Modern Smith & Wesson N-frame revolvers are stout, as they share the same outside cylinder dimensions as the Model 29 .44 Magnum; however, they are slightly shorter. Is there a place to go for load data for 44 Special loads. Subscribe To American Handgunner 44 special 240gr Hornady HP/XTP 2400 Starting 8.9gr for 600fps Max. In my experience 300 grain bullets shoot high and achievable velocity in the Specialtoo low. Since then, even the .44 Magnum's performance has been eclipsed by several bigger bore and more powerful handgun cartridges. 429421 bullet that weighed 250 grains in solid form and 235 grains in hollowpoint form. Whether we travel the sagebrush, foothills, forests, or mountains there are .44 Special loads that will handle any situation were likely to encounter. With the Oregon Trail 240 SWC over 26 gr. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. The Hornady XTP, Sierra JHC, Speer GDHP and Nosler JHP and JSP versions are all suitable for the .44 Special. The .44 Special was formally introduced by Smith & Wesson in 1907. Other popular revolvers in Category 3 include the Ruger New Model Blackhawk, USFA SAA-pattern guns manufactured after 2001 and Freedom Arms Model 97. MD Smith has had a storied career from his family broadcasting AM radio business, to his 36 year career in TV broadcasting. Give a Gift For the .44 Magnum to achieve its greater velocity potential when held to industry overall length specifications, it is necessarily loaded to a higher maximum average pressure of 36,000 psi. Using bullets from Cast LRNFP, Nosler JHP, Berry's Bullets FP, Cast LSWC. Internal gun dimensions can vary significantly, including barrel groove diameter and throat dimensions. and Western, were weaker in construction and have often deteriorated with age and should not be reloaded. This revolver is equipped with the usual target trigger, target hammer, and adjustable target sights complete with a red insert on the front blade and a white outline on the rear notch. JHP Ruger Redhawk 44 mag 51/2 barrel & Ruger 44 mag Super Blackhawk old model 71/2 barrel. No substitutions or transfers to a third party are allowed. Bullseye starting loads should be OK. For example, Remington currently lists a 240-grain jacketed HP or SP at 1,180 fps; Federal has a 240-grain JHP at 1,230 fps; Winchester lists a 240-grain HSP at 1,180 fps (all tested from a 4-inch, vented test barrel); and Hornady lists a 240-grain bullet at 1,350 fps from a 7.5-inch barrel. cast RNFP; 240-gr. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. Just saying. You will notice the standard Keith load is conspicuous by its absence. Winchester Lead Cowboy 44 Special 240gr LFN Handgun Ammo - Winchester cowboy loads with its flat nose, cast lead bullets and target velocities. For the vast majority of us, the .44 Special will do everything needing doing with the sixgun. The 255-grain Lyman Thompson-designed mould 429244 with a gas check also produces excellent terminal performance and minimizes barrel leading. This site is going to be as much member run as possible. Several years ago, a prominent gun magazine asked readers what their favorite powder was for reloading the .44 Special. Bullseye, Unique and 2400 are products of Alliant (formerly Hercules) Powders. Put one through the slats of a snow shoe bunny and you have an instant "stopper" and no lost meat. Montana Bullet Works offers quality hand-cast bullets, such as the 280-grain LFN-PB and 250-grain LFN-GC. This is not a true Keith bullet and even has a bevel base, however it shoots well. Groups run 1 1/8" to 1 1/4" at 25 yards with this load if a decent bullet is used and accuracy follows to 50 yards, which is the maximum distance . No purchase necessary. The rifling is EDM (Electric Discharge Machining) rather than the traditional Smith & Wesson cut style that was present on all the companys sixguns manufactured prior to 2000. 44 S&W SPL LOW RECOIL 240GR FMJ. ($0.15 per bullet) Ships today from MidwayUSA. Bullets as heavy as 300 grains are available, but it's difficult to get enough velocity out of the Special case to make them useful. http://www.alliantpowder.com/reloaders/RecipeList.aspx?gtypeid=1 They don't show any data for the 240gr using 2400 but do with the 250gr. The traditional .44-caliber bullet weight is 240 grains, and here we have several proven performers. If Im looking for a little more velocity, I go with the Lyman/Thompson #429215GC that lubed, sized and gas checked weighs around 220 grains. