A tip of the hat to the .44Spl

Pond, James Pond · August 20, 2014, 02:09 AM

On Monday, I squeezed in a short visit to the range to let off some of my handloads that I had not been able to try extensively which I hope to becoming my plink load for the Ruger RH.

200gr at about 900fps.

Just wanted to express my pleasure at how they performed and to say that I can see the appeal of the .44 Mag's "little" brother.

It may not be a mag, but what a great cartridge!!

spacecoast · August 20, 2014, 05:54 AM

I resisted getting a gun chambered in .44 spc for a long time, but it's become probably my favorite cartridge. I shoot most of my specials from my 3" S&W 24-3.

Pond, James Pond · August 20, 2014, 06:24 AM

I can certainly see why packable Charter Arms .44Spl snubs have such a following too!

madmo44mag · August 20, 2014, 07:41 AM

Years ago I came across a Stainless Rossi 44 spl snubby dirt cheap so I bought it.
It is a fun gun to shoot.
Shooting 44 spl from one of my RH is just no fun.
Heavy gun with little felt recoil.
Put that same round in the snubby and it gets fun to shoot.

rclark · August 20, 2014, 08:39 AM

One of my two favorite cartridges is the .44 Special. Have three single actions now in that caliber and all on the Ruger medium frame flattop. Doesn't get much better. I only shoot 240g SWC in mine. My favorite load is the Skeeter load. Accurate and potent when needed.

Quote:

from one of my RH is just no fun.

IMHO, recoil doesn't 'equate' to 'fun'. The lowly .22 is just as 'fun' as the .44Spec out of a heavy gun.

Nick_C_S · August 20, 2014, 09:53 AM

Yes, the 44 Special is an under-rated round.

Quote:

I resisted getting a gun chambered in .44 spc for a long time, but it's become probably my favorite cartridge. I shoot most of my specials from my 3" S&W 24-3.

Well spacecoast, I resisted (completely uninterested, actually) until recently. Now, they are virtually illegal here in California, so my getting one is probably not going to happen. I wish so bad I could go back in time and buy a 24 (or 624) when I could.

mete · August 20, 2014, 10:21 AM

The 44 spl was preceeded by the 44 Russian which was considered the most accurate CF handgun cartridge of the time. The early 44 spl was really loaded to target load pressures .With a proper revolver you could boost it up to have a serious cartridge.

salvadore · August 20, 2014, 10:35 AM

I own three, a 396 S&W Mountain Lite, a Ruger flat top, and the guy below. I've had no urge for a .44 mag until I saw a 3" barreled Ruger Bisley flinchamatic at the LGS.

WESHOOT2 · August 20, 2014, 04:46 PM

I make MY '44 Special' ammo for my 44 Redhawk in 44 Magnum cases

Pond, James Pond · August 20, 2014, 04:55 PM

I could do the same, but then my .44 Spl brass would sulk.

WESHOOT2 · August 20, 2014, 05:02 PM

Quote:

my brass would sulk

This would be unacceptable.

Clean chambers accordingly.

Pond, James Pond · August 20, 2014, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Clean chambers accordingly.

I did give them a vigourous seeing to!

kilimanjaro · August 20, 2014, 05:27 PM

No one regrets owning a 44 Special.

kerreckt · August 20, 2014, 05:44 PM

The 44spl. is my favorite handgun size. I have a number of 44 handguns but the Rossi 720 has turned into my favorite one. It is accurate and easy to carry. Plenty strong for prudently stout loads. When used as it was designed to be used nothing does it better. What I mean is this isn't a magnum round. It doesn't need to be a magnum round to be accurate and hard hitting. I load hand-cast SWC 200gr-260gr. I have three different moulds in this weight range. The 44spl. is a very satisfying caliber to handload. Keep velocity 800-900fps and it is devastating within 50yds. Much like the 45acp. My two cents. Best wishes...

ligonierbill · August 20, 2014, 06:27 PM

Elmer Keith's favorite. Find his autobiography (out of print and expensive) or Sixguns, and see his comments (and experiences...wow!)

GeauxTide · August 20, 2014, 07:11 PM

My Ruger Bisley Blackhawks are divine. They are in 44Spl and 45LC.

Hook686 · August 21, 2014, 12:11 AM

I like the .44 Special round, as the round is easier on me than the .44 magnum in my light weight S&W 329PD. I reload 200 grain JHP bullets to about 1000 fps. I find it a comfortable load to shoot.

Do I like it better than the Desert Eagle with full house .44 magnum loads ? No, but the recoil is about the same, so I find it a fun choice.

Saint Dennis · August 21, 2014, 07:45 PM

I have a 3" Rossi 720 also. Like that gun and love the round. I have quite a few handguns, but when I'm poking around in the woods I always seem to have that little .44 strapped on.

