Broke out the .44 Mag today

[BushMaster-15]

Yeah wasn't thrilled with groups but old reloads I had lying around ,so decided to pop off a few for grins . My pistol range is 50 Yd. max and I should have probably stuck to that but decided Rifle range was better suited . #165 yd. is MY closest target setup on Rifles ,so it is what it is .
These were Full power loads out of MY 7.5" RedHawk Ruger . Not making excuses but I didn't have MY shooting glasses ,so tomorrow I'll have them and will shoot another set and compare targets .

Well confirmed without doubt ,I NEED MY shooting glasses as well as some additional practice . Been a fair spell since hefting the hand cannon and it Shows as to MY lack of practice . Full power loads even split a case and this isn't MY favorite power either .

Next week hopefully some IMR 4227 loads and show how well it behaves with that powder . These were old H110 loads ( early 90's ) ,as I've got earlier ones I'm gonna be eliminating those as well . Hunts coming up and will need back up in Bear country ,want fresh minute of Bear ability .

 

[Riomouse911]

Those look awfully nice to me at 100 yds. 165? Sweet!

Don’t sell yourself short, those look to be minute of buck-chest cavity IMHO.

Stay safe.

 

[Hal]

I don't impress easily - but - at 165 yards off hand - I'm impressed.

 

[nick22]

I would be happy if I shot that group offhand with a rifle at 165 yards to be honest.

 

[243winxb]

Nice shooting. Loads? Iron sights or scope?

 

[drband]

More than respectable at 165!

 

[BushMaster-15]

Nice shooting. Loads? Iron sights or scope?

It wears and older Simmons 2x20 I think ,it's been so long ago when I bought it I've forgotten . However it is solidly mounted and has failed to move over the decades .

 

[DesertFox]

Nice shots Boss!

 

[.38 Special]

Maybe I'm missing something, but those offhand groups look to be under ten inches, assuming roughly half inch bullet holes. That would represent about six MOA at 165 yards, unless I've gotten my sums wrong.

The very best offhand pistol shooters in the world - the 50 meter free pistol crowd - keep most of their shots within the 2" 10 ring, and nearly all within the 4" nine ring, which is four to eight MOA shooting - with guns which are capable of planting bullets essentially on top of one another at that distance.

Managing that with a stock Ruger revolver, an old entry-level scope, bad eyes, and random 30 year old handloads is quite a trick. I call on the OP to explain it further.

 

[BushMaster-15]

Maybe I'm missing something, but those offhand groups look to be under ten inches, assuming roughly half inch bullet holes. That would represent about six MOA at 165 yards, unless I've gotten my sums wrong.

The very best offhand pistol shooters in the world - the 50 meter free pistol crowd - keep most of their shots within the 2" 10 ring, and nearly all within the 4" nine ring, which is four to eight MOA shooting - with guns which are capable of planting bullets essentially on top of one another at that distance.

Managing that with a stock Ruger revolver, an old entry-level scope, bad eyes, and random 30 year old handloads is quite a trick. I call on the OP to explain it further.

The center bullseye ring is 2" paper is standard 8.5x11 . I can only make out a white blot through the scope ,can't see any markings at all ,so aim center mass as best I can . I've had umpteen years of practice in shooting all disciplines and being ambidextrous can almost shoot as well left handed . Rifles I do shoot left handed . Wait until You see it with IMR 4227 and a 225 gr. bullet , they will almost certainly stack onto one another off sand bags and are Good out too 250 Yd. ,however will spread apart even more so at that distance .

I used to shoot MY Walther PPK .380 at a 9" pie plate at 100 yd. ,got to where I could dump #6 out of 7 onto that plate on a pretty regular basis .
That's a Blind shot as the sights are so elevated at that distance ,I actually use the bottom of the slide as a front sight .

Over the years I've learned a few tricks ranging before there were rangefinders ( hasn't all hunters ? ) . In addition triangulating as if I'm the point ,so as to have better reference of longer targets . I don't see a flat surface plane or target on reticle ,more like 3D plane as I'm lining additional given markers ,so as to stay within the realm ; Brush trees stones bare patch etc. , all must line up before I squeeze the trigger .

