.44 magnum shotshell in a rifle

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tgh1117

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Hi guys, I just recently acquired a ruger 77/44 (18.5" barrel .44 mag bolt action carbine). I was wondering if anyone knows where to get .44 mag shotshell or even just the plastic capsules to reload myself. Anyone have any experience shooting/reloading these shotshells? Short vs. Long barrel? Ive even read some vague instructions on some what macgyvering a load with shot sandwiched between cardboard wads or something like that? Im open to suggestions. Im planning on using them for grouse at as close range as possible. Any input will be helpful.

Thanks
 
My uncle used 2 gas checks to make his shotshells, with the top one being inverted and crimped into the .44 Mag case. He also made a longer version (1.600") by using .303 British brass and old felt or card board wads for loading .410 shotshells.

Edit: I'll also add that he abandoned the idea of using them on grouse after less than spectacular results and simply went back to beheading them with the same loads he would use on big game. The shotshells were reserved for pest control around the bird feeders!
 
Yup if you want shot shells for pests, use the gas check method. Lots of info on Google.

For grouse use a real slow moving cast bullet. Just fast enough to exit the muzzle. Be careful. :)
 
I have a Ruger 77/44 and tried CCI shotshells. The patterns were pretty bad and I wouldn't want to shoot anything much beyond a couple of yards. At that distance I might as well use a solid.

Also worth mentioning is to be careful unloading these rounds from the chamber. The shot capsule isn't that firmly attached to the case and can separate when pulling the bolt back. It took quite some time to get all that shot out of the magazine.:redface:

The 77/44 is a neat little rifle. They are significantly improved with the addition of a Volquartsen sear which reduces the trigger pull to manageable levels.
 
shot shells in a rifle are fun to try, but have no real practical use. As the shot spins down the barrel it will centrifuge out into a donut pattern after clearing the muzzle. The center of your pattern becomes the safe zone, lol. Their effective range is around 20'
 
I loaded shot capsules for my 77/44 when I had it. When I used the published data groups were terrible. I started backing off and eventually found a decent load that gave respectable groups. I think I still have two boxes of the capsules..... If interested shoot me a pm.
 
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