Author Topic: 44 mag/45 colt/reloading and gun purchase (Read 1439 times)

Krooz · « **on:** December 17, 2008, 09:34:46 AM »

I posted a while back about whether to keep my LG Red Dot on my RB 44 mag or go conventional scope. I decided to keep the setup as is because it's too dang sweet to change out. (The RB has a better trigger and is easier to shoot than my old 629 was).

I reload for my 25-06, .308 and 7.63x39 rifles successfully but despite trying many different setups I've yet to load for the 44 mag (8" barrel) a more accurate round than just going out and buying a box of Winchester USA 240gr SJSP. Any advice or tips on improving would be appreciated.

Anyway, this has me thinking then that with the 45 colt being more conducive to the reloader I reckon I just have to have one! As I posted elsewhere I'm leaning towards a SBH or SBH Bisley (7 1/2"). I'd prefer a hunter version of either but they're no longer made? What's up with that? I've looked around locally but haven't seen any used - are they fairly rare? Are the available scope mounting systems (for guns not drilled/tapped) recommended?

Being that my experience hunting is with a DA should I be considering that route rather than the SA's I mentioned (for consistency)? I read there's significant difference in the type of recoil.

Or, heaven-forbid, should I just take a deep breath and go back to the reloading bench and try to find suitable loads/bullets for the 44 and save the money. And actually, if there was a way to change back and forth from dot to crosshairs on my RB (and not lose zero) I'd probably do just that.

As for what I want to use it for - mostly deer in the 50 to 100yd range (50-75yd more typical) and the occasional wild hog that can get quite large in the SC swamps.

Sorry if I have too much in one post and thanks in advance for any advice!!

Krooz

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #1 on:** December 17, 2008, 09:44:03 AM »

Do you trim to length ?
do you use a profile crimp and crimp seperate from seating ?
both will improve hand loads
check out a red hawk if you like da and max loads

Stan in SC · « **Reply #2 on:** December 17, 2008, 10:34:54 AM »

Stay with the .44 Magnum.Better ballistics and more available bullet weights available.Start reloading for .44 Magnum.You will soon find,as I did, that you can get very very accurate loads.

Stan in SC

Krooz · « **Reply #3 on:** December 17, 2008, 10:44:44 AM »

I know I trimmed to length but I don't think I crimped separate from seating (which I do for the bottleneck cases). Been a few years since I tried the loading for the 44 - I'll have to pull my log book and see what powders and bullets I played with.

Would probably have to go used with a Redhawk due to the $, especially since I need to buy a scope as well. If chambered in .454 would a 45 LC be as accurate or be silly in not taking advantage of the gun capacity?

Thanks

Krooz

Krooz · « **Reply #4 on:** December 17, 2008, 10:57:37 AM »

Stan in SC - I did reload for the 44 but couldn't beat the W. USA factory when it comes to accuracy. I've always been able to reload more accurate rounds for my rifles as opposed to factory. Maybe I just didn't hit the right combo or erred in my technique for the handgun.

So do I buy another gun in 44 mag this time with a scope? Maybe that's the right answer but I'm finding the 45 LC intriging. For some reason I'm thinking I'd have better luck reloading for it rather than the 44?

Krooz

Graybeard · « **Reply #5 on:** December 17, 2008, 11:26:50 AM »

For .44 magnum reloading for accuracy my go to load for all guns so chambered is the Hornady 240 XTP over 24.0 grains of W296/H110. I seldom even bother with any other as I've never yet run across a gun chambered to .44 Magnum that didn't shoot this one more accurately than I can shoot.

Stan in SC · « **Reply #6 on:** December 17, 2008, 11:38:22 AM »

GB has a good load posted there.I rarely load over 240 grain bullets as I seem to have better success with them than with the 180 or the 300.
You seem fixated on the 45 but consider that in a .44 magnum pistol you can also shoot .44 special.Lotsa possibilities.
As far as pistol preference I know everyone has their own favorite and mine is a Ruger Super Redhawk with 7-1/2" bbl. and a 2x scope.I absolutely do not believe there is a better hunting revolver made.
At any rate look at ALL the possibilities before you decide.

Stan

gstewart44 · « **Reply #7 on:** December 17, 2008, 12:00:20 PM »

+1 on GB's load - the 240XTP/H110 is the load my SRH loves. My SRH also has excellent accuracy with a hefty load of 2400 pushing the XTP but I found this powder is very dirty and needs lots of cleanup after a day at the range.

ccoker · « **Reply #8 on:** December 17, 2008, 01:10:07 PM »

my bisley blackhawk hunter 44 shoots 1" at 50 yards with a handload of 17.5g of 2400 and 265g bearttooth bullets (load suggested by Marshall at BTB)
it wears a 2-6 Bushnell

Krooz · « **Reply #9 on:** December 18, 2008, 06:17:59 AM »

So GB, for thumpin' a hog you'd still opt for a 44 mag and 240gr XTP or step it up to a hardcast round?... or a 45 hardcast round?

Krooz

ccoker · « **Reply #10 on:** December 18, 2008, 07:29:05 AM »

hardcast for hogs, without question
I shot a doe with 240XTPs last year at 75 yards, twice, neither punched through the far side
one shot was high shoulder (ok..)
other was perfect heart shot, stopped just under the skin and deer died fast of course
but that was it for me, especially considering I like to hog hunt

Graybeard · « **Reply #11 on:** December 18, 2008, 04:31:01 PM »

You were asking for accurate. For hogs I prefer both heavier and hard cast.

