SmallCaliberCentral

Anyone have a good start load for this rifle? A friend droped off a Ruger 77/44. He would like a good bear/deer load. He droped off empty brass, but I don't what would be a good powder for a 44mag in a rifle.
Thanks for any help.
Later
RayP

In my .44Mag Marlin 1894, I still use a stiff load of 2400 over either the Keith 250gr SWC (Lyman No. 428429) or the Hornady 265gr JSP. Either will give complete penetration through a bear-sized critter.

This is one of the old favorites in this caliber, and is quite accurate too. I also use it (reduced a bit of course) in all my .44Mag revolvers.

Rick Thanks! I'll check my shelf for some 2400. I belive you mentioned those bullets before on another topic. I got a 16# of Bullsey, but I belive its too fast of powder.
Thanks again.
I enjoy your posts and pics. Keep on shooten those ground squirrles.
Wish you were closer for a week of cleaning out some brass!
Later
Ray P

Ray: You are corrrect, in that Bullseye is much too fast for the 44Mag. If you've got any H110 on hand, that will work also.

For a great mid-range powder, you might want to try Unique. With the 250 cast SWC over 8.5grs Unique and a standard primer, it's good for 1,000fps in the 6" revolver, and should give at least 1200fps in the rifle. Mild, mid-range load, low recoil, but plenty of authority on the business end. I've used that load for many years as my "all around" load when bone-crushing power is not really needed, just 'get the job done'. And with a 250 grain .44 caliber bullet traveling at 1,000fps, the job does indeed gets done!

Rick..........I checked my powders...........I have 2400 and WW 231 and WW 630 which have pistol and rifle powder on the can.
So I'll start digging some of my dad's old reloading manuels and see if the Winchester powder is listed.
The Hornady 265 should get the job done.
Thanks again
Ray P
16# of Bullsey is going to last a looong time for me! Wish it would work in the 204!!.....haha