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. Accurates powders come in a number of speeds and there are loads from the fast No. The .44 Special (center) was based on a lengthened .44 Russian cartridge (left), while the .44 Remington Magnum (right) is based on a lengthened .44 Special case. Purchase A PDF Download Of The American Handgunner Nov/Dec 2020 Issue Now! That is why you dont see FPS by every load. Contest void where prohibited by law. So, I'm going to start at 5.5gr and work up from there. Thats slightly more than the original .44 Special loading from more than a hundred years ago. During the 1920s Elmer Keith developed the Ideal/Lyman 429421 bullet to improve the .44 Specials performance. After a while, however, even the most recoil-tough shooter looks forward to toning things down a bit. The claimed muzzle energy (ME) is 310 ft. lbs. 44 S&W SPL LOW RECOIL 240GR FMJ - Magtech The Hornady 240-grain swaged lead bullet makes an easy recoiling target load at 850 fps. The .44 Special was formally introduced by Smith & Wesson in 1907. A popular Cowboy bullet is the 200-grain RNFP. Would those others powders burn better? Joe Kurtenbach and Caleb Giddings also look at the first-ever optics-ready carry revolvers with the new Taurus 605 and 856 T.O.R.O. The difference in Special and Magnum case lengths is .125 inch, and Redding includes a washer of that thickness to use under the die lock ring that makes switching calibers easier. Tried TB, "didn't fit my pistols". 44 Special Load Data - Nosler In all likelihood, it would be where I finished as well. .44 Mag Load Data - Shooting Times These bullets are long for their weight and seat deeply into the case, so only select powders are suitable based on their volume density. Thanks, Olddesertrat. For defense purposes, a lighter 180- or 200-grain HP bullet makes sense. NEVER! Were not looking for long-distance hunting or max power. Federal has created a safer, easier and more reliable way to shoot a muzzleloader. Our mission is to help you improve your skills, save money, and achieve greater accuracy with your reloads. ; they are best relinquished as collectors items and should not be used with the accompanying data. 44 Caliber Bullets .429 Diameter 240 Grain Hunting & Self Defense 50 HP, .44 with 225 gr. Reloading Press & Equipment; Molds; Share. is only 15,000 psi. I used the M24 for jacketed bullet loads and the M624 with cast bullets. Deployed military should use stateside address. (IV) Winners must undergo a background check (if needed) and comply with all other federal, state and local laws. we are talking about. Product #: 544483. Joseph Von Benedikt is with Rafe Nielsen of Browning to take a look at a new X-Bolt series rifle. Even with 1907/1908-era smokeless powders such as Hercules Unique, velocity could have easily been bumped up to 900 to 950 fps while staying within todays pressure guidelines of 15,500 psi. I used to load down the .44 mag cases to .44 special velocities. Overall fit and finish is good, the front cylinder edges are rounded for easy entry into a holster, belt or backpack. does not engender a reputation as a "hot" cartridge. The new-for-2023 lineup includes ultralight hunting stocks and a VGA 2-pound adjustable vertical-grip stock. Phil Sharpe, in his book Complete Guide to Handloading, used Unique for 38 of 160 .44 Special loads to include bullets weighing from 145 to 260 grains. Forum; Reloading Tutorials; About; Login.44 S&W Special. Been using this load for years. 5 by Bowen Classic Arms, (3) custom USFA with Smith & Wesson adjustable sights, (4) Ruger Blackhawk Flattop No. Fortunately, S&W has recently reincarnated the M24 in its Classics series. 2, Alliant Bullseye and Red Dot. Real .44 Cowboy loads - American Handgunner Giveaway prizes may have evidence of being test fired or exhibit minor handling marks. Garmin Tactix 7 Pro Ballistic Solar-Powered GPS Smartwatch: First Look, Non-Lethal Personal & Home Defense with Byrna, Range Tested: EAA Girsan Pistols & Shotguns, New for 2023: Christensen Arms Modern Hunting Rifle (MHR), New for 2023: All-American RIA 5.0 Sporting Pistol, New for 2023: FN Rush 9Ti Pistol Suppressor, New Big Bore Pistols for 2023: FN 510 Tactical and FN 545 Tactical, New for 2023: FN SCAR 15P Rifle Caliber Pistol, First Look: Taurus Raging Hunter 460 Magnum Revolver With 10.5-Inch Barrel, New-for-2023 Taurus Judge Executive Grade 410/.45 Colt Revolver, Smith & Wesson Equalizer and the Brand New M&P 5.7 Pistol. 