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May 4, 2009
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I'm still somewhat new to the pistol/revolver world and have some questions on heavier loads for the 44 (one of the reasons I bought the DW was because it could handle heavier loads). I've been looking for some heavy loads for woods defense (primary reason I bought the 44) in bear country (Montana, Wyoming). I ran across a few (Garrett and Buffalo Bore) this weekend and was wondering if they were to much. I know that a steady diet of these will rattle to pieces over time, but was wondering if it would be okay to shoot a case of them through over the next couple years. Both websites say that DW's can shoot these. The pressure on the Garrett's is 43,500 CUP, and I read last night that the 44 has a max CUP of 36,000, which makes me hesitant to use these. I imagine the the Buffalo Bore bullets are even higher. Right now I've got a 10" barrel, but I plan on buying a 6" compensated barrell tomorrow.
Anyhow, 330 GR Garrett's (last ones on the page)
http://www.garrettcartridges.com/products.asp
340 GR Buffalo Bore
http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=54
If you've got any advice I'd appreciate it. Whether you've shot these, similar rounds, or if you think this is a bad idea.
Dans Club
March 2, 2008
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I would say that if the ammo manufacturers are certifying it, you should be OK, perhaps have your gunsmith check out your DW 44 for some additional reassurance
I think you are wise to avoid a steady diet of very heavy loads, but rest assured that Dan Wesson revolvers are very strong and durable. I spent a couple of years proving to myself that my .357 could handle some very stout handloading experiments.
The SuperMag/Silhouette Gang will be here soon, and they are much more expert than I am with the Big Boys.
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
February 2, 2009
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I use the Thompson Contender loading manual for my 357max and regularly use the loads specified for T/C and Rugers only. The DW is every bit as strong as a Ruger/ if not stronger. There was an article in one of the Gun Mags testifying to the strength of the DW. That being said; after over 15 years of heavy loads, I had to send mine in for some tightening up, as it had gotten a little loose, although it still shot to point of aim and groups were tight.
Range Officer
Range Officers
Dans Club
February 9, 2009
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I cannot say I have had to watch for any heavy loads because I load rather cautiously, but I can attest that I have never had to start piutting my DW back together again after shooting it to pieces. Not so wth the S&W. If I shoot 50-100 rounds through my 629 I have to tighten some items back up on occasion. Maybe it just needs some loc-tite?
SMF
A man cannot have too many SuperMags
June 8, 2009
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Gotta be careful about telling stories…but…when I first got my .44 I figured I'd only shoot rounds that I loaded myself. I'd been practicing with my .357 and was feeling pretty good about the process. I went off to the store to get some powder, primers, cases, and bullets. Had to be 240 gr. bullets and 2400 powder like EK loaded up. They didn't have any lead bullets, so I thought jacketed 240 SWC should work just fine.
Summers are pretty hot and dusty in Montana. I started out with the .357 and kicked up a little dust behind the target holder. Then I cut loose with the .44. I had to wait after each shot for the dust to clear enough to see the target. After the 6 rounds went down range I had to pound out the cases. Little light comes on that this may not working the way it should. Over loaded those rounds by 2.5 gr. Gun is fine, and I never tried that stunt again. In fact, I mostly shoot pretty wimpy loads any more.
I think the DW's are very stout.
July 9, 2009
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I bought a dan 44 mag, 9.7 inch barrel for IHMSA 200 meter shooting. after a few loads, I ended up using a Hornady 265 gr. sp backed by 22.5 grains of 296. It's heavy alright. 1st time out I shot a 39x40 sight in and set the Colorado state revolver record. (1983). I loaned the big dan to a friend who successfully hunted Mulies with it. At 100 meters, from creedmore, the .44 Dan held less than 3 inch, 3 1/2 inch groups all day, any time of the year. As good as any Python I've ever owned. opps, probably should not say that here.
Anyhow, wish I'd never have sold it.
July 21, 2009
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I think the SAAMI max pressure for the 44 mag is 40K CUP, at least that is it according to the Accurate Powder Loading Guide on my desk.
I've shot the Garrett rounds, and some pretty hot stuff from Buffalo Bore, in a 4 3/4" Blackhawk. It was . . .disconcerting, and I suspect I might consider them overkill any time there isn't a bear actually chewing on me. But I don't think they did any undo wear and tear on the revolver. If I were going to carry them into bear country I'd probably limit my shooting to occasional cylinders-full for familiarization, and what I actually shot at bears.
FWIW (probably not much), my current .44 bear load is a hardcast 260 LBT bullet at about 1400 fps. Not that I've had the chance to need to carry them lately.
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