I found happiness and joy with the 38-44 loads. if I am in the woods with a .357, this is what I have in the cylinder and most likely in a spare speed loader.
The Elmer Keith load for the Lyman 358429 170gr bullet was 13.5gr of 2400. I started with 12gr and 12.5gr loads. After testing, there is no need to seek further. Due to limited .38 special brass and 3 revolvers to shoot, I only had enough to test 5 rounds of each charge per gun. 10 yards to target, 10ft to chronograph.
12.5 grains 2400
Ruger GP100 WC 3" - 1288, good accuracy. covered all 5 with a 2" paster.
Colt Python 4" - 1363, 2.5" group, could be the shooter. I was surprised at the lack of felt recoil with the Colt. If Colt will produce a 2.5 to 3 inch Python I will sell my Rugers.
Ruger SP101 2.25" - 1218, Worst group out of the 3 at 4". This load is not intended for this gun, just curious.
12 grains of 2400
Ruger GP100 WC 3" - 1195, just under a 2" group.
Colt Python 4" - 1289, 1.5" group, see why its becoming my fav?
Ruger SP101 2.25" - 1104, great group, sub 2" but over 4" high from POA.
.38-44 Learning has occurred! (pistol-forum.com)