15,500 PSI is the maximum SAAMI pressure. For these reasons, 240-grain bullets are best when used in conjunction with load data that exceeds industry maximum pressures. Study them carefully, as measurements vary even from the same manufacturer. Hodgdons has data for 44 SP for 165 - 240 gr bullets. I think you are also going to shorten the life of your revolver with Keith Loads. Just depends on what kinds of loads you plan to shoot. Bullet fit is key for accuracy. View attachment 127055 View attachment 127056 On the other hand, when pressures are held to 15,500 psi, most powders cannot push various 240-grain jacketed bullets fast enough to expand reliably. one says 5.0gr of Unique, the other says 5.7gr. Prizes will not be awarded if illegal in jurisdiction of winner(s). I can't agree more. Since I have experimented with case position sensitive powder and found great differences, I now want bulkier powder that will better fill the case. Smokeless-powder ammunition soon appeared, and velocities were eventually standardized at 755 fps with the same bullet. 240: Cartridge Case: Brass: Muzzle Velocity: 750 FPS: Muzzle Energy: 300 FT LBS: Pack Quantity: 50: Product Line: Super X: Use: Range: . Medium-burn-rate powders, such as Alliant Power Pistol, Unique, Hodgdon CFE Pistol, Winchester AutoComp and Accurate No. To comply with the new e-Privacy directive, we need to ask for your consent to set the cookies. I have other powders like Bullseye, Titegroup, and Power Pistol but I'd like to save those for my 9mm and 7.62x25 loads. Is there a preferred source of data? For light loads with 250-260 grain bullets, 5.3 grains Vhitavouri 320 or 4.8 grains Tight Group will deliver 700 fps and good accuracy. It is safe in any good post WWII Special, anddependably accurateif you usesoft alloy bullets, ~BHN 9,correctly sized for the revolver. The cartridge was the fine, old .44 S&W Special stoked with hand-loads that pushed the 250-grain Lyman/Keith No. Joe Kurtenbach, Executive Editor of Gun & Ammo, and John Myles from Smith & Wesson discuss features of the Equalizer 9mm micro-compact pistol and new-for-2023 M&P 5.7. The Association's central purpose is to help shooters enjoy casting bullets, You must enable JavaScript to be able to use this site in full. 10mm Firepower: Springfield XD-M Elite 3.8 Compact Pistol Review, The Staying Power of the .257 Roberts Cartridge, Springfield Armory SA-35 Pistol: Rebirth of the Browning P-35 Hi-Power, Top 5 Most Accurate Factory-Loaded Rifle Cartridges, The Colt Anaconda .44 Rem. 15,500 PSI is the maximum SAAMI pressure. The Cast Bullet Association is an organization of shooters who enjoy shooting cast lead bullets in rifles and handguns for competition, hunting, or informal target shooting. There is no published data for +P in 45 Schofield caliber, and there won't be much in 44 Special, and the data that is, won't go to 25,000psi which is where the pressure ceiling is in the medium framed Rugers. Whether a Perfect Packin Pistol 4" S&W-style is fancy or plain it still serves the purpose. Powders include Winchester, Hodgdon, IMR (Ret.) Revolver Is Back, A World Record Attempt: Practice Round and Media Day, Interview with Israeli Defense Forces, Part 1. Published on 10-20-2014 09:25 PM Jacketed Bullets in .44 Specials - GUNS Magazine Though the .44 Magnum is an offshoot of this cartridge, the Special was based on the older black powder .44 Russian. Contest void where prohibited by law. Number of Views: 5750, Published on 10-20-2014 09:12 PM Shooter's Reference Load Data for .44 Remington Magnum .44 Remington Magnum - Published Manufacturer Loading Data Shellholders: Lee #11 Lyman #7 RCBS #18 Recipe Type: Pistol Rifle Cowboy Bullet Weight: ALL 165 gr 180 gr 185 gr 200 gr 210 gr 220 gr 225 gr 240 gr 250 gr 255 gr 265 gr 267 gr 270 gr 275 gr 280 gr 300 gr 320 gr 325 gr 330 gr 355 gr The "Skeeter"load. Number of Views: 5768. Winners must respond within 30 days of receiving notification or an alternate winner will be selected. Give a Gift Not even in a .44 Magnum pistol. In 1870 Smith & Wesson developed the .44 Russian for its military revolver made for the Imperial Russian army, and a civilian model followed in 1878. Custom Mossberg 500 at the Range and Live Turkey!. I would defer to Hodgdon data for the .44 Special, although my deep seated loads in mag brass approximate COL for .44 Special. Using wheel weight alloy, they weigh approximately 255260 grains. Because of the smaller case, pressures will be exceeded. SWC-JHP, .44 with 250 . Box 1926, Escondido, CA 92033. Speer offers the perfect .44 Special jacketed bullet. