44 throwing shots

[Axis II]

Loaded 22.3gr imr 4227 240gr Xtp in a handi rifle I size then flare enough for the bullet to sit on its own and seat then crimp. Now 2-3 shots will hit bullseye at 50yards then the next 2 shoot low and right but almost touch each other. I go down and change paper and shoot 2 and they hit bullseye but the other 2 hit low and right in the exact same spot before I change the paper.

Is it reloads doing this or maybe the gun getting hot? Barrel doesn't feel hot

 

[buck460XVR]

Barrels do not have to "feel hot" to change harmonics. If the groups consistently change as the barrels "warms" than it's the gun, not the ammo. To big of coincidence to think that you are randomly grabbing ammo that shoots the first 3 rds dead on and then the next coupla rounds low and right. How are you resting the gun? If the bags are sliding as you shoot and you are changing your point of contact, so may your groups change. If when you come back from changing the paper you readjust your bags, you may be once again changing point of contact. Some guns are very susceptible to where they are rested as to where they shoot. This is why may folks "float" their barrels. For the most part, I would sight your gun in with the first three shots and forget about where the rounds after that go. Odds are you will never get more than three rounds off at a deer in succession with a handi-rifle anyway. It's the first shot you need to make count, not the fifth.

 

[Axis II]

Barrels do not have to "feel hot" to change harmonics. If the groups consistently change as the barrels "warms" than it's the gun, not the ammo. To big of coincidence to think that you are randomly grabbing ammo that shoots the first 3 rds dead on and then the next coupla rounds low and right. How are you resting the gun? If the bags are sliding as you shoot and you are changing your point of contact, so may your groups change. If when you come back from changing the paper you readjust your bags, you may be once again changing point of contact. Some guns are very susceptible to where they are rested as to where they shoot. This is why may folks "float" their barrels. For the most part, I would sight your gun in with the first three shots and forget about where the rounds after that go. Odds are you will never get more than three rounds off at a deer in succession with a handi-rifle anyway. It's the first shot you need to make count, not the fifth.

I'm using Caldwell deadshot bags. I just wanted to make sure it wasn't the ammo. I have no other reloading experience other than 223. just thought it very odd to shoot bullseye 2 times and the others right and low but 1/8 inch away.

 

[JimKirk]

Are you using the same brand brass .... the Handi Rifle lockup can vary with thickness of the rims ....

 

[Axis II]

All new starline

 

[birdshot8's]

You should shoot some factory ammo now to rule out your reloads. Make sure you are holding the rifle exactly the same on every shot. You may be putting a strain on the barrel.

 

[Cheesemaker]

You plan using this for 50-100yd hunting - right? 1/8th @ 50 = 1/[email protected] good.

 

[RecoilRob]

As in your other thread about 'dirty 44's'...it might just be the powder isn't burning as well as it should/could...which very well could lead to inconsistent velocities which WILL throw shots all over the target.

Perhaps try some other powders that are known to be very clean burning and consistent? You can load some decently mid-level 44 Mag loads with 231 even and they normally shoot pretty well. You, of course, can't get the maximum velocity possible out of 231 but it's clean and I've found most people shooting max 44 mag loads with it don't complain that the bullets don't have enough power.

If you're really wanting to see how the 44 mag can work...2400 is my favorite and I like it better than 296 as it's not quite as needing full charges to work well. Some rifles need full velocity loads to really shoot well for some reason...perhaps the twist rate and the bullet you selected just don't get along so well at reduced velocities?

 

[Axis II]

https://www.bing.com/images/search?...c4929ba69bedf287774beaa34e6c571ao0&ajaxhist=0

I can shoot the center bull and the others hit in the 2-3 right side lines and 2-3 up and down lines to the right of the bull. I cant afford the $30-50 for 20rd of factory ammo. I could see if they shot different spots but on 2 target it will hit bull 2 times and everything after that it slings them to the 2-3 lines every single time. I shot 10rds and 6 hit bull and 4 hit the same right and low spot each time after firing 3 on each target. the 2 that hit right and low on the 2-3 boxes hit within 1/8th inch to 1/4 inch from each other each time.

 

[birdshot8's]

I know what you mean about the high price of ammo. I would not pay 30 bucks for 20 either. Just thought it might be an easy way to cut the problem in half.
By the way, Magtech sells 240 semi jacketed 44 mag for $32.00 for 50, which is getting close to my reloaded cost. Plus you would have the brass.

 

[[email protected]]

Your results are similar to what I had with my handi 44mag. Mine the first three shots grouped, after than it would throw them wherever it wanted to. I always got a consistent point of impact on a cold bore, which is what matters when hunting. If your planning to use it for hunting then spread your shooting out a few days and only shoot a couple times, so your not chasing the group by adjusting your scope. I also used the 240xtp, but I used LiL Gun. I also found that they can be loaded Looong in mine.