.445 Scout

[44man]

I want to get a gun that I could let my grandkids use for deer/bear.
I have my eye on a blued .44 scout for $232.00 and want to make it a .445.
I see a lot of people talking about reaming a .44 to .445 and some actually doing it and seeing good groups with .445 .
Are there any others who could comment on accuracy or loads ?    Also those who have converted; how do .44s group  in .445 chamber ?
Thanks, 44man

[Flashole]

My 445 is for a contender pistol.  The load data I use comes from The Complete Contender manual.  The loads are typically 1 and a half times that of a 44. In my gun the 44 shoot good groups but so far off from the 445s I just leave them alone.   Like you a 445 rifle is on my list to have and soon I hope.  If you have not looked at the H&R site there is a lot of talk on this subject there.  Been looking at the scouts and stalkers myself but the feed back seems limited so far.
 
=FLASH=

[Ditchdigger]

I've reamed 2 rifles to 445 and they both shot very well.The 445 is within 100 fps. of the 444 spec's.and easier on the shoulder.The 44 mags still shoot as well as before. Its a rechamer well worth the effort. Digger           (you can rent the reamer on the H and R forum)

[44man]

Thanks for the info. Ditchdigger.  Maybe you can shed some light on other concerns for me.
My goal is to make a gun that kids could be brought up on.  Plinking training to hunting.
I'm planning on loading primarily cast bullets,  240-300, and thought this would be a nice fit.
Should I load down .445s for plinking or use .44mag or .44 special ?
Do you have any of your own load data with actual results ?
Also what about strength of the Scout barrel/receiver for heavy high power loads ?
I might like this so much that I'll use it and I like a big bang.
What's your thought on CVA vs. Handi ?  From reading other posts it appears that rate of twist is an issue.
Thanks, 44man

[Lon371]

Post up on the H&R forum. Leave out the Scout word . Several guys have done the conversion and most are very happy with it. I have the H&R 44 which will be converted this spring
 
Lonny

[Ditchdigger]

The Scout is plenty strong enough for the 445,and yes you can start the kids on the 44 mag and later the 445.The recoil pad is very good on the Scout,and the felt recoil is not bad at all on the 445. I use the 265 grain Hornady at 2160 fps.for most of my hunting and it does a great job on 400 lb.hogs. The kids may be able to handle the 445 now for a few shots. I used the Rem. 240 bullet for rifles (corlocts) when I could get them and they also shot very well(2266)fps. The 180 gr. bullets sizzle at 2450 fps with not even near max load.I hav'nt tried cast bullets in either.I'm not sure but I think they caution about reduced loads in the 445.  Digger

[eye shot]

I have loaded youth loads in my .444M Stalker that has a real nice recoil pad. These .240gr. youth loads don't hardly kick at all.

[Flashole]

EYE SHOT
 
How does your stalker shoot with adult rated loads.  Santa surprised me with one this year.  Just got the scope mounted but have not took it to the range.  Looks and feels pretty good  but there is almost no feed back on the CVA
 
=FLASH=

[eye shot]

I also just got the scope mounted and haven't shot any hot loads. I have converted mine into a .410 rifled slug gun for deer hunting. I've shot 240gr & 300gr XTP youth loads with H4895 and both were easy shooting. Next up are 355gr hard cast using IMR4064. I'm going to chrony next and then try for groups. I'll never get to full blown loads because of using the .410 plastic hull. I would like to get that heavy bullet to 1500-1800fps. I like the gun for it's heavy barrel and target crown and think the recoil pad for a gun in this price range is awsome.