44 Rem Mag

S

SJB358

Ballistician
Dec 24, 2006
32,481
3,321
Well, I loaded some 240gr Hornady XTP's yesterday. I had some H110 and CCI 350's with Winchester Cases. I thought I started with a middle of the road load, looking at Hornady data (23.5gr). I loaded 24 of them and took them down to the range. I didn't have anykind of rest. Just shot off hand. I was shooting at a paper plate at 25 yards. Didn't really do anything for accuracy this time, but they all stayed on the plate at 25 offhand. Recoil was actually pretty easy. Not light, but nothing out of control. I like the gun alot. I am going to load some more, at the low end though. Probably around 20gr's or so. I just want to load to practice with some more. I am still kinda looking around to see what I want to shoot for mt lions and bears, but I think the 240gr XTP's would be fine. I will try to get ahold of some Nosler Sporting Handgun bullets. If any of you all have some good hunting loads you would like to post, please throw them up. I do want to get the Hi Viz front sight and a decent leather holster, but other than that, it looks like a great carry gun and should be just what I was looking for.

Oh, what about crimping? I used my RCBS dies and seated first then crimped. Do you all think it would be worth getting the Lee Factory Crimp Die? I don't want to buckle cases, and would like to do it right. They are only about 15.00, so what do you all think? Scotty
 
Scotty,

I like the factory crimp dies, but the RCBS dies will work quite well w/o buckling the case if you follow their directions to crimp into the cannelure. Keeping your shots on the plate at 25 yards is pretty good. It will be interesting to see your results when you begin accuracy testing.
 
Thanks Mike. I just loaded up 24 more, with 20.7gr of H110 for practice. I tightened down the crimp a little more, but I think I will try the Lee Die. Plus, I want to order a Carbide Sizer also. My old set if the non carbide sizer and it would be nice to eliminate lubing cases for this gun. Keeping them on the plate kept me pleased. I have been dry firing it alot, just to get used to it some. Hopefully I will get back out this week to try some over the bench. Scotty
 
beretzs

You will find that the 44 Rem Mag is very versatile and easy to load for.

The following loads have worked well for me

200 gr JHP
AA #9 23.0 grs
H110 26.0 grs

240 gr JHP/XTP
H110 23.5 grs

250 gr PP
H110 21.0 grs

300 gr XTP
H110 20.0 grs

All loads use W-W cases and CCI 350 primers. I have also used CCI 300 primers.
I have also shot 240 gr swagged lead bullets with Unique and Hi Score 700X but quit shooting these because they were so dirty.

These are not MAX loads as I didn't want to beat up my S&W 629 unnecessarily but they do shoot very well.

JD338
 
Thanks for the loads JD. The 240gr XTP is exactly what I loaded yesterday. That may end up being my hunting load. Any idea on how the XTP's performed on game. I want a faster opening bullet for game like deer and Mt Lions, and will probably load 300gr Sierras for black bear and general purpose packing loads. Scotty
 
Yeah, I figure I use enough of the stuff with all of the rifle cartridges. Might better cut down on some you know, gotta try to stay green! HA.
 
beretzs

The 250 gr PP is excellent for deer and bear. I have used the 240 gr XTP on WT deer out of a 50 cal muzzle loader and they worked well, exiting on broad side shots. It should work well on Mt Lion.


My sister in law used to date a fella who was an avid hound hunter for bear. His bear gun is a S&W 29 44 Rem Mag in a shoulder holster rig. He showed me a "collection" of recovered Nosler 200 gr JHP bullets he had recovered from several bear, must have been 7-8 bullets all of which were perfect mushrooms. Most of them were insurance shots in the head when they hit the ground. FWIW, he also shot a Mt. Lion and Mt. Goat with the same gun and load.
Myself, I like a little more weight and have used the Nosler 240 gr JHP for years. I buy the 250 count boxes.

JD338
 
I think you are on to something JD. While I think the 250gr Partition would be the ultimate, I think the 240 or 300 Noslers would work just fine and probably do exactly what I would need. I think I am going to take a range day tomorrow and try out some loads. I am really liking this 44.. Powder goes a long way and it is just alot of fun to shoot. I will have to check BIVWAK out and see what they have for 2nds. I shoot seconds in everything else, so the pistol might as well be the same. Wished I had a chance to hunt with it a little this year... Scotty
 
beretzs

Let me know if you want a few Nosler 240 gr JHP bullets to try.

JD338
 
The 250gr PAR bullet would be real good. I have not had a chance to use it. I have taken 1 large black bear and several deer with a 200gr Hornady or Nosler HP bullet. My load is the 200gr bullet over 29gr of H-110 and a mag primer. I use Win, Rem or Starline brass and a firm crimp. Very accurate.
 
I load 240 XTP in my 44 mag with 23.0 grains of W296 and a WLP primer w/ WW brass. It's stout but not too overbearing. I wouldnt be afraid to use it on elk and it has punched through both sides of the one and only mule deer I've tested it on, leaving a nickle size hole.
 
Wow, that is pretty cool. The load I shot yesterday was 23.5gr of H110, and the recoil wasn't too bad at all. I can't wait to actually fire some over the chrono and develop some hunting loads. I will probably shoot this box of XTP's up and switch over to Nosler's anyhow. Not sure yet. I change my mind like the wind blows! I do look forward to carrying and hunting with the gun. Gotta get me a holster. What do you all carry your Redhawks/Blackhawks in? Scotty
 
JD's load and mine are identical. About 23 gr of H110.

Use a good crimp. Learned that a long time ago. with the 300 gr when they began to do the Harlem shuffle on me! Locked up the gun and I had to dowel them back into place to open the cylinder. :oops:
 
I carry mine in an uncle Mikes holster, however I really would like a floral designed western style leather holster someday so I can sing along to that Toby Keith song I guess. I just think it would be cool, oh and a matching belt with cartridge loops too....yeah
 
I was looking at the leather holsters on Ruger's site and they look pretty decent for a hip holster. Plus, the bottom is covered, so it should keep crap outta the muzzle. Scotty
 
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