FA 97 COL

[Chris Potts]

Why is the 97 offered in 44 sp. and not 44 mag.  Is this a issue of not having a long enough cylinder for the mag., or is it because the smaller frame will not handle the 44 mag round.  I have always had a fondness for the 45 colt but wonder if this gun would not handle the "ruger only loads" because it is not chamber for the 44 mag.  I guess that I might have to settle for the 41 mag.  Or a mod. 83 in 454. 475. 500.....

Chris

[MarkH]

The 97-45 will handle published Ruger 45 data with proper/corresponding OAL.  Recoil is a little on the snappy side to make for a great everyday magnum.

[De41mag]

Chris;

Yes, to answer your question, it's the COL that does not allow a 44 mag to be loaded with bullets like the Keith SWC. But heck... you can put any bullet that is used in the 44 mag and load it in the 44 spl. I've got the 44spl, 5-1/2 barrel and push a 180gr. Hornady XTP at 1200+fps. I guess you could say I have a 44spl. +P+. And the recoil is not bad. I had a Model 83 and sold it due to the brutal recoil and large size. I really like my Special.

Dennis 

[STJ]

You can load the 44sp in the M97 hot.  I shoot 300gr LBTs at 1200fps out of a 4.25" barrel.  Its pretty snappy

IMO the 45colt in the M97 is a bit of a wast due to the limited bullet selection due to the OAL. 

[Chris Potts]

Thanks for all of the replies.  I hadn't really thought about loading up the 44 sp.  I guess this is one of those times where you don't see the most obvious answer because it is right under your nose.  I can definitely see where the shorter col would be a drawback with the 45 colt.  Loading up the 44 sp. has a certain nostalgic appeal also.  Thanks again.

Chris

[ktw]

IMO the 45colt in the M97 is a bit of a wast due to the limited bullet selection due to the OAL. 

These all work in mine.

~250 gr
Lyman 452423
Lyman 454190
Ballisticast 1102
Hornady 250 XTP

~270 gr
NEI #325 (454-270-pbk)

~300 gr
Lee C452-300-RF
Hornady 300 XTP

Kind of like the old argument that 7mm is better than 270 due to 'better bullet selection'.  You don't need a lot of available bullet styles. Just a couple of good ones will do.

-ktw

[silverback]

There's the beartooth 300 gr WFN LBT too, and the CP 265, and anything lighter than that will generally fit fine.

The 275 SAA fits with trimmed cases.

The .45 works fine in the 97.

The .45 IS pushing things in the 97 though, I own a 5.5" adj. in .45 and I'm seriously considering buying a 4.25" round butted .44.

The .45 is pretty tight in the loading gate, pushes the cylinder walls thinner, limits bullet choice, but most of all the 97 is really too light to get my favorite ball powders into the sweet spot. By the time H110 or lilgun is in its element and getting tiny spreads the recoil is unpleasant.

I've been loading unique and blue dot, if anybody knows of a better powder for this application let me know.

I'm tempted to load up some FFF under that beartooth bullet...

Just seems to me the .44 is a better match. .41 and .45 are OK but the .44 is really the perfect match for the 97.

[ktw]

I've been loading unique and blue dot, if anybody knows of a better powder for this application let me know.

I like HS-6. 

If nothing else it meters better than Unique/BlueDot in a powder measure.  I use a lot of it in 45 Colt, 45 ACP (revolver) and 32 H&R Mag.

-ktw

[Chris Potts]

Do you guys trim 44 mag brass for use with the heavy 44 sp. loads or do you just use 44 sp.  brass

Chris

[De41mag]

I just buy the Starline 44 Special brass.
It does just fine since the FA chambers are so well made and consistent.

Dennis