445 dan wesson revolvers

YOULL NEED TO SHOOT A GREAT DEAL TO GET THE NECESSARY PRACTICE,
its that frequent practice and hand loading that significantly reduces ammo cost,
THAT MAKES THE 445 REALLY EFFECTIVE IN YOUR HANDS,
CASTING YOUR OWN BULLETS SIZED EXACTLY TO THE THROAT/BORE SIZE HELPS,
AS DOES THE COST SAVINGS CASTING YOUR OWN BULLETS SAVES YOU
remember a properly sized and lubed gas check, cast bullet, of very similar length and shape,
has significantly less friction or resistance to acceleration than an identical weight jacketed bullet ,
seated over the identical powder charge if seated to the same over all length ,
Ive used a S&W 44 mag for decades

but the 445 DWSM is a larger handgun that pushes the same 44 caliber pistol bullets to about 200 fps faster
to gain max potential from the 445 DWSM, a hard cast gas check bullet similar to this accurate arms 320 grain, or the LEE 310 grain gas check design
would do very well if cast from 95% ww and 5% pure tin alloy

options

Bullet Design Details | Accurate Molds

www.accuratemolds.com

THE SUPERMAGS

(yes this is a link to useful data)

Bullet Design Details | Accurate Molds

www.accuratemolds.com

https://web.archive.org/web/20210916183205/http://sixguns.com/tests/tt445sm.htm

thus lower pressures and higher velocity generally result
keep in mind that just because a particular cartridge or revolver is no longer in production,
does not indicate it was not excellent quality or highly effective,
or very accurate,
it just means it did not consistently make its manufacturer a good high profit margin,
and a wide market share, over a long time frame.
the DAN WESSON SUPER MAGS WERE AND ARE HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER,
these are hunting revolvers, and are too large and heavy for most other applications

the bullet size in relation to the bore, the hardness and the LUBE used all effect the results
things to read

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/should-i-start-reloading.14021/

if you don,t think handguns are effective in skilled hands read this
(an excellent choice if your convinced you need more than a 44 mag, would be the 480 ruger or 445 DWSM)

an keep in mind, a 44 mag with 310 grain hard cast bullets will kill anything in north america including the largest bears with decent shot placement and a knowledge of the games anatomy
the 44 mag silhouette with adjustable front site and 10 5/8" barrel

YES IT REQUIRES a shoulder holster to use comfortably

Here's some web Data Info, I have no personal experience with reloading

the .445.



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_magnum



http://www.sixguns.com/tests/tt445sm.htm



http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=445 Supermag&Weight=All&type=Rifle&Order=Powder&Source=



http://stevespages.com/429p_5.html

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/i ... 0000690227

heres the LEE 310 grain cast bullet I use in my 44 mag loaded over 21 grains of h-110 it makes an effective load
if you get 1250 fps in a 10" 44 mag with a 310 grain bullet that equals about 1075 ft lbs at the muzzle

the same lee 310 grain gas check bullet over 30 grains of H110 in a 445 DWSM, in the larger case,
gets you about 200-220 FPS more velocity
if you get 1450 fps in a 10" 445 mag with a 310 grain bullet that equals about 1450 ft lbs at the muzzle
SOME DAN WESSON PARTS


keep in mind that cartridges like the 445 dan wesson
(an extended length case , version of the 44 mag,)
or the 454 casull and 460 S&W ( an extended length case, similar to a 45 colt)
while significantly more powerful than a standard 44 mag, are not necessarily more lethal in skilled hands,
but the extra velocity allows longer effective range use.
and the DAN WESSON REVOLVERS ARE KNOWN TO BE EXCEPTIONALLY ACCURATE and BARRELS ARE EASY TO REPLACE


http://www.sixguns.com/tests/tt445sm.htm

TAFFIN TESTS: THE .445 SUPERMAG

JOHN TAFFIN

The .357 SuperMag as chambered in the Dan Wesson heavy frame revolver of the same name or in the Ruger .357 Maximum Blackhawk or even in the Seville Silhouette Single Action, is generally regarded by many experienced silhouetters as the finest revolver cartridge for long range shooting ever conceived. The concept was a simple one. Instead of using a big bore for silhouettes, stretch the .357 Magnum enough that it would handle 180 and 200 grain bullets at normal .357 Magnum muzzle velocities. A length of 1.610" was selected and 180-200 grain bullets did indeed attain the same muzzle velocities as the .357 Magnum using 158 grain bullets. Though the concept was simple, carrying it out was not. It was more than a matter of chambering an existing revolver for the new cartridge as stretching the case to 1.610" also meant stretching revolver frames and cylinders a like amount. This is no simple task and certainly required a large investment in time, money, and engineering.

When the .357 SuperMag from Dan Wesson first appeared on the scene, more than one wildcatter was waiting with reamers in hand to do one thing: Turn it into a true big bore. The largest number of these were turned into .44 SuperMags, and I had the privilege of doing extensive shooting of one such early wildcat, the .44 UltraMag. The .44 UltraMag used .444 Marlin brass cut to 1.600", and this brass being larger in diameter than .44 Magnum brass, was swaged and turned on a lathe until it matched .44 Magnum dimensions. The reason, of course, was to also allow the use of the shorter .44 Magnums in the same cylinder.

My good friend Lew Schafer created the .44 UltraMag and by careful reloading we acquired the following muzzle velocities, in cold temperatures of 20-25 degrees, brutally cold when shooting a big bore revolver, using a six-inch barreled Dan Wesson revolver:

• 200 grain Hornady Jacketed Hollow Point 1718 fps
• 220 grain Sierra FPJ Silhouette 1670 fps
• 240 grain Hornady Jacketed Silhouette 1596 fps
• 265 grain Hornady Jacketed Flat Point 1495 fps
• 305 grain Cast Gas Checked Bullet 1589 fps

All loads were assembled with WW680 powder and CCI #350 Magnum Large Pistol primers with the 305 grain cast bullet giving five-shot groups of 3/8"-1/2" at 25 yards.

