Reloading .44 Mag for a levergun.

[TwoWheelFiend]

Picking up my Marlin 1894 in a couple weeks so I am going into .44 Mag production. Ive loaded for my Model 29 for years but never for a Carbine.

Any suggestions or experience on what bullet / powder combinations might give me the best results for the Marlins 1:38" twist rate?

My first load is going to be 240gr XTP with 23gr of Winchester 296. Mainly because that is what I have sitting on my reloading bench. Cannot wait to rip 10 rounds out of that thing tho

 

[rcmodel]

If it works in the revolver it will probably work in the Marlin.

Nothing above 300 grain bullets and it will do fine.

rc

 

[kelbro]

As an avowed handloader, I hate to admit this but the Winchester White Box 240gr that I picked up at WalMart shoot and kill as well as anything that I have loaded for my 1894.

Different story for my Bisley Super Black Hawk Hunter. It prefers my loads with cast bullets.

 

[shootniron]

As an avowed handloader, I hate to admit this but the Winchester White Box 240gr that I picked up at WalMart shoot and kill as well as anything that I have loaded for my 1894.

I am an avid handloader also, but this has been my experience too. However, if I am shooting a revolver...I love my cast bullets.

 

[Metal Tiger]

Hodgdon data

The Hodgdon data lists H110 (same as your powder) as follows:

240 gr JHP OAL 1.6 start 23gr for expected 1750 ft/sec to 24.0gr 1817 ft/sec

http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

 

[paralaska]

My "hot" handloads (hard cast) that I shoot in my blackhawk showed signs of overpressure in my marlin 94. I think the chamber in the marlin is tighter . . . .
I'll have to back them down a bit and work up a load that works best for the marlin . . .

 

[greywolf444]

I don't run my 44 carbine all that hot. Just about like a standard pistol load. A 265 cast and 9.5 gr of unique will do all that you need done with that rifle. I know it not as exciting as the barn burner loads that are up there with a 454 casull pistol but really how much do you need? These loads as very pleasant and work superbly on deer( and everything else) and are very comfortable in the pistol too. They are in the 12-1300 fps range. Out to 100 yards the deer fall down. Its all I need for a general purpose load. We call it the "Josh Load" and shoot it by the bucketful.

Note: this is a real load and not a powderpuff cowboy load.

 

[FROGO207]

I would go for a propellant that gives you the lowest pressure versus the highest relatively velocity in a handgun. This generally will help with boosting the velocity in a longer barrel. It does help with the 10 1/2 barreled Ruger SBH that I use when using 240 grain JHP bullets. I use 18.0 grains of 2400 and 22.0 grains of IMR 4227 in my revolvers for best accuracy. Do work up the loads for your firearm.

 

[jmacpolo]

I have had the same results with the white box Win. 240 JSP.
My most accurate load in my marlin is the rem. 240 JSP with 24 grains of H110 and a CCI 350 primer. It is just a wee little bit better than the same load with the Hornady 240 HP.

 

[Hunt480]

I have two loads for a 250gr BTB WFNGC..I use 23grs of H110 or 12grs Unique. I like these loads because they are accurate in the rifle and revolver... I prefer the Unique load it is a pleasent shooter with plenty of punch with the hardcast bullet.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I use the same exact .357 Magnum loads for my Carbine as I do for my revolver. A good load is a good load in any caliber. I do however shoot a 180gr bullet more in the rifle than revolver because that load is less offensive in the heavier gun.

I'm sure you will find the same to be true with the .44 Magnum, a good load is a good load no matter what firearm it's shot in.

 

[Kingcreek]

Your recipe for 23gr 296 and the XTP is exactly the load that I use for my 629 classic and also for my Winchester saddle ring carbine. It works good in both but the carbine shoots the best groups with hard cast lead.

 

[TwoWheelFiend]

Thanks for your suggestions guys. I guess my question more specifically is; Are there any bullet powder combinations that seem to work best for the Marlins long twist rate?

 

[kelbro]

For me, it's the 265gr RanchDog bullet over H110.

 

[CraigC]

I can do no better than the 270gr Gold Dot. My "S" model loves them and piles them into an inch at 100yds. If you can believe that. I couldn't and I was there.

 

[Hunt480]

CraigC...whats your recipe for that load?

 

[AABEN]

In most reloading books you will find in the rifle secton one for the 44MAG.

 

[CraigC]

CraigC...whats your recipe for that load?

That was the Speer maximum of 21.0gr H110. I never chronographed it but it should be running 1700-1800fps.

 

[ssyoumans]

That was the Speer maximum of 21.0gr H110. I never chronographed it but it should be running 1700-1800fps.

Speer is overly optimistic. Out of my Marlin 1894, using 21.0gr 296, CCI mag primer, 270gr GD, firm crimp, I got 1574 fps, with an ES of 12 fps.

Should do a great job on deer or hogs.

240gr XTPs hit 1801 fps with 24.5gr of 296 (Max charge).

Winchester White box 240gr JSP rule with 1860 fps.

As always check your data and work up safely!

 

[Salmoneye]

I have a 4th edition of Hornady's manual, and the max loads are not the same for revolver and carbine with any powder...

Some are a couple grains different, with most max revolver charge weights being larger than those given as max for the carbine (exception 2400 which is opposite)...

My point being that safe loads in your revolver may give you higher pressures in your carbine...

Just something to be aware of...

 

[mdi]

I've always used the same data for my .44 Magnum revolvers and my .44 Magnum carbine. The only difference is my carbine won't feed SWC bullets loaded to normal length. I experimented with .44 Special brass and seating a SWC over the top band, but I settled on Ranch Dog's 265 grain RNFP. Excellent bullet and I shoot it over a medium to stiff load of WC820...

 

[Hunt480]

That was the Speer maximum of 21.0gr H110. I never chronographed it but it should be running 1700-1800fps.

Thanks CraigC, I will that load in the Marlin and SBH...