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  #1  
Old 11-08-2014, 07:43 AM
canoeguy canoeguy is online now
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My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics)  
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Default My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics)

As I mentioned earlier, I bought a nice 37 acre mountain property in Southwest Virginia, near Marion and the Mount Rogers Recreation Area. It borders the Jefferson National Forest, has logging trails through out.

I bought the place in April of this year, and immediately set to work clearing a rifle range. So far I've cut about 40 trees, opening up a wide shooting lane 120 yards long. My backstop for now is a large Gum tree stump, the terrain rises 800 feet in elevation behind the shooting lane, which will stop a bullet, but it is not the best practice to fire indiscriminately into the woods. Soon I will rent a tractor and make a proper dirt pile back stop.

Here's some pictures of the range, my bench rest is a Kawasaki "Mule" side by side UTV, four wheel drive, dump bed, a great vehicle for moving about the property, carrying chain saws and wood etc. I call it my "PPV", Perimeter Patrol Vehicle:

[img][/img]

[img][/img]

The target is at fifty yards, the wooden crate is for setting a bullet trap on for shooting and recovering cast lead bullets for re-casting:

[img][/img]

Shooting today is my new Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action stainless steel carbine. A handy little rifle, 18.5" barrel, full size stock with 13.8 inches length of pull, weighs 5.25 pounds, about the same as a Ruger 10/22 carbine.

[img][/img]

The sights are similar to a Ruger 10/22, bead front, square notch rear. The trigger is "Good", breaks at about 4.5 pounds, no creep or grit, very useable. Smooth action, detachable four shot rotary magazine.

Took me about eight rounds to get the rifle zeroed, had to drift the rear sight to the right a bit with a brass punch, adjusted the elevation up a bit, then started testing ammo. The best group of the day was a little bigger than a quarter, a Hornady 240 grain XTP jacketed hollow point, pushed by 19.0 grains AA #9 powder. Loading manual says it will give 1300 FPS from a revolver, should be going 1600 FPS from a rifle:

[img][/img]

It shoots cast lead "OK", not as accurate as full speed jacketed ammo, but enough accuracy for plinking and hunting small game. Load is a 240 grain lead semi wadcutter, cast from a Lee mold and lubed with Alox, loaded with 6.5 grains Trail Boss powder. 850 FPS from a revolver, 1150 FPS from a rifle:

[img][/img]

Finished up the outing by doing a bit of offhand (standing position) shooting, 10 rounds at an 8" swinging steel at 50 yards. Ten for ten, very satisfying:

[img][/img]

I really like the Ruger 77/44, it will fit in nicely around here as a hunting tool. I think I will get a compact Leupold Vari-X I shotgun scope for it for serious hunting, as I'm sure it would be hard to see the issue sights in low light.
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Old 11-08-2014, 07:50 AM
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KLYDE KLYDE is offline
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My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics)  
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Green with envy.
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Old 11-08-2014, 08:00 AM
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My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics)  
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Green with envy---me too.
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Old 11-08-2014, 08:03 AM
M29since14 M29since14 is offline
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My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics)  
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That's great! I know from experience there is plenty of work in a project like that. Do be careful, especially if you are working alone, and good luck with it. I'd be interested to know if you get that Ruger shooting better with cast loads. I have never heard anyone say they have had much luck, for some reason. The newer rifles like yours seem to do a little better than the early ones. I am on the fence whether to take the chance with one like that or look for a Marlin. Not usually a lever-action shooter, but the Marlin seems to get good reports from owners.

Take care and have fun.
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Old 11-08-2014, 08:05 AM
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My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics)  
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Default .44 Carbines for deer

I've taken many deer with the Ruger .44 semi-auto carbine. It sure puts them down within its effective range of about 120 yards or so. Your bolt action should be ideal for typical eastern habitat.
I used the Winchester 240 grain JHP as my carbine did not like Remingtons. As you suggested, the rifle benefits from a low power scope. I prefer the 1-4X variable models on my .44.

Last edited by federali; 11-08-2014 at 08:07 AM.
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Old 11-08-2014, 08:11 AM
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My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics)  
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Congrats on a great range setup, and a really cool rifle.