Barrels for the .44 UltraMag were standard Dan Wesson .44 Magnum barrels but because the SuperMag frames used different threads, eight-inch .44 Magnum barrels were cut to six-inches and rethreaded. Various .44 SuperMags, based on either .444 Marlin or .30-40 Krag brass, have surfaced since, but the ".44 Stretched Magnum" became a production six gun in 1988. Dan Wesson and the late Elgin Gates of IHMSA, combined forces to create the.445 SuperMag. Dan Wesson supplied the guns, IHMSA supplied the brass and healthy orders for the new big bore six gun.

As of this writing, .445 SuperMags are available only from Dan Wesson in both blue and stainless steel versions. No other revolver manufacturer has seen fit to produce the .445 SuperMag, so it is either Dan Wesson or a Thompson/Center Contender single-shot. Brass is available, but no factory loaded rounds. Brass can be acquired only from The Silhouette (phone 208-524-0880), and the latest run will be head stamped ".445 Gates" in memory of its creator.

Problems surfaced early with the .445 SuperMag revolver and also with the .445 brass. The first guns had oversize cylinders and the brass was not properly annealed. Problems with sizing .445 SuperMag brass has also resulted whether using either .445 or .44 Magnum carbide sizing dies both of which often raise a sharp ring of metal right above the base of the fired shell. Standard non-carbide .44 Magnum sizing dies will give better results. In my reloading of the .445, I use neither .445 nor .44 Magnum sizing dies but instead opt for a custom RCBS .44 Schafer UltraMag sizing die that puts a slight taper on the case from base to mouth, and is much easier on brass. It is somewhat of a nuisance to use as cases must be lubed and virtually hand fed into the very sharp, very flat base of the sizing die, but the results are well worth it. Most sizing dies have a slight funnel shape at the bottom to assist entrance of the case mouth; the .44 UltraMag die does not.

Except for the case-sizing cautions, reloading the .44 SuperMag is the same as for reloading the .44 Magnum. A good heavy crimp is required both to keep bullets from moving forward in recoil as the big sixgun is fired, and also to get the powder started burning properly. Powder selection is a little different as I stay with H4227, WW296, H110, WW680, and AA#1680, staying away from any faster burning powders.

The same bullets that work in the .44 Magnum also work well in the .44 SuperMag with my preference being for the heavier bullets in the 290 to 310 grain weight range. The .44 SuperMag is a an exceptionally accurate cartridge and this accuracy is even further enhanced by the use of heavyweight bullets such as the SSK J.D. Jones designed #310.429 flat point, the NEI #295.429 GC (available from BRP Bullets, 1210 Alexander Road, Dept. AH, Colorado Springs Colorado 80909) or Sierra's 300 grain jacketed flat point. Speer also has a 300 grain bullet in the works but I have not yet received any for testing as this is written.

Large Rifle primers are usually recommended for the .445 UltraMag/SuperMag/Gates, but I have yet to determine a nickel's worth of difference between the use of Large Rifle Primers and Magnum Pistol Primers. Muzzle velocities and accuracy are both virtually identical whether Federal or CCI Large Rifle Primers, or Federal or CCI Magnum Pistol Primers are used.

The .445 SuperMag has been touted as a silhouette revolver and it is IF properly loaded. It makes little sense to load it to the hilt and try to shoot 40, 60, or 80 targets with it. Even with the ten-inch barreled version, which is just a shade under four pounds, recoil can be quite disconcerting with full house loads. For silhouetting, I would stay at 1650 feet per second or less with the 220 grain Sierra silhouette bullet or 1500 feet per second with the 240 Speer silhouette bullet. Using the 220 grain Sierra and 34.0 grains of H4227, muzzle velocity is 1648 feet per second according to the triple sky screens of my Oehler Model 35P chronograph. The same load in an eight-inch barrel goes 1635 fps, six-inch gives 1541 fps, and the Super Fourteen T/C Contender milks it for all it is worth and yields just barely over two thousand feet per second.

With the 240 Speer silhouette bullet, I use either 33.0 grains of H110, 31.0 grains of H4227, or 38.0 grains of WW680 for the 1500 feet per second muzzle velocity range from the ten-inch barreled Dan Wesson. These same loads will do 1350 to 1450 feet per second in the six-inch and eight-inch barreled DW's and right around 1850 in the Super Fourteen.

The heavier weight bullets really make the .445 worthwhile and the replacing of the ten-inch standard barrel or eight-inch heavy barrel that were standard equipment with my early .445 Dan Wesson with a standard weight six-inch barrel makes the .445 handle as easily as a Smith & Wesson Model 29. Well, real close anyway. The shorter barrel transforms the big Dan Wesson from a clumsy, heavy competition pistol to a very packable hunting pistol.

Hunting with the .445 SuperMag means heavyweight bullets such as the 265 grain Hornady Jacketed Flat Point, the 300 grain Sierra Jacketed Flat Point, or cast bullets such as NEI's 295 grain Keith style or SSK's 310 grain flat point. Using 31.0 grains of H110 with the latter three bullets in the 300 grain weight range yields impressive muzzle velocities with the six-inch barreled Dan Wesson. Even with this relatively short barrel length, the 300 grain cast bullets will go 1500 feet per second giving a lot of power from a small package, or the 300 grain Sierra Jacketed Flat Point will do 1300 feet per second with the same load. For a slightly less powerful load, try 34.0 grains of WW680 with either of the 300 grain bullets.

keep in mind the PROJECTILE DESIGN IS CRITICAL as it does ALL THE WORK, and SHOT PLACEMENT is CRITICAL, simply because the projectile can't be effective if not placed where it can do the most damage.
you must also select a projectile designed to maximize results on its intended target thus you must know the intended targets anatomy and where the vitals are located internally, a bullet designed break bone and penetrate to the vitals on a large bear will zip through a human opponent, causing less than ideal internal damage, a bullet designed to max internal damage on a human opponent might expand far to rapidly on a BEAR! to ever reach the vitals!
LOADS FOR THE .445 SUPERMAG

