loading for Ruger 44 carbine

[SEMNshooter]

I just picked up a Ruger carbine in 44 mag. I have a few questions on reloading for it and was also looking for any general advise from those who have some experience/knowledge. I currently load 44 mag for ruger revolvers using 23.2 g W296 over a 240 XTP for hunting. Is this a viable load for the carbine also? The load is under max according to Hodgdon. I had heard somewhere that the carbines were "designed" for a 240 gn bullet. Any truth to that? I have some 270 gold dots laying around that I would like to use. Last, I have also heard some carbines had feed issues due to COAL. I believe the story went that the COAL should be 1.600". Any one have any knowledge of this? I'll now quit typing and listen. Thanks for any help in advance.

 

[loadedround]

To give a quick and short answer, the OM Ruger Carbines were designed to operate properly with 240 gr jacketed bullets loaded to original factory specifications. Stick with these loads and your carbine will be happy...my two OM's are.

 

[SEMNshooter]

Thanks for the reply. I almost didn't pick this gun up due to "negative" feedback from family members who say it is a "jam-o-matic". I have seen these guns in action and was impressed. I was just trying to get a little info before giving her a test run. My ultimate goal is to be ready for WI regular gun season. I will be running it this weekend with my handloads. Hoping to get it right the first time. (Yeah right, when does that happen)

 

[sargenv]

I had a friend who owned one of these and it was so accurate it became somewhat boring to shoot. It always ejected cases and fed anything we fed it so long as it was a full power load.

 

[the foot]

Is your weapon the old model Ruger carbine, or the 99/44 model?

 

[loadedround]

SEMNshooter: I have never had a jam in either of my OM Ruger Carbines with factory or my 240 gr handloads. I uually don't shoot more than 50 rounds at a time and thoroughly clear them afterward. Maybe I shouldn't say this after my first post regarding factory jacketed bullets, but I have often fired hard cast lead bullets(Lasercast) through them w/o a problem, but I always make sure that I clean the gas system aftwards.

 

[Boxhead]

Agree with the above but mine shoots the Speer 270 gr Gold Dot very well and it has becoome my bullet of choice for my Carbine. It is a tough bullet too.

 

[Ranger J]

I have the newer model (Deerfield) and it was recommended that for best results that you shoot 240 gr jacketed bullets. I reload 240 Magtec SPs over heavy load of H!!0 with excellent accuracy. It also likes WW 240SP factory loads. I have never had it jam with a full power load. It will not cycle with light loads and instructions are to not shoot cast bullets in it as the lub. jams the gas system. It is a great gun I just wish they had made it with a recoil pad. It is a shame it is no longer made.

RJ

 

[SEMNshooter]

Sorry the foot, I was out of town for the WI youth hunt, took my 13 y/o cousin. No luck, probably ok, it was upwards of 80 degrees both days. It is a 44 carbine, circa. 1975 based on Ruger's website. I was able to shoot my reloads in it, 240 gn XTP over 23.2 gn of W296. After a good cleaning, zero problems. First couple shots (before the good cleaning) the bolt wouldn't go all the way into battery. The previous owner told me it hadn't been shot or cleaned in over 10 years. Can of gun scrubber and an oil job later, cycles slick as can be. I will get it out this week for a little more testing and to confirm zero, hoping to use it this coming weekend in the doe only hunt in WI.

 

[Corey ACP]

Ruger .44 carbine

I have an older Ruger .44 Mag Carbine. In developing a load for it, I discovered it has a preference for the Hornady 200 gr. XTP bullets. I load these over 28 gr. of W-W 296 with CCI Mag primer and a nice tight crimp. I had tried several different 240 and 250 gr. bullets and 3 different powder types along with the various charge weights from mild to wild, but none would give the same accuracy. This is the load I have settled on.