starting to build loads for 44mag rifle any advise

[midland man]

I have a rossi model 92 16in barrel in 44mag. so about to start loading for it and I like the idea of using the Missouri cast bullet the 44 smasher bullets and I have lots of greendot so any ideas or how much powder to use? thanks

 

[gamestalker]

Maybe try looking through published data, Lyman, Hodgdon, Speer, Hormady, Sierra, and any other reliable sources of data may provide you with something to work with if it's a feasible option. GD is a very fast burner in this type application, so any data you come up with is going to be a low velocity plinking loads, nothing any where near typical 44 mag, if data even exists for this. But considering we're talking about lead, it's very likely that there is something some where in terms of data that would work with that bullet.

But if there is no data, it's almost always because the combination of components and cartridge is not considered a feasible and safe load option. That's not to say that an experienced reloader couldn't come up with a functioning load, it's been done time and time again by brave, and well versed load developers,

GS

 

[readyeddy]

I was thinking about using jacketed bullets with full house w296 charges.

 

[gamestalker]

Well, thus far, and after nearly 3 decades of running jacketed 296 / H110 loads through both wheel guns and rifles, I've yet to experience anything but stellar accuracy.

I've picked off jack rabbits at 150 - 200 yards a number of times with that combination. And that's even with some light bullets of 180 - 200 grs..

Always use magnum primers with 296 / H110, a firm roll crimp, and let en fly!

GS

 

[SVTOhio]

I get awesome groups from 180gr hornadys pushed by around 20grs of imr 4227. In my 44mag handi. Not the cleanest shooting load though, but doesn't kick much more then a 223.

 

[gotboostvr]

22.8gr of 4227 under a 240gr XTP is my most accurate load in my Rossi 92 44 mag 16" carbine (among other firearms too, just a great all round full power load ) had impressive performance on a whitetail doe last season.

Does your 92 feed specials or SWCs? I can't make mine choke on any bullet, it feeds everything. I'm really impressed.

 

[TenDriver]

Mine likes full house loads, but my shoulder doesn't after a few. If you've got some AA# laying around, give a 240 gr bullet an upper-mid level dose of it.

 

[joneb]

I agree that Green Dot is too fast, but it should work. With a 16" barrel and GD seems like it could make for a good cowboy action load.
It would be good to know what the groove diameter of the bore is, a .430" 18bhn could be a problem if the pressure is to low.
If I had to make a guess for a starting load I would try 7.8gr of GD, and work up carefully.

 

[mdi]

You otta slug your Rossi's barrel. My Puma runs a hair over .4315", and this is not uncommon for Rossi .44 rifles (SAAMI for .44 Magnum rifles is .431"). I use a Ranch Dog design 265 gr. LRNFP bullet with excellent results (most SWC will not feed without "special handling" like only using Special brass, extra deep seating, etc.).

I've had good results with the above bullet over a upper mid-range load of Bluedot. My Puma hasn't shot a jacketed bullet since I got it, mebbe 1,000 rounds...

 

[buck460XVR]

I too have the best accuracy outta my .44 carbines(both the 44/77 and the '94) using jacketed bullets and IMR4227.

SAAMI specs for .44 Mag Rifle and Pistol are not the same...

Pistol groove is .429", and Rifle groove is .431"...

44 Mag Bore:

Pistol = .417" ; Rifle = .424"

This is why it's hard to run the same lead bullets in ones .44 handgun as they do in their .44 rifle. While jacketed bullets do fine.

 

[BCRider]

The Alliant web site reloading center lists a load of 7gns with a 240gn cast bullet. And while it doesn't list a peak pressure I'm guessing that this would be a maximum safe load. Yet the muzzle velocity is a rather .44Spl like 900fps. So this isn't likely a load recipe that will serve you well if you're looking for true .44Mag performance numbers.

So it looks like you need a different powder unless you're OK with 900 fps with cast bullets. With the rifle it would be a little higher. LIkely up around 1000fps. Still very mild by .44Mag standards.