What is the consensus of shooting 44 Special in a 1894?

[sgtfri714]

What is the consensus of the Marlin 1894s in 44 Mag/44Sp from Big 5 Sporting Goods?  I was there looking for gym shoes when I spotted one on the gun rack all the way across the store on sale for $330 and change.  Since I have wanted a rifle in a heavier caliber for plinking at the local indoor range I bought it, just waiting for the 10 day cooling off period here I Kalifornia before I can pick it up.  I have a Taurus 431 in 44 Special already and was curious if anybody has experience with the Special in the 1894.  I reload the 44 Special for my revolver and get good accuracy with 240gr LSWC over 6.5 gr of Unique and Speer 200gr JHPs over 8gr of the same powder.

[De41mag]

sgtfri;

I don't know, but I'm going to do the same thing with my 1894. I've got a Freedom Arms Model 97 in 44 Special and am hoping the rifle will like 44 Spl.'s also. Going to try the Hornady 180gr. XTP and hope for the best.
Now as far as Magnum loads go I've found a Speer 210gr. Gold Dot with H-110 its a real tack driver.
Keep me posted of your results.

Dennis  

[Lloyd Smale]

mine will run them.

[daddywpb]

My 1894G shoots great with 44 Specials, just be careful with OAL on your reloads.

[Feldhege]

My 1894SS shoots them just fine.

Robb

[Warthog]

I haven't had any problems with the special in my '94.  You may have an issue with the bullet you list though, because the semi wadcutters can have a tough time cycling.

[sgtfri714]

I have heard good things about LaserCast Bullets.  Their 44cal 200gr LRNFP (Lead Round Nose Flat Point) looks very promising for use in both a revolver and lever gun.  In my revolver Unique is definitely the powder of choice, however, loads using 2400 may be a better compromise for use in a revolver/rifle combo along with the LRNFP.  The Improved Unique is very clean (cleaner) burning in loads around 15,000 PSI and 2400 also burns clean in my .357 and 38 Special +P loads.  Load development is one of my favorite aspects of my shooting hobby.

[daddywpb]

I have heard good things about LaserCast Bullets.  Their 44cal 200gr LRNFP (Lead Round Nose Flat Point) looks very promising for use in both a revolver and lever gun.

I believe the "L" in LRNFP stands for Long, not Lead. There are also WRNFP bullets, with the "W" meaning Wide. :shock:

[T.R.]

I had an older 1894 with the micro-groove rifling and it shot horrible with anything except Hornady's 200 gr XTP (.430) driven to max velocity.

I sold it and bought a Ruger 96 with faster twist and "regular" rifling.  It shoots tight cloverleafs with any load including 44 Special.

The newer 94's feature ballard rifling.  This is reputed to be far better for the 44 MAG and other cartridges as well. I'd have bought one but the 96 was priced right at $275. at a shop going out of business.  I couldn't pass it up!

Good shooting to you.
TR

[Hook686]

I don't do it.

[Mannlicher]

I can see no justification for shooting .44 Special in a Marlin 1894.  I use a single load in mine, and only for deer and hog hunting. 

[lgm270]

A friend bought an M-94 Trapper in .44 mag for indoor range use with mag's and .44 specials and it worked very well. 

[humbayshooter]

Reading the original post...i have the same story! Just bought the 1894, in CA from Big 5, for $338.00. My wait is almost up!
In preperation I have placed a Midway order for a Lee bullet mold SWC 240gr gas check.
Has anyone used these bullets and how do they shoot? I plan to cast hard and quench in water (as Randy Garret does with his) and use these for serious plinking and Hogs.
Any good load advice would help put pork in the freezer.
Thanks!  Humbayshooter

[txpitdog]

I shoot 250gr Keith bullets in my 1894.  They have the same OAL as .44mag brass and a 240JHP.  They load fine and shoot great.  No recoil.