44 mg handi rifle

[swiftman]

A friend of mine is considering a handi in 44 mag. Wondering what velocitys and and how well they shoot 240 and 300gr bullets?

[LaOtto222]

The newer 44 mag barrels shoot much better than the old ones do. Groove diameters have been reported in the .429" - .430" range they have a twist rate of 1 - 38". My understanding is that they shoot 240, 265 bullets very well. I have not heard how they shoot the 300, but I think they will shoot those OK too if pushed hard enough. Expect velocities to be in the 1700 - 1800 fps range with 240's. 1600 fps with 265 grain and 1400 - 1500 fps with 300 grain bullets. Of course these are maximum type loads using H110 or WW 296. They are definitely a thumper and should dispatch deer like lighting with a properly placed bullet and under 100 yards.

[murphdog]

Swiftman,
I have some very limited experience shooting 240 and 300 gr bullets in my new 44mag that I can share with you.  Unfortunately, I can't report velocities because I havn't had a chance to shoot over the chronograph, and my gun is currently at H&R for a check-up and trigger job (and fitting a second barrel.  Yeah, I got the bug).  Anyhow, the following are average group sizes for 3-shot groups at 50 yards.  All factory ammo.

300 gr Hornady XTP ------------------- 1.22 inches (average of 2 groups)
250 gr Winchester Partition Gold --- 1.16 inches (average of 2 groups)
240 gr Winchester JSP --------------- 1.59 inches (average of 3 groups)
180 gr Hornady 44spcl XTP --------- 1.21 inches (average of 3 groups)

As you can see, based on very limited testing, the 300 grain bullets seem to shoot just as well as the smaller bullets.  My barrel slugs out at about .429 inches, and the rate of twist in indeed about 1 in 38.  I've read a lot that 1 in 38 is too slow to stabilize 300 grain bullets, but my initial testing suggests the 300gr Hornadys should shoot well in my gun.  The winchester soft points were the least accurate, but also very much the cheapest.  I will probably be hunting with them this fall unless their groups really fall apart at 100 yards. 
     Duane

[b44mag]

mine shoots the tack holding the target at 50 with 240s  n the chew can at 100 I've heard good n bad but mine is fine has a red dot on it works pretty good

[teddy12b]

Do the new ones have an empty shell ejector, or extractor?  I used to have a handi in 30-06 that had an ejector and I thought that was a real nice feature.  Just something else for your friend to consider.

[quickdtoo]

ALL current production H&R/NEF centerfire rifles have mechanical extractors, although they might still have some ejector barrels in some chamberings such as 223 Superlight and 450 Marlin that are old stock. Their intent as of a year or so ago was to switch ALL of their firearms to extractors eventually, but so far, the shotguns and rimfires are still ejectors......for now.

Tim