Ruger 99/44 and reloads with heavy cast bullets

[RKBA4CA]

Sorry if this is an old topic, but search is not working with numeric keywords.

Does Ruger 99/44 semi-auto feed and surive heavy reloads OK, such as Lee C430-310-RF?

Edit: Thank you Jimbo for correcting the model name, I've changed it in the topic to not get readers confused.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

The 96/44 is a lever-action rifle. The 99/44 Deerfield is the semi-auto rifle. I believe if the cartridges will fit in the magazine they should chamber and shoot ok but Ruger does not recommend lead bullets in the Deerfield as the lead can plug up the gas port. Hope this helps.

 

[RKBA4CA]

Didn't know it was gas operated. That ends the interest. Thanks for clarifying, Jimbo!

 

[9x19]

The other issue is the OAL. The magazine is not long enough internally to accept many of the heavy bullets.

 

[Fenring]

That big Lee fits in my 96/44 mag and works perfectly.

 

[RKBA4CA]

Do 99 semi and 96 lever use the same magazine?

 

[9x19]

Nope, but I think the difference is external only... slightly different shape.

I didn't hand-load for mine, but the heaviest bullet load I found that functioned reliably is 265 grain Win. They shot so well, I didn't bother looking for any others.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

Do 99 semi and 96 lever use the same magazine?

(left)The 96/44 Lever-action has it's own magazine. ---- (right)The 99/44 Deerfield and the 77/44 Bolt-action use the same magazine.