Trouble with my 44 special

[HGunner]

I am having trouble finding a load my FA 97 doesn't like!     I've shot over 20 different loads with five different bullets and four different powders and this sucker shoots!  I really have to be on my game to figure out which load is more accurate because none are bad.  It's funny because I usually try loads until I find one or two that a gun likes.  Now I don't know when to stop!  I may have found it this morning.  I loaded the Thompson 255 gr SWCGC over a good charge of IMR-4227 for 1100 fps.  This load shoots 3/4" at 25 yards!  Now maybe I can forget about all those lame 1"-1.5" loads I have 

[BigMuddy]

You know I like 4227 but have only tried it sparingly in the 44 special.  I thought I  had found "my" load but now you got me going back the bench again.

I actually DID find some loads in my '97 that did not shoot very good at all, but it was the bullet I was using. I have been thinking about that Thompson GC bullet but don't have a mold. Just got an E-mail from Midway that they are in stock again, may have to try one.

Dan

[HGunner]

My gun seems to like that Thompson gas checked bullet at .430 (that's the only size I tried).  Just double checked my data and the load that got me 3/4" was only running 1056 fps rather than the 1100 fps I posted earlier.  I'm still trying new combinations and confirming previous data.  It's too much fun to stop!

[HGunner]

I played with this load a little more.  The Thompson bullet as cast by Montana Bullet Works actually weighs 265 gr.  I increased the charge of IMR 4227 by a half grain and increased my crimp by a quarter turn and got 1100 fps on the nose with very good accuracy.  I consider this a max load as it is all I care to shoot.  The brass and primers look good and extraction is easy.  I can shoot it without getting flinchy but 40 rounds of this will leave your hand a little sore with the FA 97.  I'll probably work down now and see where I can get peak accuracy in a general purpose load.