Posted on 07/08/2014 12:10:51 PM PDT by Beagle8U
I just picked up a new Ruger 77/44 bolt action and wondered if anyone here has any experience with them, or favorite loads/reloads for them?
It is a SS 44 Mag bolt action carbine with an 18 1/2 inch barrel and Synthetic stock.
Michigan just passed a law that will allow pistol cartridge rifles to be used for deer hunting in the 'shotgun zone', so I plan to use it for hunting deer.
I'm thinking 240 grain semi-jacketed softpoints should do the job out to 125 yds or so.
You might consider jacketed soft points instead of hollow points. You’ll get better penetration at the range you describe with soft points. The hollow points might ‘blow up’ too early before they can penetrate to vitals.
Your mileage may vary...
Geez! disregard my post - I mis read your original and see that you said “soft points”.
My apologies.
Suppress it. Perfect hog hunting gun.
!
Don't use reduced loads with H110 or W296.
My children and my self have killed dozens of deer with a 357 max carbine and 158gr SPs out to 150 yards.
You well have no trouble with your 44 mag, I like to use H110 and a near max load with any 240gr JSP well work just fine for deer.
I took two off my property this year with a S&W model 29 with an 8-3/8” barrel, neither went more than about 30 yards before dropping, one medium size buck and a very big doe.
I think that 296 and 110 are now the same thing.
I’m pretty sure Alliant bought out Hodgen.
W296 and H110 are still made (good luck finding any) and are also used in loading .410 shotshells.
“Suppress it.”
Illegal in Michigan, no hogs anyway.
Care to mention the price or range of prices?
I’d have to study some ballistics to be sure but it seems this fits into the same area as a .30-30. OTOH, with a synthetic stock & stainless barrel/receiver/action, there’s a lot to like about that combo, too. The weight also appears to be good for long carries.
Bronco Bama likes to ignore federal law. I'd like to see mass disobedience to federal law by civilians get as little attention from the DOJ and media.
My favorite .44 Mag load is a Hornady 300gr. XTP over 20 grains of H110 or WW 296 with a magnum pistol primer. In my Marlin 1894 lever action it is very accurate and hits with authority. Works well in my Ruger Redhawk revolver too.
That is about what I had planned for a load, CCI 350 primer, 25 gr 110, 240 gr SJSP.
I haven’t bought any components yet.
I know your using a bolt action model, but the Hornaday Flex Tip rounds (designed for lever action rifles) have good performance at 100-150 yds. According to their specs, you’d get 1225 fps and 800 ft lbs from their 160 grain Flex Tip at 100 yds with that barrel length.
Yup, weighs less than 6 lbs until you add a scope.
The Mfg list price is about $925. I paid a tad under $700.
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