Author Topic: Slugged my 44mag barrel  (Read 586 times)

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Offline gstewart44

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Slugged my 44mag barrel
« on: March 24, 2011, 04:27:48 AM »
I am starting to develop loads for my 44mag barrel.   I have tried different factory loads up to this point with varying results.   Just trying to find that sweet formula that works for this barrel.     So to start I slugged my barrel and the groove diameter comes out exactly at .430.      I think this is probably ok, but correct me if my assumption is wrong.    I have heard of overbore 44Mag barrels - what are the groove diameters of over bores? 
I'm just tryin' to keep everything in balance, Woodrow. You do more work than you got to, so it's my obligation to do less. (Gus McCrae)

Offline jbtazgrabber

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Re: Slugged my 44mag barrel
« Reply #1 on: March 24, 2011, 04:48:24 AM »
hornady bullets are 430 dia.......try the 200 gr. if you can .....ive had great results with them.....jb

Offline Ranger J

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Re: Slugged my 44mag barrel
« Reply #2 on: March 24, 2011, 04:54:36 AM »
I also have had good results with the XTPs.  You're OK with the .430 barrel.  Mine will also shoot 180 gr  Oregon Trail cast over Trail Boss well.  This in a really good plunking round but you have to reload.

RJ

Offline Bigeasy

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Re: Slugged my 44mag barrel
« Reply #3 on: March 24, 2011, 05:37:58 AM »
.430 is fine.  Most any jacketed .429 / .430 bullet should shoot well.  Just a matter of finding what bullet and load it really likes.  With cast, I would go with a .431 hard cast.  If you find leading to be a problem at higher velocities, try a gas checked bullet.  Not sure what twist rate is used in the Handi's, so that may be your limiting factor in how heavy a bullet you can accurately shoot.

Larry
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Offline gstewart44

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Re: Slugged my 44mag barrel
« Reply #4 on: March 24, 2011, 05:48:05 AM »
Thanks for the replies.   I will be turkey hunting this weekend in the mornings and will spend some range time with my 44mag in the afternoon.     I have a full box each of 240gr and 300 gr XTPs so this evening I will load up about 15 of each to try.   I will
post some results next week, good or bad.    Thanks!
I'm just tryin' to keep everything in balance, Woodrow. You do more work than you got to, so it's my obligation to do less. (Gus McCrae)

Offline quickdtoo

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Re: Slugged my 44mag barrel
« Reply #5 on: March 24, 2011, 06:06:43 AM »
Older overbore barrels are .432"+, all H&R 44mags are 1:38" twist.

Tim
"Always do right, this will gratify some and astonish the rest" -  Mark Twain

Offline TippyRacer

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Re: Slugged my 44mag barrel
« Reply #6 on: March 24, 2011, 06:24:37 AM »
I have another rifle (not an H&R) that has a .430 bore and shallow rifling, I've been buying the 240 gr TC from Penn Bullets since he sizes them in .431 by default.  They shoot well, if you want to plink in lead they may work for you too.