Handi Rifle

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  • Last Post 24 October 2014
gpidaho posted this 28 June 2014

Thinking of a new toy. Im thinking a Handi Rifle in 44mag over 444 Marlin mostly for a plinker but maybe some use by the younger family members for deer. Any reason to choose  the 444 instead?  Thoughts    GP

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Brodie posted this 28 June 2014

I guess it all depends on how you the shooters are. You for sure don not want to start a flinch in a younger shooter. If you have a good accurate load in 444 that is very light I would say go ahead and use it. If not a plain base load in 44 mag that is serviceable in the OLD COLTS in other words real light and fairly accurate (younger shooters need to hit the target--positive reinforcement) would be my choice.

B.E.Brickey

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armalite53 posted this 28 June 2014

I'm a big fan of the H&R and also the 44 magnum. However, I've never had a 44 rifle and I don't know beans about the 444. I'll be watching this thread with interest.

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gpidaho posted this 28 June 2014

Old Coot:  LOL no worrys there. Grandkids all grown. Dustin shoots a 300 Ultra Mag that's been throated for the long VLDs It burns 100gr of 50 bmg powder. the others are tougher than me. Just looks to me there are more bullet options with the 44mag and smaller case cap.  But I haven't shoot a 444 so its all just what I read so far. GP

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onondaga posted this 28 June 2014

http://www.castbulletassoc.org/view_user.php?id=8045>gpidaho

If you are casting your own bullets and loading, kid level loads are no problem with either. I have a Handi in .500S&W and use it a lot with bullets from the 250 gr Lee R.E.A.L sized to .502” to the Lee 440 FNGC, although my favorite bullet is the RCBS 340 gr  plain base.

Sincerely, any one of them can be nicely loaded down to be comfortable for children. I chose the .500 S&W because it easily handles factory level loads at 60,000 psi. for big dangerous game and out performers the .444 or the .450 Marlin when you load it to do that. I hunt big Black Bear and Deer with this rifle but can easily make plinker loads for children to enjoy.

I have even used 45 cal plated or cast pistol bullets inside a 50 cal Muzzle Loading Sabot in the .500 S&W Handi. I think .500 S&W is a versatile caliber offered in the Handi-Rifle and recommend it highly.  Consider it!

Gary

Some of my loads, the RCBS 340 is bottom picture, at middle:

http://s30.photobucket.com/user/rhymeswithwhat/media/sabot.jpg.html>http://s30.photobucket.com/user/rhymeswithwhat/media/P2040110_zpsf186c0ab.jpg.html>

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gpidaho posted this 28 June 2014

Gary: Thanks for that thought. I will check on the availability of the 500 S&W. Makes good sense when you consider the options. I like the Sabot idea I cast C452-300-RF for my 454 Casull and have shot a lot more 45 Colt size loads in it so Im very familiar with the down loading thing. Thanks for your reply GP

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tturner53 posted this 29 June 2014

I have a .444 H&R, love it. Just shot it today sighting in for a cb silhouette match Monday. It can be loaded down to very light load levels. My lightest .44 bullet is a ~200 gr. wad cutter that shoots ok for close in stuff. “Trailboss” powder has worked real well for light loads and very good accuracy. Of course the .444 has a much higher top end if you need a T-Rex load. I use the Lee 310 grainer for those. The light loads are minus a gas check and shoot great. If the .44 Mag. has iron sights I'd consider that a plus. The .444 doesn't. Availability of brass is something I'd check out before making a decision.

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Ken Campbell Iowa posted this 29 June 2014

just for reference, my remy 788 in 44 mag easily achieved 1700 fps with the lee 300~ gr. bullet. good for anything but griz (? g ) , and brass is easy to find.

ken

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onondaga posted this 29 June 2014

http://www.castbulletassoc.org/view_user.php?id=2514>tturner53

.500 S&W brass has not been difficult to obtain. It is generally available directly from Starline or MidwayUSA. Members of Midways mailing list can request notification if a seasonal shortage occurs. I get lots of 100 pieces. currently out of stock at Graf & Sons https://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/17861>https://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/17861

out of stock at MidwayUSA: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/941582226/starline-reloading-brass-500-s-and-w?cm_vc=ProductFinding>http://www.midwayusa.com/product/941582226/starline-reloading-brass-500-s-and-w?cmvc=ProductFinding

Out of stock at Starline but they will notify on request: https://www.starlinebrass.com/brass-cases/500-SandW-Mag-Brass/>https://www.starlinebrass.com/brass-cases/500-SandW-Mag-Brass/

This is a very popular handgun caliber and more rifles are becoming available for this powerful cartridge. It is not going to go away.

This is a high (60,000 psi ) pressure cartridge design and loadings at moderate levels allow the brass indefinite lifespan. My  NEF Handi .500 S&W Bear hunting load with a 340 gr FN plainbase at 1700 fps is a relatively light load and brass at that load level looks new with tight primer pockets after 20+ loadings and vibratory brass cleanings. I have not even re-annealed this brass, it just keeps going.

Gary

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Duke M posted this 30 June 2014

My two cents since you asked. 44 mag brass is plentiful and relatively inexpensive. 44 mag loads are quite potent fired from a rifle. Loads are more economical, with as little as 6 grains of fast powder with max loads of 20 something in slower types. Bullets are the same so that's a draw. Enjoy whatever you decide on.

