CVA center fire in 444

[OlDeuce]

My friend just located and bought himself the CVA in 444 !! He's been shopping for some time now for this rifle !! Now I can give you
a range report on the performance difference to my 44-56 wc LoL I hope I kick his butt LoL........:target_smiley::target_smiley::2_high5: :Bright idea::awesome:

Ol Deuce

[GhostHawk]

Good luck ol duece, but my money is on the big triple 4.

[OlDeuce]

Good luck ol duece, but my money is on the big triple 4.

Well I'd put the hard cash on the 444 too but ...............We'll see how his shooting skills are !!! My thompson shoots pretty darn straight :Fire:right now LoL.... :happy dance:
Ol Deuce :bigsmyl2:

[GhostHawk]

All I know is that the more loads I have worked up for my .444 handi rifle the more I love it.

With a good load, and a decent shooter it will do what it needs to do.

[OlDeuce]

All I know is that the more loads I have worked up for my .444 handi rifle the more I love it.

With a good load, and a decent shooter it will do what it needs to do.

This long cartridge .44 is so easy to work with ! What I've found with the right powder it can be a Kitty cat or a Gorilla !,,,,.... The 2400 powder
is easy to measure , easy to work with ! You can shoot it as a 44 special, than the .44 mag, or the .44 super mag ,or the Gorilla load of the .444!!!
way Cool !!!! I really like my Contender !!

Ol Deuce

[Texas by God]

I looked at a CVA yesterday in 7mm-08. I like the light weight and balance, not fond of the opening lever location. At Academy with a scope for $229; seems like a deal to me.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[OlDeuce]

I looked at a CVA yesterday in 7mm-08. I like the light weight and balance, not fond of the opening lever location. At Academy with a scope for $229; seems like a deal to me.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

The guys that own them seem tobe Very happy with accuracy & handling ability...........What I like about my single, It seem I take more time with each
shot and with the lever guns you shoot 2 to 3 times the amount of shells !! single shot rifles definitely have there place !!!!

Ol Deuce

[catncarp]

I have a CVA in 44 mag and just love it, the trigger is one of the best right out of the box, the scope mount is also very good and solid. The gun likes 300 grain Beartooth .432 with 19 grains of 2400

[500Linebaughbuck]

i have a tc encore with a 24" barrel that is a 444. i have used a 444 in marlin, h&r and another encore(22" barrel). my loads go from 180gr - 300gr cast. i've used rel 7, h4198, h322, imr4198, trail boss, unique, imr 3031, blue dot, win231 and 2400. the 444 is tops in my book!!!

[OlDeuce]

i have a tc encore with a 24" barrel that is a 444. i have used a 444 in marlin, h&r and another encore(22" barrel). my loads go from 180gr - 300gr cast. i've used rel 7, h4198, h322, imr4198, trail boss, unique, imr 3031, blue dot, win231 and 2400. the 444 is tops in my book!!!

Your 2400 how did that do over the IMR 3031????? Ol Deuce

[500Linebaughbuck]

5 shot group will go around a inch at 100 yards. i use a 280gr lfn gc and 26.0gr of 2400. it will go 1700+/-fps.

5 shot group will go around 1 1/2" at 100 yards. i use a 250gr wfn gc and 48.5gr of imr3031. it will do 1750+/-fps.

my tc encore(22" barrel) really didn't like imr3031 esp the 250gr. i've used up all my 3031 years ago, instead i like the 2400 and i used to like rel 7 and h4198, but now they hurt my shoulder:shock::shock::shock:!!!! i haven't used 3031 10 or 12 years ago. it burned a little too slow for me using 200-250gr or so. i would use blue dot and unique for under 250gr.

next time i will use a 310gr lee fn gc and 2400.

[OlDeuce]

5 shot group will go around a inch at 100 yards. i use a 280gr lfn gc and 26.0gr of 2400. it will go 1700+/-fps.

