.44 magnum rifle loads?

[Dr Falken]

I remember awhile back that there where posts on this subject, but I wasn't finding them in my search. What are some favorite plinking/hunting loads that ya'll have. I have a Marlin lever, 20" barrel. Thanks.

 

[42769vette]

tag for interest

 

[dave29]

If you don't reload......

WWB 240 grain jacketed soft point and Hornady LeverEvolution both shoot great.

 

[42769vette]

ill be starting loading for one soon and i think ill try the ftx bullet. ive had amazing results with them in the 30-30

 

[snapping turtle]

You can spend lots more money than winchester white box 240 grain JSP bullets but you won't find much better performance. When it comes to 44 mag levers I use the white box like I do mini mags in my 22 rifles. If it does not shoot and eject these well there is something up with the gun not the ammo. About 35 dollars pre 50 at MEGA LOW MART.

Hornaday levrevolution rounds shoot well but much higher on the target at 100 than the white box. They should get you more distance but I have yet to put it to the test. I have several boxes of these to test out but at 100 yards sight in they hit a full 2.5 inches high at 100. maybe giving you a point blank range of 160 175 yards. (Untested just using ballistics tables.) Majic pixie dust as powder. Something like lilgun i believe.

You can push handloads with h110 or littlegun to levels that outshine most factory loads as most are made for handguns. Speer's manual has some nice rifle loads in 44 mag and 357. Once you go to handloads you won't want to shoot factory loads.

Marlins are a 1-38 twist. I would stick to smooth sided bullets (no Semi wad cutters) under 265 grains. 225 to 240 have worked best for me.

 

[dave29]

ill be starting loading for one soon and i think ill try the ftx bullet. ive had amazing results with them in the 30-30

I will be reloading for it soon too. I have all of the components but I have a bunch of WWB and LeverEvolution to shoot up first. (so I can use the brass)

Right now the only cartridge that I have been reloading and working up loads for is the .357 max.

 

[UncleMike]

I've used the 250 gr Keith Bullet, (Lyman 429421) for many years in both my Marlin 1894 and my S&W 629 four inch Bbl.
I use 19.5 grains of 2400.
It shoots clean in the Marlin but leaves some unburned powder in the 629.
The load has been very accurate in both guns.
I also have shot the same slug ahead of 9.8 grains of Unique.
That load is a "softer" shooter and not as accurate, but it makes a good load for casual shooting.
Mike

 

[parson]

Most 44 mags will shoot acceptably with 240 grain jacketed bullets. I load a 270 grain gas checked cast bullet that shoots good in mine. It is an H&R that has the same twist as the Marlin.

 

[Leadeye]

21.5 grains of Lil'gun behind a 265 grain gas checked cast bullet, sized .432. I use the now discontinued Ranch Dog mold. The Wild West trigger is a great help in the Marlin.

 

[parson]

Leadeye, I also use one of those Ranch Dog molds. My wheel weight melt weighs right at 270 with the check. And, they will kill a deer!

 

[Ted 40]

23 grains of H110 behind 240 grain Hornady xtp has worked well in Indiana deer in my 1894ss marlin. Worked so well that I sold my slug guns.
Gun is light, minima; recoil, just fun to shoot.

 

[Dr Falken]

Thanks! I actually picked up 200rds of the 240g Hornady XTP, so I might give this a try.

23 grains of H110 behind 240 grain Hornady xtp has worked well in Indiana deer in my 1894ss marlin. Worked so well that I sold my slug guns.
Gun is light, minima; recoil, just fun to shoot.

 

[Broom_jm]

23 grains of H110 behind 240 grain Hornady xtp has worked well in Indiana deer in my 1894ss marlin. Worked so well that I sold my slug guns.
Gun is light, minima; recoil, just fun to shoot.

Several friends and I shoot 24gr of H110/W296 with the 240gr XTP. It has done the job on a couple of deer from my T/C Contender. Roughly 1,650fps out of a 14" barrel.