FIREARM: DAN WESSON MODEL 445
CHRONOGRAPH: OEHLER MODEL 35P
PRIMER: FEDERAL #210
TEMPERATURE: 70 DEGREES



BULLET LOADMV 10"MV 8"MV 6"
SIERRA 300 JFP 29.0 GR. H110 1299 1290 1220
30.0 GR. H110 1302 1294 1242
31.0 GR. H110 1395 1394 1295
32.0 GR. H110 1445 1429 1369
32.0 GR. WW680 1144 1121 1100
33.0 GR. WW680 1229 1163 1133
34.0 GR. WW680 1284 1247 1191
35.0 GR. WW680 1340 1293 1253

BULLET LOADMV 10"MV 8"MV 6"
BRP 295 KEITH* 29.0 GR. H110 1447 1443 1376
30.0 GR. H110 1512 1502 1477
31.0 GR. H110 1608 1572 1498
32.0 GR. H110 1635 1607 1527
32.0 GR. WW680 1397 1344 1336
33.0 GR. WW680 1435 1406 1405
34.0 GR. WW680 1554 1496 1442
35.0 GR. WW680 1568 1541 1514
36.0 GR. WW680 1612 1550 1538


BULLET LOADMV 10"MV 8"MV 6"
SSK 310 FN** 29.0 GR. H110 1446 1442 1402
30.0 GR. H110 1501 1472 1421
31.0 GR. H110 1546 1494 1491
32.0 GR. H110 1575 1563 1544
32.0 GR. WW680 1399 1375 1334
33.0 GR. WW680 1492 1462 1444
34.0 GR. WW680 1572 1521 1500
35.0 GR. WW680 1601 1547 1517


BULLET LOADMV 10"MV 8"MV 6"
HORNADY 265 FN 29.0 GR. H110 1361 1308 1258
30.0 GR. H110 1406 1394 1286
31.0 GR. H110 1486 1459 1310
32.0 GR. H110 1536 1527 1409
29.0 GR. H4227 1390 1377 1267
30.0 GR. H4227 1468 1445 1306
31.0 GR. H4227 1534 1506 1327
32.0 GR. H4227 1581 1576 1430


BULLET LOADMV 10"MV 8"MV 6"
SPEER 240 FMJ 32.0 GR. H110 1471 1441 1313
33.0 GR. H110 1516 1517 1387
34.0 GR. H110 1522 1525 1442
35.0 GR. H110 1577 1533 1485
36.0 GR. H110 1570 1575 1512
30.0 GR. H4227 1408 1367 1296
31.0 GR. H4227 1514 1493 1326
32.0 GR. H4227 1609 1599 1444
33.0 GR. H4227 1682 1626 1550
35.0 GR. WW680 1419 1335 1227
36.0 GR. WW680 1451 1359 1289
37.0 GR. WW680 1476 1391 1331
38.0 GR. WW680 1504 1432 1353
39.0 GR. WW680 1499 1630 1405
34.0 GR. AA#1680 1256 1235 1045
35.0 GR. AA#1680 1345 1324 1070
36.0 GR. AA#1680 1377 1365 1189
37.0 GR. AA#1680 1388 1376 1252



BULLET LOADMV 10"MV 8"MV 6"
SIERRA 220 FMJ 34.0 GR. H4227 1648 1635 1541
35.0 GR. H4227 1759 1705 1561
36.0 GR. H4227 1793 1780 1640
38.0 GR. WW680 1479 1460 1287
39.0 GR. WW680 1482 1461 1295
40.0 GR. WW680 1517 1491 1360

E.W. Kovachic Technologies
210 South Park Street
Richmond, OH 43944
http://www.ewkarms.com/zen8/index.php?m ... ucts_id=93
Dan Wesson Muzzle Brake Kit Large Frame Stainless

$42.95
This brake kit is used in place of your barrel nut-very nifty accessory for your Dan Wesson! I have found the most effective design seems to be 2 rows of holes/ports oriented somewhat vertically. The trick is getting the ports timed correctly-this kit takes care of that by the use of precision shims for custom installation on your pistol! Please note the brake is "fairly" simple to install-it takes a little bit of time and patience to get the ports aligned perfectly. Instructions included. For all large frame calibers up to and including the .45's. No frame/shroud/barrel/sight included-used for demo purposes only.
BTW YOU CAN ORDER REPLACEMENT BARRELS AND OTHER PARTS FOR A DAN WESSON AT
1-607-336-1174 which is DAN WESSON PARTS DIRECT LINE, but be aware some parts are made to order and require 4-6 week delivery

OR https://www.gunpartscorp.com/products/1198640

or
genny@cz-usa.com
http://www.handloads.com/misc/linebaugh ... .tests.asp

http://www.lasc.us/CastBulletNotes.htm

http://www.lasc.us/FryxellCommentsCBAlloys.htm

http://www.surplusrifle.com/shooting/al ... /index.asp

http://www.recguns.com/Sources/VIIB5.html

http://www.sixguns.com/crew/obturation.htm

http://www.sixguns.com/crew/castbullet.htm


http://www.rserv.com/Alloy.html

https://shop.cz-usa.com/dw-products/revolver/barrels-shrouds/44-magnum

http://www.n-ssa.org/NORTHWEST/Casting Bullets.htm

http://www.theantimonyman.com/price.htm

http://www.redding-reloading.com/pages/ ... ights.html

I've been using a couple hand guns for over 45 years too hunt larger game, (mostly deer, elk and hogs)
during those decades I've learned a few things along the way, and while I'm sure there's several people who may have more field experience,
I don,t think the experienced members will have much to argue about.

