.44 spl loads for a 3" barrel

joneb · May 4, 2006, 11:03 PM

I had a Taurus 431 2 1/2" barrrel and sold it, with the hope of replacing it with a S&W 696 . It took a while since I wanted a no dash model. I had a 150 rnds of reloads sitting patiently, 200gr JHP 6.7gr W-231. They shoot fine in the 696 and I was about to reload more of the same when I noticed about a full pound of AA #7 starring at me

so I loaded 15rnds 200 JHP over 10.8 gr AA#7, 15 of the same w/ 11.2 gr AA#7, the 10.8 gr load shot better than my old W-231 loads

now to get a chrony to see how fast these things are movin.
For me a good group is 1 1/2" at 21 yds off the tail gate.

Edward429451 · May 10, 2006, 08:39 PM

My chrony said to stick to the faster powders like WW-231, Bullseye, and Unique for short barreled 44 Specials. Save the slower powders for the longer barrels where it wont be wasted. They might shoot good but it's still a waste, unless you're just trying to use it up. Velocities will be lower than with your 231 loads.

joneb · May 10, 2006, 11:29 PM

For me, a improvement in accuracy is worth it. As for waste it's a matter of perspective my wife thinks that shooting $$$ into the side of hill is a waste

well now I must convince her that a chronogragh is a necessity

May 4, 2006, 11:03 PM	#1
joneb Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2005 Location: Central , OR Posts: 1,888	.44 spl loads for a 3" barrel I had a Taurus 431 2 1/2" barrrel and sold it, with the hope of replacing it with a S&W 696 . It took a while since I wanted a no dash model. I had a 150 rnds of reloads sitting patiently, 200gr JHP 6.7gr W-231. They shoot fine in the 696 and I was about to reload more of the same when I noticed about a full pound of AA #7 starring at me so I loaded 15rnds 200 JHP over 10.8 gr AA#7, 15 of the same w/ 11.2 gr AA#7, the 10.8 gr load shot better than my old W-231 loads now to get a chrony to see how fast these things are movin. For me a good group is 1 1/2" at 21 yds off the tail gate.

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May 10, 2006, 08:39 PM	#2
Edward429451 Junior member Join Date: November 12, 2000 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado Posts: 9,494	My chrony said to stick to the faster powders like WW-231, Bullseye, and Unique for short barreled 44 Specials. Save the slower powders for the longer barrels where it wont be wasted. They might shoot good but it's still a waste, unless you're just trying to use it up. Velocities will be lower than with your 231 loads.

May 10, 2006, 11:29 PM	#3
joneb Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2005 Location: Central , OR Posts: 1,888	For me, a improvement in accuracy is worth it. As for waste it's a matter of perspective my wife thinks that shooting $$$ into the side of hill is a waste well now I must convince her that a chronogragh is a necessity