[Layne357]

This question is for any of you who have experience reloading for the 38/44 outdoorsman. I recently loaded some 158gr LSWC HP gas checked bullets, made by Rim Rock Bullets, over 11.8 gr of Alliant 2400. My chrony showed an average of 1220 fps. I was a bit surprised at the reading. I thought it would have been 100 fps slower. What’s everybody’s opinion?

 

[Waidmann]

Barrel length?

 

[Layne357]

Sorry I left that out, the outdoorsman has a 6.5in barrel. I have since did some more research and the speed is not that unbelievable. I have read of several people loading 12.5 grains of 2400 with the 158 gr SWC. The 38/44?Outdoorsman is pretty amazing and I own several 357 magnums but there’s just something special about this big N frame 38 special. Thanks

 

[StrawHat]

Skeeter Skelton wrote about his load for the 38/44. He used the 358156 crimped in the lower crimp groove in 38 Special cases to give him the approximate volume of the 357 Magnum round because the Magnum cases were hard to find.

I have used that load in my 38/44 HD and when I had 357 Magnums. It is good load.

Kevin

 

[Layne357]

Skeeter Skelton wrote about his load for the 38/44. He used the 358156 crimped in the lower crimp groove in 38 Special cases to give him the approximate volume of the 357 Magnum round because the Magnum cases were hard to find.

I have used that load in my 38/44 HD and when I had 357 Magnums. It is good load.

Kevin
[/QUOTE
Handloading for this 38/44 has turned into a fascinating journey. It is easy to approach and even exceed modern day 357 mag performance and the 42 oz. weight of this revolver makes even the heavy loads feel tame. I’m sure I’ll be posting more results.