Got a .44 Mag Shikari

[DanielJohn]

Just wondering how it'll shoot with various factory ammo?  I'll most likely just run your basic 240 grain JSP through it, as that's the cheapest around here.  I'm going to use it as a somewhat close, but still way out of rifled slug range, hunting rifle (150 meters or less), for deer, and feral pigs and dogs on my property.

It's in excellent condition (pretty much as new barring a couple of marks on the forend), and I'd be happy if I can expect minute of vital area out to its max point blank range (which is around 150 meters IIRC).

I came into contact with her as I was looking for a big bore Handi Rifle, and the shop closest to me had this one for a really good price (about 1/2 of a new Handi Rifle in .45-70 from the next closest shop, which is quite far away.  I was originally looking for a .45-70, but I have fond memories of the .44 Magnum, and seeing the .44 made me want).  I know it has a weaker frame than the newer models, but I'm not going to shoot anything but your basic factory ammunition from it (no super duper +P+ buffalo killers).

Any facts and whatnot, in addition to expected accuracy (minute of vital is what I want), on this rifle would be appreciated.

[wreckhog]

I never thought of the 44 as a 150 yard gun even with a scope. And I don't recall the Shikari being d&t for scopes. I suspect that the range is as good as the iron sights are.

[DanielJohn]

For a handgun, the max PBR is around 100 meters for your basic 240 grain @ 1300 FPS, but you can add another 50 meters on top of that for a rifle.  That's its maximum I'd use it at, and nearly all shots are 80 to 100 meters here (out of rifled slug range with a bead sight, but really too short for 6.5x52/6.5x55/.303, especially as the latter cost about twice as much for a box).

My ability to hit at 100 meters with post and notch sights isn't a factor (I can hit a rabbit in the head at that range with my open sighted CZ .22LR.  .44 Magnum has a lot better ballistic profile than .22LR.  It's a little better than the .22 Magnum, but carrying a heap more power).

[PHATINJUN]

Oh I remember when I could see 75yrds thru open sites sort of Kurt

[yukondog]

Yea me to, now its sights out to 50 and scope after that. Let us know how she shoots.

[S.E.Ak]

Sounds like you got a nice enjoyable gun. Remember its not the same frame for adding many rifle calibers.of course you can pick up a 45/70 barrel in the future and shoot trapdoor loads out of it

[gcrank1]

20 odd some years ago, when I had one, and younger eyes, I could hit stuff pretty regular with the iron on it. We used to set pop cans up at the 100yd bearm and shoot the .44 revolvers and then the H&R at them.....some hits and a lot of really close. We didnt shoot much expensive factory ammo, a lot of Keith load cast bullets and some jacketed reloads. It will probably work out great for you.....just remember that with open sights, 'a mans got to know his limitations'.

[Junior1942]

I never thought of the 44 as a 150 yard gun even with a scope. And I don't recall the Shikari being drill & tap for scopes. I suspect that the range is as good as the iron sights are.

Mine isn't drilled & tapped for a scope.  It sports a Williams WGOS peep rear and a Firesight front.  It shoots the ww alloy Lee 310 gr FP like a charm.  I consider it a 75 yd max thicket rifle.

[DanielJohn]

I'm still relatively young, so hitting pop cans at 100 meters with your basic post and notch sights on a rifle is no big deal for me.

I have a question for y'all:

Are there any adjustable sights out there that allow me to lob the .44 Magnum projectiles out to about 1 kilometer?  I don't mean for matches or anything (of course, and I'd get a .45-70 for that), but something that'll allow minute for large fridge/minute of car at that range?

The sights on the basic rifle appear to be perfect for the 100 meter deer hunting I'll partake in, but for those really fun and silly long shots at the range (no spotter, so I'd like to know that my rounds are at least falling at 1 kilometer with the sight picture).

Thanks if you know of any.

I'll let you know how it shoots.

[quickdtoo]

Are there any adjustable sights out there that allow me to lob the .44 Magnum projectiles out to about 1 kilometer?  I don't mean for matches or anything (of course, and I'd get a .45-70 for that), but something that'll allow minute for large fridge/minute of car at that range?

See long range sights in the FAQs.

Tim

[DanielJohn]

Finally got it.  I took it down the back at my 25 meter range to see how the sights were and to get a feel of how it'll shoot with your basic factory 240 grain JSP.  Printed a couple of inches high at 25 meters, so I'm guessing the sights are zeroed at 100 meters.  Seems to shoot well (well enough for my intentions, which is a <=100 meter deer rifle).

25 meter group; point of aim was the mouth of the bottom case:

It:


I'm happy with it.

[S.E.Ak]

Looks good,enjoy

[McDerry]

2.5" high at a 100 should get you to the 150 mark being minute of vidals.  Heck its only a foot low at 200.

[petemi]

Meters? Meters? Meters?  Where are you guys, Canada, Australia....  If ya wanna shoot a meter,  I'd use the .45-70.  It'll do it easily with proper sights......and, I wouldn't have it on a cast iron frame, cause I'd be pouring the fuel to her.  I frankly believe if you learn your holdovers for long range shooting with the .45-70 you can smack about anything you can see.  Take a look at Paul A. Mathews "Forty Years with the .45-70" for some insight.

Good shooting and the best for the holidays,

Pete

[gcrank1]

If youve spent any real time with the .22LR at distance you already have it in your brain how the 45-70 works.
The key here is that bullets of a simiar ballistic coefficient, regardless of caliber, fired at the same velocity have very close trajectories. The windage effect is somewhat different, though.