408-444

[andym79]

Hi guys, I am considering doing a .408-444 wildcat. It would be similar to the 405 JES, but a little different.

I am thinking that the case would be based on a 444 marlin necked down to 408, but tapered, like a smaller 40-65 and 2.04" long. The rifle would be a Win94 big bore.

What do you think?

The barrel twist available 1:13 length I am thinking 26", what size bullet would you guys recommend?

Yes I could just get a 40-65, but I want something similar in a Win 94 platform.

I was thinking the RCBS 40-300 or 40-350!

[missionary5155]

Greetings
My experience with a Marlin 336 414 Supermag, the 405 JES on a Marlin and a 405 Winchester in a repro 1895 all suggested that a cast of at least .001 -.002 (.0015 was my start with all 3) was a good choice. The hotter the load needed a GC once 1800 fps was getting past using WW water dropped but not heat treated.
A lot will depend on powder speed (slowest for desired FPS), barrel condition, mix, bullet shape, lube / quantity and how you hold your mouth at each shot. Your rifle is an individual.

I did shoot 345 grainers (NOE) in the in the 20 inch Marlin 405 JES. Decided 320 grains was really the better for 100 yards. But that 345 makes a great "thwapper" at 50 yards. Your 6 inches more barrel will make a nice burn time difference.
The 405 has a 24 inch and that nice long case / OAL. It fires the 345's with much more authority. Again the slowest powder that will give you your desired FPS is well worth going to.
Mike in Peru

[andym79]

This is roughly what it would look like!
189582

[Jedman]

If you want to go to the expense to it... It looks real nice to me.

Jedman

[bikerbeans]

I like your 408-444! If export from the US isn't an issue I would take to Tom at Accurate and have him cut a mold to fit the throat of your rifle.

BB

[andym79]

Getting a custom mold would be good, does he do that from a chamber cast?

The other option is to make the case pick a mold I like and ask ptg or other to cut the chamber to suit the bullet, what do you think?

As to export molds reamer etc are so are a lot of gun parts but not barrels or receivers.

[bikerbeans]

I believe Accurate will cut a mold from a throat cast.

BB

[OlDeuce]

andyM79....:bigsmyl2:......If you want to do a .44 VHS I have the ream :guntootsmiley::guntootsmiley:for the .422 bore :-) Ol Deuce[smilie=w:[smilie=w:[smilie=w:[smilie=w:

[andym79]

Hi Ol Deuce, I want to say yes, and at this stage I am not saying no. But that case is based of the 30-40 Krag if I am not mistaken. Could 444 marlin brass be used, would it push down enough in the head area?

I could use 303 brit brass plentiful, but I would have to have my bolt opened up???

The 44 Van Houten Super if only it was on 356 or 444 brass???

Could you swage 444 or 356 brass down from .470 - .460? Anywhere but the head would be easy!

Turning rim down from .540 to .506 might be easy with a lathe but without??

Actually though a 422 is better for me than a 429 because my smith makes 404 barrels!

[OlDeuce]

Hi Ol Deuce, I want to say yes, and at this stage I am not saying no. But that case is based of the 30-40 Krag if I am not mistaken. Could 444 marlin brass be used, would it push down enough in the head area?

I could use 303 brit brass plentiful, but I would have to have my bolt opened up???

The 44 Van Houten Super if only it was on 356 or 444 brass???

Could you swage 444 or 356 brass down from .470 - .460? Anywhere but the head would be easy!

Turning neck down from .540 to .506 might be easy with a lathe but without??

Actually though a 422 is better for me than a 429 because my smith makes 404 barrels!

andyM....all the brass I'm using is the Hornady .444........I did a few out of the 30-40 and that was a pain in the butt! :-( and right now I'm shooting
47.4 gr. of Winchester 748 with a 209 cast boolit .....she's doing really good !!!!!

OlDeuce

[OlDeuce]

The bore is .422 ...the lands are .429 :-) :-) ..........
190520

OL Deuce

[andym79]

I didn't read your post properly I was thinking 422 groove!

Oh so it really is a shorter 444, that actually if I am not mistaken was born before the 444!!

[OlDeuce]

I didn't read your post properly I was thinking 422 groove!

Oh so it really is a shorter 444, that actually if I am not mistaken was born before the 444!!

hahaha Yes it was started in the '50s as the .44VHS........what I have found is the Hornady loaded .444 has short brass ! the bulk brass you
need to trim back to 2.080 or so.:2_high5::guntootsmiley::guntootsmiley::guntoot smiley:

[OlDeuce]

I did my first 44WC for less than $300 bucks ....

[Good Cheer]

andym79,
Looks like it would work with .41 mag molds as well.
Nice.