300+ GR bullets in a Ruger 77/44

Ozzieman · August 20, 2010, 09:02 PM

I’m in the process of working up a deer load for a friend’s Ruger 77/44, 44 magnum.
I have some 320 GR cast lead bullets ordered and was wondering if anyone has tried anything heavy in a Ruger.
Haven’t decided on powder yet, but probably 2400 or H110.

So far this is the best information I have been able to find on heavy loads.

http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger-77-44.htm

Thanks for the help!

Rampant_Colt · August 20, 2010, 09:08 PM

For heavyweights I prefer Hornady 300gr XTPs or Speer 270gr Gold Dots for my 77/44

For deer, 240gr XTPs are just fine..

Lots of good info from that link

TX Nimrod · August 21, 2010, 08:01 AM

The problem with some heavy bullets is overall loaded length. The 77/44 clip is pretty short, and many heavy bullets cannot fit or function well when seated to the crimping groove. This sometimes means seating them deep - which cuts down on powder space and velocity.

For deer a good 240 jacketed bullet works great without all the drama. The 270 Speers may require you to trim cases a bit, try them and see. Loaded rounds have to function easily through the clip or you have a single shot rifle.....

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reloader28 · August 21, 2010, 09:26 AM

We're loading the Lee 320gr FN with 16.5gr of 2400 for a friends Rugar. Good accuracy and around 1300fps.

Ozzieman · August 22, 2010, 11:55 AM

I agree with the possible length problem and one reason I am using the SSK bullet that has multiple crimp grooves.
The article from GUNBLAST did loads with the bullet and it worked in the magazine. The biggest problem that I have heard about is with Semi wad cutters getting caught on the feed ramp.
I’m not a big fan of jacketed bullets for hunting deer having seen a 45/70 with light 350 GR bullets blow the side and back side shoulder apart.
Deer here in Indiana don’t average that big and what I want to do is make a clean kill with minimal damage out to 100 yards,,, max 150.
And I LIKE LEAD.

August 20, 2010, 09:02 PM	#1
Ozzieman Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2004 Location: Northern Indiana Posts: 6,117	300+ GR bullets in a Ruger 77/44 I’m in the process of working up a deer load for a friend’s Ruger 77/44, 44 magnum. I have some 320 GR cast lead bullets ordered and was wondering if anyone has tried anything heavy in a Ruger. Haven’t decided on powder yet, but probably 2400 or H110. So far this is the best information I have been able to find on heavy loads. http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger-77-44.htm Thanks for the help!

August 20, 2010, 09:08 PM	#2
Rampant_Colt Senior Member Join Date: March 17, 2006 Location: Parts Unknown Posts: 1,478	For heavyweights I prefer Hornady 300gr XTPs or Speer 270gr Gold Dots for my 77/44 For deer, 240gr XTPs are just fine.. Lots of good info from that link __________________ member of an elite paramilitary organization: Eagle Scouts

August 21, 2010, 08:01 AM	#3
TX Nimrod Senior Member Join Date: November 27, 2009 Location: Zona Posts: 423	The problem with some heavy bullets is overall loaded length. The 77/44 clip is pretty short, and many heavy bullets cannot fit or function well when seated to the crimping groove. This sometimes means seating them deep - which cuts down on powder space and velocity. For deer a good 240 jacketed bullet works great without all the drama. The 270 Speers may require you to trim cases a bit, try them and see. Loaded rounds have to function easily through the clip or you have a single shot rifle..... .

August 21, 2010, 09:26 AM	#4
reloader28 Senior Member Join Date: October 13, 2009 Location: nw wyoming Posts: 1,061	We're loading the Lee 320gr FN with 16.5gr of 2400 for a friends Rugar. Good accuracy and around 1300fps.

August 22, 2010, 11:55 AM	#5
Ozzieman Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2004 Location: Northern Indiana Posts: 6,117	I agree with the possible length problem and one reason I am using the SSK bullet that has multiple crimp grooves. The article from GUNBLAST did loads with the bullet and it worked in the magazine. The biggest problem that I have heard about is with Semi wad cutters getting caught on the feed ramp. I’m not a big fan of jacketed bullets for hunting deer having seen a 45/70 with light 350 GR bullets blow the side and back side shoulder apart. Deer here in Indiana don’t average that big and what I want to do is make a clean kill with minimal damage out to 100 yards,,, max 150. And I LIKE LEAD.