I recently stumbled across a used, blued Tracker in 44 Mag with a 4in. barrel. I've never been a fan of porting on guns in general. Not really against it just haven't had a need to avail myself of the addition to the gun.

Web reviews are favorable. One review indicated that it didn't really have porting but more of an integral muzzle brake. This would permit the use of cast bullets

Any thoughts, insight or practical experience would be appreciated.

Eric

I have shot cast bullets in mine never gave it a thought one way or the other.

But then it is more of a safe queen then any thing else. I have other 44s that I use more.

I would buy a Smith or Ruger if I were going to subject a 44 to a lot of shooting.

Or if the Taurus was a cheap buy like mine was.

I don't own a tracker or any 44mag for that matter, but I have shot cast bullets in 41mag, 45LC, 357mag and a host of semi-auto pistols and have never even considered whether the gun had porting. I don't know what difference porting or the lack of it would have to do with what projectile a guy was shooting.

As to the longevity of a Taurus revolver, I have put quite a few rounds down the barrel of my Taurus M66 357mag and it is just as tight and accurate as the day I bought it new, and some of those rounds were on the hot side.

I've heard that porting and cast bullets don't play well together. The idea is that the lead will plug off the porting and is a pain to clean. Don't know if this is the case or not but have heard from multiple sources over the years.

I don't care for the added muzzle blast.

quote:

I don't care for the added muzzle blast.

They are louder for sure.

Well, I picked it up the day before Harvey hit. The gun is like new. Got it with the case, docs and lock plus a box of PMC Bronze out the door for $400.01.

Hopefully I'll get to shoot it this weekend. I like the lines on this gun and the way it feels/balances.

Eric

One of my sister in law has one. I shot it a fair amount with several different full power 44 Magnum loads, CCI shotshells, and with 240 gr cast bullets over 7.5, 8.5, and 9.2 gr of Unique in 44 Magnum brass.
The barrel ports did reduce recoil and muzzle flip. The rubber grips were comfortable as well.

I have one in SS. Great carry in bear country. Kicks like hell with hot loads. Not a gun to burn through boxes of ammo, but so light to carry.

BH63