HR 1871 HandiRifle .44 mag; ammo selection advice needed

[kmrcstintn]

I've been wanting a pistol caliber rifle to match one of my magnum revolvers (.357 magnum or .44 magnum); optimally, I would go for a Marlin 1894 lever action carbine, but they cost too much (overtime availability at work is cut down & I have way too much credit card debt); after determining budget limitations, I opted for a HR 1871 HandiRifle in .44 mag (single shot, blued, synthetic forearm & buttstock, adjustable sights, drilled-n-tapped receiver)and put it on layaway;

I have a S&W 629 PowerPort in .44 mag to match and the load that grouped the best (50 yards, open sights, offhand shooting) is Remington 180gr UMC jacketed softpoint; this load is 'relatively rated' by Remington @ 1600 + fps at the muzzle (assuming it is a 6" vented test barrel that they state in testing their express pistol loads)

is a 180gr load too fast for a carbine length rifle? do I need a heavier-n-slower load in the 240gr to 300gr range so the bullet doesn't overexpand upon impact?

 

[NCsmitty]

Good choice on the Handi-rifle. I take it that you do not reload, so with that in mind, I would suggest either the 275gr Remington CL SP load or the 240 JHP. They do not list the 180gr for the rifles.
I've linked to the ballistic table for comparison. Note that this is for 20" barrels.

http://www.remington.com/products/a...e_ballistics_results.aspx?data=RH44MGA*R44MG3

NCsmitty

 

[Beagle-zebub]

I wouldn't take my word to the bank, but what I've read is that the Handi-Rifles in handgun calibers have longish throats, which I would assume means you would get better results from heavier bullets.