Best ammo for Big Boy 44 mag?

[RanchRoper]

What's everybody using? There seems to be fair availability of 44 mag ammo where I live, what's good and what's not? 44 specials best for the range? Thanks for the help folks...

[JEBar]

because we hand load all of our ammo my knowledge of factory ammo is limited and out dated .... a couple of points to consider .... most 44 caliber ammo on the market is designed for use in pistols .... with its longer barrel a Henry 44 will generate considerably more muzzle velocity than most revolvers .... some bullets aren't designed for the higher rifle speeds don't perform well .... while several different bullet sizes are available, for hnting, 240 grain Jacketed Hollow Points or Solid Points seem to be usually used .... based on your post, I'd pick a big name brand that seems to be widely available and buy a box ... if they perform up to your satisfaction, stick with them .... if not, try another brand

for paper punching .... Cowboy loads and/or 44 spec shells are well worth trying .... lighter recoil and smaller cost .... here again, find a brand that meets your demands and stick with it

[RanchRoper]

Thanks, I've been learning lots on the Reloading topic on the forum too. Good info.

[Travlin]

To me the best ones are hand loaded using powders such as 2400 that will burn completely in the longer rifle barrel.

[RanchRoper]

I see in the manual they say to not use Blazer, yet some reviews of the rifle say Blazer shot fine. Comments? I see Blazer ammo for sale locally here.

[JEBar]

I see in the manual they say to not use Blazer, yet some reviews of the rifle say Blazer shot fine. Comments? I see Blazer ammo for sale locally here.

most of the issues I've seen raised with Blazer ammo centers around that with aluminum cases .... its been around since the early 80's .... I've fired many rounds it with no issues but I wouldn't want it for my hunting/self defense ammo

[RanchRoper]

What about the tubular magazine and bullet nose to primer issues? Lead flat nose good? Anyone shoot the Hornady ones with the plastic tips?

sorry for what might be dumb questions guys, but you all have WAY more experience than I do.

[bjohnston505]

Howdy Ranch....

I mostly reload for my 44 Marlin. 200 and 240 LSWC bullets. Light to medium loads with Tite Group. Good plinkers and accuracy is good enuff for steel plates at 100 yds or so. But for any kind of serious work I buy factory, usually Winchester white box 240 JSP. They feed fine in my Marlin and anything factory should feed well in the ol Henry. I do know that my Henry BBSteel shoots more accurately than my Marlin!

[RanchRoper]

Thanks very much. Good info.

[JimB]

Howdy Ranch....

I do know that my Henry BBSteel shoots more accurately than my Marlin!

interesting .... knowing Marlin's rifling process that is really saying something

[Squatch]

RR It seems these rifles often have their own personality. My rifle love 240 gr bullets. The difference between 240 specials and mags at 50 yds is about 2" in height. But 180 gr slugs fly high by a mile.

My buds big boy loves the 180's. So who knows. I say try a few different loads and shoot what it likes the best.

The Hornady's shoot well but don't feed well in mine. They are just a tic longer than most 44 cartridges.

[JEBar]

My buds big boy loves the 180's. So who knows. I say try a few different loads and shoot what it likes the best.

sound advice that is universally true ..

[RanchRoper]

Ok, got it. Thks.

[JohnHolt]

winchester white box 240, is fantassict in my gun and hammered a deer this year! the cases reloaded great too