444 Marlin loads

[bob4wd]

I've got a LOT of 200 gn. 44-40 (.429) boolits on hand and a nice 444Marlin. What do we think about making up some loads with these bullets? Only need 100 yards accuracy, bullseye shooting only, so light loads are the order of the day.
Thanks all.

[6pt-sika]

I have a group buy mold for a 434-207GC bullet that shootspretty well in my 444's .

Also have a copy of the Lyman 429215 that does okay .

These are 210-220 grains but I would assume that your bullets will be okay also as long as they are big enough in diameter .

All of mine are .431" . Not so sure what kind of luck you'll have with .429 but load up a few and try them . IF the alloy is soft you just might be alright .

[runfiverun]

airc the 444's had a larger bbl diameter then a regular 44 needed 431 bullets to shoot well.

[Four Fingers of Death]

maybe try paper patching them with cigarette papers with a bit of dribble on em' Probably need to go a bit bigger but not much.

You could always try giving resting them on a hard flat surface and giving them a tap with the hammer

[Leadforbrains]

My .444P has ballard rifling and shoots boolits sized to .431 really well with no leading.
My guess is that .429 would be undersized. You won't know for sure until you slug your barrel, or try the .429 boolits.

[6pt-sika]

"IF" the lead is soft enough they just might obturate enough to shoot decently even if they are slightly undersize .

Before I got a .431 sizing die I shot plenty of bullets sized at .430 in my 444 with very nice results . However everything I shot was home cast aircooled wheelweights and not a harder alloy .

[bob4wd]

So I guess the final answer is going to be to try a few and see how they work! Thanks Four Fingers for the idea of hitting 'em with a hammer, I've done that in the past when making up a few rounds for an ancient S&W 32-44, works like champ! (actually, i used a vise but the idea is the same). should work here, too.

[pdawg_shooter]

I made up a 7/8 bolt flat on the end that I use in my press. Set the bullet on a Lee die push rod and run it up into the bolt to expand the bullet.

[seabreeze133]

My 444 s slugs .429 and I am using BTB 290 gr bullet sized .432 over 53 gr H335. 5 shots in .376 at 50 yd w/a scope. Ruined the scope so I have switched to Redfield receiver sight and have not been able to do much shooting since moving to NW Arkansas in January so no idea what it will shoot w/iron sights and old eyes.

BTW, case head expansion measurements and visuals of the primer show it is a safe load but MAX in my gun.

Don

[helice]

Load up a few with C.E. Harris's load of 13 gr. of RedDot and see how they do. The load is very mild and yet builds up fair pressure to cause obturation. I like "The Load". Try it out and be sure to let us know how it worked. Helice