Load for .44 magnum pistols and rifles

Death from Afar · April 14, 2013, 02:04 AM

Guys, I am looking for a load that will work in both my Mod 29 and Ruger Carbine. I have been using a mild load of 12 grains of unique, which is exceptionally accurate, but it will not cycle the Ruger. Has anyone got a suggestion for a start point for both guns? Thank you, I would be very grateful. I was thinking 296?

Gster · April 14, 2013, 05:23 AM

My Hornady book shows:
16.4 to 21.2 of Win 296 for their 225 gr. FTX. Case trimmed to 1.255 because of longer ogive and a C.O.L. of 1.645

20.7 to 24.1 of Win 296 for their 240 gr. XTP with a C.O.L. of 1.600

19.7 to 23.5 of Win 296 for their 265 gr FP with a C.O.L of 1.610

16.8 to 19.9 of Win 296 for their 300 gr XTP with a C.O.L. of 1.600

Checked for type Os and hope this helps.

buck460XVR · April 14, 2013, 09:17 AM

Ruger auto carbines and 240 gr bullets just work well. Add 23-23.5 gr of H110/W296 and you'll have a great combo. They'll shoot very well outta the 29 also. For Deer, I prefer a 240 gr JSP.

SHR970 · April 14, 2013, 11:05 AM

You must understand that the Ruger carbine is much like the 30 carbine in that you have a smallish window as far as pressure and pressure curve is concerned that is required to operate it properly.

Quoting from Speer #12 pg. 396 par. 4: The gas operated action of the Ruger needs full power loads to cycle the action reliably. Lever guns can be used with somewhat lighter loads, but we recommend that you not go below minimum loads shown when firing jacketed bullets. Lead bullets should not be used in the Ruger semi-auto because lead fouling can clog the gas system.

Although you did not specify bullet weight; Speer #12 tells me that 12.4 gr. of Unique is a max. load for a 200 gr. JHP. It is not listed in my Hornady or Nosler books for any bullet weight.

You are looking to use W296 which is a good choice. If you don't have it and can't find it my suggestion is to use a powder with a burn rate like : AA#9, 2400, IMR / H4227, 410 / 4100, 1680.

TimSr · April 14, 2013, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Ruger auto carbines and 240 gr bullets just work well. Add 23-23.5 gr of H110/W296 and you'll have a great combo. They'll shoot very well outta the 29 also. For Deer, I prefer a 240 gr JSP.

I agree completely.

superspirit · April 14, 2013, 06:19 PM

I personally had the best luck with 2400 when loading 44 mag, but it does have a lot of muzzle flash, My Lyman manual says 19.5-23.6 grains with a 200 gr JHP. I was using nosler's and 18.4-20.5 with 240 gr JHP's again nosler's. these shot extremely well in both my taurus 44ss6 and my marlin lever. I am pretty sure they would shoot well in your Ruger. I also had excellent luck with Blue dot. best of luck to you. as always start on the low side and move up.

Death from Afar · April 15, 2013, 01:38 AM

Thank you ever so much. I think I will use 296 which is what goes in the M1's, so I am familiar with that powder. Will let you know how it runs. My thanks, if you are ever down here let me know.

Death from Afar · April 15, 2013, 02:18 AM

Thank you ever so much. I think I will use 296 which is what goes in the M1's, so I am familiar with that powder. Will let you know how it runs. My thanks, if you are ever down here let me know.

newfrontier45 · April 16, 2013, 04:46 AM

Quote:

I think I will use 296 which is what goes in the M1's, so I am familiar with that powder.

That should solve your problem with the Ruger.

April 14, 2013, 05:23 AM	#2
Gster Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2012 Location: N.central Pa. Posts: 302	My Hornady book shows: 16.4 to 21.2 of Win 296 for their 225 gr. FTX. Case trimmed to 1.255 because of longer ogive and a C.O.L. of 1.645 20.7 to 24.1 of Win 296 for their 240 gr. XTP with a C.O.L. of 1.600 19.7 to 23.5 of Win 296 for their 265 gr FP with a C.O.L of 1.610 16.8 to 19.9 of Win 296 for their 300 gr XTP with a C.O.L. of 1.600 Checked for type Os and hope this helps. __________________ Gun control means: Being able to hit what you are shooting at.

April 15, 2013, 01:38 AM	#7
Death from Afar Senior Member Join Date: November 7, 2004 Location: Living the dream in Christchurch, NEW ZEALAND Posts: 1,635	Thank you ever so much. I think I will use 296 which is what goes in the M1's, so I am familiar with that powder. Will let you know how it runs. My thanks, if you are ever down here let me know. __________________ "Beware of the Man with one gun...he probably isnt into guns enough to be safe with it".

April 15, 2013, 02:18 AM	#8
Death from Afar Senior Member Join Date: November 7, 2004 Location: Living the dream in Christchurch, NEW ZEALAND Posts: 1,635	Thank you ever so much. I think I will use 296 which is what goes in the M1's, so I am familiar with that powder. Will let you know how it runs. My thanks, if you are ever down here let me know. __________________ "Beware of the Man with one gun...he probably isnt into guns enough to be safe with it".

April 14, 2013, 02:04 AM	#1
Death from Afar Senior Member Join Date: November 7, 2004 Location: Living the dream in Christchurch, NEW ZEALAND Posts: 1,635	Load for .44 magnum pistols and rifles Guys, I am looking for a load that will work in both my Mod 29 and Ruger Carbine. I have been using a mild load of 12 grains of unique, which is exceptionally accurate, but it will not cycle the Ruger. Has anyone got a suggestion for a start point for both guns? Thank you, I would be very grateful. I was thinking 296? __________________ "Beware of the Man with one gun...he probably isnt into guns enough to be safe with it".

April 14, 2013, 09:17 AM	#3
buck460XVR Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 2006 Posts: 4,342	Ruger auto carbines and 240 gr bullets just work well. Add 23-23.5 gr of H110/W296 and you'll have a great combo. They'll shoot very well outta the 29 also. For Deer, I prefer a 240 gr JSP.

April 14, 2013, 11:05 AM	#4
SHR970 Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2011 Posts: 1,427	You must understand that the Ruger carbine is much like the 30 carbine in that you have a smallish window as far as pressure and pressure curve is concerned that is required to operate it properly. Quoting from Speer #12 pg. 396 par. 4: The gas operated action of the Ruger needs full power loads to cycle the action reliably. Lever guns can be used with somewhat lighter loads, but we recommend that you not go below minimum loads shown when firing jacketed bullets. Lead bullets should not be used in the Ruger semi-auto because lead fouling can clog the gas system. Although you did not specify bullet weight; Speer #12 tells me that 12.4 gr. of Unique is a max. load for a 200 gr. JHP. It is not listed in my Hornady or Nosler books for any bullet weight. You are looking to use W296 which is a good choice. If you don't have it and can't find it my suggestion is to use a powder with a burn rate like : AA#9, 2400, IMR / H4227, 410 / 4100, 1680.

April 14, 2013, 06:19 PM	#6
superspirit Senior Member Join Date: April 8, 2013 Posts: 211	I personally had the best luck with 2400 when loading 44 mag, but it does have a lot of muzzle flash, My Lyman manual says 19.5-23.6 grains with a 200 gr JHP. I was using nosler's and 18.4-20.5 with 240 gr JHP's again nosler's. these shot extremely well in both my taurus 44ss6 and my marlin lever. I am pretty sure they would shoot well in your Ruger. I also had excellent luck with Blue dot. best of luck to you. as always start on the low side and move up.