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January 11, 2012
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I have a question about reloading for the DW. I have a 15-2 and may soon be acquiring a used 744 (both Monsons) and am wondering how their strength compares to the Rugers. I see in reloading manuals loads listed as "for Rugers only" but feel the DWs are every bit as strong as the Blackhawk or Redhawk. Does anybody have any information to support or refute those thoughts? I would like to load hot if the opportunity to go after dangerous game comes up, but don't want to simply shift the risk from the game to the gun.
Thanks
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Dans Club
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November 17, 2008
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DW has the reputation for being the strongest double action revolver built. That being said always start low and build loads with caution. I have no fear of blowing a Dan with any "reasonable" load. Of course since I do not know "your" experience level, real hot loads are best left to guys who have the experience to recognize the signs of when it gets to hot.
LB
Wisdom is merely the realization of how little one knows, therefore I am wise.
January 11, 2012
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Thanks Bruce. That is what I thought I had heard, but just wanted to make sure. I have been reloading for over 35 years now, mostly .38s and .357 in the handguns and .223 and .30-06 for rifles. Most of my loads have run middle of the pack type loadings with great results for hunting small game and mulies. I am hoping for a hog hunt next spring and wanting to do some backpacking in bear country. I will also be using cast bullets exclusively in the 744 if I do end up getting it.
November 23, 2008
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Greetings
I totally agree with working up loads for your particular revolver.
That being said on average the DW line has won more Silly Wet matches than any other brand. Possibly more matches than all the other revolvers bunched together. That should help to relieve any wonderings about the basic strength of the DW revolver. My first 15-2 was bought used. Used it for 2 Silly Wet seasons (81-82) firing thousands of 180 GC lead bullets down range powered by a top load of 296 down a 10" barrel. Still have it and it still is as accurate as when I first installed the 10" barrel. Now it generally has a snubby mounted.
So as far as my revolver is concerned I would start at a mid load and work up to what I needed. But rather than pushing any revolver past sanity.. get a 41 mag also or better a 357 Super Mag DW. You wont be sorry.
Mike in Peru 
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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Buffalo Bore is a specialty loader of pretty strong loads, everything they load for SBH/SRH is also rated for Dan Wesson.
As always load and shoot with discretion, however, I'm not sure we've ever seen a blown up DW.
I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman "Were is the Self Help Section?" She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.
George Carlin
May 3, 2011
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I'm just curious what type of hot loads you are talking about? What would you be using them for. In steel shooting the average pistol calibers were coming apart because of hot loads. The idea was to knock down the big steel targets at long distances. This is where the SuperMags came in. They were more than able to accomplish the job. If you are worried about maxing out your pistol's tolerance. I would go to the SuperMag DW pistols.
October 24, 2012
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Shot a pig a couple weeks ago with my 445SM. Loaded it with 240 gr JHP and Lil' Gun powder. Pig didn't stand a chance. Knocked the 65lb pig 6 feet from where it was standing. The bullet would have gone through but hit front leg, shoulder, and neck bone. (hope I am not too graphic with the results)
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