In order to participate in the GunBroker Member forums, you must be logged in with your GunBroker.com account. Click the sign-in button at the top right of the forums page to get connected.

Need some recommendations for .44 Mag loads.

317wc317wc Member Posts: 924 ✭✭✭✭
edited March 2009 in Perry Shooter Competition Shooting and Reloading Forum
Hello all in GB Land. I need a recommendation for a heavy .44 load. I do not handload so it will have to be ordered or storebought. I will be working on Afognak Island in Alaska for some months this summer. I will be taking my .44 Ruger SBH. It has a 4 5/8" barrel. I would like a heavy load, 300 grain at least, I think LBT style cast bullet. I know Buffalo Bore makes some good ones. Anyone else have any recommendations?
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • bpostbpost Member Posts: 32,669 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Afognak Island; that does bring back some memories! Get whatever load you feel comfortable with. Just remember, The 44 Mag has less energy that a 30-30, so you do the math.

    My recommendation is a shot gun, a pump, with slugs, 18" barrel and a one of those fast reaction type slings.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • 317wc317wc Member Posts: 924 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    bpost thanks for the tip. I don't anticipate ever having to use it. I will be carrying it while fishing and hiking so a shotgun might be somewhat unwieldy while I am casting a rod. I do have a short Mossberg 500 so I will keep that option in mind.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • RCrosbyRCrosby Member Posts: 3,808 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    ONLY advantage the SBH would have over a shotgun, or even a 30-30 lever gun, IMHO, is that it would be easier to bring with you if you had to climb a tree,,,,fast.
    You're on the right track as far as .44 load, though. 300 grain hard cast.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • v35v35 Member Posts: 12,710 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    If you are going to carry a 4 5/8" 44 Mag and shoot max 300gr Max loads
    better plan on some practice with it well before the trip.
    Recoil and muzzle rise will be severe and put you off target for follow up shots.
    I've seen photos of fly fishermen with a 12 gauge shotgun on a sling.
    Having read two books on bear attacks, I'd take the experts' advice
    and suffer the discomfort of a light 12 gauge with OO buck and slugs.
    There's time to pick up some reading from Amazon and buy a cheapie
    18" Mossberg.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • partisanpartisan Member Posts: 6,414
    edited November -1
    a 12 gauge pump with slugs for sure! You .44 mag as a back up. If you shoot cast bullets make sure they have gas checks installed. The .44 mag melts the hell out of lead without the GC. Good fishing!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • RCrosbyRCrosby Member Posts: 3,808 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Properly sized bullets of the correct hardness shouldn't create undue problems without gas checks.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Sign In or Register to comment.