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. All entries must be received by giveaway end date. 44 Special Load Data - Guns and Ammo No purchase necessary. For the mild .44 special loads, I recommend all lead bullets and loads that produce 700-850 FPS speeds. Taurus Marketing Manager Caleb Giddings highlights the features of the new Taurus Raging Hunter 460 Magnum, a purpose-built revolver with a 10.5-inch barrel and an effective recoil-taming brake, with Guns & Ammo Executive Editor Joe Kurtenbach. The accompanying data has been listed in tables at 22,000 psi (Category 2) and 25,000 psi (Category 3) loads, with 15,500 psi standard pressure (Category 1) loads suitable for all revolvers covered in Handloader No. Brass and some other items can be shipped via USPS Flat Rate Priority Mail. It was left to handloaders to fill the power vacuum. Then there is the question of what do you expect to use it for. This load significantly increased the effectiveness of the cartridge while still being easily managed when shooting fast with double- action sixguns. Mail-in entries accepted; send postcards (no envelopes) to: American Handgunner Magazine, GOM Concealed Carry 2023, P.O. IMR 3031 and IMR 4895 are products of IMR (formerly DuPont) Powder Company. Who knew wild turkey's were so stupid!? Magtech FMJ ammunition delivers reliable, accurate performance on the range. Wolfe Publishing Company | 2180 Gulfstream Suite A | Prescott, AZ 86301. I am using it to knock down steel targets from 20 to 50 yards. (II) Limit one entry per household. Shown is Elmer Keiths customized Keith Long Range Colt that was originally owned by Teddy Roosevelt. (This was prior to the organization of SAAMI in 1926, resulting in the standardization of ammunition specifications and pressures.). I do use it from time to time, however its more than I want for an everyday workin load at 1,200 fps with a 260-gr. Therefore, I no longer use the .44 mag cases when loading down to .44 special velocities. In 1953 Keith traveled to the Smith & Wesson and Remington plants to further discuss the matter, at which time he suggested they lengthen the case and make it a .44 Magnum, which became a reality in late 1955. * What bullet weights? When considering an all-purpose .44 Special powder, Ken Waters, in Pet Loads noted, Im pretty sure my choices would be Unique and Blue Dot.. They are accurate in Smith & Wesson and other guns with a .430-inch groove diameter. 10grs is a hot load; maybe not unsafe, but hot. The 44 Special shines with a moderately soft 240-250 grain Keith style SWC bullet driven to the 900-1000 fps range. As Beagle6 says,the Skeeter Loadis not a top load, but at 950 -1000 fps it has enough power to down anything short of Bison and Bears. Box 1926, Escondido, CA 92033. Cases for the .44 Special are straight-walled, so carbide sizers further streamline the loading process. Paper punching, 4.5grs Bullseye under a 240-250gr SWC. The Skeeter Load (7.5 grains Unique and a 250 -260 grain cast bullet) is widely used because Skeeter Skelton promoted it in many articles. Missouri Bullet Company Cast Lead Bullets 44 Caliber (430 Diameter) 240 Grain Hi-Tek Coated Semi-Wadcutter Box of 500. 9mm, 10mm/40S&W, 45 ACP pistol barrel that won't "plunk" your handloads? Taurus has redesigned this sporting pistol for performance. Contest open to U.S. residents only. Reloading The .44 Magnum - Reload Ammo Winners will be notified by certified mail on official letterhead. 5.6 gr . SWC+GC, 265 gr. Life Member NRA 40+yrs, Life S.A.S.S. .44 CALIBER 240 GR. JHC - Sierra Bullets 200 210 grain bullets will hit 800 fps with 5.2 grains of Tight Group or Bullseye. Missouri Bullet Company Cast Lead Bullets 44 Cal (430 Diameter) 240 Gun Loads Forum - .44 Special Prizes will not be awarded if illegal in jurisdiction of winner(s). XTP; Nosler 240-gr. (I) Giveaway ends May 31, 2023. Most notable was Elmer Keith, a cowboy, hunter, big-game guide, and by the middle 1920s a gun writer. By the 1920s smokeless powders had been significantly improved, which resulted in handloaders developing ammunition that enhanced the performance of the .44 Special to create +P loads. It's best to shoot all lead bullets outside to avoid lead fumes. Start load of 7.8 shot very well for my friend. Reloading the .44 Special is an uncomplicated delight. 