Buffalo Bore on Charter Bulldogs

Thanks guys, back on the subject of defensive ammunition for these guns I've learned of the Hornady Critical Defense 165 grain load. Check out this video.

Looks to be a good load. Penetration was about 10.5" in the particular test, and the bullet is light for caliber, but at LEAST it expanded pretty well. In the meantime waiting for my Bulldog to get back, I've been scouring the internet looking for a .44 special defense load that works out of the 2.5" bulldogs. This is the closest I've seen, and by "seen" I literally mean just that. Many will oft recommend the Speer Gold Dot or Blazer load, but from my research it appears that that load won't expand from the 2.5" Bulldogs. This load is one of the very few tests that used ballistics gel where I have been able to ascertain the REAL performance of the round, and it's not bad performance. Like I've mentioned previously, water jugs and whatnot are NOT reliable indicators of how a bullet will perform in living muscle tissue.

I've also looked at the Corbon 200 grain DPX load, it seems a warm little number but did very nicely in a 3" gun's gel test. Should also work well from a 2.5" gun, though I'm sure many won't like to use it in a Bulldog considering it's somewhat hot. If I learned anything from this thread so far, it's that most people don't like to stress the bulldog with anything over mouse phart or light target loads. Most don't recommend the use of anything warmer for defense, but naturally having a lightly loaded hollow point in this caliber and barrel length just don't work hand in hand.
 
I would not suggest using cor-bon or any other higher velocity (and still a heavy slug) round in a Charter Arms Bulldog .44 special.

maybe limited amounts, but not regular usage at all.
 
Yeah, I know.

If I can find some of the corbon load, I'll get enough to check POA and keep the rest for carry ammo. I won't be shooting much of it at all. But as far as I know, there really is no mild .44 special load that will expand from the 2.5" Bulldogs.
 
I would think you would get great results from a properly alloyed lead-cast HP. using soft lead, the 800fps range is usually great for expansion without fragmenting the bullet too much. if you are a reloader or knows someone who reloads, it would be worth looking into. something around the 10 hardness area. I think another great option would be a semi-jacketed HP wadcutter, if someone makes such a bullet anymore. if anyone does, it would be speer most likely

I can almost guarantee you would at least "decent" expansion from this bullet at even marginal speeds. they are not a perfect bullet design, but a good option.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/56...eted-hollow-point-box-of-100?cm_vc=subv568069

hornaday flex tip are also fantastic at expansion at low velocities, about the only thing I can get to consistently expand from a sub-2" 38spl snubbie

another option worth experimenting with, cast HP from federal. sold as target ammo, but I am sure some expansion occurs if not hardcast. definitely a low pressure round, good for practice at the same time
http://www.discountammoandguns.com/...ard-44-special-semi-wadcutter-hp-200-gr-20box
 
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Thanks!

I prefer to use factory ammo for defense use, and don't reload (yet) so can't load my own anyway. I think that perhaps this summer I might be buying some ballistics gelatin of my own, to run some tests. It's about the only way.
 
yeah, i just have to toughen up a bit and cut out some sleep so i can call them since their listed e-mail is not a reliable channel.
 
So far, my customer service experience with Charter Arms has been super.

Hopefully, they'll get done with my Bulldog soon and once it's back in my hands, it's off to the range to burn some powder and throw some lead. :cool: Will give a range review as soon as I can.
 
I think I will just wait for them to call me. since I am paying for the repairs, one for a second time, I'm sure they will want my credit card number before proceeding. just a waiting game now..... I guess I need to do some magnum shooting in the mean time.
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???

:confused:

I thought this was a new gun. Or, maybe I just got confused about whose gun was where.
 
lee, my guns are an original Bridgeport gun back for being out of time, and end shake, and a charter 2000 for end shake.
 
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UPDATE:

The Bulldog is back! Just picked it up today, and went straight to the range.

Charter fixed the issue, and it now is working great! Took it to the range today and sent 86 rounds of LAX brand 240 grain FMJ loads downrange. WOW!!! :D

This gun is so FUUUUNNN!!!!! It really has some thump to it, but with a firm grasp and with the Pachmayr compac grips I installed on it, recoil wasn't too bad. Reliability was 100%, and I just have to say that I'm going to have to start reloading .44 special because I'm taking this thing to the range on a regular basis. I know folks say that they aren't meant for too much shooting, but this one's going to get some rounds through it come hell or high water!

All in all, VERY pleased with Charter Arms customer service and in the .44 special Bulldog in general. It may very well be one of my new favorite revolvers!!! :D
 
Tommy Theis sent me an email a couple days ago that my holster was done, and shipped. Got it Tuesday. I think I mentioned he does not have a blank for the Charter Bulldog, but I have heard a holster for a Ruger SP101 works well. So that is what I ordered. It does fit pretty good. The entire trigger guard is not covered, but the trigger is. Only the very back of the trigger guard, and a tiny sliver in front it is not covered. I think by following the tension adjustment instructions he meals to you when your holster is shipped I can make it fit even better. I have carried it a couple days now, and it is as concealed, and comfortable as any other guns in this type holster. I will give it some more break in time before I do some fine fitting.
I shot the Bulldog some more yesterday Still no pics, but let's just say I am very happy with it.
One question Winie, are the grips you added bigger, or smaller than what comes on it?
 
One question Winie, are the grips you added bigger, or smaller than what comes on it?
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They are about the exact same size as the stock Charter Arms rubber grips that ship with the new Bulldogs, but are a bit fatter which is a good thing (for me) as it gives a very nice hand filling grip. They are the same length as the stock grips, maybe a couple millimeters shorter. I personally think they feel quite a bit better than the stock Bulldog grips (which are by no means bad) and they looks substantially better.

Here is a pic from today's range outing, and the first for this bulldog. Not the best picture I'll admit LOL!

20150423_190750.jpg
 
Tommy Theis sent me an email a couple days ago that my holster was done, and shipped. Got it Tuesday. I think I mentioned he does not have a blank for the Charter Bulldog, but I have heard a holster for a Ruger SP101 works well.
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Hey Cheapshooter, I went to the Theis website, and clicked on the revolver iwb holster. I then clicked the gun model box and low and behold, one of the options said Charter Arms Bulldog .44! I'm on my phone right now, but am planning to order this holster and try it out.
 
. I know folks say that they aren't meant for too much shooting, but this one's going to get some rounds through it come hell or high water!
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Well, keep track please, and report back :) . I for one just shoot mine occasionally! I have my Ruger .44Spec flattop for 'high volume'.
 
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