44 Magnum Carbine Performance

[Bryan Austin]

Howdy folks!

What kind of performance do you get from your 44 Magnum carbine?
What loads do you use?
At what ranges do you have successful results in accuracy.
What weight bullets do you use.

[Grizz]

we used white box 240Gr jsp in the Marlin 1894 to take a lot of sitka blacktails. worked every time.
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Screenshot 2023-10-03 055954 Winchester 44 JSP.png

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[GunnyMack]

My Ruger 44 carbine has only taken 1 animal by me. It was a rather large pig . A 300gr XTP at about 20 yards. The pig didn't even flinch, he just walked about 30 yards and fell over. The velocity I couldn't tell you but it expanded to about .700" .
I will say that guys shooting inline muzzle loaders with sabots & 44 or 45 bullets are putting pistol bullets to the test and the bullets work just fine.

[Malamute]

Ive gone to medium level loads for 44 mag. 200 gr Hornady jhp w/10 grs Unique, approx 1500 fps in 20" barrel Browning.

https://www.levergunscommunity.org/view ... hp?t=70013

I also shoot 9 grs Unique with 200 gr rnfp cast bullet, velocity unknown but very pleasant to shoot.

My recoil tolerance has gone down significantly from an injury. These loads are fairly mild in the 92.

[44shooter]

I’ve shot 240, 270 and 300 grain bullets. All seem to be accurate enough out to 100 yards. My carbine has the factory bead with a Lyman tang peep. The 300 grain cast load from Federal has great penetration, as in through the long way on a deer. Can be a bit hitchy feeding though. All the jacketed bullets I have tried cycle great.

[OldWin]

I shoot 240gr XTPs in all my 44s. A 94 Trapper, Browning 92, Ruger SB, and a 6" and 3" 629 Smiths.

I've been using 23gr of IMR4227 for years. Recoil is mild and velocity from the 16" Trapper is about 1500fps. It's the only one I've chrono'd. Velocity isn't much for a 44 carbine, but I've killed a few whitetails easily with a 200gr XTP from a 44-40 at this same velocity.
I'm thinking of stepping it up a bit with a switch to H110, but I've been planning this for 2 years and haven't yet.

[samsi]

I've used the already mentioned Winchester White Box 240's and gotten good accuracy, never shot anything but paper with it. They do buck a little. My most used handload for the carbine is 22.5 H110 and a machine cast 240 SWC for 1630 fps average from a 16", and it's much more polite recoil-wise than the White Box stuff.

[Grizz]

I've used the already mentioned Winchester White Box 240's and gotten good accuracy, never shot anything but paper with it. They do buck a little. My most used handload for the carbine is 22.5 H110 and a machine cast 240 SWC for 1630 fps average from a 16", and it's much more polite recoil-wise than the White Box stuff.

That's interesting. Do you know what the Winchester 240s velocity is from the same carbine?

Thanks

[samsi]

I've used the already mentioned Winchester White Box 240's and gotten good accuracy, never shot anything but paper with it. They do buck a little. My most used handload for the carbine is 22.5 H110 and a machine cast 240 SWC for 1630 fps average from a 16", and it's much more polite recoil-wise than the White Box stuff.

That's interesting. Do you know what the Winchester 240s velocity is from the same carbine?

Thanks

Sorry, no, I've never clocked it. My guess is they're using the fastest powder that will get legitimate magnum velocity within pressure limits. My feeling is that the recoil impulse is pretty quick, similar to a max load with Accurate #7.

[EdinCT]

Iv'e used 24 gr Win 296 under a Speer 240 gr soft point for years. Good accuracy,Expansion and dead deer quick.
I may switch to NOE's 240 gr Ranchdog clone I am getting good results with a dimple point (powder coated) over 23.5 gr 296.

[Scott Tschirhart]

we used white box 240Gr jsp in the Marlin 1894 to take a lot of sitka blacktails. worked every time.
.
Screenshot 2023-10-03 055954 Winchester 44 JSP.png
.

This is a great round in my Marlin and Rossi carbines. I shoot irons on both so my accuracy is that I can hit what I see. But it punches a good hole through deer and hogs. I’ll chronograph it from my 20 inch Marlin and report back.

1793
1785
1769
1767
1777

[Grizz]

we used white box 240Gr jsp in the Marlin 1894 to take a lot of sitka blacktails. worked every time.
.
Screenshot 2023-10-03 055954 Winchester 44 JSP.png
.

This is a great round in my Marlin and Rossi carbines. I shoot irons on both so my accuracy is that I can hit what I see. But it punches a good hole through deer and hogs. I’ll chronograph it from my 20 inch Marlin and report back.

1793
1785
1769
1767
1777

Thanks So Much Scott! that's great info. it's a meat-maker for sure. Avg 1783, perfect!

[samsi]

I've got one bag of 100 of those Winchester bullets as components, so went looking for specific data. Found a post from '19 on the Marlin forum where a fellow posted that he'd clocked the WWB factory load at 1830 from a Microgroove '94. It's a smokin' load in any case, and will be tough to equal in a handload by the looks of it.