 

[worker]

@BushMaster-15 could share more steps on how to get these kinds of groups.
Like what were the sights adjusted to, what point where you aiming at, how fast the shots were, anything about the load (if you remember).

I cannot get close to that kind of accuracy with iron sights rifle at 100 yards, elbow on the table - kind of shooting (so more support than just standing up).

 

[johnjohn]

I'd be some proud of that.

 

[doubleh]

165 yards? I would be happy to hit the target just one time at that distance. Great shooting.

 

[Steve in PA]

You are worried about those groups at 165 yards??

I’ve been a dedicated handgun hunter for over 25 years. With my scoped handguns, I’m quite accurate out to 100 yards (the limit of the range I use).

With my none scoped handguns, I tend to limit my range to 50 yards as my eyesight at 61 is not what it used to be.

 

[Smaug]

Well, for a bear gun (unless you're HUNTING them) you don't need a 7.5" barrel nor scoped.

If you're going to carry that for your "bear backup" why not just make it your only gun?

...unless you're hunting across canyons or something...

I think I need to throw the scope back on my 7.5" 44 Mag Redhawk. I'm only 45, but I have a hard time seeing the front sight and target at the same time in reasonable focus.

 

[__steve__]

Those unsupported 44mag groups look like what one would see at 7 yards, 165yards is insane sir, nice!

I freehand hit a gallon of water about 2 times per cylinder at 100 yards using the 3.5” cannon. Thought that to be impressive until now.

 

[BushMaster-15]

@BushMaster-15 could share more steps on how to get these kinds of groups.
Like what were the sights adjusted to, what point where you aiming at, how fast the shots were, anything about the load (if you remember).

I cannot get close to that kind of accuracy with iron sights rifle at 100 yards, elbow on the table - kind of shooting (so more support than just standing up).

Some guns shoot well some don't ,this particular Super Red Hawk was a keeper from the git go . I had Never shot it but had shot Smith model 29's . So upon getting it a close friend and I drove out to the Desert SoCal. and were driving along in MY CJ5 Jeep and a jack rabbit jumped out about 75 yd. down road and was crossing the wash ,I let one go and damn if I didn't nail him . On the run no less ,I was LUCKY and IF I could do that regularly ,I'd be some World Champion pistolero but I'm NOT !. Sometimes things just work out .

I hesitate giving load info simply because 70% of what I load ,None of you would have . Unless you use older powders 30-50 years old .
And those powders are different than today's like name sake I can assure you .

I use a Triangulation fix point a DI taught Me in basic boy was that a long time ago . I can't physically see MY target per-say at 165 yd. the magnification is too low a power but does register the white paper . I've tried different color dots hash marks Great for Rifles with enough scope power but worthless for pistols . So it's what I perceive to be center mass and I'm resting the barrel on Two sand bags . I sighted that pistol years ago for 2.5 " high at 100 yd. using a 225. gr. bullet . I personally believe the 200-225 Gr. bullets are the cats meow ,as 240-300 take a dirt dive really quick after 125 yd. at least in MY observations . I limit myself to 170 yd. and under IF I'm hunting with it .

As for the loads Full power a Bunch of 296 top end + . Also so note I don't know how many were 215 gr. lead gas checks maybe 10-15 ? and they leaded the barrel as they were Full power loads as well . 15 years ago I still had better than 20/10 vision ,a few years later I was wearing reading glasses . Legally still NO requirement for distance ,as I can pass DMV eye chart test but AGING ISN'T helping and I wear MY shooting glasses two fold sharpens distance and PROTECTS MY Eyes . Anyone who shoots knows debris flies rearward or most certainly can .

I DON'T carry the Ruger for Hunting backup , I've a Smith 29 -4" for that duty ,a lot faster to draw and second place ISN'T gonna happen .

When I get some extra time ( currently set up on .308 & 30-06 loading ) I'll load another round with IMR 4227 and Free hand at 25 yd. as well as sand bag it . I believe we all might see some stacking ,at least I hope it still will

 

[BushMaster-15]

Those unsupported 44mag groups look like what one would see at 7 yards, 165yards is insane sir, nice!

I freehand hit a gallon of water about 2 times per cylinder at 100 yards using the 3.5” cannon. Thought that to be impressive until now.

