44 msg 300 grain XTP hits low

[Jimmar]

I recently purchased a steel Henry Big Boy 44mag in 20”. I have a scope mounted on it. I’m getting 2-3” groups at 50 yards with Hornady XTP 240 gr factory loads and similar results with hand loaded 240 XTP and 23 gr of H4227. Expected tighter groups but maybe I need practice.

I loaded some 300gr XTP with 18.2gr of H110. I got a group of about 3/4” at 50 yds. BUT about 8” low. I expected some drop but not THAT much.

Is this normal? If it’s what I should expect I’ll adjust my scope elevation for this load.

 

[jcm800]

That's normal. If you have hash marks on your crosshairs just use the one that lines up. Then you can shoot either load. Useful when shooting full power / subs.

 

[joshb]

You should chrono both loads. You’ll get a different impact point because of rifle movement and velocity change.
If it were mine, I’d shoot the more accurate load, but try some 200 and 180 grain bullets.
I just got a 44 mag Marlin that I’ll be working up a load for. I bought a few different powders to try and 180, 200, 240 and 300 grain bullets.
What is your intended use of the gun?

 

[SeabeeKen]

My 357 Mag Henry loves Alliant 2400 and shoots .47" @ 50. Different animal I know but 2400 is also an excellent powder in 44 Mag. Mine was shooting 3" when I started and after bore scoping the rifle I found the worst bore I ever saw. Looked like nails had been shot thru it. Sent it back and had a new barrel put on and it now shoots great.

 

[Jimmar]

You should chrono both loads. You’ll get a different impact point because of rifle movement and velocity change.
If it were mine, I’d shoot the more accurate load, but try some 200 and 180 grain bullets.
I just got a 44 mag Marlin that I’ll be working up a load for. I bought a few different powders to try and 180, 200, 240 and 300 grain bullets.
What is your intended use of the gun?

Thanks for your reply. I plan to use it for deer hunting. I rarely have a shot over 100 yards. I think I’ll use my 240 grain loads this season since I have plenty and they seem to be accurate enough for my shot range. Then spend more time developing a 300 grain load for next year. I tried some 180 grain loads and they didn’t seem as accurate.

 

[joshb]

Maybe try a few different charge weights with the 240 and H110.

 

[over_thetop]

stick with the 300 and just adjust your scope.

 

[DocBII]

Jimmar,

You may wish to try VV N110 with the 300s. It's faster and grouped better than H110. I have the same amount of drop between 240s and 300s, but gave away the 240s to pistol shooting friends.

HTH,
DocBII

 

[over_thetop]

Jimmar,

You may wish to try VV N110 with the 300s. It's faster and grouped better than H110. I have the same amount of drop between 240s and 300s, but gave away the 240s to pistol shooting friends.

HTH,
DocBII

I think we need to leave him be, with loads

 

[Jimmar]

I recently purchased a steel Henry Big Boy 44mag in 20”. I have a scope mounted on it. I’m getting 2-3” groups at 50 yards with Hornady XTP 240 gr factory loads and similar results with hand loaded 240 XTP and 23 gr of H4227. Expected tighter groups but maybe I need practice.

I loaded some 300gr XTP with 18.2gr of H110. I got a group of about 3/4” at 50 yds. BUT about 8” low. I expected some drop but not THAT much.

Is this normal? If it’s what I should expect I’ll adjust my scope elevation for this load.View attachment 1598402

I recently purchased a steel Henry Big Boy 44mag in 20”. I have a scope mounted on it. I’m getting 2-3” groups at 50 yards with Hornady XTP 240 gr factory loads and similar results with hand loaded 240 XTP and 23 gr of H4227. Expected tighter groups but maybe I need practice.

I loaded some 300gr XTP with 18.2gr of H110. I got a group of about 3/4” at 50 yds. BUT about 8” low. I expected some drop but not THAT much.

Is this normal? If it’s what I should expect I’ll adjust my scope elevation for this load.View attachment 1598402

Thanks for all the advice. I’ve got some shooting to do!

 

[bozo699]

I think we need to leave him be, with loads

Why?…..
Wayne