TC 44 hotshot barrel

[jcb67]

I recently bought a TC Contender 44 hotshot barrel. Does this barrel shoot the CCI shot shells or do I need to find some of the hotshot shells to shoot in it?
Thanks,
John B.

[Racepres]

They shoot the cci shot shells ok .  If ya reload LMK and I will show ya how to have fun w/ that bbl. MV

[jcb67]

I just bought a Classic Lee Loader to reload shotshells for this barrel. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
John B.

[Racepres]

I use the cci empty shotshells, Then using abt a 3/8 drill bit, I drill the end out of an empty plastic shell. then glue it end to end to an undrilled shell, using good ole pvc cement [plumbers glue for pvc pipe] let dry 30 minutes min. fill as normal [except they now hold a 11/16 oz. charge] with #7 1/2. Load over 6.4 gr. of bullseye, in resized primed , but not belled cases. If I take the seater stem out of my seating die, it will hold the shot shell down and apply a slight crimp.     All this to make my .44 into a .410!!!! Am currently experimenting w/ a new method.... will update if successful.   Good luck and be careful.   MV    BTW the standard .44 cci shot shells, are effective on squirrels and barn rats, but, the 357/38's are not.. .410 and equivilent are obviously better on rabbits etc...

[jcb67]

Do you have a picture of the 2 shotshells glued together? I am in the process of buying some loaded (with #6 shot) TC hotshot capsules. How does your homemade ones compare to the TC ones?
Thanks,
John B.

[Racepres]

[img=http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/5548/44shotctg4cx.th.jpg]

On the left is the T/C version, middle is CCI, rt. is mine.
Any questions??
Seriously, tho the t/c version is very good as it uses a thinner, more pliable "shell" but the cci version shatters while the t/c shreds... I truly like the heavy [hommade] cci doubles.   MV

[jcb67]

The picture gives me a better idea of what it looks like. What kind of powder and how much do you use?
Thanks,
John B.

[Racepres]

By my notes,   6.4 gr of Bullseye. Seems to me that I used the same charge T/C recommended if ya would double check to be safe...   MV

[jcb67]

I appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions.
Thanks,
John B.

[pab]

Interesting! I may try that in my 357 and see how it does. I bought a lot of 44 hotshot capsules years ago in a going out of business sale and have been using them until I saw how much they were bringing on ebay, so will try on my 44 barrel too. I have found the 44 hotshot capsules to be every bit as effective as 410s. Thanks for the idea.

[Racepres]

Yes, these particular rounds [.44] are as good as any .410 I have used... never had a hotshot .357 bbl. so never modified the cci shells for them. Probably would make a good round!!! Again , The 357 [stock] CCI's are at best weak!... I would bet that a doubled capsule in .357 would be every bit as good ... if not better than the standard .44 CCI offering... LMK what happens.   MV

[pab]

More 44/357 hotshot notes of interest.

[MikeP]

I take regular .410 plastic split-body shotshell wads and put them right over the powder in a .44 Magnum case. Then I take some regular scotch tape and wrap it around the wads to hold the split ends together, then insert the shot, and end up with with some tape on the top to keep the shot from falling out. These shotshells end up looking like a self-made cigarette, kind of twisted up at the end. I put a slight crimp to hold it in the case. Not pretty, and they must be handled with care, but they shoot well and are fast and easy to make.

[Sverre A.]

Can I shoot TC`s hotshots out of ordinary barrel?

[pab]

If you don't shoot them out of a barrel with the straight rifled choke tube in the end they won't open up and even if they do they won't pattern very well cause the twist rifling will spread the shot out quickly.

[pab]

If you don't shoot them out of a barrel with the straight rifled choke tube in the end they won't open up and even if they do they won't pattern very well cause the twist rifling will spread the shot out too quickly.