5 shot group will go around 1 1/2" at 100 yards. i use a 250gr wfn gc and 48.5gr of imr3031. it will do 1750+/-fps.

my tc encore(22" barrel) really didn't like imr3031 esp the 250gr. i've used up all my 3031 years ago, instead i like the 2400 and i used to like rel 7 and h4198, but now they hurt my shoulder:shock::shock::shock:!!!! i haven't used 3031 10 or 12 years ago. it burned a little too slow for me using 200-250gr or so. i would use blue dot and unique for under 250gr.

next time i will use a 310gr lee fn gc and 2400.

The 2400 has been doing a really Great job ! I'm down to app. 3lbs and in the conserve mode with that powder!!! AA4100 might be something for me to look into as far as powder in the same burn rate!! the 2400 is cool stuff!!!!

Ol Deuce

[OlDeuce]

She's here and looking Good!! It took a few working days to get the rifle from the Dealer ! the holdup was in the system ! Record sales !!!!!
https://s20.postimg.org/5kmhay1nx/IMG_E1386.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/ic0nhgbft/)

We'll get this girl warmed up !!!

Ol Deuce

[500Linebaughbuck]

way to go!!!

[OlDeuce]

way to go!!!

Today was the Big Test ! after Christmas dinner we stepped out door and fired 3 test rounds WoW This CVA Is one fine single !!! He shot 1 Remington
factory round and 2 of my hand loads...the first fired was a hand load of 22gr of 2400 under a 209gr cast boolet.. went well ! the gun fired no issues !
the second round was the factory 240gr jacket and that really got his attention to say the least... then he fired again a hand load and his mind was made up!
LoL "ya don't want to shoot tin cans with factory loads they hurt " LoL yes they do and this was the point of this test!! He really didn't understand the power
of the .444 and now he does ... Point made with a big smile!!
The .44 cal is such a great round to load up or down way cool !!
Ok Now this is tough to say ...we compared the CVA to the Thompson Contender , Im my eye the TC is a good looking single the wood ETC.. well the action
opens so easy compared to the TC...... hands down CVA....trigger pull on my contender is better the CVA is really good But !!! the CVA $350 the TC more
then twice the price !!!! I have now $1600 with 3 barrels 2 scope .. still a happy camper But ........LOL.....Its all FUN

Ol Deuce

[OlDeuce]

Has anyone used AA1680 in the 44s ???? I did a test today using 26gr under a 209gr RN Primer looked really good ! Did the same test with IMR4227
the results almost a clone of the A1680 ...........Ol Deuce

[OlDeuce]

Did a few more test fires with the A1680 and than add in a couple firings using LIL'gun!!!!! Trying to find a replacement for that 2400 !! Hmmm

Ol Deuce

[OlDeuce]

Getting this Ol'Girl worked out !!!! as it stands we are going stay with the A1680 powder until this spring ! So far only about 10 rounds down the pipe
been going between the Contender and the CVA !! So Close in chamber etc. 1:20 twist in both and an 1" difference in barrel length ...CVA being longer

Ol Deuce

[newton]

You putting any across a chrony? How hard are the boolits your using?

That is a really good looking gun. I think I can see many CVA’s in my future.

[OlDeuce]

You putting any across a chrony? How hard are the boolits your using?

That is a really good looking gun. I think I can see many CVA’s in my future.

Right now it'sway to cold -12 LoL The chrony is going tobe better weather thing ......But following other recipes with the app.fps loads ,the discharge feels
kinda good ! The lead is old window weights.....and I add a small bit of range mined lead from Yellowstone Rifle Club.. Not soft but not really hard! Our Goal
is to get as accurate as possible in the 1800fps range ...save our Bodys.....The factory Remington Load burns into steel at 200 yds with the jacket bullet!!! There is way more power there then we really need But it can be loaded up if need be!!!

The loads are a bit hotter than the 44 mag in the 444 case! more like the .445 Supermag ... a Great combo ! but watching the primer. and case !! "safety"
first !!! The CVA doesn't beat ya up at this velocity...209 to 225 gr lead boolite .

I did pick up on the Lee 310gc FN,, I've shot it in the Contender and it does well over 17.6gr of 2400....!!!

