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Sierra 44 Mag Rifle Data

wassco
I recently send off my Ruger 44 mag auto to Ruger. their prompt responce stated that the rifle was now inoperable due to case expansion.
Sierra states their optimum hunting load for a 240 gr. bullet is with 24 gr.of W296. Since the case @ 1.285 wont allow that amount of powder I dropped the load to 21 gr. and then it was a compressed load. I also use CCI Mag. pistol powders and do not progressively reload my rifle rounds.
I've used a Sierra 300 gr. w/ 16.5 gr of 296 for over 4 years now yet my groups have never been under 2" @ 100 yrds. Hence the attempt for a bit more accuracy and now a failed rifle.
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Comments

4 comments

Date Votes
  • perry shooter
    Hello I have a WINCHESTER-WESTERN Ball Powder Loading Data manual I have never loaded 44 Mag ammo but in this manual it clearly states 240 grain bullets jacketed with 24.0 grains HOWEVER this listing has a * with a note "Do not Reduce powder charges with 296 powder. These loads must be used EXACTLY as shown . A reduction in powder charge or change in components can cause DANGEROUS PRESSURES".looks like you got BIT by not reading the fine print[:(!][V][:(]
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  • iwannausername
    Have one of the 44 mag carbines, no warning on barrel, no issues w/ any factory ammo - all 240 grn, some jsp, some jhp.
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  • heavyiron
    Hi Wassco,

    What is meant by "inoperable due to case expansion"?

    I am not familiar with the term "case expansion" relating to a semi-auto rifle. Does this mean the chamber or the receiver has stretched out of dimension?

    Thanks.

    Heavyiron
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  • dcs shooters
    Winchester says 23-24grs. of W296 is what to use. Your 21gr. load is 2-3grs. under that. Like perry said you should have read the fine print about the load data. W296 and H-110 data is set for the load and should be NOT load under that [B)]
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