Just ordered a 77/44

[STUMPJMPR]

I went to Dick's today and ordered a 77/44.  I plan on using this on deer and hogs in thick timber.  Shots will be less than 100 yards.  I almost bought the Henry instead, but it looks like a safe queen instead of a hunting rifle.  I paid $679 at dicks and it should be in within a couple of weeks.  The local gun store wanted $758 and he had no idea when it would arrive.  I am wanting to shoot around 260 gr hardcast out of this gun.  Anyone have experience with them?  I have plenty of accurate No. 9 and hope to use that powder.

[alan in ga]

I found an unfired 'used' blue/walnut second year model [blued bolt] a month ago and have been to the range one time....love it. FUN little rifle that I do not expect MOA accuracy out of. In fact I bought mine even after reading a good many posts about how accuracy is not one of it's common traits. I always have to learn the hard way : )
I got some 2" and 4" groups at 100 yards with factory ammo....but will tell you that the rifle definately perfers certain brands of ammo over others, and...that I only had a 4X scope on mine and can't see/hold much better than 2" with my eyesight. I will be putting a higher magnification scope on mine just to see what it can do.
I am in the process of loading some 250 Keith [actual weight 246 gr] SWC bullets over 2400 powder and am anxious to sling a few down range!
Looking forward to hearing what you think about yours. I LIKE the gun!

[STUMPJMPR]

I hear they prefer heavier bullets due to the 1 in 20 twist.  I can't weight to get it to the range.  I'm either going to buy a peep site or use the weaver 1-3x20 scope on it.

[BlkHawk73]

  Bought an older one, pretty much an unfired one a year or two ago.    Installed a NEGC rear sight but have still yet to shoot it.  Not a fan of the .44 mag but it was a good price and in fantastic condition sooo....       Actually considering contacting a few gunsmiths about having it turn into a 77/41.   

[alan in ga]

Just discovered my hand load with an RCBS 250 gr Keith SWC is a smidge too long to fit the magazine : (
I've not shot them yet but had hoped for an all around cast load using this bullet. Will get something cast and a bit shorter to try I guess.

[STUMPJMPR]

Just discovered my hand load with an RCBS 250 gr Keith SWC is a smidge too long to fit the magazine : (
I've not shot them yet but had hoped for an all around cast load using this bullet. Will get something cast and a bit shorter to try I guess.

I am about load up some sierra 240 grain JHP as soon as I find some primers.  Once the bullet supply levels off I will look for some Wide Flat Nose Cast. 

[LaOtto222]

They are short and light. My Bother-In-Law has one, he got his about a year ago, it is SS Laminated. Nice gun, but I have 3, 44 Mag rifles already and they will all shoot better than his 77/44. I have a T/C with 17" barrel a Handi with 22" barrel and a Marlin 1894. He likes his a lot, it still out shoots his 12 gauge pump gun with slugs. Getting used 44 Mag rifles around here is almost impossible. They are legal to hunt deer with, so they get snapped up at premium prices, if one is to be found. I think since I have 3 44's already, I would like to have one in 357 Mag, but they are even harder to get around here than the 44 Mag rifles. Everyone wants one for their kids to hunt deer with. 

Good Luck and Good Shooting

[SHOOTALL]

I had trouble with wide flat bullets they seem to not feed well or not at all. I find 240 gr jacketed bullets worked well if they are not flat point .

[STUMPJMPR]

It showed up today.  I think it is going to make a nice swamp gun.  I plan on using it in the canoe this winter.  I'm debating on scoping it or leaving it Iron sighted.  I am looking at 1-4 power leupold and weaver scopes for around $200.  I have scrounged up all the reloading components I need except for the primers.  I can't find LP primers anywhere. I'm ready to see how it shoots.  I'll be happy with 3" at a hundred considering most shots will be less than 50 yards.

[SHOOTALL]

FWIW , I installed a 2-7 leo scope and think I will remove it and get a peep sight  that fits the rear scope ring location. The scope just makes a really handy rifle a bit arkward as the bolt handle is small and with the scope installed it's harder to work the bolt. I tried an EOTECH and that was not so good either. I like the peep because it won't get folded down like the factory rear sight can. Boat gun    works well in a truck also 

[alan in ga]

There's something I'm not too happy about since having this rifle....
....now I think I want the 77/357 ALSO!....
 

[STUMPJMPR]

I thought about buying the .357 but decided for the .44 mag.