New camp/Truck rifle

[FOTIS]

As usual I could not help myself. Anyway wound up with a Ruger 96/44 in 44 mag.

I am thinking about a load just for camp etc. I do not want a bunch of different loads just one that works well for multi tasking.

So what do you think for bullets 225 Barnes X, 240 JHP or maybe the 300 XTP? (it does have the 1:20 twist.)

 

[JD338]

Nice rifle Fotis. Hard to beat a 240 gr JHP over 23.5 grs H110. That should get you around 1700-1750 fps.
If only Nosler would reintroduce the 250 gr PT Gold!

JD338

 

[FOTIS]

Yes sir! Hence my addition of the 225 X and 300 XTP. Just in case of a big bruin or something. But I think a decent 240 XTP or Nosler 240 JHP will not bounce off.

 

[JD338]

Have you considered hard cast poly coated bullets?
Those would turn that carbine into a .430" drill press.

JD338

 

[FOTIS]

True...Definitely an option

 

[wildcatter]

320 grn WLFN, in 44 cal is my one and done, on any game, mice to bear. In a rifle I'd run a GC. but 300 grain is where I would start, just hard to beat a good cast slug, once seasoned, no more bore cleaning! What can I say, I'm lazy. But seriously, you can push it faster with less pressure than jackets, and if a 44 cal. hole from one side thru to the next don't drop it, I don't know what will.

 

[RL338]

My brother loaned my son that model when he started hunting. I went to Gander Mountain and bought a box of Hornady 225gr FTX. Still have about a 1/2 box left.
The second year he drilled a doe in the front shoulder , that bullet put quite a hole thru her.

 

[filmjunkie4ever]

I would load a 240 grain Hornady JHP to whatever shot the best and go to town! I might also see where the easiest to find factory 240 grain stuff shot in correlation with your handloads just in case.

I always wanted one of those Ruger M96’s, they look like a scaled down Savage 99!

 

[FOTIS]

Thank you for your input. Saw a couple of videos testing the hornady ftx 225 from a 20 inch barrel all the way down to a 4" barrel. They shot them in ballistic gel and they did phenomenally well. Hope she likes them.

 

[Blkram]

As a camp gun, the 300 gr might be more penetration than you need...but if it is nasty, bad tempered and has a desire to claw, bite, or scratch it wouldn't be a bad choice...and definitely have more "Smack"! Would work great as a truck gun load for a quick shot on a bear, elk or moose.
The 240 gr seems to be a good all around choice...with the extra velocity of the carbine barrel to give that extra that the ol' revolver doesn't have.
Regardless of the bullet you choose, I am confident that you will be able to milk the most out of your new rifle's accuracy potential!

 

[clearwater]

My father in laws ruger semi auto like the 240 XTP accuracy wise. Since they also are most accurate in my blackhawk, I'd start there. However if grizzly was a possibility I think I would find some 300 grain hard cast for a lever action

 

[Hunter26]

I like the 240gr XTP but have only shot animals with it out of a revolver and was happy with it. However, if I had a 44 Mag rifle, the 270gr Speer Deepcurl would be hard to beat as an overall bullet. I loaded some for a buddy with a case full of H110 and they've been great for him on deer and hogs. I wouldn't hesitate to use one on a big hog or decent size black bear. If you wanted a step up from that the Swift A-Frame in 240gr or 280gr would be fantastic as well, but at a much higher cost.

 

[salmonchaser]

For exactly that reason, Truck Gun, that rifle rates at near the top of my coulda woulda shoulda list.

 

[Guy Miner]

Very cool little rifle! I'd likely load up some jacketed 240's to near max and call it good.

Guy

 

[grry10]

I have a 96/44 also. I used it to take a 146 class whitetail at 153 yards on the marsh. I didn't drop in its tracks, but only went about 80 yards. It was before I had started handloading for .44 Rem Mag, and was using 240 gr Winchester ammunition that was really meant for a handgun. For some reason I just have not carried it again. I don't know why. It goes to the range with me every fall, just to make sure it is still on.