More 444 Marlin questions

[texasbilly]

It was my thought that I wanted to shoot 240gr cast boolits in my 444 Marlin. What I have learned is that the micro-groove rifling in this rifle may not shoot some boolit weights well.

What weight (hard-cast) boolits shoot well in this rifle? Will the micro-groove rifling hold a 300+gr boolit better than a 240gr boolit? Is the sized diameter of the cast boolit the only real issue?

Help?

[starmac]

The diamature is all the micro groove rifling will affect, however the twist will come into play with what bullet you use, velocity also comes into play here.

[Goatwhiskers]

Did you slug your barrel? Diameter is the only real concern, in my experience this concern over "hard cast" is rediculous. There are more bores leaded by hard cast poorly fitting boolits than anything else. I shoot 240(actually 248 since I plugged the hollow point) and 265 grainers, both PP. No complaints. GW

[Beerd]

you really have to research the articles by Beartooth Bullets, Glen Fryxell, Marlin Owners, Paco Kelly and Ranch Dog.
Happy reading!
..

[C. Latch]

Is the sized diameter of the cast boolit the only real issue?

Help?


My dad has a .444 with the older 1-38" twist micro-grooved barrel. It shoots 300-grain jacketed bullets fine, despite warnings that the 1-38" won't stabilize them. Heavy loads thump on both ends. I haven't cast for it yet, but when I do, it will probably be with a clone of the ranch dog 275.

http://www.ranchdogoutdoors.com/bin/TLC432275RF/bullet/sketch.jpg

I have every confidence that if that bullet is properly sized it will shoot fine in the micro-groove barrel. My 30-30 has microgrooves and it shoots cast at jacketed speeds with -0- issues.

[quilbilly]

Every rifle barrel seems to have its own personality with cast but if it is like my 444 with cast 255 gr SWC-PB at 1200 FPS approx., it should shoot fine with the plain base 240's. Give it a try.