heavyweight 44mag

[gstewart44]

What has been the collective experience out there on the heaviest weight bullet that will consistently stabilize in the Handi 44 mag barrel.   I believe it is a 1:38 twist.    What say all?

[wayne24]

I have used 300 grain both jacketed and cast in both of my 44 mag handi's.They have shot well.
Wayne

[petemi]

Mine shoots 240 gr. well.

Pete

[gendoc]

240 xtp's, or 255 wfnpb... is my favorite 

[gjdykeman]

I don't know if this is relevant. I use 44 cal, 430 sized, GCFN 325g bullets in my 45/70 muzzleloader. I patch these and they are the perfect  choice. W748 over a paper wad. 3" at 50y.

[gstewart44]

Thanks all, 

I have used 200 and 240s in the past with no problem.    I have a bulk of lead sheets right now and will be casting up some hunting bullets for my 54 TC renegade.    I was hoping to cast some heavy 44 mag bullets (300+ grains) if the experience out there with the heavies was positive.   

[dpe.ahoy]

Slug the barrel and check the twist.  Even the slower twist will stablize the heavy weights if driven fast enough.  Won't really know until ya try it.  For driving them fast, go with gas checked.  DP

[OBXPilgrim]

The 310 Lee RF is a great bullet for the 44 mag.  I don't have a Handi 44, but do have a Win M94 44 mag with 1:38" which handles the 310 Lee just fine.  I push it to 1550 fps with 2400 powder.  It will get your attention in the little M94 (20 barrel), but should be sweet in a heavier Handi rifle.  I know my .444 Handi with a 290gr lead pushed to 1800fps really doesn't feel like it has as much recoil.  I thought it was just my imagination, until my shootin' bud asked if he could put my slip-on pad on the M94 - he was tired of getting beat around by it.

One of the more daring on the castboolits.gunloads forum says the microgroove 1:38 can handle up to 325-350gr loads if they are kept near the upper side of velocity.

+1 what dpe.ahoy says - use the gas check.  You can get by without it on lower velocity, light bullet loads, but you're asking for leading with cast. 

Also, .001"-.002" over you bore size (slug your barrel) will keep the leading away & be alot "friendlier" for someone wanting to start cast.

Hope that helps.

[quickdtoo]

Here's some pertinent info on heavy 44mag rifle loads in 1:38" barrels. http://www.lasc.us/Fryxell44OverWeight.htm

And more on .444Marlin heavy bullet loads which will give you an idea of the velocity required to shoot them decently in the 1:38" twist. http://www.beartoothbullets.com/tech_notes/archive_tech_notes.htm/28


Tim

[Default_Required]

Shoot alot of 240gr both cast and jacketed and shoots them well.

 Have also played with the 300gr XTP and it was dandy also. Havent gotten around to playing with anyhting heavier then the 300s But i will find out before long. Since I have some 330gr Beartooth bullets staring at me from the loading bench as I type this  

[gstewart44]

Here's some pertinent info on heavy 44mag rifle loads in 1:38" barrels. http://www.lasc.us/Fryxell44OverWeight.htm

And more on .444Marlin heavy bullet loads which will give you an idea of the velocity required to shoot them decently in the 1:38" twist. http://www.beartoothbullets.com/tech_notes/archive_tech_notes.htm/28


Tim

Thanks for the links Tim......good stuff
GS44