429421 250-grain bullet (left) and the Lyman/Thompson No. We typically ship within 7 days, 2 weeks maximum if there is a delay in paper works. Unique is about the best all around powder, but if you want a slower burning powder, I suggest 2400. Below, are two loaded rounds. The load consists of a Lyman Ideal 429421 cast bullet, designed by Elmer Keith, himself. .44 Special - Unique powder Number of Views: 5768, S&W models 24 and 624. 50 rounds of Herters 44 Mag 240 grain SP brass cased ammo Handgun Data - Speer With variables, this load generally produces around 18,000 psi and is a +P load. Both revolvers shoot this load well. It remains popular in both the .44 Special and .44 Remington Magnum cartridges. All this resulted in changes in muzzle velocity with many loads. .44 S&W Special Load Data - PowderThrough.com 5 by Clements Custom Guns, (5) factory-engraved USFA PreWar SAA, (6) custom Colt Flattop Target pattern, (7) original Keith Long Range Colt and (8) a USFA factory engraved SAA. The manuals dont show every type of powder for every bullet weight for the .44 special. The TaurusTX 22 Compact delivers class-leading reliability, capacity, and shootability in a 22 LR platform, and it's cut for a slide-mounted mini red dot. My standard loads are assembled with 7.5 grains of either Unique or Universal, 17.5 grains of #4227, or 8.0 grains of Power Pistol. Suitable powders for the .44 Special run the gamut of burning rates, depending on the bullet weight and velocities desired, but one stands out, and it is well known to the round's legion of fans. Shooter's Reference Load Data for .44 Smith & Wesson Special The data in Table II was developed in a 2008 Smith & Wesson Model 1950 Target 24-6 revolver with a 612-inch barrel. Winners must respond within 30 days of receiving notification or an alternate winner will be selected. Our Price: Got a .22 .30 .32 .357 .38 .40 .41 .44 .45 .480 or .500 S&W cylinder that needs throats honed? Buy 44 Caliber Bullets .429 Diameter 240 Grain Hunting & Self Defense 50 Count: GunBroker is the largest seller of Other Reloading Supplies Reloading Supplies Ammunition Reloading All: 981766936 . It ties with two others as my favorite sixgun cartridge. Using 2400 in loading 44 Special - RugerForum.com For everyday working .44 Special loads, I find 240- to 255-grain cast bullets at around 1,000 fps to 1,050 fps especially useful. Since I cast my own, I have a choice of H&G #503, Lyman #429421, NEI #260.429 and the RCBS #44-250KT bullets. Reloading Data .44 Special (Using Hornady Bullets) Metallic Going up to my standard load of 7.5 Unique registers just over 1,000 fps from a 4 S&W Model 1950. Other items may require special handling and be shipped through UPS . Deployed military should use stateside address. JSP * Unique is a great powder to use and have on your bench. The Judge has been promoted! With a satin stainless finish, this Model 629 is built on the traditional N-frame and weighs 41 ounces unloaded. In spite of being 110 years old, the .44 Special still ranks as one of the finest, most versatile sixgun cartridges, especially when handloaded. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The Specials case was lengthened to accommodate the use of emerging smokeless propellants. If you have a fixed sight revolver 250-260 grain bullets will probably shoot close to the sights. Subscriber Services. HP, .44 with 225 gr. An occasional trip through the case trimmer will result in more uniform crimps - a big part of consistent ballistics - and better accuracy. If you have a lightweight .44 or older gun, always start with 10% less than amounts listed above, and work up to the full maximum loads. I firmly believe that true happiness is a warm gun. If the pressures are too low or powder energy is insufficient, bullets will stick in the bore, so do not reduce suggested starting powder charges. I reduced it to 6.8/Unique/240 SWC, then to 6.5/Unique/240 SWC, The lighter loads were not as clean-burning, but an intentionally heavy crimp remedied most of