Shot my first 44 magnums tonight...

[arc2x4]

The 6 inch will actually recoil more than the 4" because the barrel dwell time is longer. Now you are also getting into Perceived recoil and thats where the 4" will Seem worse.

4" has more muzzle blast, that's noise and flash and the pressure wave you can feel in your sinuses. The 6" will seem more pleasant because of reduced blast and flash. But if you measured recoil objectively a longer barrel produces more.

 

[Clean Break]

The whole let the magnum raise up and recoil naturally (roll with it) technique is absolutely true and why, for shooting stout loads (very few listed above) in .44 magnum, I much prefer a Ruger Single action. Of the three .44 mags I've owned, shot, handloaded for & hunted with (Ruger Super Blackhawk 7.5", Ruger Bisley Vaquero 4 5/8" & S&W 629 4") the smaller Ruger with those hand filling, smooth and hard, easy to rotate grips, handled the considerable recoil of a 300 gr. Nosler HP over 21.6 gr. of 296 or 19 gr. of 2400 by far the most comfortably.

My needs have changed, I understand my practical applications better, sold my Rugers and now fully embrace the ability to shoot .44 spl & mag (medium pressure 240 gr loads) both single and double action in a durable, all-day portable and classy package. CB

 

[M29since14]

...A .44 Magnum is not meant as a target gun. It is meant to hunt suitable game or to save your life if attacked by a large animal. If you fired 18 rounds without getting a bad flinch, you're good to go!

Mike, you have received a lot of good advice here. Stocks do make a difference, but the technique of handling the recoil described by Snowman and others is important, too. What Texas Star says above should be absolutely obvious to anyone, but in "internet commando-land" it is not fashionable. The point is, find the stocks you like, refine your technique, and practice. It may not be possible for you to tolerate 100-rounds of 44 Magnums in an afternoon. If not, don't worry about it. It is more important to be able to fire 18- or 24-rounds that are carefully aimed and hit the target than to blaze away and do nothing but tear up the berm.

As to the 4- versus 6-inch barrel thing, I have never seen anyone seriously argue which is more comfortable to fire - it's the 6-inch gun. A lot of folks do seem to get along reasonably well with 4-inchers (I am not one of them) but the general rule has always been: 4-inch = "mean!", 6.5-inch = "better!", 8.375-inch = "almost tame."

 

[one eye joe]

Mike, you have received a lot of good advice here. Stocks do make a difference, but the technique of handling the recoil described by Snowman and others is important, too. What Texas Star says above should be absolutely obvious to anyone, but in "internet commando-land" it is not fashionable. The point is, find the stocks you like, refine your technique, and practice. It may not be possible for you to tolerate 100-rounds of 44 Magnums in an afternoon. If not, don't worry about it. It is more important to be able to fire 18- or 24-rounds that are carefully aimed and hit the target than to blaze away and do nothing but tear up the berm.

As to the 4- versus 6-inch barrel thing, I have never seen anyone seriously argue which is more comfortable to fire - it's the 6-inch gun. A lot of folks do seem to get along reasonably well with 4-inchers (I am not one of them) but the general rule has always been: 4-inch = "mean!", 6.5-inch = "better!", 8.375-inch = "almost tame."

I agree. It's DEFINITELY better to fire a cylinder or two of well aimed shots than to blaze through a full box of ammo and accomplish nothing--EXCEPT to perhaps develop a flinch....

 

[Clean Break]

But if you actually plan to carry and wear that .44 all day in a holster, especially hiking/hunting in the mountains... a 8 3/8" gun is extremely tiresome and likely to be left in the truck; here, ounces count and a much lighter 4" shines.

As far as accuracy with magnum loads, it is hard to imagine a scenario where more than 2-4 well aimed shots would not be enough to neutralize most any threat I am likely to face, but yeah, I guess methies sometimes travel in packs. Good thing I've got 6 fast ones and a few backups in the pocket. CB

CB

 

[one eye joe]

But if you actually plan to carry and wear that .44 all day in a holster, especially hiking/hunting in the mountains... a 8 3/8" gun is extremely tiresome and likely to be left in the truck; here, ounces count and a much lighter 4" shines.

As far as accuracy with magnum loads, it is hard to imagine a scenario where more than 2-4 well aimed shots would not be enough to neutralize most any threat I am likely to face, but yeah, I guess methies sometimes travel in packs. Good thing I've got 6 fast ones and a few backups in the pocket. CB

CB

I agree. I think the N frame 625 or 629 Mountain Guns in either .45 Colt or .44 Mag are the MOST versatile of the big bore revolvers. They are easily carried, and deliver the power on command............

