Which load data

[Gundogblue]

Hi all,
I just got done casting some .44 cal boolits to use in my 1894 Marlin .44 mag rifle. I’m using an NOE boolit mould, it drops the boolits at .4345, I’ll size them to .433. But it’s supposed to drop the boolits at 434 grns, but my boolits are weighing in between 427.5 and 429.5 grns! My Lyman 4 th edition cast handbook has loads for 225 grn boolits, and 240 grn boolits. Which load data should I use for my boolits? The 225 grn boolit load data is closer to their weight than the 240 grn boolits?
Thank Much for any advice,
Paul

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

"434 grns, but my boolits are weighing in between 427.5 and 429.5 grns!"

Yikes, those are kinda heavy

[Larry Gibson]

Assuming you meant 247 and 249(?) I'd suggest using the 240 gr start data and work up.

[fredj338]

You have no data for 400gr bullets. Its always been safe to use heavier bullet data for lighter bullets. There is almost zero chance your final bullet weight matches the mold exactly. Being off 5gr +/-, doesnt affect load data, your bearing surface is as important.

[Gundogblue]

Sorry my mistake, I meant the boolits are weighing in at 227.5 grns to 229.5 grns, and my load data has loads for 225 and 240 grn boolits!
Sorry,
Paul

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

Always use the starting data for the next higher weight and work up in circumstances like this ...But your numbers are so close to the lower weight, you could use those too. Also, if you are unsure enough to ask here, I would recommend searching for a second source to confirm Lyman's numbers. The powder companies offer some good info to double check Lyman, or an independent manual like Nick Harvey's practical reloading manual, which is one of my favorites.