.44 Mag Rossi R92 question

[bernie]

I am thinking hard about a Rossi R92 in .44 magnum for deer hunting. However, I want to use cast bullets. Have any of you guys that have one of these shot semi wadcutters or Keith bullets out of your rifle. I do not want to use jacketed bullets, but want to use bullets that I cast. I want to make sure that it will feed them before I go down the path of buying one.

 

[Riomouse911]

My Rossi 92’s in .45 Colt and .357 can be a bit herky-jerky with wide SWC, but they will feed. (Obviously RNFP bullets load a bit smoother.) Wadcutter style bullets aren’t good feeders through either of these guns.

My .44 Mag is a Win 1894. It is a bit more forgiving with SWC than my 92’s, that gun operates SWC loads with no issues (maybe due to a longer action?).

Steves Gunz is the place for things R-92, including safety delete buttons, metal magazine followers, action job how-to’s, etc.

Good luck!

Stay safe.

 

[adcoch1]

My r92 in 44 mag was really finicky about sizing cast, the bore was on the big side, and it didn't like to feed the Keith bullet on my first attempt. Had to play with c.o.a.l. a bit. I ended up selling it, but the new guns seem a lot smoother, so maybe they'd be better. 44 with cast doesn't transfer over from pistol to rifle as well as some other cartridges...

 

[gotboostvr]

I had a 16" 44mag R92 for a number of years.

It would run LSWC's in magnum brass perfectly fine, but would hang up with the same bullet in special brass occasionally. More frequently than I'd like for hunting.

But I wouldn't have thought twice about using the magnum loads to hunt with. I used 240gr XTP's over a near max charge of IMR4227 though.

WFN bullets worked fine, in either case for whatever that's worth.

 

[Crunchy Frog]

A truncated cone flat point is a good choice but in .44-.45 you’re more likely to find round nose flat points.

 

[PapaG]

Don't have a Rossi 44 but I do have a Winchester and a Marlin. Keith bullets can't be crimped in the crimp groove or they won't feed. A pain to get out of the Winchester. Have to crimp into the front driving band. If you go past the band, you risk setback and these little guns will kick with full loads. The Winchester wasn't much over five pounds and had a steel buttplate. I added eight ounces in the mag tube and a recoil pad. Round flat nose are the way to go.

 

[Alaskamike]

My .44 mag Rossi 92 is an older Interarms marked rifle, and sometimes it had trouble feeding my RCBS 44-250-K, but I think some of my brass was older and had grown a couple thousands, and those were the ones it didn't like.

I did get a couple hundred Thompson style SWC bullets (slightly shorter nose, gas check) and those fed 100%.

I have no hard data to point to, but based on posts like some of the ones above that I've seen over the years, I strongly think that the "middle years" Rossi 92s are the ones most susceptible to problems feeding SWCs.

 

[Show Me]

In my experiments with multiple caliber and multiple barrel length R92's. (They were so cheep and plentiful at one time) that bullet nose is everything. Take a jacketed flat solid nose factory Federal and watch how it feeds in. Take a SWC and a wide nose RFP. Watch how they feed. Then take a round nose with a smaller flat and a Hornady FTX and watch how they feed. The wider bullets(for me) herky jerk when it contacts the top edge of the chamber. Even nicking off lead. That action and chamber wasn't made for bullets that didn't exist in those days. The Lee 230 TC gets used in the 45 colts and that's it. I use Lee TC in 44 mag (both the R92's and blackhalk) NOE mold RNFPGC FOR .357 MAG heavy on the mag part. Plus I love the FTX which I run without shortening the brass in ruger revolvers and R92s. With 296 to the bottom of the bullet. After watching what was going on I have zero problems . PS. My TC load. In 44 mag is stout enough to go length wise threw a full size doe. At thirty yards . Enjoyed reading what everyone had to say.

 

[Bazoo]

My Winchester 92 will not feed Keith bullets unless they are loaded in Special cases. It will however feed this Ranch Dog bullet in Magnum cases, and right now, it's my favorite.

