Need some recommendations for .44 Mag loads.

317wc

March 02, 2009 09:05

Hello all in GB Land. I need a recommendation for a heavy .44 load. I do not handload so it will have to be ordered or storebought. I will be working on Afognak Island in Alaska for some months this summer. I will be taking my .44 Ruger SBH. It has a 4 5/8" barrel. I would like a heavy load, 300 grain at least, I think LBT style cast bullet. I know Buffalo Bore makes some good ones. Anyone else have any recommendations?

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  bpost

  March 02, 2009 10:22

  Afognak Island; that does bring back some memories! Get whatever load you feel comfortable with. Just remember, The 44 Mag has less energy that a 30-30, so you do the math.
  
  My recommendation is a shot gun, a pump, with slugs, 18" barrel and a one of those fast reaction type slings.

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  317wc

  March 02, 2009 10:43

  bpost thanks for the tip. I don't anticipate ever having to use it. I will be carrying it while fishing and hiking so a shotgun might be somewhat unwieldy while I am casting a rod. I do have a short Mossberg 500 so I will keep that option in mind.

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  RCrosby

  March 02, 2009 15:50

  ONLY advantage the SBH would have over a shotgun, or even a 30-30 lever gun, IMHO, is that it would be easier to bring with you if you had to climb a tree,,,,fast.
  You're on the right track as far as .44 load, though. 300 grain hard cast.

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  v35

  March 02, 2009 19:14

  If you are going to carry a 4 5/8" 44 Mag and shoot max 300gr Max loads
  better plan on some practice with it well before the trip.
  Recoil and muzzle rise will be severe and put you off target for follow up shots.
  I've seen photos of fly fishermen with a 12 gauge shotgun on a sling.
  Having read two books on bear attacks, I'd take the experts' advice
  and suffer the discomfort of a light 12 gauge with OO buck and slugs.
  There's time to pick up some reading from Amazon and buy a cheapie
  18" Mossberg.

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  partisan

  March 03, 2009 13:51

  a 12 gauge pump with slugs for sure! You .44 mag as a back up. If you shoot cast bullets make sure they have gas checks installed. The .44 mag melts the hell out of lead without the GC. Good fishing!

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  RCrosby

  March 03, 2009 14:16

  Properly sized bullets of the correct hardness shouldn't create undue problems without gas checks.

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