On Wed, 10 Apr 1996, Michael Weiss wrote:

This past weekend I took my T/C with 10-inch .44 Mag barrel out to the desert to test some loads for accuracy. I am considering using this barrel in IHMSA competition this year in the standing category. I made up a series of loads using Sierra 250 gr FPJ #8615 bullets and > AA #9 powder with charges ranging from 17.0 to 21.0 grains in 0.5 > grain increments. For accuracy testing I have a T/C 2.5X scope on the > barrel, and I shoot off sandbags. However for competition I will be > using open sights. All together, I squeezed off 100 rounds that day and my hand started hurting on the very first set of tests with 17.0 gr of AA #9. The maximum load of 21.0 gr yielded the best accuracy which was a group of 2.25 inches at 100 yards. That load REALLY hurts to shoot. There is no evidence whatsoever of high pressure. The case slides out of the chamber easily, there are no splits or cracks in the brass and the primer looks fine.

From ricpit@mindspring.com Richard Pitman

Your loads are definitely not too hot. I use a Pachmeyer grip and fore end on my 10" bull barrel, and a load of 22.5 gr. of 2400 with a 250 gr. cast Keith SWC bullet (thank you, Elmer Keith). Neither my wife or I have had any pain from shooting this setup. If you are not using the Pachmeyer grip AND fore end, I will suggest it. The fore end is quite heavy for it's size, and may aid in reducing some of the "bite" of the big .44. It only took me 2 rounds with the factory grips to decide to install the rubber ones. Also, part of the problem may be the sand bag rest, which may force the gun to recoil back (rather than up) more than a free hold might. Hope this helps.

From carlquib@cougarnet.byu.edu Brian L Carlquist

I used to suffer from the same painful experience that you describe, when I shot my .45/70. But after the addition of a muzzle brake and a past shooting glove, extended shooting sessions no longer cause me any grief. I believe that part of the reason that the .44 mag is causing "hurt" is the heavier bullet weights that the .44 will accept. It is a basic law of physic, pushing a heavy bullet forward at high velocity, which the load you are shooting should do, causes an equal and opposite reaction. So, once again I will recommend a muzzle brake to counteract some of the recoil force. If a muzzle brake isn't an option then I would look for a lighter bullet, that will still give good accuracy. The 21 gr. load that you are using is one of my favorite. I am shooting a 240 gr. Hornady XTP, using this load I can consistently shoot 1.5" groups @ 100yds off of sandbags.

From mikew@hpbs Brian L Carlquist

I have a Past shooting glove and have tried it using the T/C with grooved finger grip. Using the glove I didn't feel like I had a good, comfortable grip because of all the padding in my palm. I do not have a small hand, it is just that with the padding between me and the grip, I was right at the limit of the hand span.

> I believe that part of the reason that the .44 mag is causing > "hurt" is the heavier bullet weights that the .44 will accept. It is a > basic law of physic, pushing a heavy bullet forward at high velocity, > which the load you are shooting should do, causes an equal and opposite > reaction. So, once again I will recommend a muzzle brake to counteract > some of the recoil force. If a muzzle brake isn't an option then I would > look for a lighter bullet, that will still give good accuracy.

I've tried using 180 gr Hornady XTP's in the silhouette game but I found that there is not enough energy left over at 200 meters to consistently knock rams down. Anybody have experience with a 200 grain bullet on rams?

As I mentioned in my original post, I want to use this gun in IHMSA competition and the rules require that I use a stock, off-the-shelf gun with only minor modifications permitted. A muzzle brake is not a minor modification so that's out.

> The 21 gr. load that you are using is one of my favorite. I am > shooting a 240 gr. Hornady XTP, using this load I can consistently > shoot 1.5" groups @ 100yds off of sandbags.

There's been a couple of suggestions so far to try Pachmayer grips. That will be my next experiment to see if I can make friends with this big boomer.

From N.Jessup@its.amc.edu.au Nigel Jessup

Morning Micheal I've tried using 180 gr Hornady XTP's in the silhouette game but I found that there is not enough energy left over at 200 meters to >consistently knock rams down. Anybody have experience with a 200 grain >bullet on rams? A couple of the guys at our club really like the 300grn cast bullet. They don't try and make it do amazing velocities just sort of lob it out there like a boulder. They also make a big thing about it's consistent accuracy. Certainly knocks down the rams. Sorry I don't know any more details. If your really interested I could find out. I've just acquired a Stainless SuperBlackHawk 10" in 44Mag, but that's for production revolver, haven't even started to think about loads yet but the gun weighs a fair bit more than a TC and rolls up nicely in the hand, so recoil shouldn't be too bad.

From se.e@ix.netcom.com Steve Ellis <se.e@ix.netcom.com>

Yes! I traded my 10 inch in on a 14inch just because of the recoil. I'm hoping that the 14 incher's added length (and mass) will help tame it a bit. I also found that if I loaded various powders to a .41 spec (instead of ..44mag) I kept the accuracy, but the recoil was a bit easier to handle.

I haven't had time to shoot the 14 inch .44mag barrel, yet, but I know it will still be a handful.

ldb@infowest.com

Sorry to be joining this thread late, so am not sure what I missed. Try looking into Pachmyer's offerings for the Contender. I have an old set of their Presentation Model that is extremely comfortable to shoot the heavy stuff with, even the 45-70. I just received a new catalog from them, and they are still offered for the T/C.

From louis.bordenave@nashville.com

You might want to try the Pachmayer (Gripper) grip for the 44 mag. I find the 10" to be much more punishing than a Blackhawk with the same loads. Too bad they didn't use the single action grip shape. My 14" 357 Herrett is much more pleasant with max loads and 180 gr bullet. I'm looking for a super 14 in 6.5TCU for a rechambering experiment. And Yes where did you get 7.62X39 barrel? Anyone have it and 300 whisper to compare? Louis

from aluxs aluxs.cnet.att.com

I saw earlier grips advertised by Fox Ridge Outfitters, 1-800-243-4570. They're located in Rochester N.H. and I suspect have an extremely close working relationship with Thompson/Center. By the way, I like the current grip, though I'll grant you that they are less than pleasing to the eye.

From: Rick Pitman ricpit@mindspring.com

I used that grip for a very short while, as it came on my Contender. It is a hand ripper with .44 Mag. It works great with the .30 Herrett, but I love my Pachmayer grip with both loadings.