Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns 44 Magnum pic and discussion thread.

Nice rig you've got there, War Eagle!

Nice looking rig!

COOL looking .44 there.

Out of rifles, .44s become a whole 'nuther animal.

My dad ended up with my 5.5" Redhawk. For me, I did not care for the balance, which is odd since I really think around 5"s is an ideal barrel length.

They are excellent guns, and built the way they are, a guy could spend a lifetime shooting one with no issues.

Nice looking setup Friend.

Thanks for the compliments. There definitely isn't anything fancy about it though...especially compared to some of the rigs shown over the years on this thread.

When I first got it, I was running a 7.5" Redhawk so for balance, this 5.5" model was a dream when I came across it. I sold the 7.5" model but looking back I wish I had kept it and just had it cut down to 4"...hindsight ya know

Still thinking of picking up a 4" model...or another 7.5" to have chopped...maybe even let Bowen do the work.

Bowen is one of the best for the work you describe, just be prepared to wait six months or more.

I know all about hindsight!!! I have excellent HS vision.

I have considered more than once picking up a 7.5" version, but since I have others in the stable that don't see enough range or field time, I have yet to do so.

As far as the 4" guns go, I LOVE mine. Probably the most practical all around outdoorsman's gun for long term use far away from a gunsmith or spare parts.

I like to look at mine as the perfect SHTF revolver (for where I live)since they are darn near impossible to break.

Ugh...you and that dang pic!

Makes me want to go shoot bunnies in the Idaho countryside.

I have family in Troy and Lewiston so I may have to make it happen this year!

Most of my .44's are Smiths.. Given that, what would your favorite loads be for:

1. plinking, rocks, cans etc..

2. general shooting- some rocks, also varmints, maybe game up to and including deer.. Big game would be under 100 yards..

3. your grizzly load.. we don't have them here, but I often fish in grizzly country..

These have been addressed before.. I just wanted to add the notes to my loading book.

I mostly load 20.8 grs of 2400 behind a 240 gr Keith type wad cutter great all around load!

For my heavy loads I use H110 and a 240 Nosler Soft point or HP!

#1 = 8.5 grains Unique with 240/250 grain cast SWC loads for light loads.

#2 = 10 grains Unique with 240/250 grain cast SWC loads for mid level/everyday loads. These will work perfect for Idaho Mule deer.

#3 = 22.5 grains H110 with 300 to 320 grain cast SWC loads for anything heavy, such as elk or dinosaurs.


Those three loads will do pretty much everything you will ever need to do with a .44.

In reality, 95% of all your needs can be met with the mid level, 10 grain Unique load.

The 8.5 grain load is a good one to work on pure marksmanship fundamentals without worrying too much about recoil.

I do not shoot too many of the heavy loads through my Smiths. That being said, they are not nearly as fragile as the internet has given them a reputation for being.

While I would not pound many thousands of hot 320 grain loads through my Smiths, practicing and then regulating the sights for big game season should be no issue.

Most of the time I shoot the mid level loads, with 10 grains Unique through my Smiths.

MacKay, thanks for your response.. I have been watching for these loads.. We are on a short trip, and access to the net was limited.. I must locate some 44 300 grain bullets. Have all the other stuff.. Must try a few loads before the summer season is up on us.. Again thanks..

Go here. You won't find better bullets. I've been using them for about ten years and have never had anything but satisfaction with Beartooth Bullets.

http://www.beartoothbullets.com/bulletselect/index.htm

L.W.

McKAy,

Interesting and rewarding to me to find that your mid range load and mine are the exact same load. Since my only 44 is an uberlight 329PD, that is going to be my always, do it all load.

Leanwolf, thanks, I will check these out..

H, had I known you wanted some heavies for your 44s I could have cast some 310 grainers from my Lee mold. Not sure if I can swing it this week during the evenings.

I do have maybe a dozen of them left from my last casting session and you're welcome to them.

Bruin, I am looking a some for grizzly country.. I spend a bit of time trout fishing in good bear country... Came around the corner, and found an elk carcass the grizzly had just been working over.. Beat a hasty retreat for the truck and .375, but sure felt undressed til I got there.. Thanks for the offer.. We can maybe visit about it later this week in the eve. after work..

I think I have some loaded with 21 grs H110 and some bullets, not loaded up. You're welcome to what I have.

A few 44s I've had over the years, most have come and gone.

Today I won an auction for one of those I have one with a lock, but I'm looking forward to getting the "pristine" version That model is about the smallest one where I still enjoy shooting full-house .44's.

I'd also love to find a DX Classic, either a 629 or 29 but they are not common, and bring stupid prices