Handloading for Ruger 44 Carbine????

[BearStopper]

I worked out a super accurate handload for my Redhawk using Unique powder which happens to be a reasonably light load for 44 mag although still packs a punch. I notice that when tried in my 44 Carbine it failed to completely cycle the bolt so it failed to eject and therefore did not feed the next round. This did not occur with the much hotter factory loads so I guess that means that a full power load is best in a semi-auto rifle? I also have some old Remington model 8 rifles that do the same with my handloads but not factory ammo so I am assuming that loads for a semi-auto need to be very precise to have the recoil or bolt speed to function well. Any expert auto reloaders have any thoughts to add?

 

[DeletedMember275]

Semi-auto rifles (and shotguns) are designed to operate within a relatively narrow pressure 'window.' Recoil operated guns like your Rem Model 8 can be even less forgiving that gas operated guns like the Ruger. I'd load to at least near factory specs, if I wanted my reloads to operate the actions.

 

[Bucks Owin]

My dad used H2400 in his .44 carbine "back in the day"...FWIW

 

[Jimbo357mag]

I tried several different powders and different loads until I was put on the right path by the RugerForum guys. H-110/w296 is hard to beat for smooth operation and accuracy in the Ruger Carbines. For a 240gr jacketed bullet (don't use lead unless you want to be cleaning the gas port out) try 23.0gr or just a little lower and work up to a max of 24.0gr. When you find a load that works the action reliably hold there as you don't want to punish that fine old gun. I have also got a good load with Accurate #9 powder but it is a little over max by the book and I don't want to put that in print. 8) 8)

...Jimbo

 

[BearStopper]

I finally got ahold of some Win 296 and worked up a load. I tried it with 24 gr to see how accurate it was and while the accuracy didn't wow me, I was amazed to find that the 44 mag can have considerable recoil in a rifle. I always assumed it would be pretty tame even with heavy loads but it left bruises with only ten rounds fired. Functioned well but the accuracy was better with a little lighter load. I am not recoil shy as I have been able to shoot heavy 45-70 loads and 300 Win mag loads no problem but the carbine butt stock bites in on my upper shoulder as it rolls up and bruises the hell out of me. Something about this little carbine is just handy though and I see me sitting a treestand come August after the black bear who rudely ripped my trail camera off a tree and chewed on it and I plan to use the Ruger.

 

[tomisu]

I know I am relitively new here, but I have a lot of experience hand loading for semi-auto rifles. I will also state that I have little experience loading for the 44 mag carbine and mainly use my 240 gr hand gun loads with success, but can compare it to the 30 M1 carbine. Most semi-auto rifles have a narrow range of powder and bullet weights where they work properly. In the case of the carbine the powder range is H110/Win 296 on the fast end and IMR4227/H4227 on the slow end - not much range. I know a 240 gr jacketed bullet is a good weight for the carbine, others here may be able to give you a better idea for usable bullet weights, I would guess that from powder charts you can go from about 210 gr on the light side to 265 on the heavy side.

Choosing a powder faster than the range above will not give you enough pressure at the gas port to operate the reloading function. Choosing a powder slower will give you too much pressure and can damage the reloading mechanism. Lighter bullets like faster powder and heaver bullets like slower powders - that is why the range of bullet weights is limited and your lighter loads did not work out. As mentioned above, use jacketed bullets only. I know the Hornady Manual has loads that are compatable with the Ruger 44 Carbine.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

Functioned well but the accuracy was better with a little lighter load. I am not recoil shy as I have been able to shoot heavy 45-70 loads and 300 Win mag loads no problem but the carbine butt stock bites in on my upper shoulder as it rolls up and bruises the hell out of me.

There is a 'Butt Pad' 'Stock Extension' that is available for that stock I think. It isn't soft but it does take a little of the bite out and it lengthens the stock a little. You might have to shop around for one. There is enough rubber at the end that you can square it up a little with a coarse file.

http://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/12092

...Jimbo

 

[tpuig]

This is good info.

I'm very very far from being an expert. However, I tend to research things to death. The Ruger carbine is one of my favorites, but it does need a full power load to function properly.

Looking in a couple of the reloading manuals on hand. Most of the loads use only a tiny bit more powder for the .44 mag RIFLE loads than the 44 Mag HANDGUN loads, while being a few hundred feet per second faster. (using the same bullet) So the burn rate and barrel length certainly do matter.

The Hornady 7 book, for example, says to not reduce the loads or the carbine may not cycle. I've got some Hornady Flex Tip bullets on order and will load these up for the carbine. (plastic tipped for a tubular magazine) My other .44 Mag is a revolver and will shoot anything.

All I can say about the recoil is to buy a decent shirt with a shooting pad, like the Browning. It helps quite a bit for me.