Tumbling bullets 44 Magnum

[WV338]

I have a 44 Magnum and I was given some 200gr bullets so loaded up some with 16grs of Blue Dot. To my amazement at 25 yards I had bullets tumbling. I mean they were hitting sideways. I’ve never had that happen before so it really took me by surprise. I’ve been shooting 240gr without any problems. Any suggestions before I return the bullets? Thanks

[HarryAlonzo]

Slug your bore and mic the bullets?

[parson48]

Are these cast bullets? Usually, tumbling or key holing is a result of undersized bullets.

As mentioned above, slugging your bore would be beneficial.

[WV338]

They are FMJ bullets and I measured them to be.429”. I’m going to go back to the range in a couple of weeks and shoot my heavier bullets and see if they still group. Thanks

[parson48]

My Rossi 44 mag likes heavier bullets, but will shoot 200 grain into 3" or so at 50 yards. I do shoot cast bullets sized to a little over .432.

There may be some more suggestions from others.

You may just have to stick to the 240 grain. Good luck.

[GasGuzzler]

Too slow causes tumbling too.

[alaskamike]

Keep in mind that the spec for groove diameter for .44 mag rifle is greater than that for handguns.

Rossi took that to heart with these carbines.

[dlidster]

Are these cast bullets? Usually, tumbling or key holing is a result of undersized bullets.

As mentioned above, slugging your bore would be beneficial.

I don't have a Rossi .44 Magnum, but I do have a Browning B-92 .44 Mag. I shoot only cast bullets. Using "basic" .44 bullets (which are usually .430") in 200 gr and 240 I experience the same tumbling you describe. Using .432" bullets my problems go away. That's because the Browning bore slugs at just over .431".

Interestingly, I have a Chiappa 1892 in .44/40. The original loading for the .44/40 called for .428" bullets, but the Chiappa is bored to .44 Mag pistol specs. It shoots .430 bullets very accurately.

I've attached the SAAMI specs for .44 Mag pistol and .44 Mag rifle. You'll note they a quite different. I have no idea why. I have never seen boxes of factory .44 Magnum ammo labeled "pistol" or "rifle".

FWIW , it appears the Miroku factory that made the Browning went straight from the SAAMI specs. Perhaps Rossi is now doing the same. Personally, I think it's a dumb thing to do.

[Ohio3Wheels]

Given that Rossi bores tend to run fat and be slow of twist, I'm not surprised that 429 FMJ tumble. They're not getting bumped up enough to fill the bore and aren't getting enough spin to stabilize. It wouldn't surprise me if you cleaned your bore you probably drop one of those through. Both my '92s, a 45 Colt and a 357 like fat bullets and enough powder to get them moving at a respectable MV. My Henry Big Boy Steel 44 mag shoots everything I've stuffed in it so far.

Make smoke,

[WV338]

I failed to mention that the bullets are X-terme. Based on what their website said I might have been a little faster than they recommend. Also I think they are meant for handguns. I picked up some 240gr cast bullets that should be good for target practice. Thanks