44 magnum rifle loads. Marlin 1894 and ruger carbine

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rl4930

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Hey guys. I just picked up a marlin 1894 lever action, and a ruger carbine in 44 magnum. I'm looking for some good 44 magnum loads tailored to rifle length barrels and some good bullet choices. I'm an experienced long range reloader. Have never loaded for a bush hunting rifle. I have about 12 lbs of varget and 9 lbs of h4350, thinking that's gonna be waay to slow. Also, do you guys use pistol primers or small rifle primers to burn the slower powder u could possibly use in the longer barrel?

Thanks!
 
Loads for the 44 magnum cartridge are loaded all the same, whether they are to be fired in a rifle or a revolver. Only difference is the rifles get about 250, maybe 300 fps better velocity.
Old H110 or 2400 are the two, almost standard load, for the 44.

Also, a 240 grain cast bullet, wither flat base or gas check is the common bullet.
 
Rifle primers will not fit in a .44 Magnum case; they are too tall to seat flush.

L'il Gun and 4227 are also suitable powders for maximum loads. Whatever powder gives you the highest velocity in a short barrel will also give you the highest velocity in a long barrel. Choosing a powder that is any slower than will mean that you run out of case capacity long before you reach maximum pressure, thus limiting the velocity that you can reach.
 
Rifle primers will not fit in a .44 Magnum case; they are too tall to seat flush.

Could have been the problem but my first 44 Magnum was a S&W Model 29, carried by a faller in Petersburg, Alaska.
His Load was Federal Magnum Rifle primers and 26.5 grains of 2400. These loads were designed for "Serious Social Intercourse" when bears were involved. Everyone carried a handgun and there was never a recorded robbery.
The primers were flat after firing. It didn't take long to realize the load was toooo hot.
My silhouette load in my second Model 29-2 was 24.0 grains of WW296 and I would think that would be suitable in rifles however Hornady shows 25.0 in rifles and 24.5 in handguns with a 240 grain jacketed bullet.
Both loads should be approached from below max by 10%.
 
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