.44 mag shooters, I need your help

[mag41vance]

This is not a NEF but I trust you guys to answer this for me.

 I've been trying to develope an accurate load with some 200 gr Hornady JHP, and it has been awful so far. 4 inch groups have been the norm no matter what loads I've tried.
I'm starting to think maybe the scope is the culprit.

 I have IMR4227, H4227, IMR4198, H110, W296, WC820,WC680, Unique.

 I am shooting these in a Model 96 Ruger rifle.
Any load suggestions?

[marv]

Vance, Looks like some thing else wrong, rather than powder, I have found
 Some powders you are using to be good.  Maybe scope  crown or Problems with rifle, Have you any Load or factory that is good in the
 rifle?   Good luck, Marv.

[J-Milner]

I've been shooting 44 magnums for over 20 years now and one thing that I have learned is that a 44 magnum will usually prefer one specific bullet size over another. There are .429 diameter bullets and .430 diameter bullets. My Super Blackhawk prefers the .430 diameter bullets and will group all 6-shots inside 3" at 100 yards from it's scoped form. Same way for my Super Redhawk. My Contender on the the other hand, will only shoot, accurately that is, is bullets that are .429 in diameter. My N.E.F. 44 mag. barrel that I had shortened to 20", recrowned and chambered to the 445 Super Mag. will also shoot the .429 diameter bullets the best. Hornady and Remington bullets are .430 while the Nosler, Sierra and Speer are all .429....

J-

[safetysheriff]

 I've been trying to develope an accurate load with some 200 gr Hornady JHP, and it has been awful so far. 4 inch groups have been the norm no matter what loads I've tried.

 I have IMR4227, H4227, IMR4198, H110, W296, WC820,WC680, Unique.

 I am shooting these in a Model 96 Ruger rifle.
Any load suggestions?

The 200 gr' bullet may be just a bit too light, or too thin of a jacket, to develop good pressures with the powders (and primer?) you are using.   The .44 likes a strong crimp, and probably somewhat heavier bullets if you're using a Remington large pistol primer.    Rem' primers in the large pistol are relatively weak.....

I'd go with Win' large pistol (reg/magnum) primers, a 210 gr' JHP Remington bullet, Rem' brass (better crimp with it), WC-820 in high loading density (very important),  and a firm crimp.    Use only a very narrow flare to get the bullet into the brass.    

Many guys have had mixed results in the .44 mag' with Unique -- from what I've read.     I have some, but have not tried it, since WC-820 works so well for me.     Blue Dot powder has also given me good results with some bullets......and is a good option with a lighter bullet in this cartridge.

You may also want to post this concern on one of the other topics on this site to see how well others are doing with that Ruger Model.    

Good luck.

SS'

[mag41vance]

I should have stated, I'm using CCI 350, and 300 primers. and I am applying a heavy roll crimp. All the brass is trimmed and a very slight flare.
 I suspect the scope, or perhaps I just haven't hit the right combination.

 The crown looks good. I'll test it until I figure it out.
 I have considered Winchester primers, but haven't purchased them yet.
 Any thing I'm overlooking?

[safetysheriff]

Mag'41

I'd check for a loose barrel band, loose action in the stock, and check the scope, rings, and mount for looseness......etc.

But...I'd also go to www.leverguns.com to see what they can tell you about that model of rifle.     They might have a 'fix' for that rifle that will make you happy again.     Paco Kelly is one of my favorite authors, and he's done a lot of work with lever actions.     I believe he's the one that started that site.    

Take care.

SS'

[jbtazgrabber]

rifles need slower powders in handgun calabers i use imr 4427  with 200 xtp in my 445 super it likesthem deer die for them or should i say with them . i only use red dot   ..unique and imr 4427 in all my handgun andlongun with pistol calabers just start low and work up mine dont like to go too fast pay lots of atten .to the crimp  ...crony tells a lot about crimps on my nef ill even try no crinp ive got lots of barrel to  burn powder in

[NorthernMich]

something IS wrong...I just put a factory 240 grain in the black at 100 yards with my Ruger 96 using a Bushnell 1x4x32 circle X...on a pie plate at the range.  Had no flyers before that.  I did have the plastic nipple on my clip break, be careful when removing that clip ....store I got it from handed me a new one.