.44 Carbine, My first visit to the range! Some Problems?????

[slotbike]

I just got back from the range. I took my 1977 .44 Carbine that I just purchased (one owner, MINT, used). I was using Magtech SJSP ammo (240 gr.). The problem that I was having was with feeding. Every once in a while, the 3rd or 4th round wouldn't feed and a few times the whole action jammed up. Anybody have similar issues? any solutions? Also, I am going to start reloading for this firearm using Titegroup powder. Anybody ever use this powder for .44 Mag in "this" firearm?

G

 

[Jimbo357mag]

I have shot a lot of MagTech ammo and it seemed pretty weak to me. It won't come close to working the action in my Deerfield 44mag Carbine. Try some Winchester 'white box' 240gr ammo or Federal Am Eagle. Good brass and reasonable in price.

As far as reloading goes, a slower powder like H-110 or Accurate #9 works well for me with 240gr jacketed bullets. 8) 8)

...Jimbo

 

[slotbike]

Jimbo,

Thanks for the reply.......I bought 2000 240 gr. jacketed soft point bullets from Montana Gold Bullets to reload. I hope these will be OK.

G

 

[mike7mm08]

Any time there is any problem with a 44 carbine cycling the first thing I do is a total disassembly and cleaning. It could be ammo related as well. But a complete cleaning will cure 90 percent of issues with this particular firearm. The 240 grain bullets will be fine. That was the bullet weight and design this firearm was designed around. You mention using titegroup for your powder. I would suggest using H110 or 296 instead. Titegroup generates lower velocities and pressures than nearly all powders that can be used in the 44 mag. Those low pressures are not very conducive to reliable cycling of a semiauto.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

slotbike, you might find this multi-page article with pics valuable. 8) 8)

http://hunting.about.com/od/guns/ig/Ruger-44-Carbine-Instructions/

...Jimbo

 

[slotbike]

WOW, thank you!!!!!

 

[mike28w]

Hi Slotbike, I like my 44, but when I first got it, it was a battle to get it to work right.... I learned a bunch....
1. The article listed above is excellent ! Save it or better yet, print it.
2.Ruger was no help at all... :x (They seemed offended that I would even ask them.....)
3. Give it a very good cleaning and lubing...make sure the gas port in the barrel is completely open. If some yahoo shot lead through it, it will plug that gas port. Even a partial plug will make your gun unrelaible.
4. Shoot only jacketed bullets.....down loaded ammo may be unreliable..
5. Some of the guns have an adjustment to help control how fast/hard the gas piston bumps the recoil mechanism. It's a small hex head screw adjustment that is directly in front of the gas piston.... If you do a search, there are instructions on how to adjust this. If you can't find it, let me know as i can send you the link. ( PM me) Mine was loose and out of adjustment. It's easily adjusted and then I put some Blue Locktite on it.
6.So far everything I've mentioned is easy and cheap to do....and will most likely get you up and running !! :)
7Unfortunately, that wasn't the case for me.... When Ruger made the early models of this gun, they designed the trigger assembly group with a protruding lip in the front, to hold the assembly in place. This lip was made of cast aluminum.....poor design ! Mine had broken off ( before I got it) and someone used JB Weld to glue it back in place...It lasted for ~ 20 rounds...bummer. After much ado, I was able to find a replacement at Numrich Arms. They sell an improved ( newer ?) version that required some gunsmith machining to adapt. It's a better design and the gun has worked well , since!! (From your description, I DO NOT think that this is your problem...fwiw)
8. I really like my little carbine and expect that you will too, but since Ruger won't support it at all........just know that you are on your own at times......
9. If you have any questions, feel free to post or PM me
10 Enjoy your gun !! It's a neat little gun !