(1) precisely placed hits and a good knowledge of the games anatomy produce quick decisive kills.
(thus a good deal of practice with your handgun of choice is required)
(2) reasonably heavy for caliber gas check bullets with at least a 70%-85% flat nose (melplate)tend to produce a consistent deep ,strait lethal
wounds, (a 44 mag or a 445 dwsm can consistently shoot completely through even an elks chest)
(3) I've found a well lubed, gas check bullet cast from, 95% ww alloy and 5% tin provide a reasonable compromise in accuracy, penetration and almost no barrel leading
(4) in 45 plus years of hunting with an iron sight revolver's (mostly S&W mod 29 44 mag and dan wesson 445 super mags)I've found the 280-310 grain bullets produce the most consistent results
(5) ranges I and others I've hunted with, seldom exceed 70 -90 yards and that,s a good thing because under field conditions most of the people I've hunted with can not consistently place their first shot in anything smaller than a 6" paper plate past 75 yards.
(6) accuracy is more important than velocity as actual kills tend to be under 100 yards and a 300 grain hard cast bullet at only 1300 fps from a 44 mag will consistently kill even elk, and while I've used a 445 DWSM throwing a 300 grain bullet at 1550 fps the results are very similar.

ok now all the 45-50 caliber guys can tell me why I need more power, more bullet mass and higher velocity,
, but I've rarely recovered a bullet as most exit, and yes I own a 500 S&W and a 454 cassul Ruger
yes I've hunted with both and they also work ok,)
and yeah off a bench rest there's lots of guys that can shoot better groups,
but after several hours climbing canyons and walking through conifers and aspen,
at 8K-9K altitudes those groups youll shoot leaning against an aspen,
don,t match your best bench rest groups

if your hunting thicker brush, a great deal of Florida is like that, and it makes it a real challenge to get close to deer/hogs .
most of my friends cut a couple shooting lanes like spokes from a wheel hub about 50-80 yards long from a low tree stand they build or use the power line right of ways, and the game soon use those as travel routes and we soon found that a 44 mag revolver,
445 DAN WESSON SUPER MAG, or carbine IN A CALIBER LIKE 450 marlin,444 marlin,45/70 govt, or a similar firearm,
seems to be ideal, as a shot over 40 yards is very rare, in that stuff, and there's nothing I've found yet that even a 44 mag loaded with a 300 grain hard cast lee bullet over 20 grains of H110 won't stop and I've shot some fairly large hogs in that crap.
now I'm sure that someone's going to point out a 500 S&W, or 460 S&W has more power,
but honestly if the 44 mag using 300 grain hard cast bullets, zips thru , and leave's a large hole now,
what's extra power going to accomplish. one of my friends, JACK, used a 45/70 with 405 factory loads with great success,
and bragged how it zips thru large hogs.....until the day (with his permission) I zapped a huge boar he had killed with my revolver, and showed him it also zipped thru with ease, a 300 grain hard cast 44 cal bullet is a formidable projectile,
when cast from 50% Linotype and 50% wheel weights plus 5% tin added alloy

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/i ... 0000690858

if you can find a location where two larger thick areas narrow to a thinner neck and place a tree stand and run the shooting lanes out so as to form an easy path thru the thicker areas to two adjacent thinner areas you will almost always provide a preferred route for the deer to use, and over time a deer hot spot for hunting, the thinner areas don't necessarily need to be real large, or similar a field near a lake shore, that's separated bye a wooded strip, or a strip of high ground thru a swamp, are examples, but it helps to research the deer bedding and feeding areas, before selecting a site.
and obviously you don't want it in an area of high human traffic or easy hunter access from near-bye roads, edges of power line right of ways and agricultural field corners ,or edges of ponds or lakes that border on wood lots or currently un-used fields frequently can provide the locations, and where legal on private land a mineral block placed near bye, won't hurt.
keep in mind most deer with functioning brain cells avoid crossing truly open ground during day light, during the hunting seasons, and tend to stay just inside the brush on field edges when they can until dusk.

http://www.hoytusa.com/community/articl ... l.php?id=4

http://books.google.com/books?id=C3gXZc ... ts&f=false

http://www.arizonahuntingclub.com/hunti ... estand.asp

http://www.bowhuntingmag.com/tactics/BW092804BT2/

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Hunting-1633/big-buck.htm

http://www.jesseshunting.com/site/muley.html

Im a bit curious, after a recent discussion, I was just out hog hunting with a buddy here in florida , on a guys ranch, he was very impressed with how well my 445 dan wesson super mag had put down some hogs.
the thing I found rather ODD was he had never even HEARD of a 445 dan wesson super mag, now ,if you have yet to see or try one, its similar to s stretched 44 mag with a 1.6" long case and generally throws bullets of similar weight 200-300fps faster than a 44 mag.
with a 10" is got similar power to many 454 cassul loads
bullets performance is dependent on a good knowledge of the games anatomy and very precise ,and correct shot placement.
a shot thru the green dot will be quickly fatal, place the shot a bit higher and forward to destroy the shoulder and spine if your more concerned with anchoring the animal quickly than maximizing the venison,you pack out, like the lower picture[/b]



the load I use , in my 445 DWSM is a 300 grain hard cast gas check bullet, with a fed mag pistol primer and 30 grains of H110 which results in near 1480 fps in my 10" barrel revolver, this is a hot but certainly not max load ,at least in this revolver.

http://www.reloadbench.com/cartridges/w445supmag.html

http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/defau ... der&Source

viewtopic.php?f=91&t=1864

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/i ... 0152660650

http://www.sixguns.com/tests/tt445sm.htm

http://www.sixguns.com/range/supermags.htm

https://www.starlinebrass.com/brass-cas ... Mag-Brass/

TAFFIN TESTS: THE .445 SUPERMAG

JOHN TAFFIN

The .357 SuperMag as chambered in the Dan Wesson heavy frame revolver of the same name or in the Ruger .357 Maximum Blackhawk or even in the Seville Silhouette Single Action, is generally regarded by many experienced silhouetters as the finest revolver cartridge for long range shooting ever conceived. The concept was a simple one. Instead of using a big bore for silhouettes, stretch the .357 Magnum enough that it would handle 180 and 200 grain bullets at normal .357 Magnum muzzle velocities. A length of 1.610" was selected and 180-200 grain bullets did indeed attain the same muzzle velocities as the .357 Magnum using 158 grain bullets. Though the concept was simple, carrying it out was not. It was more than a matter of chambering an existing revolver for the new cartridge as stretching the case to 1.610" also meant stretching revolver frames and cylinders a like amount. This is no simple task and certainly required a large investment in time, money, and engineering.

