Finally think I have found a .44 mag hunting load for the lever action

[Scrumbag]

Well folks,

After a fair bit of trying, think I have an OK hunting load for the .44 mag.

Vihtavouri N110 powder
Magtech Large Pistol Primer
Nosler JSP 240gr

The below is just a 4 shot group from the ladder and I reckon the top right is a pull.

Only 50 yds but I reckon a place to investigate further. Decided to ditch H110 as think really needs a magnum pistol primer and they aren't the easiest of things to find where I am and I was getting very sooty cases with H110 and usually 2 "groups" when I shot, split by elevation.

I will load up some more with that charge weight and report back.

Scrummy

 

[rogn]

I load 45Colt hunting loads and I've found that std LP primers can result in squibs in a revolver. In a rifle or carbine they do well, I guess do to the lack of a cylinder gap. But in cooler weather, under 60* I've had more than 1 squib, but never in a rifle. The VV110 shoots very well and very clean.
On the other hand the H100 does very well with mag primers, and seems to provide the highest velocities.

 

[Scrumbag]

I load 45Colt hunting loads and I've found that std LP primers can result in squibs in a revolver. In a rifle or carbine they do well, I guess do to the lack of a cylinder gap. But in cooler weather, under 60* I've had more than 1 squib, but never in a rifle. The VV110 shoots very well and very clean.
On the other hand the H100 does very well with mag primers, and seems to provide the highest velocities.

Yeah think for H110 you really need that Magnum primer and for where I am 60F (or 15C) is quite a warm pleasant day.

I did like the clean cases.

I haven't chrono'ed the load yet, software predicts ~1830 fps from the 20" barrel.

Scrummy

 

[RegionRat]

With lever guns, sometimes a little bbl heating will cause the group to open or drift. Check a cold bore shot and you may find it is right back on your spot again.

Have you checked the load with and without a crimp?

My 44 Mag hunting loads seemed to do best with a good taper crimp as well as a magnum primer.

How far from London to where you hunt and what are you hunting?

 

[Scrumbag]

With lever guns, sometimes a little bbl heating will cause the group to open or drift. Check a cold bore shot and you may find it is right back on your spot again.

Have you checked the load with and without a crimp?

My 44 Mag hunting loads seemed to do best with a good taper crimp as well as a magnum primer.

How far from London to where you hunt and what are you hunting?

Hi RegionRat,

Crimp - use the Lee crimp on it as was advised for lever actions you needed it because of the tube feeding.

My hunting grounds are about a 130 mile drive

Scrummy

 

[JSH]

Be aware there are some leverguns with terrible twist in 44 magnum.

 

[Scrumbag]

Be aware there are some leverguns with terrible twist in 44 magnum.

Very true. This is a 1:20 so should be OK