Author Topic: Effective Range of a Super 14 Contender in .44 Mag. (Read 640 times)

Rol_Page I · « **on:** October 15, 2004, 03:39:31 PM »

I am considering rounding out my collection of Contender Barrels (currently have a Super 14 in .22LR Match and a .223 Rem.) by adding a 14" Super 14 in .44 Mag.

Question: What is the effective range of the .44 Mag. with a 2x7 TC Scope on Whitetails if I do my part in placing the shot in the heart lung area?

Second: How would the recoil compare with a 14" Encore in .260 Rem loaded with 120Gr Ballistic Tips @ 2500 FPS?

I have no problems with the Encore in .260 Rem. but just feel the urge to add to the collection of Contender barrels and I have some leftover .44 Mag. ammo from when I had Ruger wheel guns. (SBH & Redhawk).

Thanks for your thoughts, Rol

KYODE · « **Reply #1 on:** October 15, 2004, 05:04:35 PM »

:? hmmmmmm, i feel like my 14" 44mag with 240's kicks, and twists more than my 15" 7-08.
funny how people are different. :-)

trajectory, and shooter ability are the biggest limiting factors i think. i'd guess 150 yards under the most ideal shooting situation, with known trajectory, and practice.....and agree with chris that 100-125 yards would be a more safe limit.

Gregory · « **Reply #2 on:** October 15, 2004, 05:27:13 PM »

I had a 260 Encore with a 15" barrel and shot 120 gr bullets at around 2600 FPS, I currently have a 14" 44 mag Contender and I think the 44 recoil, with 240 gr bullets at 1600 FPS, may be just slightly more than the 260 but not enough to really notice.

As others have said, the 44 would be good out to 100-120 yds. As long as you can hit your mark at that range.

Rol_Page I · « **Reply #3 on:** October 18, 2004, 02:20:56 PM »

Thank you for the posts on the .44 Mag. I picked up the barrel today.
It has a weaver base and the dealer is throwing in a set of Tasco rings for it, all for $140. The barrel has some very light wear marks, but good clean rifling the full length.

Any suggestions on what loads I should use? My leftovers are 240 gr JHP over 21.0 Gr of 2400 powder.

Thanks again for the posts. Rol

mudriver · « **Reply #4 on:** October 18, 2004, 03:49:17 PM »

I dropped a doe at 130 yards last year with 210g Sierra's that my dad had. Used max charge listed for 2400. I was getting 2.5" groups at 100 yards. However, I noticed that my 2x Leupold was moving forward in the rings (using Leupold base and rings) and I sent to EABCO for their 3 ring mount. Your tasco rings might have the same problem.

Also - you might want to check out the article in handgun hunter magazine about using H110 and 180 g bullets. It'll reduce recoil and straighten the trajectory a bit. The problem I had with hitting over 100 yards is those 240's drop faster after 100 yards and I had to look at trajectory close. If you use ballistic software you can determine how high to aim -= but then you need a rangefinder.