Speer Short Barrel 44 Magnum Reload Test and Evaluation

Mr. RevolverGuy | June 4, 2023 | 0 Comments

S&W 629 Performance Center and Speer 44 Magnum Short Barrel Perfect Match

The Speer Gold Dot is proven across all pistol calibers to be on of the greatest self protection freedom pills across any barrel length. I have become very fond of the Short Barrel 44 Magnum round specifically when I acquired this Beautiful Beast.

S&W 629 44 Magnum From the Performance Center.

Performance Center guns originate from standard designs or are created from the ground up. From hand-cutting and fitting to fine tuning for precision, these firearms are top performers. Products from the
Performance Center are the ultimate expression of old-world craftsmanship blended with modern technology and not to mention most are drop dead sexy. This particular model standout features

Chrome Flashed Custom Tear Drop Hammer
Chrome Flashed Trigger with Stop
Dovetailed Red Ramp Front Sight
Adjustable White Outlined Rear Sight is Standard. I replaced my rear sight with something more fitting and durable for any occasion. D&L Sports hard Use Rear Sight.
PC Action with Ball Detent Lock-Up

Speer 44 Magnum Short Barrel

The Speer 44 magnum Short Barrel is branded right on the box personal protection. I believe this is personal protection against 2 legged predators. I would not dare take this firearm and ammo combination hunting. Though I would not have anxiety with it as a backup combination to my primary hunting rifle. The Speer 44 Magnum Short Barrel Features

Cartridge	44 Remington Magnum
Grain Weight	200 Grains
Quantity	20 Round
Muzzle Velocity	1075 Feet Per Second
Muzzle Energy	513 Foot Pounds
Bullet Style	Bonded Jacketed Hollow Point
Lead Free	No
Case Type	Nickel Plated
Primer	Boxer
Corrosive	No
Reloadable	Yes
Test Barrel Length	4 Inches

As we can see Speer considers short to be a 4inch barrel as this is their test platform. Of course it wouldn’t be me if I didn’t push the limits because short to me is 3inches or less.

Reloading/Duplicating Speer Short Barrel 44 Magnum

Now here is the conundrum. Any ammunition I assign to carry duty I must train with it on the range to really get to know it’s capability, more than anything asses can I be accurate with it and put rounds where it counts. I also rotate this ammo after carrying it for while for peace of mind and safety concerns. Ammo carried 24×7 in hot 100 degree days in a hot leather holster is not ideal conditions. Unfortunately due to the pandemic this ammunition has not been available and recently I discovered because of the material shortage Speer has removed it from it’s line up.

Reloading is a very relaxing and fun hobby for me. It also allows me the creativity to try and duplicate factory loads so that I can train with “factory like ammunition” in a much more cost effective way.

The load being used during this testing was