Load data for .44 Special and Hornady 180-grain XTP

[Bill in Oregon]

Somehow I ended up with a box of these bullets and would like to feed some to the Bulldog, but the data is scarce and I don't own a Hornady manual any more. Hoping to find a load for this bullet with Universal. Thanks in advance if anyone has data to share.

[Bill in Oregon]

Well, a bit more searching with different word order turned up this, so I am good.

[GunnyMack]

So what load are you going to try first?

[Bill in Oregon]

Will: Probably 7.3 of Universal. I don't have any Unique, Power Pistol or AA #5 on hand.

[GunnyMack]

Nor do I. Universal is the only powder I have that is listed.

I was just looking at Hodgen site, they only show data for cast, nothing for jacketed in 44 special. Now I have to go look at loading manuals.

[Bill in Oregon]

Will, I recently bought the 2024 Hodgdon Manual and was more than miffed when I noted they omitted the .44 Special entirely.

[4t5]

Check out Paul Harrell’s finding….
44 special velocity , and xtp’s doesn’t look to good.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBivAAota1g&t=756s

[GunnyMack]

Bill, I made the mistake of buying a Hodgen magazine once, it wasn't worth the money! Didn't have data for some cartridges I load.

The XTP isn't my choice for the special, though I've got some Speer 200 hps that I think would work much better. I miss the old Remington semi jacket bullets!

[Bill in Oregon]

4t5, I just happened to have a box of the XTPs to load and shoot up. I would not seek out this bullet, relying instead on one of the cast Keith-style slugs of 250 grains or so for business purposes.

[4t5]

That makes sense .

[Bullard4075]

I wish Speer would bring back both the 44 and 357 half jacket SWC.

[vancelw]

I know you said you were good.....

Screenshot_20250428_122710.jpg

[Bill in Oregon]

Thanks Vance. Does it say on the first page of the .44 Special section what maximum pressure they are using?

[samsi]

I wish Speer would bring back both the 44 and 357 half jacket SWC.

You and me both. I used to ask if there were any ratholed when visiting likely looking shops but believe they've all been scooped up by now.

[vancelw]

Thanks Vance. Does it say on the first page of the .44 Special section what maximum pressure they are using?

[Bill in Oregon]

Thanks Vance! I have the 3-inch Bulldog to work with. Good to know.