Match factory .44 special

[Ike666]

I am interested in matching the ballistic characteristics of the Speer 200 grain Gold Dot as closely as possible. I've got the basic components (200 gr GDs & brass) but would like some recommendations for powder/primer combinations.

This will be fired for practice from CA Bulldog. I really want to match the carry load as close as possible.

[joneb]

I use mostly use 200gr Nosler jhp for a S&W 696.
I have a Hornady manual that uses a CA 3" Bull Dog for a test firearm, the 8th addition is going for $10.
I load the Nos 200 jhp with either 6.7gr of W-231 or 8.6gr of Accurate #5 with Fed 150 primers, these are good accurate loads. I have not loaded the Speer Gold Dot in 44 spl yet.

[mavracer]

I use 7.5gr of unique with win LP primers and nosler 200gr JHPs to duplicate my carry load Georgia Arms 200gr golddot load. I used to use Speer factory loads until I found the GA load it was about 1/2 the price and averages about 25-30fps better out of my guns.

[Ike666]

I found at site that compared the Georgia Arms 200 GD, the Winchester Silvertip 200, & the Speer (factory) 200 GD. Both the GA & WIN rounds POI was low and slightly left-of-center; whereas the Speer GD POI was on for elevation and slightly right-of-center.

Speer is listing 875 out of a 6-inch barrel. I'm shooting out of a 2.5 inch barrel. I know one of the issues with recoil is the unburnt ejecta and I would like to keep that to a minimum. They don't make a short-barrel version of the .44 Special.

One of the criticisms I read about the GA 220 GDs was that there was a significant flash and heavy recoil. Does anyone know what the initial MV is for that load?

[zeke]

zekeMarch 6, 2011, 07:36 AM
From Taurus 445 2 in snubbie.

factory Blazer 200 grain gdhp = 805 fps
factory CCI nickel cased 200 gdhp = 745 fps

Reloads using Speer 200 grain gdhp, Starline 44 special cases, fed 150 primer, strong LFC

8.8 grains V V -N350 = 870 fps (940 fps from 3 in 696)
7.7 grains Unique = 840 fps (905 fps from 3 in 696)

Need to work up loads, they may be max loads listed in Speer's manual.

To replicate POI, 6.2-6.4 grains hp-38 under 200 lrnfp.
_____________________________________________________________-

The above loads chrono right about 900 fps from a 696, same approximately velocity as the original Speer aluminum cased factory loads.

[zeke]

Win brass, Fed 150 primer, firm LFC, 3 in 696,

200 gn gold dot
8.8 grains V V - N350 = 885 fps, very good accuracy
9.0 gns V V - N350 = 926 fps, very good to ex accuracy
7.5 grains Unique = 868 fps very good accuracy

185 Hdy xtp
9.0 grains unique = 1020 fps very good to ex accuarcy
9.6 grains N350 = 986 fps, decent accuracy

200 grain lead rnfp to replicate poi of 200 grain gold dot loads
6.4 grains hp 38 = 821 fps, very good accuracy
7.0 grains unique = 805 fps, good potential
5.4 grains Red Dot = 830 fps, decent
6.2 grains Green Dot = 870 fps, good potential

Older factory rounds
Blazer aluminum case factory load = 890 fps
Win silvertip factory load = 730 fps, lousy accuracy

[Bailey Boat]

The only true way to duplicate your carry ammo would be to match the projectile weight and then work up a load that matches the velocities of the two. A chronograph would be a requirement. Published load velocities are not to be trusted.

[drail]

I just took a few boxes of Speer Blazer Gold Dot (200 gr.) ammo, pulled them down and loaded their powder and bullets directly into new Federal brass cases with Federal primers. It is a VERY good load. The powder used "looks" like 296 but of course we really have no idea what they used. It is a fairly light charge of powder. Unique should get you very close to the factory velocity. If you get the 200 gr. Gold Dot moving about 830 fps. it WILL expand. Push it up to 1000 fps. or more and it will start to come apart. I run almost all of my .44 Spl. loads at about 900 fps.

[mikld]

Find the velocity of the factory round and look in your reloading manual to find a load that closely matches that.

While folks posting load data are trying to be helpful, you don't know them from Adam. I've seen/read some really wild "pet loads" in forums that I wouldn't use in any of my guns. Be safe, use your reloading manuals...

FWIW, I pay very little attention to load data give by a forum "expert" (no matter how many posts he's made), or gun counter clerk, or reloading site. My info comes from my reloading manuals...

[Bailey Boat]

My info comes from my reloading manuals...

And you'll find their velocities to be WAY off when actually using a chrono...

[Ike666]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I actually dug out my Speer manual and noticed the starting load for Power Pistol claims an MV very close to the MV listed on the Speer box. I think I'll start out with that b/c I like PP and I have a couple pounds in the powder magazine.

I do have a chrono, so I'll be able to check as I go. The bullets are too expensive to do an actual OCW ladder, but I can do an abbreviated version.

[mikld]

And you'll find their velocities to be WAY off when actually using a chrono...

May be important if I reloaded for velocity. Normally I reload to get the best accuracy for my choice of components and since the manual's velocity listings are for their test equipment using their powder, brass, etc., it close enough for me...