Think I've finally found a hunting load for the .44 mag leveraction

[Paul Raley]

Paul I have a Marlin 1894 with the micro-groove and it's not the least bit temperamental. Quite the contrary actually. It shoots might near every load ever tried in it to 4" at 100 yards, and that is with either irons or a red dot. My 2 different Keith style cast bullets sized to .431" shoot exceptionally well in it as do 240 gr XTP's, 240 gr Oregon Trail lazercast, and 250 gr Nosler soft points

Thank you for this information , greatly appreciated . I will be experimenting soon with some different loads of 240 gr XTPs , hopefully I can get them to group decently . I have experimented with various hand loads and factory loads and thus far the only accurate round has been Hornady factory 180 gr XTPs which grouped very well at 50 m . Photo of grouping attached . The problem that I have is that I think the 180 gr bullets are a little too light for Bushpig , Warthog and Wildebeest which is what I intend hunting with the 44 Mag .

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

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.

View attachment 414576

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

@Scrumbag
Scrummy git yersef a 444 marlin son. More power and shoots good.

100 yards, half inch squares.
The load was used in my SMLE No4 444 conversion and IS NO RECOMENDED for one in marlin lever actions

 

[Scrumbag]

Thank you for this information , greatly appreciated . I will be experimenting soon with some different loads of 240 gr XTPs , hopefully I can get them to group decently . I have experimented with various hand loads and factory loads and thus far the only accurate round has been Hornady factory 180 gr XTPs which grouped very well at 50 m . Photo of grouping attached . The problem that I have is that I think the 180 gr bullets are a little too light for Bushpig , Warthog and Wildebeest which is what I intend hunting with the 44 Mag .

View attachment 451439

Paul, that would be my view. I tried some 200gr XTP and 210gr Sierra JHC but I think they will not penetrate well or give you the option of breaking bone when you might want to.

I do have some Peregrine 180gr Hog and 205gr to try next. Understand they should work at Rifle Velocities.

I'll let you know how I get on.

Scrummy

 

[Scrumbag]

@Scrumbag
Scrummy git yersef a 444 marlin son. More power and shoots good.
View attachment 451440
100 yards, half inch squares.
The load was used in my SMLE No4 444 conversion and IS NO RECOMENDED for one in marlin lever actions

Ah yes but a light plinking load in .44 mag is a lot of fun too.

Mild to wild as they say.

Scrummy

 

[VertigoBE]

Red dot works

Red dot would be even better indeed. As follow-up of wild boar is often in heavy growth without a lot of light, and/or when it is getting dark.

 

[Scrumbag]

Red dot would be even better indeed. As follow-up of wild boar is often in heavy growth without a lot of light, and/or when it is getting dark.

Oh red dots are nifty:

That's a 3 MOA Burris FastFire III on the Chiappa

Though I think if I was going after something that might do me harm this in 9.3x62 with 286gr Norma Oryx might be my choice:

 

[VertigoBE]

Oh red dots are nifty:

That's a 3 MOA Burris FastFire III on the Chiappa

Though I think if I was going after something that might do me harm this in 9.3x62 with 286gr Norma Oryx might be my choice:

pretty good looking too, to be honest.

For the mount of the red dot on the 9.3x62, it replaces the rear iron v-notch? Or it goes over it?

 

[Scrumbag]

Hi @VertigoBE

Basically I had a mounting block milled to fit the dovetail that the rear notch sight sat in.

More detail here: https://www.africahunting.com/threads/which-red-dot-reflex-for-a-9-3x62.49331/page-3

 

[Paul Raley]

Paul, that would be my view. I tried some 200gr XTP and 210gr Sierra JHC but I think they will not penetrate well or give you the option of breaking bone when you might want to.

I do have some Peregrine 180gr Hog and 205gr to try next. Understand they should work at Rifle Velocities.

I'll let you know how I get on.

