Loads for 44 ruger redhawk

[akruger]

Hi All,

I own a ruger redhawk that I bought about 10 years ago I carry the gun while fishing and hiking in Alaska for protection.
I have only shot a few boxes of ammo thru it and they are 240 grain winchester magnum jsp the recoil is very unpleasant.
The gun had wood grips on it when I bought it and I changed them to rubber butler creek grips looking to reduce the effects of the recoil of the gun.

I want to start practicing regularly, and was considering buying the ruger gp100 and shooting 38 loads thru it thinking that I would use it to practice with but then carry my 44 when in the woods.

A friend recently suggested that I try 44 special loads in my gun instead and that the recoil with those loads would be about the same as the 38s in the gp100.
Any input or info will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance

[Max]

First of all welcome to the forum.

I agree with your friend for the most part. The 44 special is nothing like a 44 magnum or even a 357 magnum. Maybe a little more then a 38 but very close. But if you carry it with full 44 magnum loads while out you might still want to shoot a chamber of those when you do your range time. The effect of the recoil on a 44 magnum always effects my accuracy, I know it's me but I anticipate the recoil.

[StrawHat]

Perhaps you would consider reloading your ammunition? This would allow you to provide loads specific to your needs and give you more range time for the same cost. Factory loads are easily duplicated and can safely be bettered. Cast your own bullets and cost go down even further.

The Redhawk is a heavy revolver. The weight will help dampen the recoil. I had one years ago and found it too heavy for my needs. Good revolver just too heavy.

[akruger]

Thanks for the replys,

I am looking for some good deals on some 44 specials online an am finding they arent cheap, but will definately give them a try.

I most likely will still get the gp100 I like the idea of being able to shoot 38 specials thru it and 357 loads, while it is not alot lighter than my redhawk I could tell the difference while checking it out at the local gunshop and would use it as my concealed gun.

Thanks again for the replys

[Max]

It's a matter of supply and demand, there is a light demand for the 44 special and a limited number made as a result so they always cost me as much as shooting the magnum loads but I have a very nice little Lew Horton 44 special that I enjoy shooting.

http://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/653/medium/IMG_5768.JPG

[akruger]

Well I bought the GP100 and really like how it feels and fits my hand I also purchased a few hundred rounds of winchester 38 special 150 grain lead target ammo to shoot this weekend.

I recently got my concealed weapons permit and the gp100 will be used for carrying other than in the woods Ill use the 44 for that.

I will definately be painting the end of the front sight or replacing the sight altogether I dont like that all black set up, and on my first super redhawk I owned it came with the nice rubber grips with wood inlays and I really liked those as well considering getting a pair for the gp100.

[Dframe]

If you ever consider reloading you can get yourself a lot more shooting for your dollar. .44 special "Cowboy" loads are very mild and fun to shoot. The only proviso is that after shooting 44 spl's in your magnum you MUST thoroughly clean the chambers to remove the ring of crud that forms near the front of the cylinder. Thorough chamber cleaning is also required after shooting 38 specials in a 357 magnum.

[StrawHat]

...Thorough chamber cleaning is also required after shooting 38 specials in a 357 magnum...

The Lewis Lead Remover does a good job of cleaning the chambers. So does Chore Boy on a wire brush. Lots of tricks for that job!

[Dframe]

The Lewis Lead Remover does a good job of cleaning the chambers. So does Chore Boy on a wire brush. Lots of tricks for that job!

Strawhat speaks the truth. The Lewis is a tad spendy but worth every penny. NOTHING will remove that ring of crud or lead from your bore faster or more completely. If you go the choreboy route just be absolutely certain your pad is Copper and not copper plated steel as some of the bargain brands are.