44 Magnum in Lever Action loads

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WhoKnowsWho

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Just picked up a Ruger 96/44M Lever Action, now I need some loading experiences for similar 18 1/2 inch bbl rifles. I haven't picked up dies yet or factory ammo.

I am mainly concerned about leading happening. So loads with lead would be most appreciated!
 
Sorry, no lead experiences here.

I have a Marlin 1894S. I load a 240 grain bullet over 23 grains of H110. I do use Magnum Primers or Winchester Large Pistol primers.

For plinking the bullet choice is simple Rainers. For hunting/accuracy I go with Hornady XTPs. Those will probably also be used in my soon-to-be-developed Home Defense Rounds. I have decided recently that I like the idea of ten rounds of quick firing .44 (probably hot specials) over 12 gauge... :evil:
 
I have loaded D&J 300gn TC bullets over VV N110 to 1300fps from a SBH and the same loads do 1550fps from a 20" Winchester 94. Leading was not a major problem, didn't even notice on cleaning.

Most commercial hard cast bullets actually start to work properly at magnum pressures as they are too hard for lower pressure loads and don't obturate thus leading the barrel. S/F...Ken M
 
I have a Model 94 in 44 mag and I just shoot whatever I have on hand for my handguns. It is strange, but the "light" loads in the handugns kick like the devil in the rifle.
 
I have to echo Mike -- I also have a 96/44 and "light" handgun rounds wach me pretty hard. I have used Oregon Trails LSWC in my 96/44 with pretty good results using a moderate load of Bullseye. Smokey load, but accuracy is OK at 50 yards or so. BTW, don't try the Sierra 300 grainers. They don't fit in the magazine.

Fabrat
 
Seems everyone thinks the .44 Mag lever guns kick like the proverbial mule.

I like to have someone shoot my marlin, and go 'Ouch, that kicks!' Then I hand them my 5.5 inch Redhawk with the exact same loads, and they like that! Well, they like the boom and flash, and they expect that to kick!

I think it must be psychological. They are probably thinking the Cowboy Gun won't kick much like in the movies, and since the gun is small and light as well. It does have a substantial boom to it, but I don't think it kicks very much at all. I have people actually refuse to shoot it, cause it kicks too bad. And this is coming from guys with 45-70s and 7mm Mags...which I think hurt a whole bunch!!
 
The answer is, anything for a strong revolver is fine in a rifle. I like Hodgdon Lil'Gun in the .44, it has given me the best accuracy and velocity of any powder I have tried.

Like any .44, take your expander die and have someone turn it down to .424" or less in diameter. This step will give a much tighter bullet fit in the case, which solves all sorts of annoying problems.

Hornady's seating dies are excellent, but the expander dies have the plug glued or pressed in place, where you can't get it out to turn it down:banghead:

Redding's Competition Handgun Seating dies are expensive, but excellent for accurate bullet seating.
 
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