H & R .44 Mag. single shot

[Ben]

I bought this one new in the box yesterday in Huntsville, AL.

I have a pretty wide variety of .44 mag. hand loads for my Super Blackhawk that I'll use to zero the rifle on the 1st trip out.

I have several .44 molds. I don't have the Lee , 310 gr. g/c mold, I'm giving thought to purchasing that mold also ? ? I've put a Burris 1.75 X - 5 X variable on it. For hunting in the hardwoods of Alabama, it may be about ideal.

Any advice you want to offer before I head to the range to zero the rifle.

Ben

http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p545/Ben35049/014_zpsa2d9acba.jpg (http://s1155.photobucket.com/user/Ben35049/media/014_zpsa2d9acba.jpg.html)

http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p545/Ben35049/013_zps889dc498.jpg (http://s1155.photobucket.com/user/Ben35049/media/013_zps889dc498.jpg.html)

http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p545/Ben35049/012_zps06cd6ee5.jpg (http://s1155.photobucket.com/user/Ben35049/media/012_zps06cd6ee5.jpg.html)

http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p545/Ben35049/011_zps1971684a.jpg (http://s1155.photobucket.com/user/Ben35049/media/011_zps1971684a.jpg.html)

http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p545/Ben35049/016_zpsb0e0b181.jpg (http://s1155.photobucket.com/user/Ben35049/media/016_zpsb0e0b181.jpg.html)

http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p545/Ben35049/010_zps0157a9e7.jpg (http://s1155.photobucket.com/user/Ben35049/media/010_zps0157a9e7.jpg.html)

http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p545/Ben35049/017_zpsfffa6851.jpg (http://s1155.photobucket.com/user/Ben35049/media/017_zpsfffa6851.jpg.html)

[glockky]

I am anxious to hear your results with this one ben keep us posted

[jmort]

A hammer extension would help. Blackhawk hammer extension will fit. Same as the Handi extension. Nice score.

[Ben]

Will do ! !

[georgerkahn]

I have a Harrington & Richardson Model 155 Shikari .44 Rem. Mag.; single-shot 28" Bbl; s/n AH213xxx which was made in 1971 -- surely a precursor to yours. Mine was not too very accurate, much to my disappointment, until I slugged the barrel -- caused me to buy a bigger mould -- and since, it has the capability of being a "tack driver". In my Target Shooter Co. rest it will do 3" groups with my cast boolits at 100 yards most of the time. You asked for suggestion(s), and my first and only would be to slug the barrel. If yours is anything like mine, you now have one truly wonderful firearm! Congrats on your acquisition, and BEST!
georgerkahn

[Ben]

Thanks George.

A slug is in order .
Thanks for your suggestion.

Ben

[Boyscout]

The Lee C429-310RF starts to yaw out of my 44 Handi Rifle at 50 yards.

[Ben]

georgerkahn

I started out with a .4345" slug and it made the entire trip down the bore.

Here's the results :

http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p545/Ben35049/018_zpsad6907ee.jpg (http://s1155.photobucket.com/user/Ben35049/media/018_zpsad6907ee.jpg.html)

I may start things out with a .433" dia. cast bullet and go from there.

Ben

[OBXPilgrim]

A forearm that is too tight will vertically string. I usually run a piece of paper between the barrel and forearm down to the stud. If the gun is real hard to open, the forearm is too tight. Some sandpaper on a dowel can help loosen it, or a half round rasp. Some like an o - ring around the hanger stud. I just double wrap the barrel with electrical tape, then glass bed the stud to the forearm. Greybeards site has the info to do a trigger job if you need it. HTH.

Whoops, was writing from my phone - should have mentioned I used the sandpaper/dowel or 1/2 round rasp on the back of the forearm, where it contacts the frame, not the stud hole.

[Bjornb]

Ben,
here's a link to an article you may find interesting:http://www.castpics.net/subsite2/ByCaliber/Cast%20in%20the%20.44%20Magnum%20Rifle.pdf

In short it's a detailed story written by Beagle describing the various trials and tribulations he and Felix went through when trying to get their 44 mag carbines to shoot. A lot of emphasis is on rifling twist, and keep in mind that your rifle most likely has the 1:38 twist barrel. It matters when selecting bullets.