When the .357 SuperMag from Dan Wesson first appeared on the scene, more than one wildcatter was waiting with reamers in hand to do one thing: Turn it into a true big bore. The largest number of these were turned into .44 SuperMags, and I had the privilege of doing extensive shooting of one such early wildcat, the .44 UltraMag. The .44 UltraMag used .444 Marlin brass cut to 1.600", and this brass being larger in diameter than .44 Magnum brass, was swaged and turned on a lathe until it matched .44 Magnum dimensions. The reason, of course, was to also allow the use of the shorter .44 Magnums in the same cylinder.

My good friend Lew Schafer created the .44 UltraMag and by careful reloading we acquired the following muzzle velocities, in cold temperatures of 20-25 degrees, brutally cold when shooting a big bore revolver, using a six-inch barrelled Dan Wesson revolver:

200 grain Hornady Jacketed Hollow Point 1718 fps

220 grain Sierra FPJ Silhouette 1670 fps

240 grain Hornady Jacketed Silhouette 1596 fps

265 grain Hornady Jacketed Flat Point 1495 fps

305 grain Cast Gas Checked Bullet 1589 fps

All loads were assembled with WW680 powder and CCI #350 Magnum Large Pistol primers with the 305 grain cast bullet giving five-shot groups of 3/8"-1/2" at 25 yards.

Barrels for the .44 UltraMag were standard Dan Wesson .44 Magnum barrels but because the SuperMag frames used different threads, eight-inch .44 Magnum barrels were cut to six-inches and rethreaded. Various .44 SuperMags, based on either .444 Marlin or .30-40 Krag brass, have surfaced since, but the ".44 Stretched Magnum" became a production sixgun in 1988. Dan Wesson and the late Elgin Gates of IHMSA, combined forces to create the.445 SuperMag. Dan Wesson supplied the guns, IHMSA supplied the brass and healthy orders for the new big bore sixgun.

As of this writing, .445 SuperMags are available only from Dan Wesson in both blue and stainless steel versions. No other revolver manufacturer has seen fit to produce the .445 Supermag, so it is either Dan Wesson or a Thompson/Center Contender single-shot. Brass is available, but no factory loaded rounds. Brass can be acquired only from The Silhouette (phone 208-524-0880), and the latest run will be headstamped ".445 Gates" in memory of its creator.

Problems surfaced early with the .445 SuperMag revolver and also with the .445 brass. The first guns had oversize cylinders and the brass was not properly annealed. Problems with sizing .445 SuperMag brass has also resulted whether using either .445 or .44 Magnum carbide sizing dies both of which often raise a sharp ring of metal right above the base of the fired shell. Standard non-carbide .44 Magnum sizing dies will give better results. In my reloading of the .445, I use neither .445 nor .44 Magnum sizing dies but instead opt for a custom RCBS .44 Schafer UltraMag sizing die that puts a slight taper on the case from base to mouth, and is much easier on brass. It is somewhat of a nuisance to use as cases must be lubed and virtually hand fed into the very sharp, very flat base of the sizing die, but the results are well worth it. Most sizing dies have a slight funnel shape at the bottom to assist entrance of the case mouth; the .44 UltraMag die does not.

Except for the case-sizing cautions, reloading the .44 SuperMag is the same as for reloading the .44 Magnum. A good heavy crimp is required both to keep bullets from moving forward in recoil as the big sixgun is fired, and also to get the powder started burning properly. Powder selection is a little different as I stay with H4227, WW296, H110, WW680, and AA#1680, staying away from any faster burning powders.

The same bullets that work in the .44 Magnum also work well in the .44 SuperMag with my preference being for the heavier bullets in the 290 to 310 grain weight range. The .44 SuperMag is a an exceptionally accurate cartridge and this accuracy is even further enhanced by the use of heavyweight bullets such as the SSK J.D. Jones designed #310.429 flat point, the NEI #295.429 GC (available from BRP Bullets, 1210 Alexander Road, Dept. AH, Colorado Springs Colorado 80909) or Sierra's 300 grain jacketed flat point. Speer also has a 300 grain bullet in the works but I have not yet received any for testing as this is written.

Large Rifle primers are usually recommended for the .445 UltraMag/SuperMag/Gates, but I have yet to determine a nickel's worth of difference between the use of Large Rifle Primers and Magnum Pistol Primers. Muzzle velocities and accuracy are both virtually identical whether Federal or CCI Large Rifle Primers, or Federal or CCI Magnum Pistol Primers are used.

The .445 SuperMag has been touted as a silhouette revolver and it is IF properly loaded. It makes little sense to load it to the hilt and try to shoot 40, 60, or 80 targets with it. Even with the ten-inch barrelled version, which is just a shade under four pounds, recoil can be quite disconcerting with full house loads. For silhouetting, I would stay at 1650 feet per second or less with the 220 grain Sierra silhouette bullet or 1500 feet per second with the 240 Speer silhouette bullet. Using the 220 grain Sierra and 34.0 grains of H4227, muzzle velocity is 1648 feet per second according to the triple sky screens of my Oehler Model 35P chronograph. The same load in an eight-inch barrel goes 1635 fps, six-inch gives 1541 fps, and the Super Fourteen T/C Contender milks it for all it is worth and yields just barely over two thousand feet per second.

With the 240 Speer silhouette bullet, I use either 33.0 grains of H110, 31.0 grains of H4227, or 38.0 grains of WW680 for the 1500 feet per second muzzle velocity range from the ten-inch barrelled Dan Wesson. These same loads will do 1350 to 1450 feet per second in the six-inch and eight-inch barreled DW's and right around 1850 in the Super Fourteen.

