.44 Magnum accuracy

[pshaw]

Couldn't find much on a search but wondered what kind of accuracy you guys with .44 barrels are getting?  Iron sights or scopes.  I heard they are somewhat oversized.  Thanks in advance.

[myarmor]

My old one (now Mitchells) shot great. It would print clover leafs at 50-75yards, with Magtech 200gr JHP. I never got around to taking it farther. It shot those real good.
However, mine was one of the older models and I believed it to be within specs, though I admit I didn't slug the barrel.
I have heard many with the newer barrels having a hard time getting anything to shoot well out of them other than cast.
It's a shame to, it's a great cartridge to have in a Handi.
-Aaron

[xhare]

I agree with myarmor.  The handi is an inexpensive firearm, and the 44 mag, when used as a rifle cartridge, is an inexpensive round as it can often be found in 50 round boxes.   I love my stainless Ruger M-77/44.  I might consider a 44 mag handi if I did not already have my ruger and 45-70 and 500 magnum handirifles. 

I too have read where folks have gotten great accuracy from 44 mag handis with cast bullets.  If you handload, you can lean to the heavy side as well since the handi is so strong.  With the possible exception of any Ruger No3's or No1's or any Browning 1885's that were produced in 44 mag, the handi may well be the strongest rifle action the 44 mag is available in.  And all for $200. 

[pshaw]

I was hoping I could find some decent accuracy with the 240 HP to hunt with.  It will be a couple of weeks before I can take it to the range.

[Ranger J]

I just got back from the range with the .44 mag.  It was another terrible session.  So far the only bullet I have got to shoot anywhere near well is the Hornady 180 gr. XTP with a heavy load of H110.  Thinking the slow rate of twist might be a contributing factor I had gone for the 180Gr bullets but only the fast H110 load gave any promise.  I ordered some laser cast 180 to see if cast bullets would do any good as I am looking for a cheap target load.  I loaded three different Red Dot loads, one in Unique, one in Blue dot and one in 2400.  They were all over the target at 50 yards with some not even staying on my 8 1/2 x 11 targets.  It is really frustrating as I really like the combo of the Handi and the .44.  What makes it even more frustrating is that I have a Ruger Deerfield that will cloverleaf all day with 240-gr. bullets.  I know part of the problem is the .432 size barrel on this gun but why will it shoot a size  .430 180 gr. Hornady only well as the velocity approaches 2000fps and not shoot two different weight laser cast (180 gr. &240gr) size .431 or a Beartooth 250gr size.432 bullet with acceptable accuracy?  My choices seem to be shoot the Hornady 180gr or stick the barrel in gun closet.  But then I have those 1000 plus cast .44 bullets staring me in the face every time I go to load.  It’s dang frustrating!
RJ

[quickdtoo]

The 1:38" twist rate with the overbore issue seems to be the problem from what I see others posting about, those that can push the bigger bullets faster in their rechambers to .445 Supermag don't seem to be too unhappy.

Just an observation, not as an owner.

Tim

[Ditchdigger]

When mine was still a 44 mag it shot the 300 gr.XTP with a heavy charge of H 110 very well seated in the 2nd. channelure. It  also shot the 265 gr.Hornady very well.Mine slugs .432" also and it shoots the .430 bullets about 2" at 100 yds.The 445 ammo shoots about 1 1/4 at 100 yds.  Digger

[DPRinks]

I shoot 230 GC, 250 GC and 310 GC in my .445 SM, all will do about 1 1/4" at 50 yds.
Some make just one ragged hole.
I am shooting everything at 1500fps and up to 2100fps.
AA 1680 is the real powder for the .445, up to 42gr with the 230gr and 39gr with the 310.
Recoil is not bad in my standard Handi.

[CannonKrazy]

Hello, I bought a 44 mag HR about 1980.A friend got one just like mine.We took both rifles out to his farm and shot several boxes of 240 gr cartridges.My rifle will shoot a 1 inch group at 50 yards all day long but his will be doing good if it shoots 2 inches at 50 yards.We tried loading several different weights of bullets and powder charges for his but the only thing that would shoot well was a odd looking round nose cast bullet.I guess mine was one of the better rifles.I wouldn't part with this little rifle for nothing.

[pshaw]

I will slug the barrel and see if its oversize.  Ditchdigger, I will be happy with 2" at 100.

[Ranger J]

I would be jumping up and down and kicking my heels for 2" at 100 yds.  Actually I would be doing that if I got that at 50 yds.
RJ

[pshaw]

Slugged the barrel and it came up .432 also.  Will try them a little hotter.  Gotta get-um fast to spin in that slow barrel I quess.