Skip to main content
Help Center Community Shop

44 mag vs 44 special

Comments

10 comments

  • iceracerx
    No.

    The Ruger 44 Carbine is designed for 240 grain 44 Magnum cartridges ONLY!
    0
  • savage170
    from rugers manual
    The RUGERr DEERFIELDr CARBINE relies upon the gases produced
    from the fired cartridge to cycle the action and is chambered only for the .44
    Magnum cartridge. It should not be used with any other .44 caliber ammunition,
    such as the .44 Special. Most .44 Magnum ammunition factory loaded to U.S.
    industry specifications is suitable for use. However, "Medium Velocity" nonjacketed
    ammunition may not produce the volume of gas necessary to consistently
    cycle the action or give optimum accuracy and is not recommended. Do not use
    lead bullets -- they will clog the gas port in the barrel and prevent proper action
    cycling. Aluminum-cased ammunition should not be used, as it may stick in the
    chamber when fired, resulting in extraction and functioning problems. .44
    Magnum cartridges with bullet weights below 215 grains are generally not
    compatible with the Ruger Deerfield Carbine, and those with bullet weights above
    255 grains generally exceed the maximum overall length of 1.610" allowed by U.S.
    Industry Standards and may not fit into the magazine. Such cartridges at either
    end of the spectrum of .44 Magnum ammunition loadings should not be used in
    0
  • Riomouse911
    As was posted, the Ruger was made for the .44 Magnum using full power, jacketed bullets only.
    0
  • jonk
    I don't know the mechanics of the Ruger, but I've shot thousands of cast lead in M1 carbine and M1 garand rifles without issue. People who say it 'clogs the gas port' are repeating an old wive's tale propagated by those who don't know what the heck they're doing with loading lead ammo.

    Now that said, if it's a question of enough gas to function the gun, then that's that, period. So no. But if you wanted to fire it as a single shot I don't see it would be an issue, other than their legalease.
    0
  • babun
    quote:Originally posted by jonk
    I don't know the mechanics of the Ruger, but I've shot thousands of cast lead in M1 carbine and M1 garand rifles without issue. People who say it 'clogs the gas port' are repeating an old wive's tale propagated by those who don't know what the heck they're doing with loading lead ammo.

    Now that said, if it's a question of enough gas to function the gun, then that's that, period. So no. But if you wanted to fire it as a single shot I don't see it would be an issue, other than their legalease.


    +10000
    A lead bullet only clogs a gas port IF something is wrong with the port shape, such as a burr. I have shot many med/hot {for a revolver} gaschecked Keith style bullets in a Ruger with no troubles.
    0
  • pingjockey
    Just try it. I've had some that would and some that wouldn't. Don't
    know wether it's spring strength, port size, or combination. I only
    use jacketed in them though. Just my thing.
    0
  • rsnyder55
    If it comes down to the 'experts' or the manual from the manufacturer, I would lean toward the manual.
    0
  • pingjockey
    If you have the new carbine based on the mini14 style action, they
    are a whole different animal from the early carbines.
    0
  • v35
    After shooting 22lr through an AR15 conversion kit, The first few 223s
    after that, blew particles in my face.
    0
  • pingjockey
    A good chamber cleaning is a necessity anytime one switches back
    to the original cartridge, 38/357, 44spec/44mag, 45colt/454, etc.
    0

Please sign in to leave a comment.

Recent Activity

Didn’t find what you’re looking for?