Bullets & Brass

Select handloading data will allow 44 Magnum rifles to push a 300-grain Hornady XTP bullet over 1,500 fps in rifles such as the Ruger 77/44 and Marlin Model 1894.

44 Magnum Rifle Barrel Twist Rate

Q: I enjoy Handloader magazine, and in spite of having 40 years of handloading experience, I still learn something new from each issue. Today I’m writing to you regarding 44 Magnum rifles. I have three guns, including a 1970s vintage Marlin 1894, a Ruger 77/44, and a brand new Ruger-produced Marlin Model 1894. The early Marlin features the 1:38 twist barrel and only gives so-so accuracy with heavy 300- to 320-grain bullets. I limit bullet weight to 250-grains or less and it shoots wonderfully. I purchased the Ruger bolt action when they first came out because I wanted to try heavy bullets with the 1:20 twist barrel, but that rifle will only accept cartridges with an overall length that is within SAAMI specs. I have to seat 300-grain bullets deep. According to Hornady data, I am only getting around 1,150 feet per second (fps) using Alliant 2400 powder. Do you have a load that will give greater velocity?

Recently, I finally found a new Ruger-produced Marlin with the 1:20 twist and purchased it. As you indicated in your review of the Model 1894, in Rifle magazine, it will allow bullets to be seated out for a longer overall cartridge length. I would really like to push the 300-grain Hornady XTP to 1,500 or 1,600 fps, but the data I have found is questionable, and I believe it has excess pressure. Can you offer a load that I can trust not to do damage to me or my rifle? I have Winchester 296, Alliant 2400 and Accurate No. 9 powders on hand, but I can probably find whatever you suggest. Any data that you can offer will be appreciated.

Steve G., Oregon

A: Regarding your 77/44 with the 300-grain Hornady XTP bullet seated to 1.600 inches overall length, try 22.0 grains of Alliant Power Pro 300-MP capped with a CCI No. 300 large pistol (standard) primer and assembled in a Starline case. This load will reach around 1,525 fps from a rifle barrel and is within pressure guidelines. Since that load produces your targeted velocities, you might consider using that load in both rifles.

To answer your question regarding seating the 300-grain Hornady bullet out to the lower cannelure for an overall longer cartridge length, Hornady discontinued the double cannelure several years ago, so that is not really an option unless you are willing to create the second cannelure yourself. Suppose you have a supply of the old-style bullets, then yes. In that case, you can seat the bullet to around 1.680 inches to increase the powder charge by 2.0 grains with most magnum revolver powders such as Accurate No. 9 and Alliant 2400 and up to 3.0 grains of Winchester 296 or Hodgdon H-110 (which are exactly the same powder) or Accurate No. 11FS and similar powders.

The Ruger New Vaquero chambered in 45 Colt will easily handle higher pressure loads than the Colt SAA.

Ruger New Vaquero Strength

Q: I have a Ruger New Vaquero chambered in 45 Colt. I mostly use it for recreation shooting with light cowboy loads, and it shoots really well with the Rim Rock 250-grain RNFP and Hodgdon Titegroup powder. We are having black bears showing up in the backyard. On my morning walks, I see fresh tracks every day. I have a New Model Blackhawk Bisley with a 7½-inch barrel, but it’s long and heavy and definitely not handy like the New Vaquero, which I have been taking on my walks just in case. I would like to use a heavier load, but there is conflicting information regarding the strength of this gun on the Internet and most sources say to only use standard pressure loads that are designed for the Colt SAA. I would like to use a heavyweight cast bullet load. What are your thoughts? Thanks in advance.

Dan S., Colorado

A: I’m glad you would ask because internet opinions are often wrong! The New Vaquero actually has a larger diameter cylinder than the Colt SAA and is stronger. It is not as strong as your New Model Blackhawk Bisley built on the 44 frame and should never be used with +P data developed for it. I won’t get into the engineering details at length, but suffice to say that it will handle loads that generate 23,000 psi with ease, which is the same as the 45 ACP +P.

I would suggest using the 285-grain, cast Keith-style bullet from RCBS mould 45-270-SAA, which is available from several commercial cast bullet suppliers. Another great option is the Hunters Supply 275-grain FP. Load either bullet with 11.0 to 11.5 grains of Hodgdon Longshot powder that will give 1,050 to 1,100 fps. The overall cartridge length (with either bullet) should be 1.650 inches and a heavy roll crimp should be applied.

The Smith & Wesson Model 19 357 Magnum should be used sparingly with full-house loads containing 125-grain jacketed bullets.

High Velocity Loads in a Short Barrel

Q: I have a Smith & Wesson Model 19-3 357 Magnum with 21⁄2-inch barrel that I would like to load with either the 125-grain Hornady XTP or Speer 125-grain Gold Dot HP bullets pushed as fast as possible from the short barrel. I have been told faster-burning powders will give greater velocity than the traditional magnum revolver powders such as Alliant 2400 or Hodgdon H-110. What are your thoughts? Suggested handload data would be great.

J.J.R., via Facebook

A: First, let’s talk briefly about your gun. The Model 19 is a great sixgun that was the brainchild of the late Bill Jordan. Jordan wanted a lightweight 357 sixgun to increase fast draw speed but it was also lighter for belt carry. The Smith & Wesson K-frame, or 38 Special frame, was the logical choice to use as the foundation to create the new “.357 Combat Magnum” that was introduced in 1955, but in 1957, it became the Model 19. A high tensile steel was used for the frame, while the yoke area was increased in size to accommodate the pressure and pounding that the 357 delivered. However, the gun was never intended to be used with a steady diet of 357 Magnum loads; rather, it was supposed to be used with low-pressure 38 Special ammunition (wadcutters) for practice and daily shooting and then carried on duty or in the field with 357s. In essence, the Model 19 was a 38 Special revolver that could fire 357s.

Eventually, an engineering shortcoming surfaced. Especially when these guns (including the Model 66) were fired with the 357 Magnum loads that began appearing during the 1970s. They contained lightweight jacketed bullets and pushed to higher velocities than the traditional 158-grain lead bullets that were standard during the 1950s when the gun was designed. The barrel breech is very thin where it protrudes unsupported inside the frame window. When high-speed jacketed bullet loads are fired, such as the 125-grain versions that you describe, the barrel breech can split. The problem is compounded if the barrel breech has lead buildup (typically from firing 38 wadcutter loads in volume) and is not cleaned prior to firing a 125-grain jacketed bullet. This problem was significant enough that Smith & Wesson developed the L-frame in 1980, which completely resolved that issue. Unfortunately, in 1999 the Model 19 was discontinued. (Note: The stainless-steel Model 66-8 was reintroduced in 2014 with two-piece barrels and notable engineering changes to correct the above problem.)

With the above thoughts in mind, let’s not risk shooting high-velocity data that begs to damage your gun. Even if loads are within SAAMI specifications! I would suggest using 11.0 grains of Accurate No. 7 with 125-grain JHP bullets, which is below maximum and will give around 1,200 fps from the short barrel with much less muzzle report. Another great load includes 10.5 to 11.0 grains of Ramshot True Blue that will give similar velocities and is likewise below maximum.