Don't sell yourself short anyone who can freehand a pistol at a 100 Yd. and hit 6" and under groups is a damn good shooter ,IMO

 

[Smaug]

Maybe I'm missing something, but those offhand groups look to be under ten inches, assuming roughly half inch bullet holes. That would represent about six MOA at 165 yards, unless I've gotten my sums wrong.

The very best offhand pistol shooters in the world - the 50 meter free pistol crowd - keep most of their shots within the 2" 10 ring, and nearly all within the 4" nine ring, which is four to eight MOA shooting - with guns which are capable of planting bullets essentially on top of one another at that distance.

Managing that with a stock Ruger revolver, an old entry-level scope, bad eyes, and random 30 year old handloads is quite a trick. I call on the OP to explain it further.

I looked again and didn't see where he said he was shooting offhand. At 165 yards with a handgun, to have all the shots on a smaller piece of paper like that, I presume rested.

Shooting offhand, I'd be happy to have them all on a 8.5x11 sheet of paper at 50 yards.

 

[.38 Special]

I looked again and didn't see where he said he was shooting offhand. At 165 yards with a handgun, to have all the shots on a smaller piece of paper like that, I presume rested.

Shooting offhand, I'd be happy to have them all on a 8.5x11 sheet of paper at 50 yards.

He has it written on the targets.

 

[Smaug]

He has it written on the targets.

Some people think "offhand" can mean gun in hands, with hands rested in sandbags. I consider it to mean unsupported, except for one's hands and arms, usually standing.

Forgive my skepticism, but holding a group like that at 165 yards by my definition of offhand shooting would make this guy unique in the world.

 

[.38 Special]

Some people think "offhand" can mean gun in hands, with hands rested in sandbags. I consider it to mean unsupported, except for one's hands and arms, usually standing.

Forgive my skepticism, but holding a group like that at 165 yards by my definition of offhand shooting would make this guy unique in the world.

We share that opinion.

@BushMaster-15, when you say "freehand", do you mean standing and holding the gun in your hands unsupported, or something else?

 

[Smaug]

"Free Hand" is pretty descriptive. That is some fine shooting and loads the gun likes. BushMaster has nerves of steel.

 

[__steve__]

free·hand
/ˈfrēˌhand/

adjective

1. done without the use of anything to guide the hand.
   
   adverb

1. (especially with reference to drawing) without the use of anything to guide the hand.

I guess “drawing” can also imply drawing a 44 magnum

 

[BushMaster-15]

Fellas : Freehand is NO support ,just MY grip and elbow into my gut . Squeeze on the down stroke while exhaling . I was taught to Drop the sights down onto a target ,especially after recoil and squeeze the trigger while exhaling . Through the years it's worked out pretty well . Allow the barrel weight to level out that hog leg while griping ,followed by left hand forced grip and partially supporting palm of shooting hand . It's a Two handed Grip on the .44 . Other pistols I'll shoot single hand or stuff My elbows into My gut or side ,while holding just behind My shooting forearm's wrist . Kind of a tripod affair if you think about it . I've found it allows ME more control on recoil ,so as to better bring the pistol back onto target . I tend NOT to strong arm the recoil anymore but allow the gun to flip upward and then bring it level and on target as quickly as possible .

Now 9mm & .45 semiauto I do strong arm to maintain target contact or much faster target acquisition . When I shoot high power My support hand rarely ever grips the guns forearm ,it lies somewhat flat with fingers folded ,so as to make a one sided cup . Hunting I DO grip forearm as I generally have My hand inside a sling and am pressing forward so as to control or steady a standing shot .

Don't know about the rest of you but I Never seem to find a log or tree rock pile to steady up on while hunting . IF I can find something to lean on or up against ,I'll do it absolutely . Kneeling ISN'T an option for ME anymore , Prone all day long sitting is OK for a short spell .

For clarification : I DON'T draw firearms except while carrying CCW or Hunting with back up . I'm most certainly NOT a quick-draw anything ,when I do it it's methodical and deliberate and hopefully on target .

Target shooting and reloading are on hold until we get back . Vacation just caught ME off guard this year ,as all of a sudden IT WAS HERE.

We share that opinion.

@BushMaster-15, when you say "freehand", do you mean standing and holding the gun in your hands unsupported, or something else?