Ruger 77/44 using 2400

02bigdogs17 · January 20, 2014, 07:45 PM

Has anyone had good luck working up loads for a Ruger 77/44 with Alliant 2400 powder and Hornady XTP 200gr bullets? I loaded groups of 5 out of the Hornady 9th reloading manual. Started at 21.5gr of 2400 and worked my way up to 25.5gr. I got to shoot them today and none of them did very well as far as a group @ 100 yds. I normally load 240gr bullets but not XTP's usually Nosler or Sierra with Hodgdon H110 powder and have had very good groups with these bullets and powder. I am getting low on my H110 powder and my 240gr bullets so I wanted to get a load worked up with these 200gr bullets and Alliant 2400 because I have alot of them. I was using CCI Large Pistol primers by the way not magnum's. Did not experience no signs of pressure so just wondered if anyone was getting better results with this bullet,powder combo at higher powder charges? The book shows 25.8gr at max. Thanks for any info.

spaniel · January 20, 2014, 08:04 PM

Unfortuntately I cannot help you with an exact load. However, if your intention is to hunt deer with that 200 XTP I can tell you that you will likely be disappointed in the performance. They are not made to hold up at carbine velocities. I have shot a good number of deer with my Ruger Deerhunter with 240 XTPs and while I continue to use them because the deer are dead quickly, the bullet often comes apart on the off side of the animal and I have recovered several shed jackets.

If I were you I would write off the 200s or use them in a revolver, and stick with the 240s. I've had good luck getting accuracy out of them in the Deerhunter using both high end H110 and 2400 loads, but do not have a 77/44 to compare.

buck460XVR · January 21, 2014, 11:47 AM

My best groups with my 77/44 come from 240 and 270 gr. bullets. I have seen reports of Sierra 300 grainers shooting well from them also, but have yet to try them. Like spaniel, I would be concerned with the integrity of the 200 grainers @ carbine velocities as I too have seen the 240 XTPs come apart @ close range on deer. While the XTPs shoot very well outta the carbines and I like their terminal performance in my revolvers, I prefer JSPs for deer outta my carbines. I've found H110/W296 or IMR4227 to be the two powders the little Ruger likes the most. You do not need magnum primers for 2400 and most folks, including the manufacturer, Alliant, recommend against the use of them with it.

January 20, 2014, 07:45 PM	#1
02bigdogs17 Senior Member Join Date: November 25, 2012 Location: Indiana Posts: 138	Ruger 77/44 using 2400 Has anyone had good luck working up loads for a Ruger 77/44 with Alliant 2400 powder and Hornady XTP 200gr bullets? I loaded groups of 5 out of the Hornady 9th reloading manual. Started at 21.5gr of 2400 and worked my way up to 25.5gr. I got to shoot them today and none of them did very well as far as a group @ 100 yds. I normally load 240gr bullets but not XTP's usually Nosler or Sierra with Hodgdon H110 powder and have had very good groups with these bullets and powder. I am getting low on my H110 powder and my 240gr bullets so I wanted to get a load worked up with these 200gr bullets and Alliant 2400 because I have alot of them. I was using CCI Large Pistol primers by the way not magnum's. Did not experience no signs of pressure so just wondered if anyone was getting better results with this bullet,powder combo at higher powder charges? The book shows 25.8gr at max. Thanks for any info.

January 20, 2014, 08:04 PM	#2
spaniel Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2008 Posts: 217	Unfortuntately I cannot help you with an exact load. However, if your intention is to hunt deer with that 200 XTP I can tell you that you will likely be disappointed in the performance. They are not made to hold up at carbine velocities. I have shot a good number of deer with my Ruger Deerhunter with 240 XTPs and while I continue to use them because the deer are dead quickly, the bullet often comes apart on the off side of the animal and I have recovered several shed jackets. If I were you I would write off the 200s or use them in a revolver, and stick with the 240s. I've had good luck getting accuracy out of them in the Deerhunter using both high end H110 and 2400 loads, but do not have a 77/44 to compare.

January 21, 2014, 11:47 AM	#3
buck460XVR Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 2006 Posts: 4,342	My best groups with my 77/44 come from 240 and 270 gr. bullets. I have seen reports of Sierra 300 grainers shooting well from them also, but have yet to try them. Like spaniel, I would be concerned with the integrity of the 200 grainers @ carbine velocities as I too have seen the 240 XTPs come apart @ close range on deer. While the XTPs shoot very well outta the carbines and I like their terminal performance in my revolvers, I prefer JSPs for deer outta my carbines. I've found H110/W296 or IMR4227 to be the two powders the little Ruger likes the most. You do not need magnum primers for 2400 and most folks, including the manufacturer, Alliant, recommend against the use of them with it.