Happy with new .44 Special load for the Bulldog
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- Advanced Levergunner
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Happy with new .44 Special load for the Bulldog
I was working with 200-grain boolit handloads with my Charter Arms Bulldog without much love. Loads shot low, gave extraction issues, etc.
So today I tried some loads with 255-grain Keiths out of my new RCBS mold. Results were muy bueno.
With the range-scrap Keith over 5 grains of Universal lit by CCI 300s in Starline brass, I got this double-action group at seven yards. Honestly, I would ask very little more of a three-inch five-shot snubby at this distance. Recoil was shockingly mild and extraction was marvelous. That Keith may not be moving much more than 700 feet per second, if that, but I am not concerned in the least if I ever get in close range scrape with just about anything in the lower 48.
fullsizeoutput_1561 by ComeWatson, on Flickr
So today I tried some loads with 255-grain Keiths out of my new RCBS mold. Results were muy bueno.
With the range-scrap Keith over 5 grains of Universal lit by CCI 300s in Starline brass, I got this double-action group at seven yards. Honestly, I would ask very little more of a three-inch five-shot snubby at this distance. Recoil was shockingly mild and extraction was marvelous. That Keith may not be moving much more than 700 feet per second, if that, but I am not concerned in the least if I ever get in close range scrape with just about anything in the lower 48.
fullsizeoutput_1561 by ComeWatson, on Flickr
Re: Happy with new .44 Special load for the Bulldog
Deleted.
Last edited by Ray on Wed May 18, 2022 9:21 pm, edited 1 time in total.
m.A.g.a. !
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- Advanced Levergunner
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Re: Happy with new .44 Special load for the Bulldog
Dont think there is much that could outrun it either! How was the point of impact. Have you shot the factory .44Sp ammo?
30/30 Winchester: Not accurate enough fer varmints, barely adequate for small deer; BUT In a 10" to 14" barrelled pistol; is good for moose/elk to 200 yards; ground squirrels to 300 metres
250 Savage... its what the 223 wishes it could be...!
250 Savage... its what the 223 wishes it could be...!
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Re: Happy with new .44 Special load for the Bulldog
I'm always interested in posts on the Charter Arms Bulldog, I like the concept of a small .44 spl revolver but can no longer be trusted to own one by my government...
How would you compare the recoil to other common handguns?
How would you compare the recoil to other common handguns?
Whatever you do always give 100%........... unless you are donating blood.
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- Advanced Levergunner
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Re: Happy with new .44 Special load for the Bulldog
Todd, the only factory I have shot is some Ultramag 200-grain cowboy loads.
GK, the recoil with this particular load was not much more than a standard .38 Special. If I get a chance I will chronograph it.
On the job, I carry one CCI snake load on top, then four solids.
GK, the recoil with this particular load was not much more than a standard .38 Special. If I get a chance I will chronograph it.
On the job, I carry one CCI snake load on top, then four solids.
Re: Happy with new .44 Special load for the Bulldog
That load looks plenty good for social work.
A 255 gr. bullet should penetrate just fine, even at only 700fps.
Lots of energy there!
And it's accurate enough!
-Stretch
A 255 gr. bullet should penetrate just fine, even at only 700fps.
Lots of energy there!
And it's accurate enough!
-Stretch
Re: Happy with new .44 Special load for the Bulldog
Hodgdon's data for 240 gr suggests 4 gr of one of the faster powders might do the same with a wee bit less recoil and blast. Thanks for the note. I've been thinking of late about getting one of their Classic Bulldogs.
Re: Happy with new .44 Special load for the Bulldog
For interpersonal crisis situations, it seems as if it would work well. I do not want to be on the receiving end of that load. Sure it might put a hole straight through you without opening up much, but 2 holes of .429 inch diameter or more will cause some shock and a bunch of blood loss. Probably will cause loss of air in at least one lung. May not stop a determined attacker with the first shot, but with the mild recoil, you probably can get off 3 or more shots very quickly. By the third impact, the attacker is going to know that they are in serious need of an experienced Trauma Surgeon and a lot of O negative, or O positive blood. They might survive it, but they will know that they picked a fight that they should have left alone.
D. Brian Casady
Quid Llatine Dictum Sit, Altum Viditur.
Advanced is being able to do the basics while your leg is on fire---Bill Jeans
Don't ever take a fence down until you know why it was put up---Robert Frost
Quid Llatine Dictum Sit, Altum Viditur.
Advanced is being able to do the basics while your leg is on fire---Bill Jeans
Don't ever take a fence down until you know why it was put up---Robert Frost
Re: Happy with new .44 Special load for the Bulldog
Deleted.
Last edited by Ray on Wed May 04, 2022 6:39 am, edited 1 time in total.
m.A.g.a. !
Re: Happy with new .44 Special load for the Bulldog
that bulldog model is the only charter arms revolver I was ever interested in, but I'm over it now. the 200gr JHP 44 Spcl resides in my Redhawk when it's indoors.
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- Advanced Levergunner
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Re: Happy with new .44 Special load for the Bulldog
I really like being able to shoot mine single action if I want to.
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- Senior Levergunner
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Re: Happy with new .44 Special load for the Bulldog
My Bulldog could be a twin except mine has a traditional hammer.
"Any man who covers his face and packs a gun is a legitimate target for any decent citizen"
Jeff Cooper
Jeff Cooper
Re: Happy with new .44 Special load for the Bulldog
I'm fairly settled on 4 gr of 231 (metal can, screw top vintage) under a 240gr standard type 44 hcswc in my BullDog Pug.