Author Topic: .44 special wadcutter  (Read 831 times)

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Offline dvc45acp

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.44 special wadcutter
« on: September 20, 2012, 09:02:54 AM »
Dear Mr. Smith, I'm a new member and was happy to find this forum. I wonder if you could please advise as to the use of a Montana Bullet Works 220 LBT wadcutter in a 4" .44 special? Mostly for 2 legged mouth breathers although I'd like it to work with 4 legged critters also. I was thinking on 7.5 of Unique, but was hoping you might have some advice. Thank you for your time. Ed

Offline Veral

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Re: .44 special wadcutter
« Reply #1 on: September 23, 2012, 07:23:42 PM »
  Full wadcutters tend to start tumbling after a short distence of penetration, of if they hit bone with an edge of the nose, so I don't like them for serious live target use.  I much prefer a WFN driven briskly for the gun of interest.

  You'll get much higher speed with a somewhat slower powder than Unique, if you want to get more speed than is commonly expected from a 44 special, but if you are content with standard special velocities, I would strongly recommend you try Hodgens Universal powder.  It will duplicate Unique speeds and pressures quite closely, but with the cleanest burn, lowest muzzle blast and flash of any powder I've ever used.

  So what I'm reccomending is that you get a WFN, and if the sights arre fixed, stick with the standard 240 gr weight or close, and Universal powder.  Hodgens will have load data that is usable, for sure, as jacketed data is safe with cast, especially in non magnum guns.  The manual recommended loads will do fine, but if you are comfortable with load development, and especially if you have a stout revolver, load them a bit hotter than standard, as long as pressures are safe.
Veral Smith

Offline dvc45acp

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Re: .44 special wadcutter
« Reply #2 on: September 24, 2012, 02:22:59 AM »
Thank you very much Sir! I greatly appreciate your advice. Ed