The heavier weight bullets really make the .445 worthwhile and the replacing of the ten-inch standard barrel or eight-inch heavy barrel that were standard equipment with my early .445 Dan Wesson with a standard weight six-inch barrel makes the .445 handle as easily as a Smith & Wesson Model 29. Well, real close anyway. The shorter barrel transforms the big Dan Wesson from a clumsy, heavy competition pistol to a very packable hunting pistol.

Hunting with the .445 SuperMag means heavyweight bullets such as the 265 grain Hornady Jacketed Flat Point, the 300 grain Sierra Jacketed Flat Point, or cast bullets such as NEI's 295 grain Keith style or SSK's 310 grain flat point. Using 31.0 grains of H110 with the latter three bullets in the 300 grain weight range yields impressive muzzle velocities with the six-inch barreled Dan Wesson. Even with this relatively short barrel length, the 300 grain cast bullets will go 1500 feet per second giving a lot of power from a small package, or the 300 grain Sierra Jacketed Flat Point will do 1300 feet per second with the same load. For a slightly less powerful load, try 34.0 grains of WW680 with either of the 300 grain bullets.

LOADS FOR THE .445 SUPERMAG

FIREARM: DAN WESSON MODEL 445
CHRONOGRAPH: OEHLER MODEL 35P
PRIMER: FEDERAL #210
TEMPERATURE: 70 DEGREES


BULLET LOAD MV 10" MV 8" MV 6"
SIERRA 300 JFP 29.0 GR. H110 1299 1290 1220
30.0 GR. H110 1302 1294 1242
31.0 GR. H110 1395 1394 1295
32.0 GR. H110 1445 1429 1369
32.0 GR. WW680 1144 1121 1100
33.0 GR. WW680 1229 1163 1133
34.0 GR. WW680 1284 1247 1191
35.0 GR. WW680 1340 1293 1253


BULLET LOAD MV 10" MV 8" MV 6"
BRP 295 KEITH* 29.0 GR. H110 1447 1443 1376
30.0 GR. H110 1512 1502 1477
31.0 GR. H110 1608 1572 1498
32.0 GR. H110 1635 1607 1527
32.0 GR. WW680 1397 1344 1336
33.0 GR. WW680 1435 1406 1405
34.0 GR. WW680 1554 1496 1442
35.0 GR. WW680 1568 1541 1514
36.0 GR. WW680 1612 1550 1538


BULLET LOAD MV 10" MV 8" MV 6"
SSK 310 FN** 29.0 GR. H110 1446 1442 1402
30.0 GR. H110 1501 1472 1421
31.0 GR. H110 1546 1494 1491
32.0 GR. H110 1575 1563 1544
32.0 GR. WW680 1399 1375 1334
33.0 GR. WW680 1492 1462 1444
34.0 GR. WW680 1572 1521 1500
35.0 GR. WW680 1601 1547 1517




BULLET LOAD MV 10" MV 8" MV 6"
HORNADY 265 FN 29.0 GR. H110 1361 1308 1258
30.0 GR. H110 1406 1394 1286
31.0 GR. H110 1486 1459 1310
32.0 GR. H110 1536 1527 1409
29.0 GR. H4227 1390 1377 1267
30.0 GR. H4227 1468 1445 1306
31.0 GR. H4227 1534 1506 1327
32.0 GR. H4227 1581 1576 1430




BULLET LOAD MV 10" MV 8" MV 6"
SPEER 240 FMJ 32.0 GR. H110 1471 1441 1313
33.0 GR. H110 1516 1517 1387
34.0 GR. H110 1522 1525 1442
35.0 GR. H110 1577 1533 1485
36.0 GR. H110 1570 1575 1512
30.0 GR. H4227 1408 1367 1296
31.0 GR. H4227 1514 1493 1326
32.0 GR. H4227 1609 1599 1444
33.0 GR. H4227 1682 1626 1550
35.0 GR. WW680 1419 1335 1227
36.0 GR. WW680 1451 1359 1289
37.0 GR. WW680 1476 1391 1331
38.0 GR. WW680 1504 1432 1353
39.0 GR. WW680 1499 1630 1405
34.0 GR. AA#1680 1256 1235 1045
35.0 GR. AA#1680 1345 1324 1070
36.0 GR. AA#1680 1377 1365 1189
37.0 GR. AA#1680 1388 1376 1252




BULLET LOAD MV 10" MV 8" MV 6"
SIERRA 220 FMJ 34.0 GR. H4227 1648 1635 1541
35.0 GR. H4227 1759 1705 1561
36.0 GR. H4227 1793 1780 1640
38.0 GR. WW680 1479 1460 1287
39.0 GR. WW680 1482 1461 1295
40.0 GR. WW680 1517 1491 1360

just a comparison here of
commonly used revolver cast bullet hand loads
for hunting,Id point out that operator skill and experience matters a great deal.
even the properly hand loaded 357 mag will prove lethal to deer and hogs and even elk in skilled hands,
but its generally considered marginal on the larger game at ranges over 50 yards

https://www.gunpartscorp.com/products/1198640




357 mag .357 diam......170 grain projectile at 1400 fps 750 ft lbs
http://handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=357 Magnum&Weight=All&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source=

41 mag....410 diam.....210 grain projectile at 1400 fps 914 ft lbs

http://handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=41 Magnum&Weight=All&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source=
44 mag....430 diam.....310 grain projectile at 1300 fps 1160 ft lbs

http://handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=44 Magnum&Weight=300&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source=

these last five will take a great deal more practice as muzzle blast,and recoil levels are noticeable, the 480 rugers a great compromise between power and recoil

445 DWSM mag....430 diam.....310 grain projectile at 1570fps 1690 ft lbs

http://sixguns.com/tests/tt445sm.htm

http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=445 Supermag&Weight=All&type=Handgun

454 cassul....454 diam.....335 grain projectile at 1500 fps 1675 ft lbs

http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=454 Casull&Weight=All&type=Handgun&Source