[Ben]

Just read it.
Looks like 1/25 or 1/26 twist may be about optimum.

I assume mine is 1-38 ? ?
Sounds like mine has light bullet weight ( 200 - 215 gr. ) written all over it ? ?

Ben

[jmort]

Yes 1 in 38"
I would try 240/250 grain and see if that works. I believe it will.

[Ben]

I sent my Lyman 429640 HP to Erik for removal of the g/c shank.
I hope my rifle will stabilize this one ?

http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p545/Ben35049/001_zps0c59e38f.jpg (http://s1155.photobucket.com/user/Ben35049/media/001_zps0c59e38f.jpg.html)



Ben

[jmort]

Jacketed info:

http://www.go2gbo.com/forums/hr-centerfire-rifles/44-mag-bullet-for-deer/

Cast info:

http://www.go2gbo.com/forums/hr-centerfire-rifles/handi-44-mag-295114/

You are good to 240/250.

[Ben]

I sent my Lyman 429640 HP to Erik for removal of the g/c shank.
He does fantastic work. The mold arrived and I made a few " test cast ".

I couldn't be any happier with Erik's work ! !

Thanks,
Ben

http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p545/Ben35049/001_zps0c59e38f.jpg (http://s1155.photobucket.com/user/Ben35049/media/001_zps0c59e38f.jpg.html)

I hope the rifle will stabilize this one ?

The mold can cast a mean looking HP. I also have a flat point pin that cast a hvy. weight solid.

http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p545/Ben35049/004_zpscca0c078.jpg (http://s1155.photobucket.com/user/Ben35049/media/004_zpscca0c078.jpg.html)

Ben

[Ben]

I have the following HP pins for this mold.
Makes for a pretty versatile combination :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/haysb/018-9.jpg

[jmort]

I would want to use the variants of those too. There is only one way to find out.

[Ben]

jmortimer

Yes, you're right, kinda like my old grandaddy always said.

" Boy, that paper won't lie ! "

Nothing to do but send them downrange , put them on target and we'll see what happens ?

[Ben]

jmortimer

A hammer extension would help.

There is one in the box, I just have not put it on the rifle yet.

Ben

[jmort]

They work well on my three Handi receivers.

[Dinny]

+1 for the recommendation to check out Graybeard Outdoors' H&R Centerfire Rifle Section. The FAQs and Handi Basics 101 they have is hands-down the most info you will find about these guns anywhere. While waiting for your mold mods try a box of Winchester or Hornady 240gr J-words. Those rifles all seem to like them alot!

Thanks, Dinny

[OBXPilgrim]

I'll have to go home and tell my Win 94(44mag) it doesn't shoot Lee 310s like the target says it does. It's going to be very disappointed. Gonna have to tell that 8 pt on the wall that Lee 310gr ain't accurate enough to hunt with. Of course, it was pushed a little faster (1550fps). It's 1:38 twist also. If you try the 310, push it fast.

[Ben]

Got it ! !

Many thanks,
Ben

[Lonegun1894]

I use a NOE 235gr RNFP sized to .434" and GC with a Al PBGC made with a Patmarlin GC Maker, and get 2-3" with iron sights at 100yds with it. Almost forgot, this is with the old boring 10.0grs of Unique.

[Ben]

Handi .44 Mag.
10 round group @ 40 yards.

1 3/4 X - 5 X Burris Variable scope.


Preliminary sighting in session this afternoon.

44 mag. Brass , 6.8 grs. Promo, 200 gr. SAECO Solid, .431" cast bullet diameter.
It is a start................

http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p545/Ben35049/011_zps1971684a.jpg (http://s1155.photobucket.com/user/Ben35049/media/011_zps1971684a.jpg.html)
http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p545/Ben35049/IMAG0175_zps51a13692.jpg (http://s1155.photobucket.com/user/Ben35049/media/IMAG0175_zps51a13692.jpg.html)

[Lonegun1894]

Ben,
Looks like you're ready for squirrel season, and not just hog and deer season with that. I am kinda surprised that your group isn't just a bit tighter though, after some of the ones you've posted. :)

[Ben]

I ran to the range and only took a box of 50 rounds.
All loads in the box were the same.

