Ruger 77/44 accuracy

oldscot3 · December 28, 2012, 09:24 PM

I'm thinking about a 77/44, what should I expect for accuracy at 50 yards? I'll be using hand loads with 240s or 265s and a low power scope.

Deja vu · December 29, 2012, 02:39 PM

They are accurate guns but remember loads vary wildly from load load. So find a load that groups well and stick with that load.

TheBear · December 29, 2012, 04:08 PM

The 77/44 has good accuracy with jacketed bullets, with cast bullets however accuracy is pretty bad, specially with weak .44spcl loads.

interlock · December 29, 2012, 04:14 PM

deleted

tolesy · December 29, 2012, 07:33 PM

I have tried Hornady 225gr and 240gr XTPs. The 225s shoot flatter and group slightly better but the 240s will do more damage on 200# game. I have dropped 2/3 deer I have shot with my 77/44... the other one was a bad shot on my part and went about 100 yards, all were shot with the 240gr XTP.

Ive got some Buffalo Bore ammo on order to test out, 255gr cast and 240gr+p cast. I will report back with my findings when the ammo arrives and I find time!

oldscot3 · December 29, 2012, 10:36 PM

I will likely use 240 and 265 grain jacketed bullets, from your experience, can I expect 1" groups at 50 yards when I find the right combo? What I'm trying to discern is if the typical 77/44 can reasonably be expected to do that well before I buy it.

SteelChickenShooter · December 30, 2012, 02:58 AM

I've never comparison tested a variety of ammo for groups in my 77/44. All I wanted to do was dial in the scope for an initial pre-season setting for deer. I wanted a Winchester or Remington hunting round to be 3 inches high at 50 yards. I punched a couple holes precisely where I wanted and let it go at that. For the most part, I do take extra time and do buy multiple ammo brands for comparison. My very first hits were so spot on, I just never fired any more.

eastbank · December 30, 2012, 08:42 AM

i have killed several deer with my 77/44 useing H-110 and 240gr sp bullets, i was given 5 boxes of old federal 240 hp factory shells and they shoot 2" or better groups at 100yds with a 2x7 leupold scope, i am going to use up the federals than go back to my reloads.the 77/44 is one of my favorite rifles for bad weather, rain or snow. light, handy and reliable. eastbank.

TheBear · December 30, 2012, 04:02 PM

Quote:

I will likely use 240 and 265 grain jacketed bullets, from your experience, can I expect 1" groups at 50 yards when I find the right combo?

if you find the right bullet im sure it can be done. It wont be easy though..

oldscot3 · December 30, 2012, 09:54 PM

Ok thanks for the replies, what I'm hearing is it's possible given a willingness to put in the necessary load development.

December 28, 2012, 09:24 PM	#1
oldscot3 Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2007 Location: texas Posts: 192	Ruger 77/44 accuracy I'm thinking about a 77/44, what should I expect for accuracy at 50 yards? I'll be using hand loads with 240s or 265s and a low power scope.

December 29, 2012, 02:39 PM	#2
Deja vu Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2010 Location: Border of Idaho & Montana Posts: 1,750	They are accurate guns but remember loads vary wildly from load load. So find a load that groups well and stick with that load. __________________ Shot placement is everything! I would rather take a round of 50BMG to the foot than a 22short to the base of the skull. all 21 of my guns are 45/70 govt 357 mag, 22 or 12 ga... I believe in keeping it simple

December 29, 2012, 04:08 PM	#3
TheBear Senior Member Join Date: April 11, 2011 Posts: 217	The 77/44 has good accuracy with jacketed bullets, with cast bullets however accuracy is pretty bad, specially with weak .44spcl loads. Last edited by TheBear; December 29, 2012 at 08:26 PM.

December 29, 2012, 04:14 PM	#4
interlock Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2012 Posts: 253	deleted Last edited by interlock; December 30, 2012 at 05:51 AM.

December 29, 2012, 07:33 PM	#5
tolesy Member Join Date: January 12, 2010 Location: NE Indiana Posts: 61	I have tried Hornady 225gr and 240gr XTPs. The 225s shoot flatter and group slightly better but the 240s will do more damage on 200# game. I have dropped 2/3 deer I have shot with my 77/44... the other one was a bad shot on my part and went about 100 yards, all were shot with the 240gr XTP. Ive got some Buffalo Bore ammo on order to test out, 255gr cast and 240gr+p cast. I will report back with my findings when the ammo arrives and I find time! __________________ Those who do not participate in democracy are condemned to be ruled by those who do

December 29, 2012, 10:36 PM	#6
oldscot3 Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2007 Location: texas Posts: 192	I will likely use 240 and 265 grain jacketed bullets, from your experience, can I expect 1" groups at 50 yards when I find the right combo? What I'm trying to discern is if the typical 77/44 can reasonably be expected to do that well before I buy it.

December 30, 2012, 02:58 AM	#7
SteelChickenShooter Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2011 Posts: 587	I've never comparison tested a variety of ammo for groups in my 77/44. All I wanted to do was dial in the scope for an initial pre-season setting for deer. I wanted a Winchester or Remington hunting round to be 3 inches high at 50 yards. I punched a couple holes precisely where I wanted and let it go at that. For the most part, I do take extra time and do buy multiple ammo brands for comparison. My very first hits were so spot on, I just never fired any more.

December 30, 2012, 08:42 AM	#8
eastbank Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2008 Location: pa. Posts: 833	i have killed several deer with my 77/44 useing H-110 and 240gr sp bullets, i was given 5 boxes of old federal 240 hp factory shells and they shoot 2" or better groups at 100yds with a 2x7 leupold scope, i am going to use up the federals than go back to my reloads.the 77/44 is one of my favorite rifles for bad weather, rain or snow. light, handy and reliable. eastbank.

December 30, 2012, 09:54 PM	#10
oldscot3 Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2007 Location: texas Posts: 192	Ok thanks for the replies, what I'm hearing is it's possible given a willingness to put in the necessary load development.