Henry Rifle Forums

I recently purchased a steel Big Boy 44mag in 20”. I have a scope mounted on it. I’m getting 2-3” groups at 50 yards with Hornady XTP 240 gr factory loads and similar results with hand loaded 240 XTP and 23 gr of H4227. Expected tighter groups but maybe I need practice.

I loaded some 300gr XTP with 18.2gr of H110. I got a group of about 3/4” at 50 yds. BUT about 8” low. I expected some drop but not THAT much.

Is this normal?

Jimmar wrote: ↑

Mon Oct 14, 2024 3:31 pm

I recently purchased a steel Big Boy 44mag in 20”. I have a scope mounted on it. I’m getting 2-3” groups at 50 yards with Hornady XTP 240 gr factory loads and similar results with hand loaded 240 XTP and 23 gr of H4227. Expected tighter groups but maybe I need practice.

I loaded some 300gr XTP with 18.2gr of H110. I got a group of about 3/4” at 50 yds. BUT about 8” low. I expected some drop but not THAT much.

Is this normal?

You got good grouping with the 300gr. Maybe try adjusting the elevation of your scope.
AND welcome to the forum!

Like Mags said, that's a nice tight group for 50 yards.
Is it normal? More data is needed to explain the why part. The heavier bullet, and what is probably a significant change in muzzle velocity would account for the drop, but don't get too wrapped up in that, just adjust the sighting system to move your group to the point of aim.
Yours is a classic case where you have excellent precision, and need only turn some turrets to make it accurate.
And while many similar loads can and do shoot to similar places on the target, just as many go to other places, as you've found here. As long as they group at your desired distance on the target, it's easy enough to address.

I don't have a lot of 44 mag, but there is a difference in my 250 sub and 300 grain sub sonic 45 colt loads. Is it 8 inches, I don't remember, but the 300's do hit lower.