[Grizz]

I've got one bag of 100 of those Winchester bullets as components, so went looking for specific data. Found a post from '19 on the Marlin forum where a fellow posted that he'd clocked the WWB factory load at 1830 from a Microgroove '94. It's a smokin' load in any case, and will be tough to equal in a handload by the looks of it.

That is hot. I had no idea. Older son shot 1st deer with that marlin when he was 10 or 12, IDK. Perfect deer gun. We didn't notice the recoil as being remarkable. Thanks for the info, good to catch up the missing data from the partway back zone. :)

[KWK]

Hodgdon's data shows over 1800 for a JHP in a 20" carbine, using H110. At that bullet SD, my son and I got 1800 in our 357 carbine (18.5") using N110, and we weren't near their maximum charge (but the book was for a revolver, so we stopped). N110 is remarkably clean burning at that level.

[GunnyMack]

I worked up some 41 mags with 210 and Lilgun pushing 1800+ from my Henry.

[samsi]

Yesterday I loaded the Winchester component bullets with Alliant 300MP, which is supposed to yield higher velocities than a lot of traditional magnum pistol powders. Hopefully I'll get a chance this coming weekend to chrono some.

[samsi]

we used white box 240Gr jsp in the Marlin 1894 to take a lot of sitka blacktails. worked every time.
.
Screenshot 2023-10-03 055954 Winchester 44 JSP.png
.

This is a great round in my Marlin and Rossi carbines. I shoot irons on both so my accuracy is that I can hit what I see. But it punches a good hole through deer and hogs. I’ll chronograph it from my 20 inch Marlin and report back.

1793
1785
1769
1767
1777

I clocked the handload with the Winchester JSP and Alliant 300MP this morning and got very similar results from a 20" B92. With 24.7 grains (max is 25.0) the average was 1780 with 4 of 5 shots between 1768 and 1780, and the 5th at 1811 (probably the first shot actually). Brian Pearce is right, 300MP "offers notable velocity".

Ran it through the 7.5 SBH also, and it averaged 1436. It will be interesting to see what this powder will spool a 240 XTP up to.

[Grizz]

we used white box 240Gr jsp in the Marlin 1894 to take a lot of sitka blacktails. worked every time.
.
Screenshot 2023-10-03 055954 Winchester 44 JSP.png
.

This is a great round in my Marlin and Rossi carbines. I shoot irons on both so my accuracy is that I can hit what I see. But it punches a good hole through deer and hogs. I’ll chronograph it from my 20 inch Marlin and report back.

1793
1785
1769
1767
1777

I clocked the handload with the Winchester JSP and Alliant 300MP this morning and got very similar results from a 20" B92. With 24.7 grains (max is 25.0) the average was 1780 with 4 of 5 shots between 1768 and 1780, and the 5th at 1811 (probably the first shot actually). Brian Pearce is right, 300MP "offers notable velocity".

Ran it through the 7.5 SBH also, and it averaged 1436. It will be interesting to see what this powder will spool a 240 XTP up to.

Really good performance. It seems that impacts around 1500 and up have all the right results. Tanks for the info.

I have a B92 "kit gun" stored in a plastic tub. had a bulged barrel that I have still not removed from the frame. It had a badly damaged barrel at the bulge, but shot pretty good for a wreck. Maybe I'll hear about someone with a 1 in 20 barrel that is threaded right. That would be a worthwhile thing. Then I could find out if the 92 can shoot the 405Gr redhawk round. That would be something!

[samsi]

I have a B92 "kit gun" stored in a plastic tub. had a bulged barrel that I have still not removed from the frame. It had a badly damaged barrel at the bulge, but shot pretty good for a wreck. Maybe I'll hear about someone with a 1 in 20 barrel that is threaded right. That would be a worthwhile thing. Then I could find out if the 92 can shoot the 405Gr redhawk round. That would be something!

That it would. What's the OAL of the Redhawk load? I loaded the 330gr Gould bullet in 45 Colt at 1.700" and fired it in a 45 Rossi 92. Had to single load though, as in the stock gun they would feed from the tube onto the lifter but couldn't make the turn off the lifter into the chamber. I think they'd run at 1.600" but haven't gotten around to it. The 454 Casull is 1.765 and Rossi was able to massage the action to work with that, so it's definitely possible.

[Grizz]

I have a B92 "kit gun" stored in a plastic tub. had a bulged barrel that I have still not removed from the frame. It had a badly damaged barrel at the bulge, but shot pretty good for a wreck. Maybe I'll hear about someone with a 1 in 20 barrel that is threaded right. That would be a worthwhile thing. Then I could find out if the 92 can shoot the 405Gr redhawk round. That would be something!

That it would. What's the OAL of the Redhawk load? I loaded the 330gr Gould bullet in 45 Colt at 1.700" and fired it in a 45 Rossi 92. Had to single load though, as in the stock gun they would feed from the tube onto the lifter but couldn't make the turn off the lifter into the chamber. I think they'd run at 1.600" but haven't gotten around to it. The 454 Casull is 1.765 and Rossi was able to massage the action to work with that, so it's definitely possible.

