Scott Tschirhart]

I think I stick with the Skeeter load because it is near the top of where I am really comfortable in a light gun. I’ve tried really powerful loads with 2400 and I can see a significant increase in performance but the fun factor comes down considerably.

[Rube Burrows]

The Skeeter load has been my go to for a while.

[Old Savage]

I tried 2400 from 11.0 - 17.0 in one grain increments except for a stop off at 12.5 which turned out to be the most accurate. I prefer them about 800 fps. Offhand with a S&W Model 24.

[Walt]

Nice group, Fred!

[Bronco]

300gr gc LBT LFN over 5.5 grs of WST about 750fps out of 7.5" barrel

[Walt]

I'm not implying that my load is the best load or even that it's the most accurate, just that it's my favorite.

Almost all my shooting is done on public land at steel gongs going up a hill from about 40 yards to about 65. The mess that dadgum shooters leave is an embarassment and a shame but the next nearest place is quite a distance away.
Our nearest gong is 10" in diameter, the farthest is 9" and we compete to see who can hit the most 5 out of five shots for all the gongs on a given day.

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My shooting partner winding up to shoot the gongs.

[horsesoldier03]

I still have a little Unique left and typically load a 240 grn LSWCHP at 7.0 grains. I have also been working with W244 which sits right next to Unique on the burn chart. I have pushed it up to 7.0 as well.

[Scott Tschirhart]

I still have a little Unique left and typically load a 240 grn LSWCHP at 7.0 grains. I have also been working with W244 which sits right next to Unique on the burn chart. I have pushed it up to 7.0 as well.

Yes , it looks like we may have to look for good substitutes for Unique. I’m still using mine as long as it lasts.

Universal Clays is supposed to be a good replacement but I haven’t ever seen it on the shelf.

[JimT]

The powders intended for 12 ga. shotgun shell reloading will generally work in .357/.44 and .45 calibers. Winchester, Hodgdon's,
Vihtavuori, IMR, etc. have powders that will work very well.

Example

[veeman]

I have read several times and places that Universal Clays is also discontinued.

[GunnyMack]

I have read several times and places that Universal Clays is also discontinued.

Yes but now it's just called Universal.

[Walt]

I'm sure you're aware that Clays and Universal are different powders.

[horsesoldier03]

It looks like Winchester has updated their website for reloading data. I sent them an email about 6 months ago telling them that W244 has been out a while and there should be more load data available. They still need to get some CAT II or III Load Data for .44 Special but I doubt that will happen.

[Scott Tschirhart]

I’m pretty sad about having to find a replacement for Unique.

I have a Ruger 7.5 inch flattop Bisley on the way and I would love to see if there’s anything to be gained by a few more inches of barrel.

[JimT]

Shootists Bisley .44 Special 25th Anniversary Pistol

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[Scott Tschirhart]

Yes. Tom is blessing me with his.

[JimT]

They are nice!
Enjoy it my friend!

[Scott Tschirhart]

They are nice!
Enjoy it my friend!

I’ll enjoy it more knowing where it came from

[veeman]

I'm sure you're aware that Clays and Universal are different powders.

Yes, I know. Still, Universal is no more.

[samsi]

FWIW, Universal still shows up on Hodgdon's site but out of stock. The description currently shows made in Cananda. Previously it was made in Australia and that plant blew up at least twice I believe, causing supply disruptions. I holding out hope that Canadian made Universal will be an ongoing thing, it would be wise on Hodgdon's part given the Unique situation.

[AmBraCol]

They are nice!
Enjoy it my friend!

I’ll enjoy it more knowing where it came from

I have one of Jeff Quinn's. Knowing the history makes them even more special. Good shootin', and God bless!