44 special load in 44 mag case

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Ohio3Wheels
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Re: 44 special load in 44 mag case

Post by Ohio3Wheels »

Mad Trapper wrote:So, let me ask this question,
Lets say I have a 44 special case and a 44 russian case.
Both sized identically, except for length of course.
The same bullet loaded in both, same neck tension,bullet depth,etc.
I can use less powder in the 44 russian but still maintain the same power, pressure and veloicity of the 44 special which holds slightly more powder? because the 44 russian is burning powder in a smaller case space which will create slightly higher pressures.
I have been thinking of making up small game loads using 44 russian brass, so I wont confuse them with magnum and special cases, using just enough bullseye powder to take a rabbit or squirrel.
And be able to recover my bullet, rd ball, wadcutter,etc.
44 russian would have to be sharps loaded into a rossi 92, turn it into a nice little squirrel rifle.
Given the condition you state yes you will but I'm not sure that over the chronograph the difference in velocity will be significant. I don't recall ever seeing any research on small changes in case volume versus velocity/pressure. Proceed with caution some powders get a little testy as the pressure goes up.

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Re: 44 special load in 44 mag case

Post by Mad Trapper »

Thank you brother.

I checked my lyman cast bullet manual 4th edition last night, and compared the russian with the special, both using the same bullet,etc.
It confirms what you said.
It does show a slight velocity increase with the russian.

Both cartridges using the Keith bullet 429421 and Unique.

44special - Unique,(6.0) gr. 649 fps. 10300 cup.

44russian - Unique,(4.1) gr. 652 fps. 8500 cup.
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Re: 44 special load in 44 mag case

Post by Ohio3Wheels »

Interesting figures. I've been thinking of doing something similar with the 45 Colt using a 200 grain RNFP and the least velocity that gives me and accurate load. Then head shots on squirrels or sneak up on groundhogs :o

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Re: 44 special load in 44 mag case

Post by Mad Trapper »

You were right on about the large pressure increase.
I was trying to figure out percentage wise, the increased pressure with 4.1 gr in russian vs 6.0 44 special.
I divided 10300 cup by 6.0 gr unique,and 8500 divide by 4.1 gr unique, dont know if thats the right way to do it.
But you can see a large pressure increase between the two.
I wonder what 2 gr of unique or 1.7 gr bullseye would do.
And then maybe use a magnum primer over a standard primer?
I found an article on sixgunner, this is one of Paco Kellys ideas.
Make your own wadcutters from a full size bullet mold.
Cant find the article but did save this pic.
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Re: 44 special load in 44 mag case

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