Handi 44 Mag

[smokeater]

I am seriously thinking of getting a Handi Rifle in 44 Magnum.  I had a bad experience with Handi in 308win, could not get it to group regardless of load, bullet, or powder.  Has anyone had any experience with one of these?  How is the accuracy?  Will be using mostly cast bullets, mainly Lyman 429421 (Keith) bullet.  Main function of rifle will be a  foul weather deer and hog hunting.  Shots 100 yds and under and may use either a low power scope or a red dot.  I have a Savage and it is a tack driver, but want something to take out while dizzling or light rain and will be easy to clean up, plus I really like the Handi concept, had a 45/70 and a 30/30, both shot fine but let them get away from me .  Another reason for the 44mag is I have a Ruger Flattop 44 Special and already have bullet molds and dies and the 44 Mag I think will do what I want and then some.  Thanks for any ideas.

[quickdtoo]

Depends on the size of the cast bullets, 44mag rifles have larger bore dimensions the revolvers due to SAAMI specs, .432" cast or .430" jacketed are pretty much essential for good accuracy, I haven't shot cast in either of mine, but many others have.

Tim

[Lonegun1894]

I use cast in mine.  Here is the quirk with mine.  Size to .429/.430, I get a sewerpipe looking bore and 5-6" groups at 25yds for the first 20rds, then it goes down hill quick past that as lead builds up.  Size to .433, and I get 2-3" groups at 100yds and no leading.  Last time out I fired 80rds and it took 4 patches run through the bore to clean it without any scrubbing or anything, so at least with mine, it was just a matter of me trying to shoot them too small.  I would say try it and just make sure you slug your bore and shoot bigger than bore size, as has been said.  I'm happy with mine.

[handishooter]

I size to .433 also, my bore slugged out to .432, I have a red dot on it and it shoots 2-3 inches or minute of pig.  It doesn't get used much never has, got the barrel cheap and set it up for my nephews to hunt with. Can't say about other handi barrels in .44 but on mine there is a very long throat on it, so it will never be a match rifle as far as accuracy goes, but it was never intended to either.

[theratdog]

i only shoot lead in mine 240 grn lee tumble lube bullets. i keep mine under 900 fps no leading real good shooter i shoot the 357 on same receiver both shoot much the same.

[quickdtoo]

Can't say about other handi barrels in .44 but on mine there is a very long throat on it, so it will never be a match rifle as far as accuracy goes, but it was never intended to either.

Most H&R chamberings have longish throats with a couple exceptions, one cure for the 44mag is to make it a 445 Supermag or even a 444 Marlin. 

Tim

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,231528.msg1099292821.html#msg1099292821

[nanuk-O-dah-Nort]

Most H&R chamberings have longish throats with a couple exceptions, one cure for the 44mag is to make it a 445 Supermag or even a 444 Marlin. 

Tim

up here, the 44's are on SB1 frames and significantly less money than the higher pressure rounds

if you consider rechambering, be aware of what frame you have.

[quickdtoo]

up here, the 44's are on SB1 frames and significantly less money than the higher pressure rounds

if you consider rechambering, be aware of what frame you have.

Good point, but be aware H&R has only put 44mag (and 357mag) barrels on SB1 frames since 2008, they(and NEF) put em on SB2 frames from 1987 thru 2007, so the SB1 framed rifles out there are few in comparison. 

Tim

[gcrank1]

A lot of bullet moulds will through a fat bullet, as cast, no sizing required, just tumble lube or pan lube and you are good to go. I suggest you mic bullets from your mould(s) to ensure you get at least a .432 before buying a barrel. IIRC the 444s are coming better dimensioned, and Id be inclined to go that way even though I have a 44M 'companion' revolver. The twist is better for a wider variety of bullet weights in the 444 too.

[yukondog]

I had one a few years ago and it shot speer 240 gold dot great.

[flinthead]

I have two... camo stocked regular Handi and a Talo Trapper. The camo stock shot three shots of Win white box 240's .75" at 100 yards. I've only shot the Talo at 50,,, but it shoots around an inch for three shots of 240 XTP's.