Ol Deuce

[500Linebaughbuck]

Right now it'sway to cold -12 LoL T

Ol Deuce


it must be a heat wave. its about 5 degrees here. think i'll go out and swim!!!! [smilie=l::redneck:

[OlDeuce]

it must be a heat wave. its about 5 degrees here. think i'll go out and swim!!!! [smilie=l::redneck:

Hahaha Hard water is going away today ......... LoL A real heat wave whopping 32f :bigsmyl2::guntootsmiley::2_high5::2 drunk buddies:

Ol Deuce

[GhostHawk]

I think I need to find a retirement home where I can open a window and shoot out the back 40.

I don't think assisted living community's would let me bring my toys.

I keep telling my wife, this place is too full of our stuff to leave. Only way I'm going is feet first.

[OlDeuce]

I think I need to find a retirement home where I can open a window and shoot out the back 40.

I don't think assisted living community's would let me bring my toys.

I keep telling my wife, this place is too full of our stuff to leave. Only way I'm going is feet first.

GhostHawk......LoL ....It's bet way I know of for building a charge one shot at a time.... I love it! My Wife yeps once in a while and all I can say is Ooops and she smiles .......Country living on acers at the end of the Road! It just doesn't get much better than that when it's way below 0.....[smilie=s:
https://s20.postimg.org/gv1e4t2t9/IMG_1468.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/p0jg2yr21/)
My Bubble

Ol Deuce

[charlie b]

LOL, I am the opposite. We've been living in our RV for a while.

Yep, we had a couple of acres with big house and workshop, sheds, etc. Got rid of literally tons of stuff, including guns. I kept my favorites but went from about 30 to 5. Reload for one caliber (.223) and shoot front stuffers. There are good ranges at our longer layovers.

I have to say that, FOR ME (and my wife), it was a very good thing to do. Not many like to minimize this much.

[bdicki]

She's here and looking Good!! It took a few working days to get the rifle from the Dealer ! the holdup was in the system ! Record sales !!!!!
https://s20.postimg.org/5kmhay1nx/IMG_E1386.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/ic0nhgbft/)

We'll get this girl warmed up !!!

Ol Deuce
Nice looking rifle, I have a G2 Contender carbine in 444 and it's a handful with factory ammo.

[OlDeuce]

Nice looking rifle, I have a G2 Contender carbine in 444 and it's a handful with factory ammo.

BD.......That factory loaded .444 is one Narly Round !!!! My Contender is the '84 version that I rechambered a .44 mag to the short 444 2.080 length!
and this is one big reason for me to download.....Just makes way more fun to shoot!!! At my age I don't need a shoulder breaker !! LoL

https://s20.postimg.org/x5lzerawd/IMG_4294.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/8ccfe3rvt/)

My Friend got his CVA because of my Contender!!! I'm pleased he took the time to track one down!! Singles are way cool ! Ol Deuce

[500Linebaughbuck]

the only problem with singles is there ain't enuff of them!!!!:bigsmyl2:

although i'll take a '95 or '98 mauser:bigsmyl2:

[longbow]

Maybe a controversial comment but about the only thing I don't like about .444 is lack of brass and from what I understand expensive brass.

Personally I think Marlin and Hornady had the right idea when they came up with the .444 but didn't think it through. Faster twist with heavier bullet would have made it a modern equivalent to the .45-70... maybe not quite up to Ruger #1 loads or Siamese Mauser loads but much better than factory .45-70.

No problem putting a 400+ gr. bullet into a case that large if there is enough throat and loaded to modern pressures it is an impressive cartridge.

You see lots of .45-70 where I am but literally no .444.

I've even though about making up a rimless .444 because brass can be made from .308 and .30-06 or anything of .308 length with same head size. Easier to make brass than buy .444 around here I think. I have a bunch of .44 moulds too so another benefit.

Nice looking gun by the way! I like single shots too.

Longbow

[bdicki]

Starline has some

.444 Marlin (Large Rifle primer)
.444 Marlin
2.210 - 2.215 O.A.L.
The 444 Marlin was introduced in the mid- 60's to give their model 336 Levergun a boost in horsepower. Over the years the .444 has been offered in a number of rifles and even a few pistols. It is another caliber that is seeing new life due to the changing game laws in many states allowing straightwall cartridges for deer hunting where they were previously limited to slug guns and muzzleloaders.