I think that , given more range time, with a wide variety of bullet weights that you may see some of those groups in the future that you're describing.

Ben

[curator]

I had Veral Smith make a .4325/280 Long Flat Nose Gas Check mould for my .44 RemMag Handi rifle bought in 1992. Great accuracy at 50 yards and the absolute "Hammer of Thor" on big feral hogs at this range when propelled by 18 grains of H110. Accuracy at 100 yards (off the bench) shows groups that really opens up and show slight tipping. The original 1 in 38" twist just does not stabilize these longer slugs even at higher velocities. I am going to get LBT to cut a heavy (260 grain?) Wide -flat nose bullet design that is a bit shorter (same length as factory 240 gr. JHP) to see if I can get 100 yard 3" (5 shot) accuracy so I can be confident of one-shot kills at this range.

[Ben]

Considering this rifle is a 1-38 twist , I may be " trapped " in the 180 gr. - 250 gr. bullet weight range ? ?

I'm hearing people talk about the 310 gr. bullets becoming unstable at longer ranges ? ?

[GhostHawk]

I have not got my .44 mag barrel yet, but I did buy a .210 grain mold instead of a bigger one.

Time will tell, but it will be a while before It gets warm enough out to shoot up here in the Dakota's.

[Lonegun1894]

Ben,
I was just kidding with you. That group works for me, and is better than most of mine are at 50. I tend to get a good cluster like that and then get a flier that opens things up. Even my 100yd groups are usually a good cluster with a flier always opening them up to 2-3". If it wasn't for that flier, my groups would mostly stay a lot closer to 2" than 3", with some right at an inch.

As to heavier boolits, I use that 235gr NOE I mentioned, but a friend gave me 20 of the Lee 310gr cast soft and without a GC attached. They were as cast at .431", so too small for my rifle, so I sized them to .425" and PPd them to just try for a group. Fired 10 at 100yds, and the other 10 at 200yds, just screwing around. My groups weren't near as good as usual, but the holes were nice and round even at 200yds, so I want to say they were stable out there still, but my group size was an embarrassing 11"@200yds.

[Ben]

I had a few minutes on Sunday afternoon around 2 pm or so to run to the range and zero the rifle.

I grabbed a box of ammo that I'd loaded for my Ruger Super Blackhawk.

I have no idea if this is " The Load " that the rifle is going to like the best or not.

I'll say that the 1st 10 round group shows promise.

I thought that it was interesting that the bullets were sized .430 " ( originally loaded for the revolver ) and my bore on the Handi Rifle slugs .4323". Should be a great combination for poor accuracy and nasty leading in the bore of the rifle. NO SO !

No leading at all ? ? ? The bore shinned like a mirror when I got home and pushed a couple of dry patches through the bore.

[gpidaho]

Ben: I went back and forth on choosing a 44 Handi and ended up opting for the 444 Marlin, of course the brass is more expensive and can be hard to come by. The 444 barrel I've purchased has a one in twenty twist and according to Greenhill should stabilize all the way up to 470grs. I'm not a real big fan of heavy recoil and shoot nothing you couldn't easily match with the 44mag, I just like having more options in boolit selection than afforded by the one in thirty eight. Love my Handi's and own six of them, so easy to work with. Enjoy your new toy, most likely won't be long until a 44mag follows me home. GP

[Ben]

GP,

Good shooting to you also.
Merry Christmas,

Ben

[GoodOlBoy]

Ben I think you are on the right track. I do have two pieces of advice for you.

#1 When you get a chance order a carlson's hammer expander. It is well above and beyond better than 90% of hammer extensions out there (Knurled, round, lightweight, ambidextrous, etc) and usually runs around $12 for one.

#2 If your H&R is like my 45-70 was you can eliminate SOME of the stringing by running a hundred to a couple hundred rounds of jacketed ammo through it to finish out any rough patches. It worked well for me, may or may not for anybody else.

I think you have a hummer dinger there that will serve you well.