The 405 fits the redhawk, but will lock up a blackhawk. I'll repost when I find the ammo and measure it.

[mickbr]

I only own 2 centrefires, a 223 wby vanguard and a Rossi 92 in 44 mag which does the most work. For subsonics I run 200gn gold dots, they are about the the lowest velocity expanding bullet around, down to 800's fps impact.

Also have my 'SMG load' for around the homestead which equates to original 44-40 loads. 44 special brass, 1200-1300fps with 200 xtp. Found this velocity level useful for a lot of things, even hogs in a 357 too, and theoretically home defence. Low blast and recoil, quick follow up shots, stacks 12 in the mag, can run almost western action speed. The 200xtp opens faster than the 240xtp and 300xtp too, expands under 1000fps.

Main hunting load is factory hornday custom 200 xtp which runs 1500fps according to the box from a handgun and an even 2000fps from the Rossi. I push this out to 125-130 yards with a vortex scout scope mounted on the gun. Currently working up a heavy reload with 240xtp too.

[Bryan Austin]

I only own 2 centrefires, a 223 wby vanguard and a Rossi 92 in 44 mag which does the most work. For subsonics I run 200gn gold dots, they are about the the lowest velocity expanding bullet around, down to 800's fps impact.

Also have my 'SMG load' for around the homestead which equates to original 44-40 loads. 44 special brass, 1200-1300fps with 200 xtp. Found this velocity level useful for a lot of things, even hogs in a 357 too, and theoretically home defence. Low blast and recoil, quick follow up shots, stacks 12 in the mag, can run almost western action speed. The 200xtp opens faster than the 240xtp and 300xtp too, expands under 1000fps.

Main hunting load is factory hornday custom 200 xtp which runs 1500fps according to the box from a handgun and an even 2000fps from the Rossi. I push this out to 125-130 yards with a vortex scout scope mounted on the gun. Currently working up a heavy reload with 240xtp too.

what are your groups at 125 to 135 yards?

I run the same in my Marlin 1894CB for the 44-40.

[FLINT]

My Ruger 44 carbine has only taken 1 animal by me. It was a rather large pig . A 300gr XTP at about 20 yards. The pig didn't even flinch, he just walked about 30 yards and fell over. The velocity I couldn't tell you but it expanded to about .700" .
I will say that guys shooting inline muzzle loaders with sabots & 44 or 45 bullets are putting pistol bullets to the test and the bullets work just fine.

Yes, I shoot a 300gr .452 XTP with sabot in my muzzle loader at 1750 fps and it absolutely clobbers deer. Most of my biggest bucks have been taken with that bullet as the rut comes in during muzzle loader season around here. I've never recovered a bullet and I've never had a deer go more than 50 yards after being hit. They usually drop within sight. I imagine that the equivalent .429 bullet at that speed is replicable in a .44 mag carbine.

[mickbr]

what are your groups at 125 to 135 yards?

I run the same in my Marlin 1894CB for the 44-40.

About 4". Okay but want to get a little better with 240xtp handloads.

[Bryan Austin]

what are your groups at 125 to 135 yards?

I run the same in my Marlin 1894CB for the 44-40.

About 4". Okay but want to get a little better with 240xtp handloads.

Great report!


This is the best multiple shot group at 100 yards that I have been able to produce with a 240gr lead bullet in the 44-40. Not 44 Mag performance of course.

#187-2018-4-3.jpg

[ywaltzucanrknrl]

Bryan, I would be very happy with that 20 shot group at 100 yards. I'm curious, what rifle and sights and how were you holding the rifle?

[GunnyMack]

Not a thing wrong with that group at 100!

[Keith D]

I have a Marlin 1894 in 44 mag (20" barrel) that does 2" groups at 100 yards. Been using Hornady 240 grain XTP bullets under a heavy load of WW296 powder. Shot a handful of deer with this rig, and have never recovered a bullet. The deer never go very far. That bullet and load is a hammer.

[piller]

Ruger gas operated. 23.5 grains H110 and a WLP primer under a 240 grain jhp. Lighter loads do not cycle the action as well as I like. Winchester White box works. I learned to avoid the cheaper stuff. It doesn't always work even for practice. The pigs have never complained.

[OldWin]

Just tried some H110 in my 16" 94 Trapper. I had used 23.2 gr. of IMR4227 for years. It clocked right around 1500fps from this carbine. With 23.0gr. H110 I got right at 1600fps.
Burn wise, it's about the same. Maybe slightly cleaner than the 4227, but I don't fret over that much. It seems consistent, with little deviation.
I loaded 50 more and am going to give it a good try. I would have to guess so far in regards to accuracy. I'd give an edge to 4227, but I have shot much more of it, so it's not a fair comparison. I only loaded a 10 round trial of H110.

[Bryan Austin]

Bryan, I would be very happy with that 20 shot group at 100 yards. I'm curious, what rifle and sights and how were you holding the rifle?

Marlin 1894CB...44-40...scoped

394243514_692667306142411_2587245774312441773_n.jpg