Box Size:
• 250 ($150.00)
• 500 ($280.00)
• 1000 ($540.00)

Status: Available Now
Order

[bdicki]

My 444's
https://i.imgur.com/9Vowong.jpg

[OlDeuce]

[QUOTE=bdicki;4250351]My 444's

I see a Brake:bigsmyl2:[smilie=s: I'm thinking of a muff.........Having a very quit .444 would be Cool but just a bit$$$$$

Very Nice looking rifles....... your contender barrel a 20" ?????

Ol Deuce

[500Linebaughbuck]

i seriously thought about putting a muzzle brake on my encore(444 marlin). then i thought how much noise it will make and i decided not too.

longbow, theres another forum that will take a 400-450gr cast boolit in a 444 marlin. it is a 1 in 20" twist. a 1 in 38" twist is what marlin decided on and the 1 in 20" twist was finally introduced by marlin in the 1990-2000's? . flat top is the guy, marlin is the forum.

[bdicki]

I believe it is a 20 inch but I don't have with me in Florida to check. It's a 44 Mag barrel rechambered by Mike Bellm and the brake is machined into the barrel not an add on.

[gpidaho]

oldeuce; Great to see you've made friends with the 2400. You're a lucky guy Randy, picking up that lot of powder. I've got to get out and shoot my big singles soon. Hard to say which of my Handi's I like the best (I have eight) but the 444 and the 45-70 are the most versatile. Happy New Year Gp

[OlDeuce]

oldeuce; Great to see you've made friends with the 2400. You're a lucky guy Randy, picking up that lot of powder. I've got to get out and shoot my big singles soon. Hard to say which of my Handi's I like the best (I have eight) but the 444 and the 45-70 are the most versatile. Happy New Year Gp

Gp............Thank you for not buying it LoL It sure does a great job moving my lead down the barrel of my .44 LoL......[smilie=s:

:awesome::guntootsmiley: Have a Great New Year

Ol Deuce

[longbow]

I haven't been on the Marlin forum for a while I'll have to take a look.

Thanks

[500Linebaughbuck]

I haven't been on the Marlin forum for a while I'll have to take a look.

Thanks

no problem

[OlDeuce]

Just finished up the loading for the CVA.....150 New Brass from Hornady !! The 150 were right on the money for length! they all were Same WoW!!!!
Now we need some warm weather !!! Let the good times roll with the .444 LoL.......

Ol Deuce

[OlDeuce]

Do you guys think that the Bolt Guys would Take a Challenge ??????????LoL For this,... Here is a .44-06[smilie=s:.....Brush/River bottom gun !!!! The 06 brass is a Natural
and very easy to open up !!! and its laying around and "CHEAP":bigsmyl2:

https://s20.postimg.org/89epkwgf1/IMG_1590.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/8m63r2yop/)

Hehehe:Bright idea::2_high5::awesome::guntootsmiley:

Ol Deuce

[charlie b]

I was looking at a .450 Marlin barrel for my Savage. I'd like a .45-70 or .444 Marlin equivalent in a bolt gun.

[longbow]

I think .450 Marlin brass is likely even more rare than .444 brass.

olDuece's .44-06 is basically a .444 rimless long. Lots of brass for that or the .308 version. Only downside is headspacing on the case mouth and I'm not sure that is much of a downside. Lots of cartridges headspace on the case mouth.

Alternately .458 x 2" is an easy conversion too and lots of belted brass around in that head size.

.45-70 has been done in Siamese Mausers and Lee Enfields but I doubt it would fit the Savage action easily.

I'm kinda liking the idea of .444 rimless myself. Another nice one I think would be to open up .223 brass to straight wall and make rimless .357 Mag... a little off thread topic.

These CVA's are looking nicer and nicer. I might have to find room for one in the gun safe.

[charlie b]

Yep, a .458 WM is an option too for a long action. Don't really care how rare the cases are. A hundred would do for me for life.

Don't like the idea of headspacing on the case mouth for rifles, especially push feed type.

