Reloading for 44 Magnum Henry Mares Leg

[Farris Bueller]

Hey all, I am new to reloading for pistol cartridges and so far have had some success, but I am looking to see if anyone has any insite into reloading for a 12.75" barrelled 44 Magnum. I currently have 4lbs HP-38 and 3 lbs of H110. I have got good results with 240 gr LSWC with 10.5 grain of HP-38 with a CCI 300 primer so far. A few other loads show potential, but I am looking for a load that I can make up for deer hunting in northern Ontario (where your longest shots are 100 yards generally, but usually under 50 yards). I also have the full length stock which makes it a nice little bush gun as well as fun to shoot. I'm just trying to save a few bucks on a crap load of testing. I've already put 400 rounds down it trying to develop a load and it seems like only a few loads so far have been decent enough to even think of hunting with. Point me in the right direction if you can mostly bullet selection and powder weights. Anything is appreciated.

 

[rick357]

Hey all, I am new to reloading for pistol cartridges and so far have had some success, but I am looking to see if anyone has any insite into reloading for a 12.75" barrelled 44 Magnum. I currently have 4lbs HP-38 and 3 lbs of H110. I have got good results with 240 gr LSWC with 10.5 grain of HP-38 with a CCI 300 primer so far. A few other loads show potential, but I am looking for a load that I can make up for deer hunting in northern Ontario (where your longest shots are 100 yards generally, but usually under 50 yards). I also have the full length stock which makes it a nice little bush gun as well as fun to shoot. I'm just trying to save a few bucks on a crap load of testing. I've already put 400 rounds down it trying to develop a load and it seems like only a few loads so far have been decent enough to even think of hunting with. Point me in the right direction if you can mostly bullet selection and powder weights. Anything is appreciated.

I use 225 gr HRN FTX with full load of H110 (worked up to it for MY rifle - safety first) and magnum primer to push it along. Ruger 77/44. I use Lee Precision dies with factory collet and give the case a decent crimp. It is stout but good for 50-100m. It ain't no benchrest gun but it is decently accurate, around 2moa.

 

[VinnyQC]

I'm not a fan of non-magnum powders in magnum cartridges. I've never had good results with fast burning powders in magnum cartridges. My usual load of 44magnum is 23.6grn of H110 with a 240grn FMJ bullet. I use it in a pistol, so in a long barrel (12.5 is twice the length of my pistol) and how slow H110 burns, it should work pretty well for you.

I would stick to a 240grn bullet but not a simple FMJ like I use. Try something like hornady XTP. The terminal ballistic performance will be much better for hunting than an FMJ. Start low (23grn) and go up (max 24grn). With H110 you need a magnum primer, CCI350.

If you want to shoot farther, the hornady leverevolution FTX 225gn bullet would be better. Again, with H110 and CCI 350 primer. Suggested load is 19.0 to 21.5grn. Just make sure the follower of the tubular magazine will work correctly with pointy bullets.

That's my 2¢.

 

[The ROC]

Hey all, I am new to reloading for pistol cartridges and so far have had some success, but I am looking to see if anyone has any insite into reloading for a 12.75" barrelled 44 Magnum. I currently have 4lbs HP-38 and 3 lbs of H110. I have got good results with 240 gr LSWC with 10.5 grain of HP-38 with a CCI 300 primer so far. A few other loads show potential, but I am looking for a load that I can make up for deer hunting in northern Ontario (where your longest shots are 100 yards generally, but usually under 50 yards). I also have the full length stock which makes it a nice little bush gun as well as fun to shoot. I'm just trying to save a few bucks on a crap load of testing. I've already put 400 rounds down it trying to develop a load and it seems like only a few loads so far have been decent enough to even think of hunting with. Point me in the right direction if you can mostly bullet selection and powder weights. Anything is appreciated.

Not using the same powder as you but here are my results using IMR4227. https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/1456690-Henry-Mare-s-Leg-44-Mag-with-full-length-stock/page3

It's my cabin and deer rifle with the full length stock.

Come deer season I will be mounting a Leupold 1.5-5X20mm as my shots will be 60 yards or less.

 

[jethunter]

I'm quite interested in getting the setup you have, 44mag 12" bbl and regular butt stock.

I loaded for a 10" bbl 44 mag revolver for some time. Found H110 and IMR4227 to be very good with 240 and 300 gr cast bullets.

 

[jethunter]

dt.

 

[cooleyc]

I run H110/W296 with 300 Sierras and CCI 350 primers out of my 70's era Marlin 1894. I needed seated quite deep to keep COL short enough to cycle so I reduced the powder charge to 19gr, compared to my original pistol load of 20. I can just barely crimp on the cannelure. To simplify matters, I just use the shorter rifle load with a little less powder in both now.

I haven't had a chance to take it hunting yet, but judging by the noise it makes on the 100m gong I doubt anything will walk away. I might try it this year, there's a couple of good short range spots where I hunt.

The rifle has a set of Skinner Winged sights. The front post had to be cut down aways, since they hit 2' low when maxed out on adjustment. I use RCBS dies to size and seat, and a Lee FCD to crimp. Most of the brass is Winchester, although I think there is some Hornady in there.

It also likes 240gr Nosler JSPs and a lot of H110. Almost max, iirc.

I have also read that Lil' Gun works really well for 44 Mag but since I have good results with H110, I haven't tried it.

I know it's been said before, but make sure you work up the load for your gun.