that. Bullet sizes vary from .429 for jacketed to .432 for some lead in diameter. I push this with 16.3 grains of #2400 yielding 1,217 fps from a 51/2 barrel. Joseph Von Benedikt is with Jorge Spat to learn all about it. All Rights Reserved. .44 Special is a fun caliber to shoot. First, not all guns are of equal strength some will handle significantly greater pressures, while others cannot. (III) Giveaway winner(s) chosen by random drawing. check out the. For a "Knockdown" Load, I used 5.0grs of Titegroup under a 240-250gr RN. I replicate that load with a Lyman 246 grain round nose or a Magma 240 grain round nose and 5.0 grains of Bullseye in my Ruger Bisley Flat Top. models. Trigger pull on the test sample was set at 4 pounds. Joseph VonBenedikt is with Joel Hodgdon to talk about the improved accuracy and long-range potential of the already reliable Core-Lokt ammo line. The new rifle is built on an aluminum billet chassis with carbon-fiber forend and cheek riser featuring V-block bedding. Lighter and tougher and more precise than ever, it's the perfect back country hunting rifle. For "Full Power" 7.5grs Unique under a 245gr SWC. Full Metal Jacket projectiles are the ideal choice for training, target shooting and general range use. Typical factory loads drive a 246 grain lead RN bullet at a claimed muzzle velocity (MV) of 755 fps from a 6 inch barrel. For Cowboy Shooting, I used a lite load right out of the Hodgdon Cowboy Action Data pamphlet. Left to right:- 250 gr. As smokeless powders progressed and improved, by the early 1920s handloaders began developing loads that enhanced the performance of the .44 Special. We manufacture Partition, AccuBond, E-Tip, Ballistic Tip, Custom Competition and much more. It is important to note that Keith would likely have been completely satisfied with the power and performance of his heavy .44 Special handloads, but wanted them available as a factory offering. I like to load the .44 Special using moderate amounts of powder thus providing a very economical cartridge to use any time in any .44 Magnum. Giveaway prizes may have evidence of being test fired or exhibit minor handling marks. Powder: Bullet Weight: Bullet Make: Bullet Type: Powder Bul Weight C.O.L. During the past 40+ years, I have shot dozens of big game from pronghorn to black bear and elk with the .44 Special, all with handloaded ammunition. Out of my 5.5" Redhawk I get 828 fps. The .44 Special is an ideal cartridge for cast-bullet loads, with literally dozens and dozens of designs and weights readily available. A better question would be, why not? 5 as produced by Bowen Classic Arms; at right is the original KEITH LONG RANGE COLT.. Hard bullets may shoot OK withtarget or standard loads. Lyman "Cast Bullet Handbook" #4. References: Accurate Arms Co. 1996 Reloading booklet Alliant Powder Co. Reloaders Guide (1995) Hodgdons Basic Reloaders Manual (1996) Speer Reloading Manual, #12 Winchester Reloading Components Manual, 14th edition Lyman Piston & Revolver Reloading Handbook, 2nd edition. (I) Giveaway ends July 31, 2023. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. JSP; Nosler 240-gr. 9.9gr for 750 fps The test gun was a 3" Charter arms Winchester cases Winchester WLP primers COL-1.500" Edit to add Link to Alliant load data. bullet. Min Charge Max Charge Optimal Charge Bullet Make Bullet Type Primer Notes; Alliant - Power Pistol: 250 gr. Though to me the .44 Special is not that special, and I dont need oodles of powder choices behind it for a particular use in the field. Instead of using it in my lighter weight .44 Special sixguns, I mostly use it in .44 Magnums. If economics are important, a one-pound can of Unique (7,000 grains) will fetch you 1,000 loads using a 7.0-grain powder charge. What bullet weights? The 200- and 240-grain Oregon Trail RNFP bullets are good choices for cowboy action competitors. Modern solid-head cases, such as the Starline case (right), handle loads of all pressure levels. With a resurgence of interest in the .44 Special, along with outstanding new guns, several smaller ammunition companies are now offering loads with bullet weights that range from 135 to 255 grains at a variety of velocities. The .44 S&W Special - CHUCKHAWKS.COM It is within industry pressure guidelines at 15,500 psi, while offering moderate recoil and good accuracy. Shooter's Reference Load Data for .44 Remington Magnum