Load for .44 magnum pistols and rifles

[Death from Afar]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.