 

[Show Me]

My Winchester 92 will not feed Keith bullets unless they are loaded in Special cases. It will however feed this Ranch Dog bullet in Magnum cases, and right now, it's my favorite.

Good lookin. I love Gas Checks. Especially when loading for several revolvers and rifles. And tumble lube is all I use. My newest is a arsenal four hole RNFPGC. That should speed things up. Oops its morning.

 

[Alaskamike]

I know a lot of folks have posted here about their Winchester 92s and Marlins, but I think it's important to point out that this original poster is concerned about buying a Rossi 92. The Rossi is not the same as a Winchester or a Marlin. These are different rifles, and I shouldn't have to point this out.

I know that we have a very rich and detailed history here on THR about not reading any posts after the first in any thread, but... come on guys, please...

@bernie I regret that I don't have any more of the Thompson style SWCs, or I would give you some detailed measurements and photos.

If you like, I can certainly provide some photos and measurements of my own cast RCBS bullets, but I don't know that it would help you that much. One thing I will point out about the Ranch Dog bullets is that they tend to extend more into the case in order to provide a shorter nose for better feeding. However, that may be exactly what you need.

If you want to try some cast bullets without investing in molds, I would recommend Matt's Bullets. There are definitely others who will send you samples.

 

[Show Me]

I know a lot of folks have posted here about their Winchester 92s and Marlins, but I think it's important to point out that this original poster is concerned about buying a Rossi 92. The Rossi is not the same as a Winchester or a Marlin. These are different rifles, and I shouldn't have to point this out.

I know that we have a very rich and detailed history here on THR about not reading any posts after the first in any thread, but... come on guys, please...

@bernie I regret that I don't have any more of the Thompson style SWCs, or I would give you some detailed measurements and photos.

If you like, I can certainly provide some photos and measurements of my own cast RCBS bullets, but I don't know that it would help you that much. One thing I will point out about the Ranch Dog bullets is that they tend to extend more into the case in order to provide a shorter nose for better feeding. However, that may be exactly what you need.

If you want to try some cast bullets without investing in molds, I would recommend Matt's Bullets. There are definitely others who will send you samples.

Well you didn't help. He wants to know the answer to his question before buying the rifle. There is no positive answer so people wander off on their experience. Try this try that. This may be . What good is buying samples before he buys the rifle. Come on guy. Please.........

 

[Scrapiron45]

I've had 2 of the little Rossi's, both stainless, 16" barrels, one in .357 and a 44 mag. The .357 was an earlier model and jammed with most everything. Traded it off.
The 44 is a newer model and works well with everything including swc. I usually buy thru a local gun shop and he let me make a few dummy rounds to chamber before I brought the 44 home because he knew of the problems I had with the. 357.
I considered both guns accurate with my cast bullets.

 

[bernie]

I appreciate the input, but let me give a little more background. I am slowly becoming a bullet caster, and would ideally like to have a .41 magnum lever gun, (that I want to run suppressed, by the way), but the only real option for that right now is the Henry, which is tube fed and not a good option with a suppressor. Also, it appears that if you are willing to do a bit of work on it, the R92 is a good value for the dollar spent. I primarily want this for deer hunting, so the cast .44 is in my mind a better choice than the cast .357. A buddy of mine has several .44 swc cast bullets that he no longer needs that I am going to get from him. That way I can determine (once I have purchased the rifle) if they will work before I bother spending the money for new molds.

 

[Show Me]

I appreciate the input, but let me give a little more background. I am slowly becoming a bullet caster, and would ideally like to have a .41 magnum lever gun, (that I want to run suppressed, by the way), but the only real option for that right now is the Henry, which is tube fed and not a good option with a suppressor. Also, it appears that if you are willing to do a bit of work on it, the R92 is a good value for the dollar spent. I primarily want this for deer hunting, so the cast .44 is in my mind a better choice than the cast .357. A buddy of mine has several .44 swc cast bullets that he no longer needs that I am going to get from him. That way I can determine (once I have purchased the rifle) if they will work before I bother spending the money for new molds.

Good plan !! Enjoyed all the conversation and speculation with everyone. I appreciate the new info. The more info the better when asking opinions. Which there are a lot to go around.