I was sniffing at one of those in .357, but in the end I went with the lever gun. Now I'm thinking "both" was probably the correct answer.
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Old 11-08-2014, 09:17 AM
Brian41 Brian41 is offline
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My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics)  
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Nice start on the range and nice carbine. My neighbor was building a new drive and piled up excess dirt for my back stop and I feel much better shooting into it than the logs I used in the past.
I'm interested in your Ruger too as we can now use pistol caliber rifles in our deer hunting zone. My brother has an old Ruger semi-auto carbine in .44 mag and has taken many deer with it in the past. I've taken them with .44 mag handguns and have faith in the caliber but would like to extend my range as well.
I've long been a fan of Ruger products and own a few myself. Thanks for your report and think I'll be looking into one like it for myself.
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Old 11-08-2014, 06:54 PM
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Jebus35745 Jebus35745 is offline
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My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics)  
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Very nice set up, both the property and the Ruger. Looks like it shoots pretty good with the open sights, would like to see how accurate it is with the scope. Try to post pics when you scope it, Larry
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Old 11-08-2014, 10:01 PM
Muley Gil Muley Gil is offline
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My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics)  
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Looking good, neighbor!
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Old 11-09-2014, 12:02 AM
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My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics)  
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Nice setup you are fixing up . I also would like to see scope and shooting results. Thanks
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Old 11-09-2014, 02:27 AM
alwslate alwslate is offline
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My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics)  
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I've got one of the Ruger 77/44s just like your and I have a Leupold
1-4 scope on it. I haven't done much shooting with it yet, just a few sight in rounds. Pistol caliber rifles are legal for deer in Indiana and
I have taken several with a Ruger #3 single shot in 44 mag. 44 mag
in a rifle is very effective on deer at woods hunting distances. Looks
like you have a great place to call home there.
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Old 11-09-2014, 06:14 AM
Frizzman Frizzman is offline
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My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics)  
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I've spent a good amount of time camping and hunting in that part of Virginia. I remember camping during late muzzleloader season in the Mt. Rodgers National Rec Area. It was the first time I experienced below zero conditions while tent camping...I also have a 77/44 carbine and like it a lot. Its like a feather compared to my old M700 30-06 and in the areas I hunted, the effective range of the .44 Mag is adequate. It is such a short, light and effective little carbine that it makes a great little all-around companion to my 629...The best load I have developed for it so far uses Hornady 240gr JHP and Titegroup...I want to experiment with some light loads for plinking and smaller game. I have two lever carbines in .45 Colt and like them a lot but the little Ruger is lighter and slimmer and feels more compact. Plus, the bolt gun is less complex and easier to clean from breach to muzzle...You are a lucky, lucky guy to have some nice land in that place!
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Old 11-09-2014, 08:38 AM
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My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics)  
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Very nice piece of property, good looking ruger also
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Old 11-09-2014, 08:53 AM
varmint243 varmint243 is offline
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My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics)  
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IMO you should be able to get the same accuracy with cast lead as you do with jacketed at that distance.
Try selecting a bullet with a perfectly flat base and not a bevel base SWC.
The cast bullet benchrest crowd should be able to offer some helpful information.
Check out the cast boolits forum if your not on there already
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Old 11-09-2014, 10:19 AM
BAM-BAM BAM-BAM is online now
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I got the Ruger 77/357 to keep my 66s and 686s company.......

Great little guns..... mine serves as my "utility" rifle at our cabin in the Pa. Laurel Highlands ......light, handy, good to go for anything except a large black bear......... some have posted that out of the 16" barrel the 357 is getting close to 30-30 territory.

Most of my guns now sport Leupold scopes. Including my "Walking in Penn's Woods" CZs FSs/Mannlichers in .22lr,.22mag and .223.

When I got the Ruger I had an extra Weaver 1-3x20 shotgun scope which I mounted...... it has proven to be very effective with the .357 out to 100 yds.
Last I looked it was selling for about $170 or so.
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Old 11-09-2014, 12:44 PM
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My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics)  
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Was over in your part of the country last week. Sure is pretty.
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Old 11-09-2014, 07:16 PM
Muley Gil Muley Gil is offline
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My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics)  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lawandorder View Post
Was over in your part of the country last week. Sure is pretty.
It shore is. I live about 25 miles northeast of canoeguy's place.









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Old 11-09-2014, 09:37 PM
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My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics)  
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Wow, that's lovely! Sure different than the scenery here in the desert.
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Old 11-09-2014, 09:46 PM
BigBill BigBill is offline
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My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics) My new rifle range and a new rifle, Ruger 77/44 .44 Magnum bolt action carbine (pics)  
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I own about 7 1/4 acres that borders the green mountain national forest in Vermont. The land was used for grazing sheep. Now it's all standing 100+ yo timber. My two sons cut some of the thicker brush to make access trails for dirt bikes and quads on my land. I know some will think I'm crazy but the first snow fall here's the deer using the narrow trails.

My point is cutting trails, access roads or even a gun range the deer are going to use it.
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