Reeder Custom Guns - Another .44 Magnum Question

Didn't want to add this to my pose several posts down, thought no one would see it as there have been many responses to the original question. Would my
Super Blackhawk handle some of the hotter .44 loads? I don't want any of the filling jarring, wrist breaking, hit yourself in the head by the recoil loads, just some of the hotter factory load in the 300-325 gr. range? I also have an older mint condition Model 29 that will see only 240 gr factory loads.

Post reply

the Garrett 310 grain Hammerhead loads. It will light you up but still not close to a 454 Cassulls. The best thing to do if you want to shoot really hot loads is to send it to Gary and get a 5 shot cylinder made for it with a throat job. Even better if you reload is get a 429 conversion done. It is same diameter as the 44 mag but has more powder in it. Recoil is about the same to me, that is, not really bad for a hunting revolver. If you get a new cylinder you can shoot the 330 grain 44 Garrett Hammerheads without any fear of breaking your revolver and I guarantee it will drop anything you can find around the lower 48 and Alaska. I might pucker a little if I came across a Polar Bear with it but it would still drop them. Just my opinion, but the 44 mag is a favorite of mine.

Post reply

magazine killed a big polar beat with a 6" nickel S&W model 29 in 44 magnum.

Back to your original question no 44 is idiot proof, so stay with the published loads and you should be fine. I wouldn't go over 310 grains as the twist of the 44 is still the same as it was way back when it was developed.And it was developed for a 240 to 250 grain bullet.

And like Larry said, if you want a 44 that is very powerful but not abusive to the shooter, send your SBH in and we can convert it to the 429 GNR. That is my normal carry cartridge. It has never failed me yet.
[image]

Post reply

Lee Jurras talked me into using his 180 grain 44 Magnum Super Vel load and it is like a lightning strike on deer. I began loading my own using the original Sierra 180 grain JHP bullet and have taken more whitetail deer than should be allowed. And probably 95% of them were one shot kills. A few weren't but that was not due to the bullet's performance, rather my poor shooting. Between the Sierra 180 grain 44 caliber bullet and the Sierra 170 grain JHP bullet in 41 caliber I have taken more critters than I could stack in a semi trailer truck. The 170 grain Sierra bullet in 41 caliber is and has been the mainstay bullet in the 41 GNR and guys all over the country have taken large deer size critters with it. I saw Charlie Herf take a big 8 X 8 bull elk with that same bullet in the 410 GNR. So don't rule out the lightweight bullets. Due to a lot less recoil they are a lot easier to shoot good groups and beside that they work.

Post reply

from a SBH 7.5" (not a "test" barrel), running "1700 fps". That was using 2400 powder if I remember. It impressed me as a kid. We shot a 25 lb. watermelon at 25 yds. and it simply vanished.

I find the heavy cast bullets most pleasant at 1200 fps or so. Can't imagine what driving them much faster can accomplish (I know, I've done it too). As is, a 300 gr. cast will shoot right through a telephone pole or good size oak! Sails right through critters not even slowing much. I figure that "extra" is wasted on the scene beyond. My .429 GNR 9.5" S. Red H. load is a 310 at 1550 fps using H110 and is way overkill for about anything. A .429 GNR filled with 4227 is much easier shooting and just as effective in the real world. I figure ditto for the old .44 Magnum these days.

Don't that square SBH trigger guard hammer the crap out of your knuckle?! That alone makes me back off. I even swapped mine to a regular BH gripframe, it spins without the bruised knuckle, and a Bisley would be peaches!

Post reply

On my Bisley 356 GNR so I gave it to my son. Sent Gary my SBH 44 to do an Ultimate 5 shot 45 with Magnum grip frame. Hope to shoot some +P without the knuckle busting!

Post reply

- No text -

Post reply

300 GR BULLETS IN THE .44. MANY OF THE "HOTTER LOADS" AVAILABLE HAVE BULLETS TOO LONG TO FIT THE SUPER B CYLINDER. YOU DON'T NEED MANY OF THE "HOT LOADS" BEING SOLD. I HAVE TAKEN 24 WHITETAILS AND A COUGAR WITH ONE SHOT EACH USING BLACK HILLS 240 XTP/JHP LOAD WHICH IS AROUND 1350. DON'T NEED ANY MORE FOR MOST HUNTING OF DEER-SIZED CRITTERS . FOR BIG TOUGH STUFF THE 300 GR BULLET AT REASONABLE VELOCITY WORKS JUST FINE.

Post reply

Another .44 Magnum Question

The hottest I ever shot in mine was

speaking of polar bears the old owner of GUNS & Ammo

also don't neglect the lighter bullets. Back many years ago

I have an old Serria manual showing the 180 gr.

I still bashed my knuckle

NORMALY typing like Mr. John , the SBH is very tuff

I DON'T GO OVER 21.5 GR. OF H110/WW296 WITH