[longbow]

Yeah, .458 x 2" or .458 Win would both be good choices and common brass.

I get a bit stuck on the "available brass" bit but you are right. Once cartridges are made or purchased they will have a long life.

I just don't like stuff that is hard to get and .444 brass and .450 marlin brass are not too common... around here anyway.

.458 x 2" could be made from about any standard belted round and while .458 Win might be larger than most need, if it fits the action it can be downloaded for cast boolits and factory brass is readily available.

I have never had a gun chambered for a round that headspaces on the case mouth but there are lots around ~ .450 Bushmaster being a recent and pretty popular one. If brass is thick then it should be no problem but thin brass might just present some issues.

[OlDeuce]

Yeah, .458 x 2" or .458 Win would both be good choices and common brass.

I get a bit stuck on the "available brass" bit but you are right. Once cartridges are made or purchased they will have a long life.

I just don't like stuff that is hard to get and .444 brass and .450 marlin brass are not too common... around here anyway.

.458 x 2" could be made from about any standard belted round and while .458 Win might be larger than most need, if it fits the action it can be downloaded for cast boolits and factory brass is readily available.

I have never had a gun chambered for a round that headspaces on the case mouth but there are lots around ~ .450 Bushmaster being a recent and pretty popular one. If brass is thick then it should be no problem but thin brass might just present some issues.

Do you think the bolt face could be re-worked and the chamber so it could handle the rimmed case ???? The actions are way strong comparing to a lever gun, etc........

Ol Deuce

[charlie b]

IMHO, rimmed cases are for single shots/doubles and levers. Bolt and semi-auto guns are for rimless, necked or belted.

[OlDeuce]

IMHO, rimmed cases are for single shots/doubles and levers. Bolt and semi-auto guns are for rimless, necked or belted.

Oh ....never gave that much thought!! Hmmmm

Ol Deuce

[500Linebaughbuck]

OlDeuce,

wasn't there somebody, i think he is or was a top guy at noe or accurate molds, that did a 444-06 in a bolt gun?

then again, i could be wrong!!!

[OlDeuce]

OlDeuce,

wasn't there somebody, i think he is or was a top guy at noe or accurate molds, that did a 444-06 in a bolt gun?

then again, i could be wrong!!!

Not sure... it would be wild if Someone with a 444-06 bolt gun would chime in and tell us about how it functions !!!!! And who Did it!!!

Ol Deuce

[500Linebaughbuck]

heres a few, google 444 marlin rimless

http://www.rubiconownersforum.com/forums/66-guns-ammo-gear-ham-radios/110961-44-warp-rimless-444-marlin.html

http://www.marlinowners.com/forum/444-marlin/143797-rimless-444-a.html

i found the name of the guy who did a 444 marlin rimless, it was walt melander, he used to president of nei molds.

[GhostHawk]

I agree that single shots should shoot rimmed brass. It just seems to fit.

Maybe it is pure luck that my 2 best shooters are the .357mag and the .444marlin.

Going to have to figure out how to get a Handi rifle in .32SW Long one of these days too.
Yeah its rimmed. :) And quiet. :)

[charlie b]

I don't disagree that any action type can fire a rimmed or rimless equally well. It is just a hangup for me.

And then there are the partly rimmed or rebated rimless :)

[OlDeuce]

I agree that single shots should shoot rimmed brass. It just seems to fit.

Maybe it is pure luck that my 2 best shooters are the .357mag and the .444marlin.

Going to have to figure out how to get a Handi rifle in .32SW Long one of these days too.
Yeah its rimmed. :) And quiet. :)

The 32WS long ??? thats the same as the New 327Mag??

[longbow]

Not sure about the Savage bolt face.

If a belted cartridge will fit then certainly a small rim will fit but I don't know about .444 diameter rim. No experience there.

.444, .303 British or .30-40 Krag could be used as a parent cartridge, trimmed and blown out as required then rims turned down but that would be a lot of work.

The Siamese Mauser and Lee Enfields were designed for rimmed cartridges as were the 7.62 x 54's so fairly easy conversions for those.

Single shots should also be easy.

