44 rifle hunting loads?

tyrajam · August 10, 2007, 01:19 AM

Hi guys, I've been reloading for my varmint rifles for a while, but I just got a .44 mag rifle and want to try out some loads for deer season. I havn't decided on a bullet yet, so its a wide open question: what's a good load?

Al Norris · August 10, 2007, 09:27 AM

Answers depend upon the rifle and its twist rate. What do you have?

DMZX · August 10, 2007, 10:28 AM

If you have a Marlin '94 with Ballard rifling, you might try 24 grains of H110 under a Hornady 240 grain XTP.

tyrajam · August 10, 2007, 11:39 AM

Oops, left out some important details, its a Ruger 44 carbine, 1:20 twist with the old 12 groove rifling.

crowbeaner · August 10, 2007, 08:15 PM

If it is the old semiauto you'll have to stick to jacketed bullets. Try the RP 240 jsp over 24.0 of WW 296, Fed. case, and CCI 350 mag. primer. All my .44s long and short shot this load well. Enjoy. CB

Ozzieman · August 12, 2007, 04:24 PM

24 grains of H110
I like a heavier bullet like a 240 with about the same load of H110 (Max=25.8)
If your looking for flatter shooting I have tried a 180 Grain with 28.5 of H110 (Max is 30) that will push a 180 out the barrel at over 2100 FPS. I shoot these out of an older marlin lever. I only use NEW brass with these loads and use them only once. And they do show pressure signs.
One thing here that is very important when shooting these kinds of rounds make sure you stay under 1900 FPS for a 180 GR and under 1800 for a 240 Gr if you shoot them out of a Ruger Semi auto. The gun will have functioning problems if you shoot anything heavier.

August 10, 2007, 01:19 AM	#1
tyrajam Senior Member Join Date: July 24, 2007 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 467	44 rifle hunting loads? Hi guys, I've been reloading for my varmint rifles for a while, but I just got a .44 mag rifle and want to try out some loads for deer season. I havn't decided on a bullet yet, so its a wide open question: what's a good load?

August 12, 2007, 04:24 PM	#6
Ozzieman Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2004 Location: Northern Indiana Posts: 6,117	I agree with DMZX 24 grains of H110 I like a heavier bullet like a 240 with about the same load of H110 (Max=25.8) If your looking for flatter shooting I have tried a 180 Grain with 28.5 of H110 (Max is 30) that will push a 180 out the barrel at over 2100 FPS. I shoot these out of an older marlin lever. I only use NEW brass with these loads and use them only once. And they do show pressure signs. One thing here that is very important when shooting these kinds of rounds make sure you stay under 1900 FPS for a 180 GR and under 1800 for a 240 Gr if you shoot them out of a Ruger Semi auto. The gun will have functioning problems if you shoot anything heavier.

August 10, 2007, 09:27 AM	#2
Al Norris Moderator Emeritus Join Date: June 29, 2000 Location: Rupert, Idaho Posts: 9,659	Answers depend upon the rifle and its twist rate. What do you have?

August 10, 2007, 10:28 AM	#3
DMZX Senior Member Join Date: June 6, 2007 Location: E. Oregon Posts: 563	If you have a Marlin '94 with Ballard rifling, you might try 24 grains of H110 under a Hornady 240 grain XTP.

August 10, 2007, 11:39 AM	#4
tyrajam Senior Member Join Date: July 24, 2007 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 467	Oops, left out some important details, its a Ruger 44 carbine, 1:20 twist with the old 12 groove rifling.

August 10, 2007, 08:15 PM	#5
crowbeaner Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2007 Location: Upstate SC Posts: 1,943	If it is the old semiauto you'll have to stick to jacketed bullets. Try the RP 240 jsp over 24.0 of WW 296, Fed. case, and CCI 350 mag. primer. All my .44s long and short shot this load well. Enjoy. CB