44mag

[BigBore44]

The 240 XTP over 23.5grn H110/W296 is my "check load." I've fired it from over a hundred different firearms chambered for 44mag, and in general, if it doesn't shoot well, there's something going on with the rifle, not the load.

You must have, or know, a lot of people with 44 mags that trust you. I only have 9 people I load for. And only 2 besides myself have 44 magnums.

 

[Varminterror]

You must have, or know, a lot of people with 44 mags that trust you.

Kinda the nature of my business. I used to tune Marlins and Rugers for cowboy action shooters, so getting close to people who own and shoot lever action carbines and single action revolvers was pretty easy. As a handgun instructor, I also have offered coaching & courses for handgun hunters (field positions, gear, firearms, optics, bullet selection, etc), for which I strongly recommend the 44mag. Going hand in hand with these, I offered load development services as a part of my business - doing so does/did require me to carry a Type 6 (as well as plenty of liability insurance, and of course, formation of a SM-LLC to cover my bacon).

I'm also an accumulator of 44mag Ruger Vaqueros, and an avid shooter/hunter of Marlin 1894 44mags.

 

[BigBore44]

I'm also an accumulator of 44mag Ruger Vaqueros, and an avid shooter/hunter of Marlin 1894 44mags.

So what is your preferred hunting load for your 1894's?

 

[the count]

Well, there is always the possibility of a bad barrel. I also doubted my shooting, the ammo, whatever until it became clear that it had to be the gun/barrel. After the manufacturer replaced it all was well.

 

[Varminterror]

So what is your preferred hunting load for your 1894's?

The 240 XTP over 23.5grn H110/W296

In Super Blackhawks, Red's and Super Red's, and Vaqueros, it's a 300grn XTP seated in the 2nd cannelure to 1.760" over 22.0grn W296/H110. This charge is over published data standards, and the seating length is not found in any manual, I assume no liability for those attempting to copy this data, nor does THR.

I've hunted a lot of bullets and a lot of powders, really enjoyed 330+ cast for a few years, but in general, the 240 and 300 XTP's will do anything I ever ask them to do.

 

[Dog Soldier]

I am far from being an expert on the .44 Mag. I bought my first S&W 3rd Mdl. HE .44 Mag in 1960. I fired several different .44s. But no where near 100. My 4" S&W 29-2 has put down steers, elk, deer and moose. I have a simple load of W 296 and a Lyman Keith 240 grs. cast bullet of Linotype. In my Browning 92 SRC I use the same load with a .432 cast 240.

 

[buck460XVR]

The 240 XTP over 23.5grn H110/W296 is my "check load." I've fired it from over a hundred different firearms chambered for 44mag, and in general, if it doesn't shoot well, there's something going on with the rifle, not the load.

That's my go to load in the 629s, but for the carbines, I'm with"gotboostvr".....

Those 240gr XTP's shoot great out of my '92 over a pretty warm load of IMR4227 with a firm roll crimp.

My accuracy was alright with H110, about par with most factory ammo I tried at the time. It tightened up very quickly with 4227 when I started getting up in charge weight.

One hole five round groups at 75 feet with open sights.

If you still have alot of the XTP's, try a different powder.

Very slightly compressed is my hunting load in the carbines. Just shoots the best. Doesn't seem to matter what the bullet is tho. Noslers and Speer 240s shoot just about to the same POA as the XTPs. I prefer JSPs for deer with the increased velocity of the carbines, but like the XTP outta the revolvers. IMR4227 ain't got the top velocity of H110/W296, but just seems to shoot well in my .44 mag carbines. I also use it in the .460.

Again the Henrys and the XTPs are both known to shoot well. Hard to believe one can't find some combo that the gun likes. I'm surprised the OP hasn't had any luck with the different brands of factory ammo he used as well. 3" or so @ 100 with a .44 carbine is all one can really hope for from an off the shelf gun. Anything better than that is a bonus. I can get 2'' on a good day with mine. Good enough for the deer I hunt.