44 mag barrel

[ccoker]

I have an ultralight in 223 that I got for my son, who's now using my old Sako 243
I plan on keeping the 223 barrel but I hunt with a 44 mag pistol and was thinking it would be cool to have a 44 mag rifle and the cheapest way to do it is with another hand barrel

I would really like to not have to do a custom load for it, would be very nice if (by chance) my load of a .430 sized 255g Keith SWC hardcast over 23g of IMR 4227
doesn't kick too bad in my Smith 6.5" and is wicked deadly on hogs

I recall some issues around twist rates on the 44s

thoughts?

[LaOtto222]

The Handi 44 mag will handle your 255 Kieth bullet just fine. They will shoot up to a 300 XTP OK

[dieselten]

that load should work fine in a current Handi 44 barrel.  Up until 2007 the bores were a little too big but the current ones shoot .430 just fine.  Just send your frame in for a new barrel, it is kind of hard to guaranty a used barrel as being post 2007.

[rickt300]

I have an ultralight in 223 that I got for my son, who's now using my old Sako 243
I plan on keeping the 223 barrel but I hunt with a 44 mag pistol and was thinking it would be cool to have a 44 mag rifle and the cheapest way to do it is with another hand barrel

I would really like to not have to do a custom load for it, would be very nice if (by chance) my load of a .430 sized 255g Keith SWC hardcast over 23g of IMR 4227
doesn't kick too bad in my Smith 6.5" and is wicked deadly on hogs

I recall some issues around twist rates on the 44s

thoughts?

Thats the exact load I use though I don't size the bullets, I shoot them as cast and dip lubed.  My barrel has been cut to 17.5 inches and shoots into 2 inches at 100 yards wiht that load.  I like Imr 4227 a bit better than H110 or Winchester's 296 because there is a bit less flash and blast.

[myarmor]

44Mags are a lot of fun in a carbine. Recoil is nice and managable too.
If you plan on sending you reciever off to get fitted for a 44mag barrel, do so at a time that won't inconvience you, because it might be there for a while. Just make sure to call and see if they have them in stock, and keep track of your Ser. Number and make a very detailed note on what you want.



-Aaron

[ccoker]

thanks for the info
the gun is not needed, hasn't been shot in a year or more

[petemi]

ccoker, I was thinking, since you reload, you could get an old or new barrel, slug it and load the proper bullet for it.

Pete