460 S&W......454 diam. 360 grain projectile at 1600 fps 2046 ft lbs

http://handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=460 SqqqW Magnum&Weight=All&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source=

480 ruger.....476 diam......325 grain projectile at 1375 fps 1365 ft lbs

http://handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=480 Ruger&Weight=All&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source=

500 S&W.....500 diam. 400 grain projectile at 1600 fps 2274 ft lbs

http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=500 SqqqW Magnum&Weight=All

I took Allen with his S&W 500 mag revolver,out to get a little field revolver shooting practice,
Ive loaded for his revolver with a 440 grain hard cast, gas check bullet over 21 grains of BLUE DOT
http://www.sixguns.com/range/supermags.htm
best load so far, lee 310 grain, or lyman 300 grain.
gas check hard cast bullet over 30 grains of h110

https://www.midsouthshooterssupply....llet-mould-number-429650-44-caliber-300-grain


which has proven very consistently accurate.

out this weekend to a rural area where we filled a couple dozen old gallon milk jugs with canal water.
http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...do-i-need-here-for-a-500-s-w-reloading.11917/
as targets, and I brought my 445 DWSM revolver





Ive loaded this with a 310 grain hard cast gas check bullet over 30 grains of H110 that Ive used for decades
both revolvers provided a great deal more power than might be required for the deer and hogs were hunting
after doing some sighting in we placed the jugs out at about 80 yards , and from a sitting position neither one of us had any issues busting the water filled jugs consistently,
and while its sure not conclusive , proof in any way, I did not see any real difference in the results when the jugs were hit, either revolvers bullet impact, simply destroys a hit jug.
yeah hitting a jug thats probably about 7" x 9" is hardly difficult nor does it prove anything but it was fun to blast the crap out of the jugs anyway!
theres a very noticeable difference in the sound both revolvers produce, the 500 mag is a loud BOOM, the 445 is more of a crack/boom I don,t think the velocity is all that different,
but the powder burn rates seem to be, ...both throw a noticeable muzzle flash,
but the 445 DWSM is brighter and more pronounced
(I can only imagine the difference if it was dark, and we were in good light.)

I got a good laugh today , one of my neighbors stopped by to show me his new prized find from last weeks local gun show,
Hes well aware I load for several of the guys in our hunting club, and have used a 44 mag and have recently been hand-loading for Allens 500 S&W
it was a blue steel, 8" barrel length, DAN WESSON 445 super mag revolver,that looked like it was in great condition, his revolver was blue steel but very similar to this picture.
keep in mind these 445 DWSM revolvers are significantly larger and heavier built than the common 44 mag revolvers,
and provide a significant increase in power, and while not quite as heavy or potentially as powerful as the Smith and Wesson X-frame, 460-500 ,calibers.
nor do they have the recoil, and they allow very easy barrel replacement, and barrel length changes.
they are easily able to handle very powerful 44 caliber hand-loads,
easily able to handle anything walking in north america,
with proper loads and accurate shot placement. and have 6 not 5 cylinders



he said he had never even heard of that caliber, and doubted Id had either....
.well ....until I showed him my 445 revolver ... that looks like a clone too this one
but he was thrilled that the guys at the gun show assured him he could load and shoot both 44 mag and 445 DWSM ammo
and had told him the 445 DWSM was almost equal in power to a 454 cassul.
I told him the 445 DWSM was certainly a noticeable jump in power over a 44 mag,
but unless you use the heavier for caliber hard cast gas check bullets,
like the 300-330 grain hard cast gas check bullets,
pushed to about 1300 fps-1550 fps, depends on bullet weight and powder charge used,
don,t get caught up in a race to get max velocity,
a heavy for caliber 44 cast lead bullet, in the 300-330 grain weight,
pushed to at least 1300-1500 fps,
is lethal at moderate ranges as long as its accurately placed in the games anatomy to plow through the vitals
which is about the max load, and while its not going to approach the hottest 454 cassul power levels, its certainly lethal, in skilled and experienced hands.
remember its a pistol designed for longer range accuracy,
and having the retained punch to drop steel targets at extended ranges.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metallic_silhouette_shooting

the LEE 310 grain bullet mold works great on deer and hogs,
but the 330 grain NEI has significantly more potential penetration ,
use 95% WW alloy and 5% pure tin, size to .430


https://www.midwayusa.com/product/5...cf-430-diameter-310-grain-flat-nose-gas-check

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...-hunting-revolver-should-concentrate-on.3744/


I also suggested he get familiar with his revolver,
only after having a good local gunsmith check it out,
and buy a barrel wrench

parts

https://shop.cz-usa.com/dw-products/revolver/barrels-shrouds/44-magnum

https://shop.cz-usa.com/ProductDetail/20001_Dw-Barrel-Wrench-44-Mag

DW BARREL WRENCH .44 MAG
Product Number: 20001


I showed him where to order brass
https://www.starlinebrass.com/brass-cases/445-Super-Mag-Brass/

dies (a 30/40 shell holder works #11
https://www.midsouthshooterssupply....al445-super-mag-carbide-full-length-3-die-set

gas checks
http://gaschecks.castpics.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3&products_id=15

I suggested he get a 330 grain bullet mold to maximize the cartridges potential

http://www.neihandtools.com/catalog/index.html

.445 SuperMag[edit]
Based on the .44 Magnum cartridge, a revolver designed for the .445 SuperMag can fire the shorter .44 Magnum, .44 Special, and .44 Russian rounds.[1]

.445 SuperMag
Dan Wesson 10, 8 & 6 inch barrels
Bullet Load MV (ft/s)
10" 8" 6"
Sierra 300 JFP 31.0 GRS. H110 1395 1394 1295

