which data for 44 Mag

[Dead Eye Duck]

Okay I found reloading data for 44 Mag in both pistol and rifle in the reloading manual . Only big difference I see is that over all COAL is a lil difference in the two, besides the brand of powder used for what ever load. I plan to shoot a 44 Mag lever action. So if I keep the loads within the book. is it better to feed shorter pistol bullets into a lever action than the rifle loads or is it a mood point. I take it the primers don't make a difference. Thanks for the help

 

[Targa]

For me, again just for me, I have never looked at the .44mag rifle data. My Rossi 92’ gets fed the same loads as my Blackhawk and S&W 629.

 

[mdi]

I too, use pistol data for my 44 magnum Puma. When I got it I figgered it was a gun designed to shoot a specific pistol cartridge so I loaded it with pistol cartridge data (and primer type determined by powder type). More than OAL, bullet shape determined what bullet would feed 100%. I tried using different methods to load SWC bullets for my carbine, like using Special brass, seating bullet deeper in Magnum brass, long seating in Special brass, and maybe a few other different tactics, but none worked 100%. I switched to 240 gr and 265 gr RNFP bullets from a Ranch Dog mold and all fed, both loads in Special and Magnum brass. Using pistol data in my carbine gives me a bit more velocity than my revolvers, even for my "T-Rex Killer" loads (265 gr bullet over a max load of WC820), and I've not "needed" to squeeze out another couple hundred fps with "rifle loads"...

 

[Dead Eye Duck]

thanks for all of the inputs

 

[mcb]

There is no real difference between the two as far as load data goes (44 mag does have differences between the SAAMI rifle and pistol specs, and is unique in that respect, but practically speaking its fairly immaterial). Both the rifle and pistol loads have to be loaded to the same pressure specification to meet SAAMI spec for either. The only difference is the velocities reported will be from an appropriate barrel length.

Now that said if you are loading for a rifle selecting slower burning powders will give you better velocity results. Loads utilizing slower burning powders will gain more velocity from the longer rifle/carbine barrel.

As an example I had two 44 Mag loads I had worked up two summers ago. Both loads generated basically the same velocity from my 6.5 inch revolver. One used a fast powder, 800x, and the other used a relatively slow powder, H110. When I then chrono'ed those same two loads in my 16-inch carbine. The 800x load only gained about 225 fps from the extra 9.5 inches of barrel but the H110 load gained a bit over 350 fps for the same increase in barrel length.

 

[Archie]

From experience and observation, the length difference is for operating through the action of a lever action rifle with the 'lifter' arrangement. A revolver needs no special attention in this regard obviously. Perhaps it's not a big deal in your type of rifle or your specific rifle.

Unless the bullet is seated out far enough to prevent the revolver from closing or revolving, I'd just set them all up to work in the rifle; then they'd work in both and one need not keep this bunch separate from that bunch.

 

[Charlie98]

Bullet selection depends on what bullet and OAL works in your particular rifle. I have a Marlin 1894 in .41MAG... if you are .0000001" over max SAAMI length, it will NOT feed reliably.

As far as rifle and pistol data, typically it is the same load data, only fired in a rifle barrel... so it will show higher velocity, all else being equal.

Primers DO make a difference... but the real question is: Does your POWDER require a Magnum primer. Typical ball powders, like H110 and W296, recommend a Magnum powder, regular flake powders, normally, do not. Are there differences in different primers of the same type? Yes, no, maybe... it depends, and you would have to test them yourself in your load to determine that.

 

[mdi]

FWIW and MCB's post reminded me; SAAMI specs for 44 Magnum rifle barrels is .431" groove diameter vs .429" for hand gun barrels. Don't know why. My Puma's barrel while still in spec runs close to .432" and I like to shoot cast bullets with at least .433" diameter...

 

[Typetwelve]

I load 44 magnum for my Super Redhawk and Henry Big Boy carbine, I use the same pistol load data for them, and I've had no issues.

Now, with that said, my Henry clearly likes some powders and the SRH, others. What shoots well in one doesn't always translate to accuracy in the other.

 

[crestoncowboy]

For me, again just for me, I have never looked at the .44mag rifle data.

Same for me.

Also I use winchester primers so there is no issue with magnum vs standard. Mostly with 296 but I have some weaker 240 grain lead loads with unique as well

 

[Varminterror]

Which manual do you have which states different COAL’s for the same bullet in 44mag when loaded in revolver vs. rifle?

I just went through Hornady 9 & X, Lyman 49, Speer 13, Nosler 7, Lee 2, and Swift 2 and only ONE bullet has a specific reference for changing COAL between a Ruger rifle and most revolvers. The Speer 13th does reference crimping in the front cannelure on their 300grn bullet when loading for the Ruger semiauto 44mag rifle, as the throats in the rifle may not be as generous as those in revolver cylinders for the long 300grn bullet.

Most 44cal bullets are going to have a crimp groove or cannelure, and with common magnum powders, the improved primary ignition is worth the crimp. Such, there isn’t much point in publishing two sets of COAL data, unless, like the Speer bullet, the bullet offers two crimp groove/cannelure options. Guys will crimp in the groove either way, and the bullet sure better be designed with feeding in mind, or labeled as “not for XXX rifles” if feeding incompatibility is known.