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Ruger 77/44

Old 04-07-2009, 06:01 AM
  #1  
Fork Horn
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Default Ruger 77/44

I have just aquired a NIB Ruger 77/44 for whitetail hunting here in Indiana. What is the general consensus on this particular bolt action? I will be using and reloading hornady lever action 225gr amunition. What kind of accuracy and range have you all gotten? If the gun is a 200yd rifle, what scope would you recommend on top? I know that's asking for alot of info, but being from INand rifle hunting is young, I'm pretty green...

Thanks,
R
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Old 04-07-2009, 12:35 PM
  #2  
Fork Horn
 
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Default RE: Ruger 77/44

Anything over 100 yards is realy pushing the 44mag even from a rifle. I would suggest sticking to 260-300gr bullets for long range work their higher momentum will produce more penitration.

It will be compeable to shooting a sabot load in a muzzle loader with just 80-90grs of powder and there is better to have the heavier bullets for long range than the 180-250gr bullets.

I would seriously look at Garrett and Buffalo Bore ammo for deer and a 44mag carbine.
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Old 04-07-2009, 03:48 PM
  #3  
Nontypical Buck
 
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Default RE: Ruger 77/44

If you REALLY practice and know well the rifle's trajectory, it's good out to 150 yards. it's a dandy little rifle for what you want to do with it. A QUALITY 2x-7x scope will be plenty.
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Old 04-08-2009, 06:40 AM
  #4  
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Default RE: Ruger 77/44

Ruger makes great bolt guns.I have two of them.That said I would never buy one chambered in .44cal.IMO it's a waste as so many other cals would allow you to take full advantage of the 77's capability.If you're set on a .44 I'd suggest exchanging it for the semi auto version that looks like the 10/22 or the lever action if it's still available.Good luck!
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Old 04-08-2009, 07:16 AM
  #5  
Fork Horn
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Default RE: Ruger 77/44

Being in IN, I had to stay with a handgun caliber to legally hunt with. From talking with alot of different people in hunting sshops, they all recommended a .44mag w/o hesitation. I like my bolt actions, always have and unless I get a military rifle it's hard for me to go another route... With the exception of .22's...
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Old 04-08-2009, 10:57 AM
  #6  
Nontypical Buck
 
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Default RE: Ruger 77/44

I have had a few of the Ruger rifles in 44 magnum. 22 hornet, and 22 magnum. The rifles functioned well, and I like the magazine system. However the rifles lacked a bit in the accuracy department. However for the ranges you are discussing, the rifles will be more than adequate.

I disagree on the 100 yard rating of the 44 magnum in a rifle. IMO the 44 magnum is easily a 200 yard, and even out to 225 or 250 if you really know your rifle. A bunch of buffalo and other game died with a 45-70 bullet traveling at 1200 fps at some very long distances. So limiting a 44 magnum bullet that is only about 25% less weight than the standard 405 grain 45-70 bullet is just not necessary. And you can run that 44 magnum up considerably faster than 1200 fps.

You are shooting a big heavy bullet with a lot of diameter to it. The bullet makes a big hole going in, and it will also penetrate very well.

I have a couple of Marlin 1894's in 44 magnum, and I have no problem with it out to 200 yards(with open sights).

I suggest you cast your own bullets if you can pick up some WW somewhere. I can load about 1,000 rounds for about $100. And this allows you to shoot a bunch-----very cheaply!!!

Cast some bullets, or buy some cast bullets and shoot that rifle, you will not wear it out, and if you shoot it enough then 200 yards wil become second nature to you.

A 300 grain bullet would be a good choice if it will fit in the magazine.

Hunters put a lot of stock in "energy". I do not. I put a lot of stock in a big hole going in, with good penetration, and a bit of expansion. WW will expand to about .600 of an inch in the 44 magnum. And that is one **** of a hole.

For the 44 magnum out to 200 yards you really do not need a scope. However if I was going to scope the rifle I would buy the most expensive fixed 4 power scope that I could afford. Quality glass in that rifle would be far more beneficial than larger power, or a variable for that matter. Tom.
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Old 04-08-2009, 02:50 PM
  #7  
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Default RE: Ruger 77/44

I noticed in the classified ads that there is a fellow who is listing a NIB Zeiss 4X Conquest scope for $200. Now that is a deal. Tom.
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Old 04-09-2009, 02:12 PM
  #8  
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Default RE: Ruger 77/44

ORIGINAL: rynigner

I have just aquired a NIB Ruger 77/44 for whitetail hunting here in Indiana. What is the general consensus on this particular bolt action? I will be using and reloading hornady lever action 225gr amunition. What kind of accuracy and range have you all gotten? If the gun is a 200yd rifle, what scope would you recommend on top? I know that's asking for alot of info, but being from INand rifle hunting is young, I'm pretty green...

Thanks,
R
I'm a fellow Indiana hunter as well and for the money under $200 as you requested a Burris II is very hard if not impossible to beat in my opinion. Nikon is another that runs right up there as well. I have several including one on my 41 Mag Marlin 1894which has taken several deer in Indiana and Kentucky. e-mail me if you would like to discuss further at [email protected]
I'm in North Vernon, IN47265 area.
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Old 10-07-2010, 01:06 PM
  #9  
Spike
 
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Default ruger 77/44

I have a ruger 77/44 and use 225 grain hornady leverevolution ammo. It works amazing in this gun. I have a leupold 3*9*40 scope on it and have not had any trouble reaching accurate points of 200 yrds. finding the right ammo is key for this gun maybe my suggestion will help.
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Old 10-07-2010, 02:14 PM
  #10  
Spike
 
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I have a rifle in .44 mag and wouldn't even consider a 200 yard shot. That's just too far for that round. I would feel comfortable at 100, and that's about it. If you're going to try to stretch the range you may want to try the lever revolutions from Hornady.
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