It is especially a good shootin/load in a Ruger SA (even the Hunter model) which aren't known for their tack-driving capabilities.
So when are you gonna try the same loads in your other .44s?
It's only true if it's on this forum where opinions are facts and facts are opinions
Words of wisdom from Big Chief: Flush twice, it's a long way to the Mess Hall
I'd rather have my sister work in a whorehouse than own another Taurus!
So when are you gonna try the same loads in your other .44s?
Here is the load out of my Marlin 1894 with an Aimpoint for a sight.
Here is the load out of my 10.5" Ruger Super Blackhawk with iron sights.
I'd say it shoots pretty well out of all the guns I've tried. At least with the various sights and as much as I'm capable. Haven't tried it in the Mountain Gun, but probably won't. I'll use up the rest of the factory loads in that gun.
I'm a happy camper.
"To Hell with efficiency, it's performance we want!" - Elmer Keith
That puts the 1894 at about 2" @ 100 yards (potentially). Not bad at all for a lightweight trail rifle. I was getting about 4" @ 100 with mine and a 3MOA red dot sight. I miss that rifle. That is another one that I need to put on my never ending list. Sigh.
Reason obeys itself; and ignorance submits to whatever is dictated to it.
That puts the 1894 at about 2" @ 100 yards (potentially). Not bad at all for a lightweight trail rifle. I was getting about 4" @ 100 with mine and a 3MOA red dot sight. I miss that rifle. That is another one that I need to put on my never ending list. Sigh.
Looks like you hit upon a pretty good all around load for several .44 magnums. That sure beats having to use different recipes for each gun, unless you venture into Ruger/TC or Rifle only loading data...just because :guns::guns:
It's only true if it's on this forum where opinions are facts and facts are opinions
Words of wisdom from Big Chief: Flush twice, it's a long way to the Mess Hall
I'd rather have my sister work in a whorehouse than own another Taurus!
keep an eye on case length - and trim as needed. The hotter the loads the more the case length will grow
1. Crimp in a separate step/die after seating the bullet. I like Hornady dies and the Lee Factory Crimp Die for 44 mag.
2. I have really grown to like the Alliant 300 MP for 44 mag and 454 casull.
3. For shooting from all three guns - revolvers plus lever the 240 xtp is a good choice. My (1987 vintage) Marlin 1894 in 44 mag will not feed a bullet heavier than about 265 grains unless it is seated into the case at the same OAL as the 240 grain bullets. I have heard that newer marlin 1894s in 44mag will handle heavier bullets but I can not personally attest to that.
4. Remember that it is a 44 mag and not a souped up 45-70 or some such thing. Stick to published loads. I have taken numerous deer with the 44 mag in both Super Blackhawk and Super Redhawk to about 80 yards and was never under gunned.
5. Use magnum primers for magnum loads.
6. Unique and Trail Boss are good powders for practice/plinking loads. Unless you are practicing with a smaller caliber and then just brushing up with full power loads prior to hunting (or silhouette shooting) then the practice loads are important, too. And much easier on you recoil wise. When I shot a lot of 44 for both revolver and lever action, my plinking load was a cast 240 grain round nose. Years ago, Remingtons 240 JHP was very inexpensive, have not bought it for years.
7. Based on a lot of 44 mag shooting in the past - I had the best luck with Starline cases In descending order : Starline - Federal - Midway (don't know who makes them for them) - Remington - Winchester. Not that any of it is bad, but I have had the best case life with Starline. YMMV
Replies
So when are you gonna try the same loads in your other .44s?
Words of wisdom from Big Chief: Flush twice, it's a long way to the Mess Hall
I'd rather have my sister work in a whorehouse than own another Taurus!
Hopefully in the next couple of days or this weekend.
yeah and when are you going to go get that piggie
Probably when it not 95 degrees at 1 in the morning.
Hey Nancy, it's more about meat spoilage before I can get it on ice.
And I don't wear lace. It's too itchy.
:that: Go bloody that thing
Here is the load out of my Marlin 1894 with an Aimpoint for a sight.
Here is the load out of my 10.5" Ruger Super Blackhawk with iron sights.
I'd say it shoots pretty well out of all the guns I've tried. At least with the various sights and as much as I'm capable. Haven't tried it in the Mountain Gun, but probably won't. I'll use up the rest of the factory loads in that gun.
I'm a happy camper.
7.5" Bisley Hunter
1,416 fps
10.5" SBH
1,435 fps
20" Marlin 1894
1,797 fps
All with the same load.
Words of wisdom from Big Chief: Flush twice, it's a long way to the Mess Hall
I'd rather have my sister work in a whorehouse than own another Taurus!
keep an eye on case length - and trim as needed. The hotter the loads the more the case length will grow
1. Crimp in a separate step/die after seating the bullet. I like Hornady dies and the Lee Factory Crimp Die for 44 mag.
2. I have really grown to like the Alliant 300 MP for 44 mag and 454 casull.
3. For shooting from all three guns - revolvers plus lever the 240 xtp is a good choice. My (1987 vintage) Marlin 1894 in 44 mag will not feed a bullet heavier than about 265 grains unless it is seated into the case at the same OAL as the 240 grain bullets. I have heard that newer marlin 1894s in 44mag will handle heavier bullets but I can not personally attest to that.
4. Remember that it is a 44 mag and not a souped up 45-70 or some such thing. Stick to published loads. I have taken numerous deer with the 44 mag in both Super Blackhawk and Super Redhawk to about 80 yards and was never under gunned.
5. Use magnum primers for magnum loads.
6. Unique and Trail Boss are good powders for practice/plinking loads. Unless you are practicing with a smaller caliber and then just brushing up with full power loads prior to hunting (or silhouette shooting) then the practice loads are important, too. And much easier on you recoil wise. When I shot a lot of 44 for both revolver and lever action, my plinking load was a cast 240 grain round nose. Years ago, Remingtons 240 JHP was very inexpensive, have not bought it for years.
7. Based on a lot of 44 mag shooting in the past - I had the best luck with Starline cases In descending order : Starline - Federal - Midway (don't know who makes them for them) - Remington - Winchester. Not that any of it is bad, but I have had the best case life with Starline. YMMV