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Author Topic: New 44 Mag. Handi  (Read 776 times)

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Offline rk3006

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New 44 Mag. Handi
« on: November 22, 2006, 11:15:24 AM »
Several years ago I had a Marlin in 44 mag and like a fool I traded it off. Since then I have been wanting another but due to limited funds I could not afford another. This week my local sports store had a sale on Handi's for $199.99 and they had one in 44 mag. I read alot of the postings on the forum and most were negitive on the 44, it seems they have oversize bores. Most postings stated accuracy was bad. I decided to take a chance and got one, after taking it to the range today I have to report the accuracy with mine using handloads was FANTISTIC. I could only shoot 50 yards but all groups were 1 1/4 to 2 inches with open sights, This is better than my old Marlin ever shot. I think this is a recent model as it does not have a automatic ejector, the serial number is NW 177xx. The loads I am using are 23.5 grs. H110 with a 240 gr. XTP and 21 grs. H110 with a 270 gr. Gold Dot. I managed to try two rounds of 240 gr. XTP at 100 yds. and they wint into 2 1/4 1nches. Weather was 20 degrees and clear. I am very happy with this and thought I would share this with you in case someone is thinking about a 44 mag. I didn't have time ti slug the bore but I ran a patch with JB bore past 50 times before fireing it. I wonder if NEF might have fixed the problem or I just lucked out??? Happy Thanksgiving.
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Offline mattparliament

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Re: New 44 Mag. Handi
« Reply #1 on: November 22, 2006, 11:32:50 AM »
Mine shoots great too.  I handloaded some 200 XTP's with 28.5 Grains of H110 via their 2006 manual.  Also fantastic accuracy, I even took my Black Hills South Dakota turkey with it last spring at about 200 yards! :)
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: New 44 Mag. Handi
« Reply #2 on: November 22, 2006, 12:50:17 PM »
That's great news, while you're in the slugging business, please check the rate of twist, we're hoping that along with the tighter bore, they switched to the 1:20" twist rate of the current Marlin rifles. If you're not sure how to check it, please see the FAQ under twist rates for help. ;)

Thx for the shooting report!! ;)

Tim
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Offline Wolfgang

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Re: New 44 Mag. Handi
« Reply #3 on: November 24, 2006, 03:06:33 PM »
I'm glad to hear that someone is having some luck with theirs.  I have been consistently frustrated with mine so far but things are starting to brighten up a little.

Best,
Wolfgang
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Offline bajabill

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Re: New 44 Mag. Handi
« Reply #4 on: November 26, 2006, 06:11:01 PM »
I checked mine and it is not 1:20, the rod only rotates about 1/2 turn while going thru, so it must be 1:38.  I did not measure because I am thinkiing this is a multiple choice question.   ;)
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: New 44 Mag. Handi
« Reply #5 on: November 26, 2006, 06:20:32 PM »
Thanks for checking Bill! ;)

Tim
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Offline bajabill

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Re: New 44 Mag. Handi
« Reply #6 on: November 27, 2006, 05:51:36 AM »
is the desire for a 1:20 due to a wish to shoot heavier than 300gr?  Or for the 265/270 range

I plan on using 240gr and 270gr bullets once I get serious about playing with this barrel.  Hopefully the 1:38 is sufficient for the 270s.
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Offline quickdtoo

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Re: New 44 Mag. Handi
« Reply #7 on: November 27, 2006, 06:05:24 AM »
1:38" is the standard twist rate for most 44 Mag rifles, although some are 1:26", the 1:20 twist rate is the standard for the .444 Marlin which does shoot heavier bullets. The 1:38" should work fine for the 270gr bullets along with your tighter bore. Even overbored 44mag Handis shoot some of the heavier bullets good when pushed hard, or rechambered to .445SM. ;)

Tim
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Offline RemingtonMagnum

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Re: New 44 Mag. Handi
« Reply #8 on: November 27, 2006, 07:29:10 AM »
Anyone have a 445 die cuttinng tool?   

Don
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