My 2 Cents

GoodOlBoy

[Ben]

GoodOlBoy

Thanks for your suggestions.

This one will never be a benchrest rifle.
But.....then again, I didn't purchase the rifle hoping for that kind of performance. I do think that tinkering with forearm pressure, bullet diameter, different bullet styles and weights, different powders, etc. that I can tighten things up a bit.

It might be a good rifle to train my grandson with soon. If I can get it shooting inside a 3" circle at 100 yds. consistently I'll feel real good about this rifle.

Ben

[Ben]

I got outside today and cast some of my Lyman 429640 HP's. We'll call them 270 grains.

I shortened the HP pin on this one as I was concerned about a " blow up " at rifle velocities on deer.

These are sized .432" and loaded in 44 Mag. cases with 10.0 grs. of Alliant Unique.

It will be interesting to see if my 1 - 38 twist Handi barrel will stabilize these ? ?

http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p545/Ben35049/004_zps77b51bee.jpg (http://s1155.photobucket.com/user/Ben35049/media/004_zps77b51bee.jpg.html)


http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p545/Ben35049/003_zps78a87610.jpg (http://s1155.photobucket.com/user/Ben35049/media/003_zps78a87610.jpg.html)

[glockky]

Thanks for the update Ben I have been closely following this thread. I have really been debating on a 44 mag handi rifle.
That first group looks promising compared to what my 77/44. You know about the trouble I had with it. It recently found a new home.

[gpidaho]

Ben: Is there a cast load where 10gr. Unique doesn't work? LOL Merry Christmas to you also Ben, I will watch as you post results. Handis, fun for kids eight to eighty. GP

[Ben]

My 77/44 that I sold about 8 months ago, never put 10 rounds into a group like this.........NEVER ! !

http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p545/Ben35049/IMAG0175_zps51a13692.jpg (http://s1155.photobucket.com/user/Ben35049/media/IMAG0175_zps51a13692.jpg.html)

[BAGTIC]

IIRC the SAAMI specs for .44 Magnum rifle barrels is greater than for handgun barrels. Wouldn't be surprised if all .44 Magnum rifles have a 'large' barrel. At he range at which most 44 Magnum rifles are shot there is little need for heavy bullets. 240-270 grains should do for anything appropriate.

[glockky]

My 77/44 that I sold about 8 months ago, never put 10 rounds into a group like this.........NEVER ! !

http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p545/Ben35049/IMAG0175_zps51a13692.jpg (http://s1155.photobucket.com/user/Ben35049/media/IMAG0175_zps51a13692.jpg.html)

I dont think my 77/44 would have shot a group that good at 10yds.

[RJH]

That'll be a great hog/deer rifle. My 94 Winchester in .44 does a number on them. The Lee 310grn GC bullet is awesome. I have never lost an animal with it.

[kenyerian]

Any updates?

[glockky]

I sent him a PM about testing with the handi rifle a while back and he still had not been able to shoot it.

[358 Win]

I have the H&R that started life as a 155 20 gauge. Sent the receiver back to the factory in the mid 70's and had them fit a 44 Mag Shikari barrel to it. What a fun combination gun! My exclusive bullet of choice is the Lyman 429421 bullet with a BHN of 15. We shoot clay pigeons at family functions with the 20 gauge barrel installed then switch to the 44 Magnum barrel for some serious clam shell killing. I load the 44 Magnum barrel with 6.5 grains of Red Dot and the kids love shooting at the clam shells! I'm alway getting heck from the kids when the 300 rounds I load up is gone! Why didn't you bring more Uncle Bob? I love to see the smiles on their faces whenever they are shooting it. Due to failing eyes I just had it drilled and tapped and put a 2.5x20 Tasco Bantam on it. Mine has the cast iron frame (SB1 ?) so my serous loads are not offensively hot. With the 429421 plane based bullet @ 252 grains I'm using 22 grains of H110/296 for right at 1700 fps. It groups into 2.5" at fifty yards which is plenty good enough for this old codger. No leading what so ever. With the H110/296 load the recoil is not offensive and with the Red Dot load it's just plane mild!

358 Win