[Beagle8U]

Any comments or advice on loads etc appreciated.

[KitJ]

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...

[GSAonce]

http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger-77-44.htm

[KitJ]

Geez! disregard my post - I mis read your original and see that you said “soft points”.

My apologies.

[CrazyIvan]

I have loaded some .44 for lever guns. Take advantage of the long barrel and use slower powder. I used W296 and H110 alot. Haven't loaded for awhile, those may be obsolete.

[DCBryan1]

Suppress it. Perfect hog hunting gun.

[skinkinthegrass]

!

[riverrunner]

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.

[Abathar]

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.

http://www.sgammo.com/product/hornady/20-rd-box-44-magnum-hornady-225-grain-ftx-lever-evolution-ammo-92782

[T-Bird45]

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.

[43north]

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.

[edpc]

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.

[Doc91678]

the .44cal magnum round is a great deer gun in heavy brush. 50 yard shots are deadly to deer, hogs, and even black bear.
Ruger used to make a semi-auto carbine. We used to call it the guerrilla killer.

[reed13k]

Ohio just did something similar with straight jacketed rifle shells. Goes into effect this fall.

[JimRed]

More important, can it penetrate a blue helmet at 125 yards?