Author Topic: Range report on 44 mag (Read 798 times)

Ditchdigger · « **on:** November 23, 2004, 04:07:39 PM »

Well I got my 44mag and Huntsman barrels back and the 44 mag shoot 3 to 4" groups at 50 yds. with just about every thing. I had 240 gr. XTP's, 270 gr. gold dots,and 300 gr XTPs. I noticed that the primers were being struck near the very edge of them. The barrel sets in the frame at a slight angle when closed. I did some measureing and the barrel has .030 side clearence with the action closed and the release button pushed. So whats the cure Dr. Fred M?,shim it over with shim stock? And do you think this will help. Also I plan on seating the bullets .050 out farther,to be within .010 of the lands. Alright you guys whats the verdict. Digger

safetysheriff · « **Reply #1 on:** November 23, 2004, 04:35:30 PM »

Quote from: Ditchdigger

I noticed that the primers were being struck near the very edge of them. The barrel sets in the frame at a slight angle when closed. I did some measureing and the barrel has .030 side clearence with the action closed and the release button pushed. So whats the cure Dr. Fred M?,shim it over with shim stock? Digger

What is "the action closed and the release button pushed" supposed to mean? The barrel sitting at a slight angle sounds like possibly the barrel and its ejector housing do not fit your frame! Take it to a gunsmith if you can't determine for yourself what is wrong. Right now it sounds like something is very unsafe. Shim stock is out of the question...

The .44 mag' is capable of target-grade accuracy. Your groups may be a further indicator of a problem with the rifle, if not with the loads themselves.

Take care and get it checked out.

SS'

Donaldo · « **Reply #2 on:** November 23, 2004, 04:57:28 PM »

Another example of that fine NEF Handi Rifle workmanship. :wink:

Ditchdigger · « **Reply #3 on:** November 23, 2004, 05:22:25 PM »

I just got it back from nef and they fitted both barrels. I used a good 6X 18 scope,on 18 pr. with about 1/8 movement of the crosshairs at 50 yds. so the thing should have shot better. The chamber is 1.6" deep so I'm going to seat the bullet out .050 to get it within .010 of the lands. It locks up tight with the latch engaged,but has side to side play with the latch disengauged. I'll call them tomorrow. Digger

lik2hunt · « **Reply #4 on:** November 24, 2004, 01:26:15 AM »

Digger - According to what others have said here as long as it's locking tight when closed then it should be OK. How does the 50 cal barrel fit? Are ya sure you just weren't thinking about the truck stop when you were shooting it yesterday and got all excited?

:eek:

jeff223 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 24, 2004, 03:31:50 AM »

if i were you i would call NEF and tell them about your 44mag barrel.the fireing pin shoud hit the primer in the center or real close to it.if the fireing pin hits at the edge of the primer you can have bad ignition and accuracy will suffer.the barrel should lock up tight too.i think the barrel should be sent back to them.if you have trouble with NEF i will give you a name and number to call at Marlin and this guy will take care of you.i dealt with him about 2 years ago with a bad barrel and after talking with him NEF made it right with me

call them :wink:

v8r · « **Reply #6 on:** November 24, 2004, 07:18:10 AM »

I would have sent the thing back by now.They should be paying better attention.Do they not have a quality control department?Dude that sounds a little scary.Trust me you don't want a cartridge blowing up in your face.

Ditchdigger · « **Reply #7 on:** November 24, 2004, 01:18:47 PM »

Well I called them today,and they said if it locked up tight it was ok. It locks up tight on my Ultra frame also,so I'll try it on the Ultra frame for accurcy.They were'nt overly friendly today,(day before Thanksgiving) so I may call again. Digger

quickdtoo · « **Reply #8 on:** November 24, 2004, 01:31:18 PM »

Digger, you probably already know this, but forgot! If you use a thin shim between the forend spacer and the forend, you can tighten the action when it is open. I've done it on a couple of mine that were loose when open but locked up real tight when closed. I've also used a different thicker spacer to do the same. Some thick plastic like is used in bubble wrapped store products works, it's thin but stiff. hth, Tim :wink:

JPH45 · « **Reply #9 on:** November 24, 2004, 06:35:18 PM »

Digger, let us know how the barrel works out on the Ultra frame.

Ditchdigger · « **Reply #10 on:** November 25, 2004, 10:26:08 AM »

Well I shot it again today with the 300 XTP's over 21.4 grs. of H 110 and after the first fouling shot I got a 1.2" group at 50 yds. I then put it on my ultra frame and got about the same group except 2.5" higher and to the left about a inch.I seated the bullets out to the 2nd. channellure and its about .010" from the lands. Gonna bump it up to 22 grs. and try that tomorrow. Digger

JPH45 · « **Reply #11 on:** November 25, 2004, 12:51:59 PM »

That sounds more like it Digger. I think over time this will become one of your favorite barrels.