Duke

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gpidaho posted this 05 July 2014

Well friends, I thought it over, back and forth. 444 is going to be more expense even though its fifty dollars less to buy. I have nothing to shoot that requires 444 power and have no dies, moulds or brass. I have sizing dies for the 44mag but no lube dies or brass. I listened to Garys advice on the 500 S&W, but Idaho bears and I are generally on good terms other than that one little incident.  I have four moulds, both Lee and Saeco sizing dies for the cast bullets, carbide loading dies, and a bucket full of 357mag and 38spl brass. So today ordered up my new toy, 22 inch 357mag Handi. Thanks to all for your input. GP

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TRKakaCatWhisperer posted this 08 July 2014

gpidaho wrote: Thinking of a new toy. Im thinking a Handi Rifle in 44mag over 444 Marlin mostly for a plinker but maybe some use by the younger family members for deer. Any reason to choose  the 444 instead?  Thoughts    GP
Had the .44mag bbl, have the .444.  Kept the 444 because of the faster rate of twist.  Might/might-not make a difference for you - depends on bullet length/weight that YOU want to stabilize.  

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TRKakaCatWhisperer posted this 08 July 2014

gpidaho wrote: Well friends, I thought it over, back and forth. 444 is going to be more expense even though its fifty dollars less to buy. I have nothing to shoot that requires 444 power and have no dies, moulds or brass. I have sizing dies for the 44mag but no lube dies or brass. I listened to Garys advice on the 500 S&W, but Idaho bears and I are generally on good terms other than that one little incident.  I have four moulds, both Lee and Saeco sizing dies for the cast bullets, carbide loading dies, and a bucket full of 357mag and 38spl brass. So today ordered up my new toy, 22 inch 357mag Handi. Thanks to all for your input. GP
.357 is a great ctg in a light rifle!  Have the Marlin lever - most FUN gun I own.  

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gpidaho posted this 06 September 2014

Well guys finally got back to this, while doing my Saturday morning net cruise I came across a deal at Buds Guns that I couldn't pass.  A H&R Handi with two barrels one 444 Marlin one 35 REM  this pair including transfer to me $304 Seems a deal to me. A plus being that as posted last week, I need a heavier .358 mould for my .357mag Handi anyway.  I may be going over the edge Handi gun wise! Having too much fun with these.  Now to find some brass.   Good day to all   GP

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onondaga posted this 06 September 2014

http://www.castbulletassoc.org/view_user.php?id=8045>gpidaho

Good variety in Handi calibers! These rifles need their recoil tamed in heavy recoil calibers. copper plumbing tubing filled with lead slips right into the butt stock bolt hole and adds 2 pounds to the rifle for steady and much lowered recoil shooting:

http://s30.photobucket.com/user/rhymeswithwhat/media/stockweight.jpg.html>

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Ken Campbell Iowa posted this 06 September 2014

i think i have some 35 remmy 1-fired brass in my mystery stash --- pm me if. i am finding the most amazing things !!

ken

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onondaga posted this 06 September 2014

http://www.castbulletassoc.org/view_user.php?id=8045>gpidaho

The DNZ Game Reaper combination one piece scope base/rings for the Handi in heavy calibers is the only one that will hold up to .444. Don't waste your money on separate bases and rings, they will blow apart on a .444 Handi. Get the extra high  DNZ:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/947156/dnz-products-game-reaper-1-piece-scope-base-with-1-integral-rings-h-and-r-ultra-nef-handi-rifle-matte-extra-high?cm_vc=ProductFinding>http://www.midwayusa.com/product/947156/dnz-products-game-reaper-1-piece-scope-base-with-1-integral-rings-h-and-r-ultra-nef-handi-rifle-matte-extra-high?cmvc=ProductFinding

Here  is the extra high DNZ mount on my .500S&W Handi:

http://s30.photobucket.com/user/rhymeswithwhat/media/SB2500.jpg.html>

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gpidaho posted this 06 September 2014

Gary: Yes, I was looking for a price on a 45-70 buffalo classic when I came across this deal. So have read up on recoil reduction ways and means. Thanks my old shoulder will need that. LOL GP Ken: Thanks if you have some I may have some things you might be interested in. GP

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gpidaho posted this 06 September 2014

Gary:  Looks like a good way to go. I now have plenty of needed things to keep me looking in the for sale adds here and at Boolits.  Might have to ask SSI for a raise.  I have Wilson Combat one piece rings on my RRA AR-15  easy on easy off and hold zero very well. I like the one piece rings. Very solid  GP

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gpidaho posted this 06 September 2014

Yes Ken, at our age every day is an easter egg hunt.  I hide them from myself. I swear I can loose ** while sitting there using it!  GP

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tturner53 posted this 07 September 2014

FWIW- I've been using plain jane $10 bases and rings on my Handi .444 and .45-70 with no failures shooting max loads that knock hell out of me at the bench. It's educational, makes a fella say “why"? I also use a lot of 'cheap' 2.5X and 4X scopes, some 6X when I find them. I like fixed power for the simplicity and it seems even Simmons or BSA can make a low power fixed that holds up to heavy recoil. Even better is an old Texas Weaver or B&L.

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