In a bolt gun the cartridge OAL would be more important than with a bottleneck cartridge in the sense that on overlength cartridge could be chambered resulting in "crimping" the cartridge hard into the boolit/bullet causing in high pressure. So consistent/correct cartridge length would be a little more important... but again, there are a number of cartridges that do headspace on the case mouth so...?

Just my thoughts.

Longbow

[hpdrifter]

I looked at a CVA yesterday in 7mm-08. I like the light weight and balance, not fond of the opening lever location. At Academy with a scope for $229; seems like a deal to me.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

Same here. As much as I booed and hissed when I first saw New Englands move to the "push button" opener, I came to appreciate it muchos. Made a tang site possible.

[bdicki]

Lee uses the same shell holder as a 44 mag, RCBS uses a separate holder and Lyman uses the same as a 44-40
http://www.handloads.com/misc/shellholders.asp

[OlDeuce]

Not sure about the Savage bolt face.

If a belted cartridge will fit then certainly a small rim will fit but I don't know about .444 diameter rim. No experience there.

.444, .303 British or .30-40 Krag could be used as a parent cartridge, trimmed and blown out as required then rims turned down but that would be a lot of work.

The Siamese Mauser and Lee Enfields were designed for rimmed cartridges as were the 7.62 x 54's so fairly easy conversions for those.

Single shots should also be easy.

In a bolt gun the cartridge OAL would be more important than with a bottleneck cartridge in the sense that on overlength cartridge could be chambered resulting in "crimping" the cartridge hard into the boolit/bullet causing in high pressure. So consistent/correct cartridge length would be a little more important... but again, there are a number of cartridges that do headspace on the case mouth so...?

Just my thoughts.

Longbow

I had a problem fire forming the 30-40 brass in the .444 chamber ! I split 8 cases just above the webb!!!!! Ol Deuce

[500Linebaughbuck]

I had a problem fire forming the 30-40 brass in the .444 chamber ! I split 8 cases just above the webb!!!!! Ol Deuce


NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!! :shock::shock::shock:

never fireform the holy 30-40 krag!!! :bigsmyl2::bigsmyl2::bigsmyl2:

i used to use 303 brass to do my 30-40 krag. this was back before there was no such thing as internet. now i believe graffs has 30-40 krag brass.

[longbow]

.44 Rhino was something like 445 Supermag and formed from .30-40 Krag brass shortened and blown out but I'm thinking the head size is a bit smaller than .444 Marlin so the .444 chamber is likely too large for .30-40 Krag or .303 British to be used as brass for .444. So not too surprising that cases might fail when fireformed in a .444 chamber. You'd need a smaller chamber reamer for those to make a wildcat. In fact my understanding is that .30-40 Krag is slightly larger at the head than .303 British but I don't have info in front of me right now.

.303 British has been blown out to .40+ caliber and I believe up to .44 so I have to think that .30-40 Krag has too. But again in a tighter chamber than .444.

[OlDeuce]

.44 Rhino was something like 445 Supermag and formed from .30-40 Krag brass shortened and blown out but I'm thinking the head size is a bit smaller than .444 Marlin so the .444 chamber is likely too large for .30-40 Krag or .303 British to be used as brass for .444. So not too surprising that cases might fail when fireformed in a .444 chamber. You'd need a smaller chamber reamer for those to make a wildcat. In fact my understanding is that .30-40 Krag is slightly larger at the head than .303 British but I don't have info in front of me right now.

.303 British has been blown out to .40+ caliber and I believe up to .44 so I have to think that .30-40 Krag has too. But again in a tighter chamber than .444.

tHE 44MAG CHAMBER IS GOOD for the 30-40 and any thing based off the 44 .......that .444 chamber is just a bit fatter and will get that 30-40 brass the
splits haha even with BP ......!!!! Ol Deuce

[Newtire]

5 shot group will go around a inch at 100 yards. i use a 280gr lfn gc and 26.0gr of 2400. it will go 1700+/-fps.