Mikey · « **Reply #12 on:** December 18, 2008, 11:20:00 PM »

krooz: take a deep breath and go back to the loading bench. You will gain nothing from a 45 Colt over the 44 mag. Youjust haven't found the right combo yet. JMTCW. Mikey.

Krooz · « **Reply #13 on:** December 19, 2008, 01:33:52 AM »

OK, I'm convinced now to stick with the 44. This all got started when I wanted to try a conventional scoped handgun and figured if I'm getting a new gun then let's step it up a notch. I got "fixated" on the 45 colt as Stan pointed out.... I do that sometimes... often followed by buyers remorse.

Anyway, for now I'll go back to the bench and try again. I love my RB and will likely get another gun for mounting a scope on but it'll be in the same caliber - I'll save on dies etc. If the SBH Hunter or Bisley Hunter were more readily available I'd have one in my hand already.

Thanks for all the advice and help in reasoning!!

Krooz

Glanceblamm · « **Reply #14 on:** December 19, 2008, 01:52:05 AM »

I am in agreement with all the others as the .44 mag is usually inheritly accurate. We did have a LONGTIME shooter post that he finally got a finiky one just last month although it sounds like even that one was cured @ the loading bench.
http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,155620.0.html

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #15 on:** December 19, 2008, 02:22:15 AM »

Sorry been sick , i have the super redhawk in 454 , shoots the 45 colt just fine but its big and heavy . I have both 45 and 44 redhawks 7.5 bbl and they both shoot good . I like the 45 alot something about the history or size of the case i guess . i load it to equal 44mag loads (note never to max anymore ) . as far as which is best couldn't say really i load the same style bullets for both and seldom but factory ammo.
One thing about the redhawk is it comes with very good scope mounts and i got my super redhawk used a great way to save $$$

ccoker · « **Reply #16 on:** December 19, 2008, 03:26:58 AM »

Quote from: Krooz on December 19, 2008, 01:33:52 AM

OK, I'm convinced now to stick with the 44. This all got started when I wanted to try a conventional scoped handgun and figured if I'm getting a new gun then let's step it up a notch. I got "fixated" on the 45 colt as Stan pointed out.... I do that sometimes... often followed by buyers remorse.

Anyway, for now I'll go back to the bench and try again. I love my RB and will likely get another gun for mounting a scope on but it'll be in the same caliber - I'll save on dies etc. If the SBH Hunter or Bisley Hunter were more readily available I'd have one in my hand already.

Thanks for all the advice and help in reasoning!!

Krooz

I have a SBH Bisley 44 with a 2-6 Bushnell Trophy on it I am selling
got loads worked up for it, 265g BTB hardcast group 1" at 50 yards, have got 1" at 75 before with XTPs
PM me if interested

S.B. · « **Reply #17 on:** December 19, 2008, 03:55:58 AM »

I'm surprised no one has thought of your Raging Bulls accuracy? Just because your particular gun shoots Win white box stuff well, doesn't mean it's an accurate pistol with other loads.
All pistols are individuals. You started off with a very good pistol(in my opinion) and changed to one with questionable(spotty) quality. I would like to know what exactly was your problem with the 629 and why you switched to the RB?
Steve

Krooz · « **Reply #18 on:** December 19, 2008, 07:22:08 AM »

The 629 was a nice gun with a decent trigger pull. Bought it used but to me it wasn't comfortable or pleasant to shoot. A buddy had an RB and I liked it so I ordered a new one and sold the 629. No regrets and never looked back.... as good or better trigger pull than the 629 was and I enjoy the way it shoots waaay more.

It's plenty accurate with the USA factory and the dot sight and I intend to finish out the deer season with it. I'll work on the reloading as it sounds like I should be able to do better than what I had. But - I do want a conventionally scoped rig for better/longer targeting on critters, especially at last light. I won't touch the RB setup thus the "need" for another gun.....

Krooz

S.B. · « **Reply #19 on:** December 19, 2008, 08:01:26 AM »

So, your saying your only objection to the S&W was felt recoil? Did you ever try different grips?
Steve

Krooz · « **Reply #20 on:** December 19, 2008, 09:30:50 AM »

Yeah, I put some molded rubber grips on it, can't remember if they were Hogue or not. That helped a lot but the RB just felt better. I know Taurus has some issues vs S&W but mine has been great. When it came in the shop owner kidded about almost keeping it for himself and ordering me another. It's the only Taurus I've ever owned so I have no other comparison though I am toying with getting one of their 45ACPs for CC.

Krooz

hoggunner · « **Reply #21 on:** December 19, 2008, 09:38:28 AM »

I have the same gun as you and the load GB has posted is my go to load for deer. Thanks GB for the great load. I shot the hornady factory loads and this load seems to have the same POI as the factory. With the holo site on my RB I can hit the paper plate at 100 yrds now I am working on the flat of the plate off of sticks at 100 yrds very acurate load.
Good luck

Krooz · « **Reply #22 on:** December 19, 2008, 09:59:23 AM »

Excellent, I know what I'll be doing after the holidays!

Krooz

S.B. · « **Reply #23 on:** December 19, 2008, 12:26:32 PM »

I guess I'm just an old stick in the mud. I was born in America and was raised here so, I support American firms. Their global economy stops at my bank.
Steve