TargetTalk

I was thinking of entering a centerfire postal match, but my .38 target pistol is long gone---I do have the use of a .44 Spl but I was wondering if anyone here has any suggestions for loading match ammo for it? Something along the lines of tried and true recipes such as 2.7 grains of Bullseye behind a 148 grain wadcutter (for .38 Spl) or 4 grains of Bullseye behind a 185 grain wadcutter (for .45ACP)? I know at one time .44 Spl was considered quite a target round so there must be something "classic" out there!

Hi John,

I have used the old Lyman #429348 wadcutter with good success. This was one of many wadcutters that Lyman offered for the 44 special and Russian. I think this one was one of the most successful. Bullseye loads from 3.5 to 4 gr. work pretty well. Heavier loads with Unique have given great accuracy but leading can be a problem after about 100 rounds.
In both 44 spl and 44 magnum I have had some pretty nice groups.
Are you using a S&W? They seem to be consistently good regarding bore and cylinder throat dimensions.
I'll see if I can find some more details for you.
Cheers,
Jim

Thanks Jim,
I'll put that lyman mold on my shopping list. The pistol is a S&W M29. I used to have a 6" Python tricked out with custom grips and it was excellent with 148grain hbwc, but the M29 with .44spl I found to be far more accurate for me, so the Python had to slither off.

Hi John,
My experience regarding 357 vs. 44 special is much like yours. Too bad 44 is oversize for international CF. It's a lot of fun in the dueling stage.

I've used this bullet with a couple 29s (6" and 8 3/8"). I actually have had really good results in magnum cases with 8.7 or 8.8 gr. Unique. I know that sounds like a bit much for Bullseye, but it is in fact quite gentle and quiet in a 29, certainly much softer than a 45 with hardball. I seat them so the driving band is just below the case mouth, not fully flush.
I see from my notes that I last used 4 gr. bullseye in 44 special cases in my 6'' 29. I made a note to try going down to 3.5 or 3.7 gr.

I hope you have good luck finding one of those molds. It was pretty popular so I don't think it should be too hard to find.
Best regards,
Jim

Thank you Jim!