Ozzieman · August 21, 2014, 08:40 PM

I have a herd of 44 specials,,, let’s face it that’s why they call them special.
My favorite is a 1955 Target. My first was black powder in 44 and my first cartridge 44 was a Bull dog and it went on from there.
Welcome to the special side.I use 200 and 240 from Penn bullets with Hurco and W231.

sig220mwxxxx · August 21, 2014, 11:19 PM

Back in 2009 I believe it was I got one of the 2000 44 specials Ruger made for Lypseys. All steel 357mag frame with a 4 5/8 inch barrel. I first shot the 44 spcl in a Ruger Bisley I had in 44 mag. It shot so well that I knew I wanted a 44 special. Granted the 44 mag was a big heavy gun which made it an easy round to shoot. But having read so much about the round from so many of its fans in the gun magazine world and reading Keith's writings on it too I did what many of them did and wrote letters to gun magazines asking for a 44 special. Many people would say to me "why not just shoot them in the mag?" I would reply that it was too big and heavy a gun to carry around in the woods. It is my favorite revolver round without a doubt and extremely accurate. Being a Ruger Blackhawk it is easy to load for and can take stout loads. I don't load them extremely stout but they aren't weak either. It is an easy round to find accurate loads in. Really fun to shoot it.

RC20 · August 23, 2014, 08:06 PM

Quote:

I can certainly see why packable Charter Arms .44Spl snubs have such a following too

!

Mine is a house gun, well hidden but accessible. While I prefer a semi auto, its a great go to gun if that is not at hand.

I gave up the 44 magnum because I liked the 41 a lot better, but I kept the old Bulldog and one I won't sell.

salvadore · August 25, 2014, 09:12 AM

Sure Shot Mc Gee · August 25, 2014, 11:22 AM

Great target and self protection 44 Specials are. Especially a round to consider for those who have grown tired of their 44 mags report and recoil.

Pond, James Pond · August 25, 2014, 12:18 PM

Quote:

who have grown tired of their 44 mags report and recoil.

*Cough*, *Splutter*

Heresy! Never I say, NEVER!!!

CWKahrFan · August 25, 2014, 01:52 PM

Here are two shots of my latest fave... The new 5-shot S&W Model 69... @ 37 ozs... This lightly used one (50 rds.) came up on a local gun-exchange... (Production # below 0200)... I couldn't resist... Yeah, I added an inner-tube grip sleeve. 44 special is such an easy reload... Love the always-available large primers:

August 20, 2014, 02:09 AM	#1
Pond, James Pond Senior Member Join Date: July 12, 2011 Location: Top of the Baltic stack Posts: 6,079	A tip of the hat to the .44Spl On Monday, I squeezed in a short visit to the range to let off some of my handloads that I had not been able to try extensively which I hope to becoming my plink load for the Ruger RH. 200gr at about 900fps. Just wanted to express my pleasure at how they performed and to say that I can see the appeal of the .44 Mag's "little" brother. It may not be a mag, but what a great cartridge!! __________________ When the right to effective self-defence is denied, that right to self-defence which remains is essentially symbolic. Freedom: Please enjoy responsibly.

August 20, 2014, 06:24 AM	#3
Pond, James Pond Senior Member Join Date: July 12, 2011 Location: Top of the Baltic stack Posts: 6,079	I can certainly see why packable Charter Arms .44Spl snubs have such a following too! __________________ When the right to effective self-defence is denied, that right to self-defence which remains is essentially symbolic. Freedom: Please enjoy responsibly.

August 20, 2014, 07:41 AM	#4
madmo44mag Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2008 Location: Ft.Worth, Texas Posts: 1,522	Years ago I came across a Stainless Rossi 44 spl snubby dirt cheap so I bought it. It is a fun gun to shoot. Shooting 44 spl from one of my RH is just no fun. Heavy gun with little felt recoil. Put that same round in the snubby and it gets fun to shoot. __________________ Texas - Not just a state but an attitude! For monthly shooting events in DFW visit http://www.meetup.com/TexasGunOwner-DFW

August 20, 2014, 10:21 AM	#7
mete Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2004 Location: NY State Posts: 6,575	The 44 spl was preceeded by the 44 Russian which was considered the most accurate CF handgun cartridge of the time. The early 44 spl was really loaded to target load pressures .With a proper revolver you could boost it up to have a serious cartridge. __________________ And Watson , bring your revolver !

August 20, 2014, 04:46 PM	#9
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	I make MY '44 Special' ammo for my 44 Redhawk in 44 Magnum cases __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

August 20, 2014, 05:54 AM	#2
spacecoast Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 2009 Location: Sunshine and Keystone States Posts: 4,461	I resisted getting a gun chambered in .44 spc for a long time, but it's become probably my favorite cartridge. I shoot most of my specials from my 3" S&W 24-3.

August 20, 2014, 10:35 AM	#8
salvadore Junior member Join Date: January 1, 2007 Location: Idaho Posts: 2,282	I own three, a 396 S&W Mountain Lite, a Ruger flat top, and the guy below. I've had no urge for a .44 mag until I saw a 3" barreled Ruger Bisley flinchamatic at the LGS.

