Author Topic: 44 Mag shooters (Read 466 times)

James B · « **on:** February 17, 2005, 09:15:03 AM »

Has anyone tried the 265 Hornady bullet in the 44 Handi? I know this bullet was brought out by Hornady for the 444 Marlin. This said, do you think or have you seen how well this bullet would perform or expand at velocities obtained by the 44 Mag rifle. The Hornady manual show 1700 fps as the max for this bullet in a rifle barrel in 44 Mag.

I have thought about reaming the Handi to 445 but I also have a Handi 45-70 so would there be any point IYO to reaming the 44 Mag? The 45-70 would out perform the 445 in all the heavy bullet weights. Any opinions?

Ditchdigger · « **Reply #1 on:** February 17, 2005, 09:23:13 AM »

The 265 gr. ought to work very well in the 44 mag. Mine shoots the 270 gr. Gold Dots very well also. I did'nt chrono. the 265's but the 300 gr bullets clocked 1639 fps. in 44 mag. and 1977 fps in the445. Digger

James B · « **Reply #2 on:** February 17, 2005, 10:08:19 AM »

Thanks. Hornady and Hodgdon claim that the 265 Hornady is the best big game bullet for the 44 Caliber rifle. I am sure that the Speer bullet is a good choice as well. I have had good performance from any Speer bullets that I ever used. :grin:

JPH45 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 17, 2005, 01:43:00 PM »

james, I think there is a significant advantage to the 445 over the 45-70.

First, it drives 300 grain bullets to circa 1800 fps with 1/4 less powder than the 45-70 takes to do the same thing. Most folks are pretty enarmored with 300 grain bullets at that speed, so why pay the extra price of powder and recoil to get there?

Second, While the 45-70 is touted as handling heavier bullets, I don't think a lot of target shooting is done with 400 grain bullets at speeds of 1700 fps +. In fact, I think many who shoot a lot prefer bullets weighing 300 grains or less, this is where the 445 shines, it drives bullets of 180 to 300 grains to within a few hundred feet of the 444, naturally with less powder, less recoil, less blast, all of which lead to shooting more and more enjoyment of the shooting.

Granted, if 300 grain bullets at 1800 or so is all one is doing, the 45-70 is as good as any and it will handle much heavier loads. But after this season, my 45-70 barrel will be mostly gathering dust, I didn't find it to do anything I don't get from my 44 Mag (How's that for herasy?)

now would I prefer a 445 to my 44?

I may have to get a barrel to resolve that, I like my 44 so well I just don't want to change it.