Hi everyone. I recently picked up a new SB2 044 handi. That is 44 mag.
I have been reading the threads on the 445 super mag. This seems like worthwhile project. I contacted jeff223 and the reamer is on its way to me as I write this. I thouhgt I would get some tips from you that have already done this. The barrel lenght is currently 22 inches. It seams to be a heavy contour barrel. I dont remember my last 44mag handi having that heavy of a barrel. That was in 1994. I sold it because the gun would come open when fired. Well anyway I was thinking of cutting this gun down to 16 inch carbine lenght. Have any of you done this with this round? Is there still enough power in this load with a short barrel? I have not slugged the barrel but it seems you all agree the bullets should be sized .432 is this correct? What bullets work best for your rifle. Heavy or lighter ones. 240-250gr being on the lite side and 265-300gr on the heavy side. Where do you get the best bullets for this round? I looked at beartooth and liked the looks of the 290gr slug. But it is a bit on the expensive side I think. Anyone get them cheaper or use another brand?
I want max velocity for the round. Not watered down plinkers. Got other guns that are more fun plinkers. I know for max velocity the 22 inch barrel may be the best but I am just not sure. Jeff223 says his TC manual shows a 2000fps load from a 14 inch contender barrel. Do I need all that barrel lenght? If I cut this down I am going to have the front sight put back on and use it with open sights. If it stays long then a scope will go on it. Speaking of the sights that come with these rifles I think they are very good sights. My 52 year old eyes cant see open sights well unless they have enough space in the rear sight to have daylight on each side of the front sight in the rear notch when lined up. I can use these sights easily. I did shoot the gun with 44mag bullets. I got around a six inch group at 100 yards off the bench with my reloads. I got around 3 inches when I scoped the rifle. I did not like the feel of the gun with a scope though. The FUN FACTOR is much higher for me with open sights because a Handi is slim and trim feeling in the hand without a scope. Can I just assume the barrel is .432 and order bullets of that size?
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Once again any help would be appreciated. I decided on trying this because of the post I have read by all of you doing this. Thanks for those post. I would never have known about it otherwise.
Kelly Kobold (AKA Nebraska Kelly)