5 shot group will go around 1 1/2" at 100 yards. i use a 250gr wfn gc and 48.5gr of imr3031. it will do 1750+/-fps.

my tc encore(22" barrel) really didn't like imr3031 esp the 250gr. i've used up all my 3031 years ago, instead i like the 2400 and i used to like rel 7 and h4198, but now they hurt my shoulder:shock::shock::shock:!!!! i haven't used 3031 10 or 12 years ago. it burned a little too slow for me using 200-250gr or so. i would use blue dot and unique for under 250gr.

next time i will use a 310gr lee fn gc and 2400.I got about the same results with a 260 gr. (By weight) 429244 and 25 gr. 2400. Loaded some with Blue Dot and Unique with that same boolit. Great load. Hits harder than a .44 mag. But the same recoil as a light load in a 20 Gauge.

[OlDeuce]

I got about the same results with a 260 gr. (By weight) 429244 and 25 gr. 2400. Loaded some with Blue Dot and Unique with that same boolit. Great load. Hits harder than a .44 mag. But the same recoil as a light load in a 20 Gauge.

New Tire...........Thats good to hear .... The CVA is going to get a good workout this spring !! my Old ones are going to stay in the 200grcast with 22gr of 2400
and the 310gr GC at 17gr of 2400!!! Great stuff for sure!!!!!:2_high5::guntootsmiley:

Ol Deuce[smilie=s:

[l h jenkins]

Maybe a controversial comment but about the only thing I don't like about .444 is lack of brass and from what I understand expensive brass.

Personally I think Marlin and Hornady had the right idea when they came up with the .444 but didn't think it through. Faster twist with heavier bullet would have made it a modern equivalent to the .45-70... maybe not quite up to Ruger #1 loads or Siamese Mauser loads but much better than factory .45-70.

No problem putting a 400+ gr. bullet into a case that large if there is enough throat and loaded to modern pressures it is an impressive cartridge.

You see lots of .45-70 where I am but literally no .444.

I've even though about making up a rimless .444 because brass can be made from .308 and .30-06 or anything of .308 length with same head size. Easier to make brass than buy .444 around here I think. I have a bunch of .44 moulds too so another benefit.

Nice looking gun by the way! I like single shots too.

Longbow

brass can be obtained in the states from starline brass. it is in stock. they have a minimum of 250. they seem to have decent quality in other calibers that I have purchased from them. I have a 444 just have not got around to it as of yet. when I do I will order from them.

[OlDeuce]

Maybe a controversial comment but about the only thing I don't like about .444 is lack of brass and from what I understand expensive brass.

Personally I think Marlin and Hornady had the right idea when they came up with the .444 but didn't think it through. Faster twist with heavier bullet would have made it a modern equivalent to the .45-70... maybe not quite up to Ruger #1 loads or Siamese Mauser loads but much better than factory .45-70.

No problem putting a 400+ gr. bullet into a case that large if there is enough throat and loaded to modern pressures it is an impressive cartridge.

You see lots of .45-70 where I am but literally no .444.

I've even though about making up a rimless .444 because brass can be made from .308 and .30-06 or anything of .308 length with same head size. Easier to make brass than buy .444 around here I think. I have a bunch of .44 moulds too so another benefit.

Nice looking gun by the way! I like single shots too.

Longbow

Longbow..........We've been getting our Brass from MidWay USA and Hornady Brass has been working perfectly ! and under $50 per 100 !! Way cool !

Ol Deuce

[gpidaho]

Saw earlier above the worry of a slow twist in the 444s, that is why I bought my Handi rifle 444. It has a 1 in 20 twist and has no problems with heavy bullets. That is the main reason I own that rifle instead of a 44mag. The 44mag brass is less money but I've found lots of 444 brass for around 60 cents each and 20 or so fired cases at a local gun shop for five cents each. They make pretty good 410 shot shells. I own two 45-70s and the comparison to 444 is like 9X19 to 38spl, depends on how you load them. Gp

[GhostHawk]

I'm with gpidaho, and loving the .444marlin handi rifle I bought on a whim for 210$.

Brass took a while to find, but it was not that hard to come by, just need to accept that you will pay 50 cents or better a piece. At least in the .444 it should last a long long time.

I need to get mine back to the range, see if it will do anywhere close to as good with 220 gr plain base lead boolits as it does with the 310 gr gas check ones.

