Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Guns and Ammo => Topic started by: TeacherMan on October 29, 2015, 12:00:09 PM

Title: Ruger 44/77 Carbine Ammo Choice
Post by: TeacherMan on October 29, 2015, 12:00:09 PM: I picked up a Ruger M77/44 Carbine and I'm wanting to get it ready to serve its purpose, a fast brush and car gun for under 100 yds :chuckle: At this point I'm looking at over the counter loads for it and Id like something hardcast incase I find myself using it on a bear. Recommendations? I've heard that some of the larger heavier loads don't stabilize out in and or work in the rotary mag that comes with it? Anyone have any experience with this? I like the look of the 305 gr hardcast Buffalo bores but don't want to buy them and find out they don't even fit in the gun.

thanks!

Side note I topped it with a a Leupold 2.5-8.
Title: Re: Ruger 44/77 Carbine Ammo Choice
Post by: mikeybuck on October 29, 2015, 12:22:03 PM: I have the same gun. With a good rest, I can get 1 1/4 group at 100 yards with the 240 gr hornady xtp.

I would have no problem taking a black bear with this load.
Title: Re: Ruger 44/77 Carbine Ammo Choice
Post by: TeacherMan on October 29, 2015, 01:02:22 PM: Quote from: mikeybuck on October 29, 2015, 12:22:03 PM
I have the same gun. With a good rest, I can get 1 1/4 group at 100 yards with the 240 gr hornady xtp.

I would have no problem taking a black bear with this load.

Ive thought about that but most my hunting takes place in AK. I'd really like the 300 grain bullets for moose. I know I could just use my 45/70 but I don't want it getting tossed around the truck, its way to pretty :chuckle:
Title: Re: Ruger 44/77 Carbine Ammo Choice
Post by: TeacherMan on October 29, 2015, 01:17:52 PM: Other question, anyone know the pressure the 44/77 can handle?
Title: Re: Ruger 44/77 Carbine Ammo Choice
Post by: Firedogg on October 29, 2015, 01:23:37 PM: I would think most any .44mag cartridge loaded to the listed OAL would operate in this rifle.

Here's an article on the rifle and some of the loads they ran through it.

http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger-77-44.htm
Title: Re: Ruger 44/77 Carbine Ammo Choice
Post by: mikeybuck on October 29, 2015, 01:59:40 PM: Quote from: TeacherMan on October 29, 2015, 01:02:22 PM
Quote from: mikeybuck on October 29, 2015, 12:22:03 PM
I have the same gun. With a good rest, I can get 1 1/4 group at 100 yards with the 240 gr hornady xtp.

I would have no problem taking a black bear with this load.

Ive thought about that but most my hunting takes place in AK. I'd really like the 300 grain bullets for moose. I know I could just use my 45/70 but I don't want it getting tossed around the truck, its way to pretty :chuckle:
The gun will stabilize the 300 gr bullets. It was the older Ruger carbines that didn't have the right twist.
Title: Re: Ruger 44/77 Carbine Ammo Choice
Post by: TeacherMan on October 29, 2015, 03:08:32 PM: I was worried about the 44,000 psi with the Buffalo bore with the action. The 44/77 is a bolt but they use the same set up as the 22/77 to save weight.
Title: Re: Ruger 44/77 Carbine Ammo Choice
Post by: TeacherMan on November 01, 2015, 11:30:33 AM: Went with Federal 300gr hardcasts