good 96/44 load

[chefrob1]

just picked up a 96/44 and i was wondering what would a good all around load be for this gun. i've never owned a gun in this cal. and i got this gun with the thought of getting a redhawk or SRH down the line. this will mostly be a "camp" gun for the high country for black bear and any other unwelcomed guest.....not for hunting. also what would a good load be for plinking and just cheaper fun shooting?
thx........

 

[mike7mm08]

If you reload the 240 grain XTP over a full load of H110 is hard to beat. The 240 will handle most everything you are likely to encounter. You can buy loaded ammo with this bullet as well. I only shoot my own ammo so I cannot comment on the accuracy or performance of the factory loads. I do know that I have yet to find a bullet that both my 96/44s will not shoot acceptable to excellent. As for plinking factory ammo wise any type of lead or jacketed again the 240 grain range would be good. Blazer or american eagle would be options to consider. For reloads I like laser cast lead. There are cheap lead bullets available but the laser cast are accurate and don't lead much and are easy to clean up after.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

First you need some bullets. I like to shoot 240gr jacketed bullets like XTPs, Remington JSPs and Speer JHPs. For sport shooting I use Rainier or Berry's copper plated bullets. Nothing wrong with hard cast lead either.

For powder I recommend a full charge of H-110 or Accurate #9. For sport shooting/plinking again with a 240gr bullet 16.0 - 18.0gr of Accurate #9 works well for me. Another go to sport/plinking powder; Blue Dot 12.0 - 13.0gr with 240gr bullets. All loads with WLP primers in quality cases.

The 44 magnum in handguns and rifles is just so darn versatile the sky is the limit. You don't have to use the slow burning handgun powders but they work best in the rifles. You can load lighter flatter shooting bullets or heavier harder hitting bullets. Let us know how you like your new gun. 8) 8)

...Jimbo

 

[chefrob1]

thx for the input/ideas........i should have said i have not gotten into reloading yet so i was more interested in factory loads. i will say though with the addition of the 44mag i will be looking at reloading due to cost as well as the abillity to load for plinking or stopping power.....and jimbo, i can't wait to get out and fire this one.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

For factory loads I have found Federal American Eagle to be accurate, powerful and reliable, either JHP or JSP. Winchester White Box is also good, just not quite as accurate in my guns. A milder and cheaper factory ammo that has worked well for me is MagTech. 8) 8)

...Jimbo

 

[don44]

Federal American Eagle shoots very well in my 44's.

 

[chefrob1]

thx guys, i picked up a box of WWB to start and i'll get a box of Federal American Eagle for comparison.