August 20, 2014, 04:55 PM	#10
Pond, James Pond Senior Member Join Date: July 12, 2011 Location: Top of the Baltic stack Posts: 6,079	I could do the same, but then my .44 Spl brass would sulk. __________________ When the right to effective self-defence is denied, that right to self-defence which remains is essentially symbolic. Freedom: Please enjoy responsibly.

August 20, 2014, 05:27 PM	#13
kilimanjaro Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2009 Posts: 3,963	No one regrets owning a 44 Special.

August 20, 2014, 05:44 PM	#14
kerreckt Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 2011 Location: SE VA. Posts: 216	The 44spl. is my favorite handgun size. I have a number of 44 handguns but the Rossi 720 has turned into my favorite one. It is accurate and easy to carry. Plenty strong for prudently stout loads. When used as it was designed to be used nothing does it better. What I mean is this isn't a magnum round. It doesn't need to be a magnum round to be accurate and hard hitting. I load hand-cast SWC 200gr-260gr. I have three different moulds in this weight range. The 44spl. is a very satisfying caliber to handload. Keep velocity 800-900fps and it is devastating within 50yds. Much like the 45acp. My two cents. Best wishes...

August 20, 2014, 06:27 PM	#15
ligonierbill Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2007 Posts: 2,448	Elmer Keith's favorite. Find his autobiography (out of print and expensive) or Sixguns, and see his comments (and experiences...wow!)

August 20, 2014, 07:11 PM	#16
GeauxTide Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2009 Location: Helena, AL Posts: 4,423	My Ruger Bisley Blackhawks are divine. They are in 44Spl and 45LC.

August 21, 2014, 12:11 AM	#17
Hook686 Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2005 Location: USA The Great State of California Posts: 2,090	I like the .44 Special round, as the round is easier on me than the .44 magnum in my light weight S&W 329PD. I reload 200 grain JHP bullets to about 1000 fps. I find it a comfortable load to shoot. Do I like it better than the Desert Eagle with full house .44 magnum loads ? No, but the recoil is about the same, so I find it a fun choice. __________________ Hook686 When the number of people in institutions reaches 51%, we change sides.

August 21, 2014, 07:45 PM	#18
Saint Dennis Member Join Date: March 31, 2008 Location: Minnesota Posts: 97	I have a 3" Rossi 720 also. Like that gun and love the round. I have quite a few handguns, but when I'm poking around in the woods I always seem to have that little .44 strapped on.

August 21, 2014, 08:40 PM	#19
Ozzieman Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2004 Location: Northern Indiana Posts: 6,117	I have a herd of 44 specials,,, let’s face it that’s why they call them special. My favorite is a 1955 Target. My first was black powder in 44 and my first cartridge 44 was a Bull dog and it went on from there. Welcome to the special side.I use 200 and 240 from Penn bullets with Hurco and W231. __________________ It was a sad day when I discovered my universal remote control did not in fact control the universe. Did you hear about the latest study.....5 out of 6 liberals say that Russian Roulette is safe. Last edited by Ozzieman; February 12, 2017 at 06:28 PM.

August 21, 2014, 11:19 PM	#20
sig220mwxxxx Senior Member Join Date: April 16, 2011 Location: Marshall, Texas Posts: 104	Back in 2009 I believe it was I got one of the 2000 44 specials Ruger made for Lypseys. All steel 357mag frame with a 4 5/8 inch barrel. I first shot the 44 spcl in a Ruger Bisley I had in 44 mag. It shot so well that I knew I wanted a 44 special. Granted the 44 mag was a big heavy gun which made it an easy round to shoot. But having read so much about the round from so many of its fans in the gun magazine world and reading Keith's writings on it too I did what many of them did and wrote letters to gun magazines asking for a 44 special. Many people would say to me "why not just shoot them in the mag?" I would reply that it was too big and heavy a gun to carry around in the woods. It is my favorite revolver round without a doubt and extremely accurate. Being a Ruger Blackhawk it is easy to load for and can take stout loads. I don't load them extremely stout but they aren't weak either. It is an easy round to find accurate loads in. Really fun to shoot it.

August 25, 2014, 09:12 AM	#22
salvadore Junior member Join Date: January 1, 2007 Location: Idaho Posts: 2,282

August 25, 2014, 11:22 AM	#23
Sure Shot Mc Gee Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2012 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,876	Great target and self protection 44 Specials are. Especially a round to consider for those who have grown tired of their 44 mags report and recoil.

August 25, 2014, 01:52 PM	#25
CWKahrFan Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 2010 Posts: 2,016	Here are two shots of my latest fave... The new 5-shot S&W Model 69... @ 37 ozs... This lightly used one (50 rds.) came up on a local gun-exchange... (Production # below 0200)... I couldn't resist... Yeah, I added an inner-tube grip sleeve. 44 special is such an easy reload... Love the always-available large primers: __________________ What did Mrs. Bullet say to Mr. Bullet? ... "We're having a BeeBee!"... IF THE SHOE FITS, WEAR IT!... IF THE GUN FITS, SHOOT IT! "Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it." Last edited by CWKahrFan; August 25, 2014 at 02:03 PM.