.44 Magnum Laods for a lever Action Rifle

Colin3554 · #1 09-10-2015, 09:45 AM

Hi
I live in the UK, just picked up a Henry 44 Mag in steel I load for all the other rifle in have, I have a half a tub of VV N340 is the a load for the 44 Mag using 240gr lead bullets using N340, any help would be much appreciate.

H Richard · #2 09-10-2015, 09:58 AM

You have posted this in the "Antique" S&W section. I have requested they move it to the "Reloading" section for you. I don't happen to have any V V loading data, I have found Accurate #9, IMR4227, and W296 to work well. Is it difficult getting loading materials in the UK? I spent a couple years up in Norfolk County back in the 60's and understand the restrictions on owning firearms in the UK.

shocker · #3 09-10-2015, 10:19 AM

For what it's worth, my experience with lead bullets is that the accuracy suffers a lot if pushed beyond handgun velocities - so I load to get around 1300 fps out of a rifle barrel. If I need faster I load the Hornady XTP. Be aware too that rifle bores run .003" or so larger than handguns so don't be surprised if you eventually have to get bullets just for rifle use.

venomballistics · #4 09-10-2015, 12:47 PM

I cast and powder coat them for rifles ... mitigates all the sins.

If it is indeed a 44 magnum you have, Our current production Henry 44 mags have a brass receiver, your best bet is to find N110 out of the VV powders if you want its full potential.

mikld · #5 09-10-2015, 01:28 PM

Check your reloading manual, as many have a listing for .44 Magnum rifle, in the rifle section, as well as .44 Magnum handgun data. I have a 20" Puma that I shoot a few "upper" Magnum loads with lead bullets in it. I don't have a chrony so I cannot give the exact velocities, but I'm getting around 1500 fps with plain based, wheel weight alloy, air cooled, 240+ gr. RNFP bullets and no leading. The key is they fit the groove diameter (SAAMI states .431" groove diameter for .44 Magnum rifles). I'm not a great shot but I can keep all shots in a 4" circle @ 50 yards with the above load...

quinn · #6 09-10-2015, 01:30 PM

My experience with a Marlin 44 mag was it was more accurate on the mid weight/velocity loads. I used 240 gr lead over 231 powder if I remember correctly (don't have the records handy). 300 grain bullets would keyhole at 25 yards.

venomballistics · #7 09-10-2015, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quinn

My experience with a Marlin 44 mag was it was more accurate on the mid weight/velocity loads. I used 240 gr lead over 231 powder if I remember correctly (don't have the records handy). 300 grain bullets would keyhole at 25 yards.

any you probably had one of the Marlington Microgroove barrels too.
That convergence of lead and microgroove can cause some fits

aurora40 · #8 09-10-2015, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by venomballistics

If it is indeed a 44 magnum you have, Our current production Henry 44 mags have a brass receiver

https://www.henryrifles.com/rifles/henry-big-boy-steel/

venomballistics · #9 09-10-2015, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aurora40

https://www.henryrifles.com/rifles/henry-big-boy-steel/

thats new ....
I kinda like it .... looks like they put it on a diet which would make for a handy little piece

Jaymo · #10 09-13-2015, 01:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aurora40

https://www.henryrifles.com/rifles/henry-big-boy-steel/

I like it.
Can't afford it, but I like it.

The problem with heavy bullets in the Marlin 1894 seems to stem from the loose rifling twist, 1-38", IIRC.
Rebarreling with a 1-20" barrel should fix the problem.
Or, so I've read.

I'm thinking about getting a couple more of the Lee 310 grain .44 wide flat nose molds and having one hollowpointed and the other milled down to make a 240-250 grain plain base bullet.