cast bullets in 44 carbine?

[bluecow]

just wondering if this is a good idea. have the old model.  wondering about the lead gumming up the gas port ect.   thanks

[Rangr44]

If you want to play, you will most definitely pay.

I would predict about 5 shots, before the rifle starts to exhibit FTF's from a lead-clogged gas system - which is a royal PITA to clean out.

Unless you're maschochist, that is.      

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[OLDHandgunner]

Rangr44 is right. Cast bullets will definitly give you problems. These are finicky guns anyways. I have 3 of the older 44 Carbines. All I've ever shot in mine are Hornady 240 JHP's & now 240 XTP's. Never had a problem.
These are a great close in deer and bear gun.
Stick with 240gr jacketed bullets.

[Blackhawker]

Don't own one or know anything much about them but thought I'd ask a question out of curiousity.  Would gas checks eliminate the problem?  Seems to me that the molten lead that clogs things up is on the back side of the bullet where the heat and flame are in contact with it.  Gas checks eliminate bore leading problems so I wondered if they'd help gas operator clogs too.

Gas checked bullets are still a lot cheaper than jacketed bullets. 

[Ranger J]

Actually I have read that it is th lub off the cast bullets that 'gums' things up.  I have never shot anything but jacketed bullets in my Deerfield and have had zero problems with it.  I believe the instruction book on both models say to not shoot cast in them.

RJ

[gstewart44]

I don't know  if you have a Ruger owners manual for the 44 carbine but if you don't it says in there to use jacketed bullets only.   

I can say from experience that cast rounds will gum up the works quickly and it is definitely the one disassembly job that I never want to go through again.   

Keep it clean and it will serve you fine.   Feed it cast lead and it will hiccup and give you grief when cleaning it.   

[bluecow]

thanks thats what i suspected.  going to have to find me a m94 trapper.