 

[Alaskamike]

Well you didn't help. He wants to know the answer to his question before buying the rifle. There is no positive answer so people wander off on their experience. Try this try that. This may be . What good is buying samples before he buys the rifle. Come on guy. Please.........

Good for you for finding the reply button.

That said, it's best if you can formulate a coherent response. As I look over your message I'm not quite sure what you're trying to say.

It sounds like you don't like my suggestion about trying different things. Trying different things is typically the best way to deal with problems so that you can figure out what works and what doesn't.

Buying smaller samples of bullets is also a great way to try out different bullet styles before you buy large quantities.

That's something a person might want to do when they're buying a new rifle.

 

[PapaG]

I know a lot of folks have posted here about their Winchester 92s and Marlins, but I think it's important to point out that this original poster is concerned about buying a Rossi 92. The Rossi is not the same as a Winchester or a Marlin. These are different rifles, and I shouldn't have to point this out.

I know that we have a very rich and detailed history here on THR about not reading any posts after the first in any thread, but... come on guys, please...

@bernie I regret that I don't have any more of the Thompson style SWCs, or I would give you some detailed measurements and photos.

If you like, I can certainly provide some photos and measurements of my own cast RCBS bullets, but I don't know that it would help you that much. One thing I will point out about the Ranch Dog bullets is that they tend to extend more into the case in order to provide a shorter nose for better feeding. However, that may be exactly what you need.

If you want to try some cast bullets without investing in molds, I would recommend Matt's Bullets. There are definitely others who will send you samples.

Some problems, such as OAL are common to carbines. I also have a real Winchester 92 but it is in 357. All are problematic with OAL and sharp shoulder bullets.
My apologies if my answer didn't meet your criteria.

 

[Show Me]

Good for you for finding the reply button.

That said, it's best if you can formulate a coherent response. As I look over your message I'm not quite sure what you're trying to say.

It sounds like you don't like my suggestion about trying different things. Trying different things is typically the best way to deal with problems so that you can figure out what works and what doesn't.

Buying smaller samples of bullets is also a great way to try out different bullet styles before you buy large quantities.

That's something a person might want to do when they're buying a new rifle.

Good lord. You were totally right but you did what you accused others of doing. Anyway you were very entertaining at the break table last night for several of us. The fella cleared up his vague question. So work on your reading comprehension so we can communicate more effectively next time we get to talk.

 

[Alaskamike]

I appreciate the input, but let me give a little more background. I am slowly becoming a bullet caster, and would ideally like to have a .41 magnum lever gun, (that I want to run suppressed, by the way), but the only real option for that right now is the Henry, which is tube fed and not a good option with a suppressor. Also, it appears that if you are willing to do a bit of work on it, the R92 is a good value for the dollar spent. I primarily want this for deer hunting, so the cast .44 is in my mind a better choice than the cast .357. A buddy of mine has several .44 swc cast bullets that he no longer needs that I am going to get from him. That way I can determine (once I have purchased the rifle) if they will work before I bother spending the money for new molds.

Sounds like a good plan.

The .357 carbine works for deer, but .44 or larger is definitely better.

I think you're on the right track.

 

[Bazoo]

I know a lot of folks have posted here about their Winchester 92s and Marlins, but I think it's important to point out that this original poster is concerned about buying a Rossi 92. The Rossi is not the same as a Winchester or a Marlin. These are different rifles, and I shouldn't have to point this out.

I know that we have a very rich and detailed history here on THR about not reading any posts after the first in any thread, but... come on guys, please...

@bernie I regret that I don't have any more of the Thompson style SWCs, or I would give you some detailed measurements and photos.

If you like, I can certainly provide some photos and measurements of my own cast RCBS bullets, but I don't know that it would help you that much. One thing I will point out about the Ranch Dog bullets is that they tend to extend more into the case in order to provide a shorter nose for better feeding. However, that may be exactly what you need.

If you want to try some cast bullets without investing in molds, I would recommend Matt's Bullets. There are definitely others who will send you samples.

