I just bought a Lipsey's special run Ruger, Blued Bisley Flattop, 4 5/8" barrel in 44 Special. I have never owned a 44 special before and am thinking about 13.5 gr of Blue Dot under a 250gr LBT WFN. Any suggestions, experiences, stories would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Adam

In 45 Colt loads, I have never got a descent burn in barrels ranging from 3 to 20 inches. I have even used magnum primers, varying degree of crimp, and different projectiles. It has always came out of the barrel at low velocity with alot of unburned powder around.

Hint: Unburned powder shows up great when there is snow on the ground.

I do know one guy that loads Blue Dot in 44 Magnum that has had success. He stated that he needed to go from a 5 inch barrel to 7 1/2 inch barrel to get a full burn.

I have used 2400 with good sucess on a 240 gr cast in the 44 spl.

I used 13.0 gr of 2400 on a LP CCI primer.

Just a sugestion

Brian Pearce has some loading data for the .44 special,you can probably still get back issues of the Handloader Journal with that info.

Ok, it would appear from this mornings range session that Blue Dot is not the answer. 13.5gr yeilded 955fps out of a 4 5/8 barrel with a spread of 60fps with lots of unburned powder on the bench. Accuracy was about 6" at 25 yards. I don't have any 2400, but has anyone used H110?

H4227 Might be an option might also consider HS-6

From the data I have seen, it looks like H-110 might be too slow.
If you can tell me what you are looking for in velocity, I will check on Load Data, to see what works best with your bullet. It is no accident that both Elmer Keith and Skeeter Skelton favored 2400 in the 44 Special. If you are trying to use a special powder, let me know that too.

I would like an honest 1000-1050fps with 250gr bullet. I have tried several loads through my chronograph that don't come close to people's posted velocities. I'm not opposed to 2400, I just have a ton of unique, blue dot and H110. I was trying to avoid another type of powder in a cabinet that already houses 90+/- lbs.

April's Guns and Ammo has an article about loading the .44 Special. There are a few Blue Dot loads listed in it.

I think this is want you are looking for::

http://www.handloads.com/articles/default.asp?id=4

Keep in mind these loads are not safe for older guns or small frame guns--- They should only be used in Large frame strong guns--in short light 44 mags

Adam,

PM me your e-mail address, and I will send these to you. Thanks.

Marvin

I have had some good luck with Unique in the 45 Colt in standard pressure loads. It a little dirty but it makes for a descent load and burn good.

45 Colt standard pressure loads are about the equivalent of a 44 Special load.

Infantryhammer,

In my 5.5" guns, the age old load of 7.5 Unique and a 250gr bullet averages 1019fps with ES of 33. All of my loads with H110 get into the 1150 to 1200 range. I would not try to get 1000 fps with H110 as I think you will be too light, and that powder does not do well with lighter loads. I have gotten that velocity range with heavier slugs. (300gr.)and H110.

With the powders you have on hand I would work with Unique. My 4 5/8" gun is a little below 1000 fps with the 7.5 gr. Unique, but not enough that anyone or anything would notice.

I have never had good luck with Blue Dot and have not used it for years.

Good luck and enjoy a wonderful gun and cartridge.

Dan

Thanks H20BUG, that was a lot of help. I'm going to load some up tonight and will hit the range tomorrow. I will post the chronographed velocities if anybody is interested.

Dan, what are your 300 gr H110 loads for 44 special?

Does this help?

http://www.sixguns.com/tests/tt44spec.htm

Very helpful, thanks TCTex.

Sent you a PM.