Remington 788 In .44 Magnum

Q: I was given a Remington Model 788 bolt action rifle in .44 Magnum. Is this gun rare? Can I load it safely to higher velocity than a lever-action Winchester or Marlin?

Craig Martin

A: The Model 788 was chambered for the .44 Magnum for a short time from 1967 to around 1971, but the number would have been pretty low. I’d be wary of trying to soup-up .44 magnum loads too much in that rifle; the action is strong enough but the brass mightn’t be. I can give you the top loads I worked up in my Browning

The 788's rear locking action is not a limiting factor with powerful.44 Magnum handloads. The cartridge case strength may be, nonetheless. — The 788’s rear locking action is not a limiting factor with powerful.44 Magnum handloads. The cartridge case strength may be, nonetheless.

B92 which you could perhaps use as starting loads, but only at your own risk. Hornady 180gn XTP 29gn of AR2205 2070 fps; 200gn XTP 27gn of AR2205 1968 fpds; 240gn XPT 25gn AR2205 1770 fps.