I disagree to some extent. While a Marlin has nothing to do with a Rossi R92... a Winchester 1892 is the gun from which the Rossi is copied, so it is relevant. Most likely, what works in the Winchester will directly correlate to the Rossi as to OAL. It will at the very least give a decent idea.

 

[Bazoo]

@bernie if you decide to go with this bullet, I can supply Ranch Dog's Data for the bullet I showed, for 44 Magnum. It was worked up in a rifle. NOE makes a copy of the Ranch Dog bullet https://noebulletmolds.com/site/product-category/bullet-moulds/432/sc432-267-rf-z4/

 

[adcoch1]

I bought some 240 grn laser cast .431 diameter bullets that looked just like the ranch dog bullet shown above (didn't have my casting setup going yet), and they fed like butter in my r92, but they wouldn't group, they patterned! And that bullet was my general plinking bullet for all my 44 guns. And the main frustration that made me sell it was the buffalo bore 300 grn bullets wouldn't feed without hangups until the coal was so short that velocity was really being affected. I didn't buy the gun to run 300 grn at 44 special velocities, I wanted a heavy hitter that could shoot my heavy revolver ammo. I will say that single loading the 300 grn buffalo bore ammo made for some really nice groups on target, if only I'd been able to make them feed! I replaced it with a cva scout 2 and that thing is a laser..

So, jacketed stuff like Winchester white box, or properly sized cast bullets with the right profile should work fine, and I have heard the current guns are a lot better in all ways than the guns of just 5 years ago... I'd still recommend one, and I may even give it a try again myself, but they make a r92 in 454casull that's available at the moment....

 

[Alaskamike]

I disagree to some extent. While a Marlin has nothing to do with a Rossi R92... a Winchester 1892 is the gun from which the Rossi is copied, so it is relevant. Most likely, what works in the Winchester will directly correlate to the Rossi as to OAL. It will at the very least give a decent idea.

Yep, you and PapaG both make excellent points in that respect.

 

[Alaskamike]

I bought some 240 grn laser cast .431 diameter bullets that looked just like the ranch dog bullet shown above (didn't have my casting setup going yet), and they fed like butter in my r92, but they wouldn't group, they patterned! And that bullet was my general plinking bullet for all my 44 guns. And the main frustration that made me sell it was the buffalo bore 300 grn bullets wouldn't feed without hangups until the coal was so short that velocity was really being affected. I didn't buy the gun to run 300 grn at 44 special velocities, I wanted a heavy hitter that could shoot my heavy revolver ammo. I will say that single loading the 300 grn buffalo bore ammo made for some really nice groups on target, if only I'd been able to make them feed! I replaced it with a cva scout 2 and that thing is a laser..

So, jacketed stuff like Winchester white box, or properly sized cast bullets with the right profile should work fine, and I have heard the current guns are a lot better in all ways than the guns of just 5 years ago... I'd still recommend one, and I may even give it a try again myself, but they make a r92 in 454casull that's available at the moment....

In their infinite wisdom, SAAMI created a different groove diameter spec for .44 mag rifles, vs. pistols, and of course all the manufacturers follow SAAMI specs.

The .44 mag pistol groove diameter spec is .429 + .002" while the rifle spec is .431 +.002". So you could very well have a barrel with a groove diameter of .433" and it would still be within spec.

SAAMI didn't do this with any other magnum cartridge like .357, .41 mag or 454 Casull--it was just with .44 mag. So the .44 mag carbines can sometimes have groove diameters that make shooting cast bullets challenging.

 

[doubleh]

I have experience only with 357 in the Rossi 92 but I am going to advise to only load a few rounds of anything you intend to try in either caliber to avoid having to break down ammo that doesn't work. My 357 is pretty finicky about what bullet is used unless it's a round nose or loaded as a 38 special in a 38 case. Anything works in the shorter case. I may be wrong but would expect the same from the 44 magnum. Sometimes jiggling the lever works with loading the longer case load and might take long enough to miss a second shot if needed.

Edited to add:, I have to amend the anything works statement. Full wadcutters don't, period, but I think they would work well for up close little whitetails. Maybe if loaded longer they would. Does anyone offer a FWC bullet or mold in 44 caliber? Never being interested I have never looked for either.