34.0 GRS. WW680 1284 1247 119

NEI #295.429GC 30.0 GRS. H110 1512 1502 1477

31.0 GRS. H110 1608 1572 1498

34.0 GRS. WW680 1554 1496 1442

SSK #310.429 31.0 GRS. H110 1546 1494 1491

34.0 GRS. WW680 1572 1521 1500

Hornady 265 FN 31.0 GRS. H110 1486 1459 1310

Speer 240 FMJ 33.0 GRS. H110 1516 1517 1387

31.0 GRS. H4227 1514 1493 1326

38.0 GRS. WW680 1504 1432 1353

Sierra 220 FMJ 34.0 GRS. H4227 1648 1635 1541

35.0 GRS. H4227 1759 1705 1561

36.0 GRS. H4227 1793 1780 1640

https://loaddata.com/Cartridge/445-Super-Mag-445-Super-Magnum-Hodgdon-Pistol-Data/4373


http://www.sixguns.com/tests/tt445sm.htm

keep in mind that even a properly loaded 44 mag can kill almost anything walking,
if a good shot can, consistently and accurately place shots,
Ive certainly seen a 44 mag drop elk several times,
and a 445 DWSM,
has the potential for an extra 300 fps with similar bullets and
excellent accuracy and easily replaced /interchangeable barrels

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1010207991?pid=511417


lack of cylinder length ,case capacity ,and rifling twist rates,
all limit the 44 mag to about the 310 grain weight,
but the 445 DWSM, due to longer case and revolver cylinder length,
is less restricted and better suited to use of the 310-330 grain weight.

the 310 grain lee cast, gas check bullet,
loaded over 30 grains of H110 in a DAN WESSON SUPER MAG,
has proven very effective and accurate
velocity is about 150-200 fps faster than a 44 mag in a 10" barrel,
and certainly adequate for deer/elk ,
at ranges under 120 yards in the hands of a good shot,
and yes use of the revolver used as a single action revolver is preferred for accuracy
its devastating on deer and hogs at reasonable ranges for a revolver (50-80 yards)
and certainly more than adequate for defensive use,
on anything in NORTH AMERICA,
at close range with decent shot placement.
and ye the 445 DWSM will handle the 330-345 grain hard cast 44 caliber bullets even better than a 44 mag,
THAT RARELY STABILIZED THE BULLETS HEAVIER THAN THE 310 GRAIN BULLET DESIGNS
the 44 MAG REVOLVERS ARE GENERALLY MORE EFFECTIVE AND ACCURATE USING THE 270-300 GRAIN WEIGHT BULLETS,
BUT MANY CAN USE THE 310 GRAIN LEE BULLET.
BUT THE TWIST RATES MAY NOT FULLY STABILIZE THAT HEAVIER BULLET PAST 80-100 YARDS,
AND BULLETS SEATED DEEP ENOUGH TO FUNCTION , CHAMBERED IN 44 MAG,
IN MANY REVOLVERS AND MARLIN LEVER ACTIONS CHAMBERED IN 44 MAG LACK CASE CAPACITY IF THE HEAVY BULLETS ARE USED.
THE 445 DAN WESSON REVOLVERS ARE NOTICEABLY MORE POWERFUL AND ACCURATE, AS ARE SOME SINGLE SHOT BREAK ACTION PISTOLS

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/44-mag.7500/

http://www.lasc.us/Fryxell44OverWeight.htm

https://www.mattsbullets.com/index....ducts_id=300&zenid=b7ll6te2kkrcs2dj00q6uh8p94

https://www.marlinowners.com/threads/on-line-free-load-data-and-references.281290/
https://www.starlinebrass.com/445-super-mag-brass/

access too brass is easy
https://www.starlinebrass.com/445-super-mag-brass



and in a pinch 30/40 craig brass can be cut and expanded and used
even some brands of 303 brit brass can be cut and resized to make brass
how many of you gentlemen own or have even seen a 445 DWSM revolver?
the dan Wesson super mag revolver is a 6 shot double action , that was produced in both blue steel and stainless,
the revolvers lacked a bit in quality control and lacked a bit of fine hand finishing, from what I've seen quality in the hand finish work and parts fitting varied over the years, many were excellent but a few slipped through quality control with a few issues I've heard.
but the design was unique, barrels had a shroud that could be removed/replaced and barrels were easy to replace, several lengths were offered, many parts were cast, but with hand finishing these revolvers can be made to be very smooth, and impressive,
the 445 dwsm throws the same bullet a 44 mag with about a 250-300 fps increase in velocity.
accuracy with good handloads equals or frequently improves on what a good smith and Wesson 44 mag or ruger revolver can produce.
with properly loaded hard cast gas check bullets in the 300 grain weight range I've consistently had bench rested 4"-5" 100 yard 6 shot groups the guns surely capable of better but my eyes and iron sights on the 10" barrel just are not.
the revolvers don't pack the punch of a 454 casull or a 460 S&W, but they are significant steps up from a 44 mag, and produce amazing results on deer and hogs, as that extra velocity seems to push the impact energy just enough higher that you generally notice in both the reaction you get from game you've hit and in recoil if you shoot the heavy revolvers frequently, and they are lighter than the X frame SMITH AND WESSON REVOLVERS, they are about 1/2 way between the N farm and X frame smiths in size and weight!
if you can find a used one in good condition ,reasonably priced ,
you might be amazed at the value and accuracy
there's nothing walking in north America a 300 grain hard cast gas check bullet hand load from a DWSM 445 can't kill easily with a well placed shot ,these penetrate deeply, BTW I use a 95% WW and 5% tin alloy and cast bullets hot enough to look mildly frosted,, sized .430

I recently contacted DAN WESSON about purchasing replacement 445 DWSM caliber stainless barrels and shrouds
heres the reply posted below



We still manufacture the barrel and shrouds in the following lengths. What are you interested in so I can see if we have it in stock.



Barrel and shroud assemblies

4” $257.00

6” $304.00

8” $374.00

10” $433.00



Thank you,



Genny Spencer

Office Manager



CZ-USA/Dan Wesson

65 Borden Avenue

Norwich, NY 13815

913-413-1822

Genny@cz-usa.com