Would use significantly less lead, and not having to use gas checks saves me money and a sizing step.

It does everything the .44mag does plus a whole lot more if that is what I need.

And moderate .44mag loads are so easy on the shoulder in the .444marlin. Could shoot those all day long.

[vrh]

I have a CVA in .243. It is a shooter as long as I do what is needed. Also have it in a 30-06. Both are strictly cast boolit rifles. No jacketed bullets for them.214394
214396

[gpidaho]

Ghosthawk: The lighter bullets that I've tried in my 444 Handi include the Saeco #62444 @ 205gr. (44-40 bullet) the Lee TL430-240 and the Noe 429421 245gr SWC. These being revolver bullets helps to keep the recoil light enough to enjoy plinking. I'm going to order up the NOE 310 FP gas checked next as all my 44 moulds are plain base. By the way, I have fired a few 44-40s that were loaded a bit hot in the 444 worked fine but not very accurate. Gp

[cbshtr]

I used 35 Whelen brass to use in my Marlin 444. I trimmed each case to have the action lock up
with minimum resistance. I got good groups using Lee's 430-310 rnfp and AA2230. Works great as a single shot but the carrier will not keep the rounds in the magazine without alterations. They bypass the stop and jam the action. They also won't work in the Handi Rifle without changing the extractor to an '06 class extractor. So it is possible but alterations have to be made to the gun for it to function properly. Now that Starline is making brass it might be easier to go that route if you split an order with a friend or 2.

[OlDeuce]

Ghosthawk: The lighter bullets that I've tried in my 444 Handi include the Saeco #62444 @ 205gr. (44-40 bullet) the Lee TL430-240 and the Noe 429421 245gr SWC. These being revolver bullets helps to keep the recoil light enough to enjoy plinking. I'm going to order up the NOE 310 FP gas checked next as all my 44 moulds are plain base. By the way, I have fired a few 44-40s that were loaded a bit hot in the 444 worked fine but not very accurate. Gp

WoW that's a thought !!!! 44-40 is just a bit fatter ! the 44 mag brass splits !!! Ol Deuce

[longbow]

If you want a light weight plinker take a look at the Accurate Molds site. I asked Tom to scale down a .45 design to 0.433" it's his 43-165B... a .44 cal. 165 gr. TC design that shoots well from my .44 mag Marlin. Its a great little boolit and fat enough for Marlin barrels.

[OlDeuce]

If you want a light weight plinker take a look at the Accurate Molds site. I asked Tom to scale down a .45 design to 0.433" it's his 43-165B... a .44 cal. 165 gr. TC design that shoots well from my .44 mag Marlin. Its a great little boolit and fat enough for Marlin barrels.

My 200gr RN is about right on for weight with 22gr of 2400!! I can shoot that charge in my 1894 winchester with no issues ! the rifle has the 26'' 1:18 twist
barrel it's like perfect. The Contender can use a bigger charge but it's fine ! One shell ...3 ...different rifles ..... a very universal cartridge !!!

Ol Deuce

[500Linebaughbuck]

i have used a 220gr wc with trail boss on my 444 marlin. i can't remember how many grains of tb but it grouped great. i did 20 shots(all at the same time) at 50 yards and it was 2"+ group. but i use 220gr wc in my 44 spl. montana bullets can do a great job if you don't want to cast them.

https://www.montanabulletworks.com/product/44-mag-lbt-240gr-owc-pb/

[OlDeuce]

i have used a 220gr wc with trail boss on my 444 marlin. i can't remember how many grains of tb but it grouped great. i did 20 shots(all at the same time) at 50 yards and it was 2"+ group. but i use 220gr wc in my 44 spl. montana bullets can do a great job if you don't want to cast them.

https://www.montanabulletworks.com/product/44-mag-lbt-240gr-owc-pb/

Montana Bullets is about 5 blocks Southwest of me!!! Nice Guy!!! I've used his .321 cast in my 32-40 !!! His has a fat bottom which works perfect in my
1894 26'' rifle and this one is was made in the first 6 months of production!!!!

Ol Deuce