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Plated bullets in .44 Carbine?

4K views 16 replies 7 participants last post by  rifle 
#1 ·
Hey everyone, I have a question regarding Ranier bullet use in a gas operated gun like a 44 mag carbine. I did a search but I didn't come up with any info. Raniers are all I have used for years in my GLOCKs with no leading or other issues at all, I love 'em.
The manual with the rifle warns about using lead in the rifle which makes sense (clogging gas port), but I was needing to know if anyone had experience with plated bullets in this rifle or any other gas gun. I don't believe there would be a problem because of no evidence of leading in my pistols, but I would appreciate any input from you guys. Thanks a lot! :)
 
#4 ·
Ranier site said their bullets generally perform best at 1200-1250 FPS. Factory velocity for .44 Mag out of a rifle is 1600 to 1700 FPS. Perform best doesn't necessarily means leads past those velocities though? I don't know. Maybe a drop-off in accuracy is what they mean? I guess I could poke a dental pick into the gas port when cleaning if needed. Kind of a PIA since a partial detail strip would be necessary. I could just shoot my loads until failure to function to get an idea how many rounds I can get out of it before thorough cleaning is needed. I hate the idea of having to pay the cost of jacketed bullets though. Thanks!
Opinions anyone else?
 
#7 ·
I run Xtreme in a '92 lever rifle but don't use magnums to keep them under 1500. But then I don't have to worry about operating the action. You might call Ranier and see what they suggest.
 
#11 ·
Just a Note .
I 1987 I bought a new desert eagle 44 Mag in hard chrome . I shot that gun about every day both lead and jacketed . I shot the barrel out in just over a year .

When I shot lead about every 50/75 rounds I would shoot a hot 240 jacketed round to blow out the lube works great .
 
#14 ·
I think it's basically been answered, but plated bullets should not lead anything. If the plating is compromised, there would be bigger concerns than just leading, as you might blow the gun up if the shed plating obstructs the bore.

I also think velocity would be your big concern (too much being bad). Unless they are heavy bullets, you'll probably need a lighter load for them to avoid pushing them too fast. That may or may not cause operating problems for the semi-auto .44 carbine? 200gr bullets might be a bad choice. 240's maybe would be ok? I don't know if anywhere makes heavier plated .44 cal bullets than that.
 
#15 ·
Well, I called Ranier and was able to provide some comic relief for the lady I talked to. I told her that I had used their bullets in pistols and revolvers extensively with great results. She thanked me. I went on to pose my question, .44 Mag out of a rifle clocks between 1600 and 1700 fps. How would their bullets react when being pushed to that velocity? She just BUSTED out laughing. I chuckled and said I couldn't believe that that was the first time she had been asked that. She said that I was by no means the first, she was just visualizing what I had just described. She said they had tested their bullets at the envelope and at somewhere around 1350 they basically start turning into a grenade as they exit the muzzle. The target looked kind of like they had shot it with rat shot, fragments all over where the bullet had flown apart. Thanks for all your responses but FYI and of course for mine as well, that is straight from the horses' mouth. Thanks you guys, I enjoy your forum!
 
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