 

[bronco45]

My standard load for 29s of all stripes over the past 30 years has been a 255 Keith and 18 grains of 2400 for a load that is controllable and reasonable for me to shoot.

It's powerful, very accurate, and has met all the challenges I have given it. does right at 1100 fps in my 5" 629.

 

[CWH44300]

My standard load for 29s of all stripes over the past 30 years has been a 255 Keith and 18 grains of 2400 for a load that is controllable and reasonable for me to shoot.

It's powerful, very accurate, and has met all the challenges I have given it. does right at 1100 fps in my 5" 629.

10-4 on that load, its a dam good one, the majority of my 44's like it but a few of them like a little more powder (19gr) its pretty hard to beat 2400 and a 250 Keith

 

[ckprax]

The only issue that I have while shooting a lot of 44Mag is that my right hand thumb contacts the cylinder release, eventually taking a good chunk of skin off. I have to consciously hold my thumb down with my left hand thumb to avoid it. Lowering my grip helps too but I have less control. Does anyone else have this issue?

 

[TDC]

One of the best threads discussing grips, hand-loads, and the collective issues regarding handgun/shooter performance I've seen in a long time!

Not a single invalid point among the posts, IMO... Lots of knowledge and experience here!

 

[one eye joe]

One of the best threads discussing grips, hand-loads, and the collective issues regarding handgun/shooter performance I've seen in a long time!

Not a single invalid point among the posts, IMO... Lots of knowledge and experience here!

DITTO ! ! !

 

[MikeChandler]

I'm going back Saturday, after I've loaded some of the 44sp p+, but I am going to try managing the recoil as discussed above with the full house loads too. I've also got some new badger grips that are more ergonomic - they fit my hand much better, so hopefully that will help a little too.

Thanks everybody for all the advice - I will post a follow up!

 

[one eye joe]

Good luck, Mike............

 

[arc2x4]

If you reload, get a big bottle of Trailboss and some 240 grain SWC lead bullets. Look up the max cowboy action load on Hodgdons website 7.3 grains and load up a bunch of these. They will give you about 900 fps, great accuracy and little recoil. They will be leading and smoke free. Use .44 magnum cases and magnum primers.

Accurate and economical, very pleasant to shoot.

Its my favorite .44 magnum load.

 

[elkturkey3]

i have a 624 44 spl and have enjoyed shooting it a lot i bought a 629-1 44mag last month finely bought some 240grn rem sp and shot half the box what a rude awakeing the differance in the kick of the gun i do reload so i am going to try and reload softer loads just so i con shoot more

 

[M29since14]

My standard load for 29s of all stripes over the past 30 years has been a 255 Keith and 18 grains of 2400 for a load that is controllable and reasonable for me to shoot.

Try this one. Over the years, I have seen more guys using 18-19 grs of 2400 than anything else. It is not as hot as you can load the 44, but it is nothing to sneeze at. If I want a slightly heavier load, I use basically the same charge and substitute the H&G #326 bullet (275 grs). Either of these loads will probably shoot right through two whitetails, if you can get them lined up for the shot.

 

[blackcloud45]

I found the wood grips on my 29-10 to cause pain after minimal shooting (~50 rounds). I switched to Hogues and now enjoy shooting .44 mags in it. It's actually addictive!

 

[jnichols2]

I think there are two philosophys with these big bores.

1. Wood grips. Let the gun roll in your hand. I don't seem to be able to make that work for me, maybe with some more practice.

2. Grip the gun firmly. Let your arms rise with the gun, but keep your grip. That seems better for me. However; smooth grips work against that. Hogue rubber finger grips help a lot. With wood grips, gloves help.

Not trying to convert you to either method. Just giving options. But, if the shock of recoil hurts your hand, rubber grips that cover the back are a friend.

 

[Tom S.]

I think there are two philosophys with these big bores.

1. Wood grips. Let the gun roll in your hand. I don't seem to be able to make that work for me, maybe with some more practice.

2. Grip the gun firmly. Let your arms rise with the gun, but keep your grip. That seems better for me. However; smooth grips work against that. Hogue rubber finger grips help a lot. With wood grips, gloves help.

Not trying to convert you to either method. Just giving options. But, if the shock of recoil hurts your hand, rubber grips that cover the back are a friend.

 

[Joed49]

The correct grips for you are hard to find and can be different for everyone. I've tried changing grips and it may take a few to find what works for you. I've usaually found Hogue works for me but not on every gun.

All I can say is good luck.