Scrummy

Thank you Scrummy , look forward to the feedback and results . I am fortunate to have a friend that makes monolithic bullets , it looks like at some stage we might test some in the Marlin 44 mag . If and when that happens I will also post the results .
I have used some of his monolithics in my Marlin 45-70 and they are extremely accurate , but that being said the 45-70 has ballard rifling which most probably makes a difference .

 

[Scrumbag]

Happy to share results my friend. Currently trying to source powder.

Best wishes,

Scrummy

Thank you Scrummy , look forward to the feedback and results . I am fortunate to have a friend that makes monolithic bullets , it looks like at some stage we might test some in the Marlin 44 mag . If and when that happens I will also post the results .
I have used some of his monolithics in my Marlin 45-70 and they are extremely accurate , but that being said the 45-70 has ballard rifling which most probably makes a difference .

 

[sestoppelman]

Red dot works

A wee bit fast for full power loads though.

EDIT> LOL, thought you were talking about the powder, not sighting equipment!

 

[Scrumbag]

A wee bit fast for full power loads though.

EDIT> LOL, thought you were talking about the powder, not sighting equipment!

No worries matey!

I understand Red Dot Powder makes a nice plinking load with a cast lead 240gr RNFP.

Scrummy

 

[Sabattiboy]

You can always try Alliants 2400, classic 44 mag powder. You can load to about 22 grs of it with a 240gr.
Usually very accurate.

Shoot 2400 for my serious social engagement 44 mag 240gr bullet loads out a M29-8.375 bbl. 1500 fps. Use CCI-250 Mag primers.
Found 2400 to be problematical with static cling in the measure so drop and weigh every case charge.
For reduced loads I use HS-6 with non mag primers. It can be run up near top fps.
Not sure how these loads would do in a rifle.

 

[Scrumbag]

Well folks,

I couldn't get get Barnes XPB but managed to get some non-lead bullets from the South African company, Peregrine.

Left: 180gr Hog
Centre: 240gr Nosler JSP (for comparison)
Right: 205gr VRG3

So, I just need to pick-up Viht N105 and Hodgdon Lil'gun on Sunday.... So, non-lead load, perhaps here we come.

Scrummy

 

[Sabattiboy]

Well folks,

I couldn't get get Barnes XPB but managed to get some non-lead bullets from the South African company, Peregrine.

View attachment 453110

Left: 180gr Hog
Centre: 240gr Nosler JSP (for comparison)
Right: 205gr VRG3

So, I just need to pick-up Viht N105 and Hodgdon Lil'gun on Sunday.... So, non-lead load, perhaps here we come.

Scrummy

Those look like great bullets. I should try some in my S&W M29. Years back I used some 180gr JHP that ran 1800 fps. Lighter bullet have less muzzle rise then the 240gr. Of course these days the non lead bullets offer a lot in all calibers.
Carry on and good shooting.

 

[Scrumbag]

Those look like great bullets. I should try some in my S&W M29. Years back I used some 180gr JHP that ran 1800 fps. Lighter bullet have less muzzle rise then the 240gr. Of course these days the non lead bullets offer a lot in all calibers.
Carry on and good shooting.

Thanks @Sabattiboy we shall have to see how it goes but am hopeful.

Yes I think there is something to be said for copper bullets but not all of my experiences have been positive so far.

Scrummy

 

[Sabattiboy]

Thanks @Sabattiboy we shall have to see how it goes but am hopeful.

Yes I think there is something to be said for copper bullets but not all of my experiences have been positive so far.

Scrummy

Any chance Lehigh bullets might be available to you?

 

[Scrumbag]

Any chance Lehigh bullets might be available to you?

Theoretically yes, practically no…

 

[Sabattiboy]

Theoretically yes, practically no…

Apparently, I am in the same boat with the Peregrine bullet.

 

[Scrumbag]

Apparently, I am in the same boat with the Peregrine bullet.

Ah gotcha